TimberWest - March/April 2020

SCALING STEEP SLOPES WILLING TO TAKE A CHANCE Newport Equipment Enterprises, Newport, WA

LIDAR’S IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY

McLaughlin Logging Orofino, ID

2020 OREGON LOGGING CONFERENCE REVIEW

St. John Forest Products | Spalding, MI Over two decades ago, Earl St. John bought the first two Ponsse machines that hit North American soil. A legendary forestry advocate and entrepreneur, the St. John family legacy is carried on today by his son Tom, grandsons Jordan and Trevor and the unwavering support and performance of Ponsse.

25 years in North America. 50 years worldwide.

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ON THE COVER McLaughlin Logging using their Doosan DX300LL in Idaho

March/April 2020 Vol. 45 No. 03-04

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Scaling Steep Slopes

Scaling Steep Slopes

McLaughlin Logging profits from unexplored landscapes thanks to a forward-thinking mindset.

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Willing to Take a Chance

18

The Art of Tire Design

22

LiDAR’s Impact on the Industry

30

Emergent Technologies

34

Oregon Logging Conference Review

Newport Equipment has taken a few chances and diversified to become one of the largest logging outfits in northeast Washington and Inland Northwest.

Today’s commercial truck tires are rolling pieces of sophistication.

Advances in technology make LiDAR an everyday tool for forest owners and managers.

Nuking bugs out of pallets.

Willing to Take a Chance

12

6 The Art of Tire Design

Thousands of people attend the 2020 conference.

46

Guest Column

Your voice and your vote matter.

DEPARTMENTS

Page 4 .............................................................In the News Page 28 ..................................................... Machinery Row Page 32 ................................................. Association News Page 32 ............................................... Calendar of Events Page 33 ..............................................Conference Review Page 45 ............ Advertiser’s Index/Classified Section Page 45 ........................................................... Subscription

LiDAR's Impact on the Industry

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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Working Toward Making Construction Essential in Washington

Although Governor Jay Inslee did not add construction to the list of allowed “essential activities” as part of the state’s COVID19 response, discussions are ongoing among stakeholders about how to change that. A growing number of builders, state and federal elected officials argue that work can resume safely while avoiding detrimental effects of long-term inactivity reported Lens Media.

Master Builder Association of King and Snohomish County Media Manager Nona Raybern told Lens that “we understand the frustration that builders are facing right now. Essentially, the job could be completed safely and following CDC guidelines, following Inslee’s guidelines, following government guidelines.”

This week two digital work groups were held between Inslee’s office and various stakeholders, including the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW). BIAW Government Affairs Director Jan Himebaugh told Lens the meetings so far have been positive. “There is definitely an effort and a desire for finding a path forward…in a way that we can protect our workers and also be productive.”

Oregon Loses Post-trial Appeals of $1.1 billion

The Oregonian reported that Linn County judge Thomas McHill has rejected the state of Oregon’s post-trial appeals of the $1.1 billion jury verdict against the state for failing to maximize timber harvests on state forests since 2001.

The state had argued that there was insufficient evidence presented to justify the November verdict in Linn County Circuit Court that the state had breached its contract with 13 rural counties by failing to maximize logging revenues. The state also argued that there were errors of law committed during the trial and asked the judge to substitute his own judgement, notwithstanding the verdict, or order a new trial.

The staggering $1.065 billion judgment against the state will now begin accruing interest at nine percent per annum. That’s about $96 million in the first year alone, or $262,000 a day.

The state now has 30 days to appeal the verdict to the state appeals court and is expected to do so.

Washington Senate Passes Bill to Align Timber Industry with State Carbon Goals

Washington State agencies would recognize and support efforts by timber companies to reduce carbon emissions through 4

reforestation and other management practices under a House bill passed on a 46-3 vote by the Senate.

“There’s a longstanding presumption that timber harvesting and environmental protection are mutually exclusive, but the truth is just the opposite,” said Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, the prime sponsor of similar legislation in the Senate. “By aligning timber practices and cycles with the state’s carbon reduction goals, we can boost our rural economies and improve our environmental health at the same time.”

House Bill 2528 recognizes the role of forest products in carbon sequestration and directs the state Department of Commerce to promote markets for the state’s forest products.

“The cool thing about this bill is it makes forest products a part of the carbon discussion,” said Van De Wege at the Greater Grays Harbor legislative sendoff in Aberdeen Jan. 10.

Forest Service Releases Community Wildfire Risk Website

For the first time, community wildfire risk has been mapped nationwide to help community leaders mitigate risk. The USDA Forest Service announced the free, interactive, easy-to-use website, Wildfire Risk to Communities — www.fs.usda.gov/ managing-land/fire/wildfirerisk The website is designed to help community leaders nationwide understand how wildfire risk varies across a state, region, or county and allow them to prioritize actions to protect their communities. It provides data through interactive maps and charts showing risk to homes, exposure types, wildfire likelihood and vulnerable populations.

Wildfire Risk to Communities also provides vital steps that elected officials, planners and wildfire managers can take to mitigate risk through home hardening, wildfire preparedness, fuel treatments and more.

Wildfire Risk to Communities is designed so that anyone can access the data.

No technical or mapping skills are required.

Geospatial data and tabular data will also be available for download to allow for additional analysis.

Large Sale in Coos Bay to Benefit 18 Oregon Counties

C and D Lumber of Riddle outbid other timber companies for the Oregon and California railroad land, reported 16KMTR Eugene.

Located near Rock Creek, the timber was sold by the Bureau of Land Management last week for just over half-a-million dollars.

Fifty percent of the money goes to western Oregon counties.

TW TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

Editor: Diane Mettler, diane@forestnet.com Copy Editor: Beth Szyperski Contributing Editors: Diane Mettler, Lindsay R. Mohlere, Jack Petree, Nick Smith, Sydney Vrban ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sales Mgr: James Booth – jbooth@forestnet.com Phone: (604) 506-8631 CEO: Anthony Robinson –robinson@forestnet.com Sales Contact Information: Phone: (604) 990-9970 • Fax: (604) 990-9971 Social Media: Kaitlin Davidson Digital Marketing: Diane Mettler digitalmarketing@forestnet.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Publisher & Production Manager: Sheila Ringdahl – sringdahl@forestnet.com Accounting Manager: Shelina Jessa – accounting@forestnet.com Corporate Office Information: Phone: (425) 778-3388 Fax: (425) 771-3623 timberwest@forestnet.com www.forestnet.com TImberWest Publications, LLC P.O. Box 610 (300 Admiral Way, Suite 105) Edmonds, WA 98020-0610 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Send both OLD and NEW Circulation information to: TimberWest Magazine Attn: Subscriptions P.O. Box 610, Edmonds, WA 98020 Fax: (425) 771-3623 • subscribetw@forestnet.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertising created by TimberWest Publications, LLC is the sole property of TimberWest Publications, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher.

PUBLISHER’S EDITORIAL STATEMENT: TimberWest reports on the logging and lumber segment of the forest industry in the Western United States with emphasis on the states of AK, WA, OR, ID, MT and CA, providing current information on timber harvesting techniques, sawmill operations, news, legislation, events, people and products pertinent to this market.

TIMBERWEST (USPS #024858) is published bi-monthly (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec) by TimberWest Publications, LLC, 300 Admiral Way, Suite 105, Edmonds, WA, 98020. Periodicals postage paid at Edmonds, WA and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Subscription rates to qualified subscribers are Free and all non-qualified subscriptions in U.S. are $22 per year payable in advance. Canada $35 (U.S.). Other $40 (U.S.). Single copies paid in advance $4. Company affiliation, title, date and signature must appear on subscription forms.

Publisher reserves the right to refuse non-industry subscriptions and advertising. All other advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher. Back issues, if available, $4 each. Directory and Calendar issue $10 each.

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ContractorProfile

Scaling Steep Slopes McLaughlin Logging profits from unexplored landscapes thanks to a forward-thinking mindset

By Sydney Vrban

A

lthough his degree in ed-

ucation might suggest a different career path, Mick McLaughlin found his passion in the family logging business. It felt like coming home. After graduating from Boise State University, he seamlessly transitioned to working for his father at McLaughlin Logging. Mick began full-time in 1975 until eventually assuming the role of company president.

“Back then I just wanted to be around my father,” Mick says. “He and I were pretty

Mick McLaughlin of McLaughlin Logging out of Orofino, Idaho.

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

ContractorProfile

McLaughlin Logging uses a Doosan DX300LL-5 log loader with a Keto head processing attachment to delimb the trees and cut the logs to the length specified by their purchasing mill.

tight. Today I’m responsible for setting up all the jobs, and I also do all the internal roads for our timber sales. Whenever someone gets a bit behind or needs some help, I try to jump in.”

Sixty years after first opening their doors, McLaughlin Logging is still a family affair.

Mick’s mother, Marguerite; his wife, Mary Anne; their son, Bruce; his son-in-law, Austin Waters, and Mick’s brother-in-law, Robbie Clift, are all actively involved in the family logging business.

Today, McLaughlin Logging, based in Orofino, Idaho, contracts primarily through PotlatchDeltic, a leading timberland owner and top-10 lumber producer in the United States. Each year Mick and his crew use their fleet of forestry equipment, including three Doosan log loaders and a DX225LC-5 excavator purchased from Cascade Trader, to harvest multiple loads of mainly white fir, red fir, cedar, and spruce trees.

Once the wood is harvested, operators use a Doosan DX300LL-5 log loader with a Keto head processing attachment to delimb the trees and cut the logs to the length specified by their purchasing mill. This can vary from 16 feet to 49 feet, depending on the mill’s specifications and the types of lumber.

Scaling New Landscapes

Operating primarily out of Clearwater County near Orofino, McLaughlin Logging harvests approximately 20 loads of timber daily for PotlatchDeltic. Beyond traditional logging efforts, Mick’s company has adapted to harvesting timber on difficult-to-reach slopes. This decision has led to improved harvest volume and increased profits for McLaughlin Logging.

“Our steep-slope capabilities set us apart from other companies in the area,” Mick says. “We have a tether machine – a feller buncher – that allows us to safely navigate up and down steep hills to harvest in otherwise neglected areas. It’s a big advantage and has helped us get more volume for PotlatchDeltic.”

Steep-slope technology is still relatively new in North America, but it offers incredibly lucrative results for companies like McLaughlin Logging. “It’s added about six million feet to what we annually do,” Mick says. “Our volume is running around 20 million feet per year, so this has been great for improving what we can do as a company.

We’ve always been big about staying on top of the newest innovations in the industry.”

Keeping Crew Members Happy

In a culture that glorifies college-focused career paths, it can be difficult for companies (continued on page 8) TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ContractorProfile (continued from page 7) hiring for skilled trade jobs to attract and retain employees. To combat this problem, Mick relies on his company’s dedication to innovation within the logging industry.

In the past 50 years, much of what was accomplished by hand in the logging industry is now achieved through mechanization and technology. Staying on top of these innovations is essential for McLaughlin Logging’s strategy to attract and retain crew members.

“We hardly have any employees on the ground anymore. Our company only runs a handsaw about 15 days out of the year,” Mick says. “We were one of the first companies in Clearwater County to buy a feller buncher.

Since then we’ve continued to update our equipment and our technology. It helps us keep crew members sticking around. It adds efficiency to our process and helps us remain more profitable. This means we can afford to pay for things that help retain employees – like a fair wage and good benefits.”

In addition to its financial benefits, updated equipment technology also improves the overall safety of the company’s jobsites.

This keeps worker compensation costs low and ensures that employees are satisfied with the equipment they operate on a daily basis.

“We try to ensure that our crews always have work,” he says. “Families need a yearround income, a retirement fund, and decent health insurance. With our people, we (continued on page 10)

Left is Mick McLaughlin, owner of McLaughlin Logging. Right is Cooper Brunhoff, sales specialist with Cascade Trader.

A

firm believer in innovation, Mick McLaughlin stays on top of the latest developments in the industry through his involvement with Associated Logging Contractors (ALC).

“They collaborate on issues that truly affect logging professionals,” he says.

“They have lobbyists who work to stop legislation that negatively impacts the Idaho logging industry. As a board member, I’ve been able to connect with the Idaho State Patrol and have a say on rules and policies that directly impact our company. The ALC is an important tool for staying informed and staying connected with others in the industry.”

TW

“Our steep-slope capabilities set us apart from other companies in the area,” says McLaughlin.

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

WHAT WILL YOU GRIND? New from Peterson, the 1700D Horizontal Grinder.

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ContractorProfile (continued from page 8) keep them working because they’re able to come into our shops in the off-season and maintain their equipment for the next year.

I believe having this type of machinery has helped us when it comes to retaining employees, because they can see that there’s work to be done here.”

Another way Mick keeps his crews up and running is by partnering with local equipment dealerships such as their local Doosan dealer, Cascade Trader. The dealer recently opened a new location in Hayden, Idaho, to better serve its customers in eastern Washington and Idaho. Through this partnership, Mick eliminates unnecessary downtime, so he can keep his machines running, his crews busy, and his business profitable.

“Cascade Trader has been excellent to work with,” he says. “We consistently receive good service and always get our parts in a timely manner. Partnering with Cascade Trader has significantly reduced our downtime. I can’t remember ever losing a whole day of production because we were waiting on a part.”

After celebrating 60 years of success at McLaughlin Logging, Mick remains excited for the future of the logging industry.

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Operating primarily out of Clearwater County near Orofino, McLaughlin Logging harvests approximately 20 loads of timber daily for PotlatchDeltic.

(Pictured is the Doosan DX300LL.) “I believe the need for timber is going to remain,” Mick says. “Here in Idaho, we still have a really good timber base that should continue on for generations. Another asset to Idaho is the revenue received through

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

the Idaho Department of Lands State Endowment Funds, which provides support to our schools, grades kindergarten through college.”

TW

ContractorProfile

Willing to Take a Chance

Newport Equipment Enterprises Inc., Newport, Washington

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

ContractorProfile

In all, Smith’s equipment roster features more than 50 machines, including tractors, excavators, dozers, firetrucks, log trucks, forwarders, and harvesters, including this Link-Belt.

By Lindsay R. Mohlere

W

hen Steve Smith, president of Newport Equipment Enterprises Inc., in Newport, Washington, graduated from Washington’s Spokane Community College, he thought he would pursue a career in law enforcement. But like many college grads, what you study in college is not necessarily what you eventually end up doing. “I ended up logging. Went to work for my wife Debra’s father, Ted Monk and her uncle at Monk Brothers Logging. Logging paid better,” Smith says.

According to Smith, the biggest challenge he faced when first starting out was “having the guts to grow” and finding financing. Since 1988, Smith and Debra have weathered the ups and downs of running their own timber business by doing things a little different than most and not being afraid to try something new. They’ve taken a few chances along the way and diversified to become one of the largest logging outfits in northeast Washington and the Inland Northwest.

Everything,” Smith says.

Smith says employee retention and finding new hires is not a problem; however, he did admit that truck drivers are a difficult breed to find.

Most of the work is in logging, road building, and excavating, with bank reinforcement and rock products tagging along.

“When we got into the rock business, I had a 15-acre pit. Now we got 200 acres.

There’s a lot of snow in this country. In the winter, we would plow all of Newport and Old Town — did the Safeway. We kept men busy. We plow to keep the side open,” says Smith.

Smith’s business model is similar to many logging operations, but his approach

and reliance on constructive non-conformity (a.k.a. thinking outside the box) has served him well.

According to Smith, the key to his success is that he has always been willing to try something new and different.

“Like processors when they first came out. Or feller bunchers when they first came out.

We tried them and thought they’d work for us,” says Smith. “I went to the factory in New Zealand where the Waratahs were first built. Before John Deere stepped in and bought them. They could see that was going to be a great, great machine.” (continued on page 14)

The Operation

Currently, Smith runs two cut-to-length sides, one tree-length side, and a road and rock side.

“We’ve got about 23 people working, and most of them have been with me for more than 10 years. Some are in the pit, some on the road, and some logging. Dennis Heine has been with me for over 28 years. He can do anything. Drive truck, forwarder.

Currently, Newport Equipment runs two cut-to-length sides, one tree-length side, and a road and rock side, and employees around 23 people. Pictured is truck driver Jerry Barnes.

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ContractorProfile

One of Smith's long-time employees, Joe Gaffney, came upon a Valmet forwarder and a Deere forwarder engulfed in flames. “If you’ve never heard a skidder tire blow up, you’d be shocked how loud it is,” says Gaffney. “It sounded like a sonic boom or something. Real eerie. We got to sit there and listen to all 16 of them blow up.” (continued from page 13)

Fire Is Everyone’s Business

As with many of the logging contractors working on the east side of the Cascades, most of the men working for Smith have Forest Service red cards, qualifying them to work fires if the situation arises, which it often does.

One of the largest fires the Smith crews have fought was the 26,000-acre Kalispel fire in 2017.

A year later, Newport Equipment was called to another fire to assist the Forest Service in fire suppression.

Smith’s idea was to lowboy in harvesters, skidders, and the rest of the equipment and fight the fire at night, taking advantage of abated wind velocity and cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, the Forest Service nixed the idea. The USFS thought the tactic would be too dangerous and shut down the nighttime operations.

However, the fire was beginning to encroach on Stimson Lumber ground on which Smith and company were working.

When Stimson gave the go-ahead to Smith, his crews resumed hauling in equipment to fight the fire along the Stimson boundary — during the night. The nighttime efforts, and Smith’s willingness to try something different, enabled the crews to establish a solid fire line that stopped the incursion into Stimson ground, saving thousands of acres of trees.

The efforts also benefited the Forest Service despite their opposition to fighting the fire at night.

Recently, the Smith crew encountered an odd occurrence on one of their cut-tolength (CTL) sides they operate for Vaagen Brothers.

On a crisp October Sunday morning, long-time employee Joe Gaffney and his 10-year-old son took a drive up to one of 14

(continued on page 16)

Tigercat LH830C with a Waratah head.

Caterpillar 583LL TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

ContractorProfile (continued from page 14) Smith’s CTL sides. As he approached the site, Gaffney noticed smoke ahead of them.

A young man driving a side-by-side came from the direction of the smoke, and told Gaffney he had just encountered a fire; he thought it might have been a hunter’s warming fire that started it all.

As Gaffney neared the blaze, he saw a Valmet forwarder and a Deere forwarder engulfed in flames. “If you’ve never heard a skidder tire blow up, you’d be shocked how loud it is,” Gaffney commented. “It sounded like a sonic boom or something. Real eerie.

We got to sit there and listen to all 16 of them blow up.”

Regarding the source of the fire, Gaffney says, “Couldn’t prove who started it. You could see it started way up the hill. Fire inspector said it started right by the grapple.

Nobody did it on purpose. Bad things just happen.”

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When it comes to managing three logging sides and a road and rock side, Smith deploys a variety of equipment to keep his operation running at peak productivity and efficiency, while still applying some outsidethe-box techniques.

On Smith’s Vaagen Brothers CTL side, a Tigercat LH830C equipped with a Waratah head, cuts and processes the logs and then sets them off to one side. A John Deere Brandt 1910E forwarder, which features an operator station that automatically levels and rotates, comes in and picks up the logs. At that point, the forwarder moves to a waiting Western Star log truck and loads the truck.

“We do it a little bit different than anybody else,” says Smith.

While John Deere is his preferred manufacturer, Smith is not anchored to any one particular machine. “We give our guys a choice of what they want,” says Smith. “If they want a CAT loader, they get a CAT loader. If he wants a John Deere, he’ll get the Deere. It makes a lot of sense, and they’re proud of what their machine does, what it looks like and all.”

Today, running a diverse, multi-tasked company requires a huge commitment to equipment. Clearly, Smith is a devotee of logging rather than “fixing.” In all, Smith’s equipment roster features more than 50 machines, including tractors, excavators, dozers, firetrucks, log trucks, forwarders, harvesters, and such.

The large lineup allows the Newport logger to do things his way. And he plans to continue doing just that.

TW

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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• New Komatsu Rugged Undercarriages Provide Significantly Longer Service Life Due to Improved Track Chain Links, Track Roller • New Forestry-Specific Hydraulic Hose & Tube Guarding System Bushings, Track Sliders, Idler & Cushion Assembly and Track Guards. © 2020 by Komatsu America Corp. All rights reserved. All comparisons and claims of improved performance are made with respect to the prior Komatsu XT-3 Series models unless otherwise specifically stated. Up to 5% lower fuel consumption results are based on using the XT445L-5 prototype vs. the XT445L-3 model - each operator’s results may vary. Trademarks and service marks used herein are the property of Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu America Corp., or their respective owners or licensees. Photos may include optional equipment.

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EducationSpotlight

The Art of Tire Design

T

oday’s commercial truck

tires are rolling pieces of sophistication. Because they carry the weight of tractors/trailers loaded with logs and timber products the importance of their construction and foundation (the casing), can’t be understated.

“Other than tires for the aerospace industry, commercial truck tires have arguably the toughest job in the tire business,” says Phil Mosier, Cooper Tire’s manager of commercial tire development. “It’s why we dedicate so much engineering time to ensure our tires perform safely and productively. From a productivity standpoint, since tires are such a high operating cost, miles to removal and durability – balanced by a competitive price — are what can help loggers keep costs down. Providing our customers with a low-cost of ownership is what Cooper is all about.”

Phil Mosier, Cooper Tire manager (center), says it’s an exciting time to be a tire designer. “We have so much technology and research at our fingertips."

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

EducationSpotlight High-Tech Tires

So what makes tires so high-tech? On the surface, they’re black and round and look pretty much the same. “Commercial truck tire manufacturers all primarily use natural rubber for heat resistance and durability,” says Mosier. “As a comparison, the automotive tires you drive on generally consist of more synthetic rubber than natural rubber.

And truck tires all use carbon black to some degree as a primary ingredient in the chemistry of the tire. But that’s where the similarities end.”

According to Mosier, some commercial tire brands are well known and have been around for generations — proving their performance on North American roads. Others are less known with limited distribution. “As with any product, you have varying degrees of quality and expectations — in the tire world you have up to four tiers of quality and pricing,” he says. “And for the most part, you get what you pay for.”

A tier 4 tire might show up sporadically in the U.S. market for example, then disappear. And there are a lot of players. “The buyers of these tires are looking for rubber to put on the road – not high mileage, retreadability, or other metrics,” explains Mosier.

“They’re low-priced tires with casings that typically don’t hold up to multiple retreads.

When you move up to tier 2 and tier 1 tires, you find a huge quality improvement, and casings with a 4-belt package. These tires give you better overall performance and are engineered for multiple retreads.”

He adds, “One way to sum up the quality variant is to look at the tire manufacturer’s warranty. The better it is, the higher the quality. A tire manufacturer knows better than anyone else how its tires will perform.

At Cooper, for example, we track performance data — it’s why we’re able to offer an industry-leading warranty program.”

of timber, so heavy lugs with good traction is a must.

Lastly, while traction is needed off the road, the truck is running on paved highways the majority of the time. For this reason, the tires also need to be designed to resist the irregular wear often seen in over-the-road applications, such as heel-toe and cupping or scalloped wear.

“The trick – or the art in what we do – is in balancing the performance attributes of the tire,” Mosier says. “We know tires on log trucks take a pounding. As a tire designer, we

have to figure out a way to resist off-road challenges, coupled with highway forces, in order to make a better tire. That’s the challenge.”

Added Challenges to Design

Also challenging for tire designers are the different wheel positions. With drive tires you need a combination of deep tread depth matched with traction. “Since tread wear is faster, we need to go with deeper tread depth – the Cooper Severe Series (continued on page 20)

Balancing Act

According to Mosier, tires used in logging applications are tough and unique for three key reasons. “The casing durability is first and foremost,” he says. “Trucks are off road, driven to and from the job site over sharp rock and sticks, branches, and other debris. The casing has to be durable enough to resist cuts and punctures associated with this type of work.”

Next is traction. Many work sites might be only one or two miles off the main paved highway, while others are many miles into the woods. Those roads are rough and often muddy, and if a truck gets stuck in the back woods, they risk holding up the transportation process for the entire operation. The last thing a driver wants is to be stuck with a load TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

19

EducationSpotlight Phil Mosier (left) says that traction design elements need to carry all the way through to the bottom of the tread, so you don’t have to pull the tires prematurely due to lack of grip. (continued from page 19)

NEW ALLIANCE 643 & 644 THE PERFECT FIT FOR CTL LOGGING

Introducing two new Forestar III forestry tires from Alliance, engineered specifically for CTL rigs: the 643 and 644.

Both feature Alliance’s unbeatable chunk-and-chip-resistant compound and shoulderto-shoulder steel belts for extra durability. And both the 643 and 644 introduce Alliance’s new hexagonal bead to eliminate tire slip.

The Alliance 643 tread is designed to work seamlessly with tracks and chains, or to deliver great grip without them. And the dual-angle bar lug pattern of the Alliance 644 is reinforced by an undertread stabilizer bar for better traction and longer service life.

Learn more from your Alliance Tire Group (ATG) dealer.

EXPERT FOR THE EXTREME

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

MSD for example has 32/32nds of tread.

To protect against tire squirm, the tread lugs are interconnected with triangular shaped tie-bars. That’s an important performance enhancer over conventional tires. Since the tie-bars are narrower at the peak while widening out toward the groove bottom, it gives a larger ‘void’ area for off-road capabilities while the interconnecting lugs help reduce irregular tire wear over-the-road.”

What’s more, Mosier says traction design elements need to carry all the way through to the bottom of the tread, so you don’t have to pull the tires prematurely due to lack of grip.

Tires are also now wider. “In the past, the typical width of a drive tire was 8 1/2 inches – now it’s more than 9 inches. What this has done has given a bigger footprint to spread weight, and that helps improve tire longevity.”

Evolution

According to Mosier, commercial tires are evolving at a rapid pace. “Compounds continue to change, and the mixes keep improving. The use of new raw materials and formulations allows us as tire designers to expand performance so that improvements can be made in durability — chunk and tread tear resistance — plus in treadwear and traction.”

Another component in continued tire quality improvement is in the manufacturing process. To be considered a top tire manufacturer, tires coming off the line need to be uniform. “And that means the specs and tolerances are very tight,” says Mosier. “For top tire brands, if the tires don’t meet spec, they’re rejected. And top brands, like Cooper, use x-ray and uniformity machines to inspect every tire coming off the line. Manufacturing commercial tires has come a long way. These improvements mean tires from the leading brands have better uniformity, which translates to longer, more even wear.”

All told, Mosier says it’s an exciting time to be a tire designer. “We have so much technology and research at our fingertips.

We have chemists with PhDs who uncover new ways to perfect compounding, and we have new ways to design and test our tires to ensure top performance. There is so much opportunity in the commercial tire space — it’s exhilarating to come to work every day to see what we can accomplish.”

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TechnologySpotlight

LiDAR's Impact on the Industry

By Jack Petree

I

t’s safe to say many in the forest products industry don’t hear the term LiDAR (light detection and ranging) used much in everyday work life. That is likely to change soon, according to Dr. Mark Corrao, an expert on the application of this technology in the forestry sector.

“Today, LiDAR technology is cutting edge for forestry but commonplace for many other industries such as precision agriculture,” says Corrao, a managing partner in Northwest Management Inc. (NMI), a consulting firm to the forest industry; co-CEO for SMART Forest Solutions (SFS), an international resource management consortium; and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Idaho College of Ag Sciences and College of Natural Resources. He explains that hardware and software transitions have revolutionized the ability of airborne LiDAR to analyze forest structure in detail and provide a single-tree forest census.

The capacity to precisely describe this 22

level of detail in a forest has broad potential application for forest managers seeking to enhance forest health and resilience on public and private lands. In the not too distant future, Corrao adds, advances in technology are likely to make LiDAR an everyday tool of great importance for not only the owners and managers of large forests but also those working with medium and small forested acreages. “The ability to save the already limited resources of time and money on any property begins now and will only increase into the future,” he says.

LiDAR 101

Developed in the 1960s, LiDAR was used on the Apollo 15 mission in 1971 and has long been used in geological surveying to create detailed topographical maps.

According to Wikipedia, “LiDAR is a surveying method that measures distance to a target by illuminating the target with laser light and measuring the reflected light with a sensor. Differences in laser return times and wavelengths can then be used to make TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

digital 3-D representations of the target.”

The level of detail produced is a function of the number of laser light pulses generated and returned from the target, combined with the ability of the equipment to receive, measure, and represent the data as a 3-D image.

Prior to 2014, equipment limitations meant LiDAR images were relatively crude and mostly used to develop topographic maps and general vegetative structure.

Advances in this technology since 2015 have contributed to high-definition representations of terrain, the vegetation on that terrain, and special features of importance to land managers, engineers, and planners.

Putting LiDAR to Work

LiDAR may be familiar to many people because of its association with self-driving vehicles. Indeed, manufacturers of forestry machines are already working on using the technology to guide self-driving harvesters, forwarders, and similar equipment.

As a mapping tool, LiDAR has shown significant benefits to the general public, demonstrated by the number of state governments already well into “first pass” mapping for a broad variety of geographical parameters including the identification of potential slide areas, steep slopes, archeological sites, and other significant features previously hidden, absent extensive and costly on-the-ground investigations.

The increasing availably of LiDAR data from these public efforts during the past ten

TechnologySpotlight

which may be insufficient to create a singletree inventory. However, the older scans still provide valuable foundational data for a high-quality collection because as technology advances, the new scans, according to Corrao, “are additive, not replacing.”

Practical Application

years has allowed the forest products industry across the West to access much greater resolution data for most areas of their local, regional, state, and federal forestlands. A consequence of rapid advances in LiDAR technology means more recent scans are of higher quality than some of the older data,

For forest managers, Corrao feels LiDAR has the potential to bring about fundamental change in the management of the forests they are responsible for. In his roles with NMI, SFS, and the University of Idaho, Corrao sees the potential of LiDAR nearly every day. He witnesses forward-thinking students and clients, including Tribal Nations and private industrial landowners, utilizing LiDAR to not only optimize forest operations, but to also assist in making their forest lands more resilient and healthy in the

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

face of increasing wildfire and a changing climate.

Making an Impact

Corrao says LiDAR will one day impact nearly every aspect of the forest products industry and his team provides value to clients today. “Currently we are seeing the density of pulses per square meter (PPM) increase for LiDAR data acquisitions that look to target forestry applications.” While the data obtained from current sensors and pulse densities can lack the resolution and quality to compete with the results of conventional forest inventory, Corrao comments, “These scans do provide excellent terrain data for roads, streams, and many land-manage and planning level analyses.” (continued on page 24)

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TechnologySpotlight (continued from page 23) Corrao adds that NMI products ““These products are designed to build on conventional inventory with the intention of replacing it within the next 2 to 5 years. We expect there will always be a need for field data collection, however we anticipate a significant reduction in the time and cost components of it. Something along the lines of 10 foresters for 3 months on 1 million acres, instead of 10 foresters on 20,000 acres for the same time applying conventional inventory methods.”

Amazing Levels of Information

When accomplished at the pulse densities and acquisition parameters specified by the SFS consortium, LiDAR can provide data richness at a resolution able to yield results not typically obtainable through conventional field sampling methods (see figure 1 Corrao PLC screen shot), providing that extraordinary level of information at costcompetitive, or better, levels. Even with these seemly amazing technological applications, today’s advances are only the beginning.

“The LiDAR analysis NMI provides offers a single-tree-level structural forest inventory. This detail is necessary to manage

a forest at the ground level of thinning, tree-selection, and silvicultural planning,” says Corrao. “A single-tree-level census of the forest also provides opportunities for improved forest growth modeling, wildlife tree detection for some ESA species, forest valuation information for post-fire assessments, and likely of greatest interest to the forest products world, an ability to calculate value per acre and whole tree merchandizing based on known segment distributions and locations, as well as proximity of utilization

facilities and transportation access.”

Regarding the future uses for LiDAR in forestry, Corrao points to experimental aerial LiDAR collected from UAVs and helicopters by leading-edge research efforts around the world at densities of >7000PPM. Data at that resolution, Corrao says, shows some promise in remotely detecting defects, wood quality, and some measure of forest health at the single-tree level.

Although practical results are hampered by current computer hardware limitations, Corrao suggests that in the not-so-distant future, “[We]…may have much of the data necessary to make forestlands more resilient to climate change, manage water quality, and increase everyone’s opportunity to access and understand forest health and restoration activities as well as contribute to win-win solutions.

Entering a New Realm

Few new technologies have had or will have the impact to every single aspect of the forest products industry that LiDAR is likely to have.

“We truly are experiencing the modernization of forestry,” says Corrao. In the 2020s, forestry and the industry dependent on forest management will be nearly unrecognizable compared to the industry of the year 2000. LiDAR, and successor technologies, will be at the center of this remaking of the industry influencing how, where, why, and when we plant, tend, and harvest our forests. It will affect the machinery utilized to harvest wood and wood products, the processing of those products, and the marketing and use of the end products to a world concerned with greenhouse gas emissions. In nearly every way, the dawning of the second decade of the Century is a “new dawn” for the forest products industry.

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

ConferenceReview

Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference The 2020 Sierra Cascade Logging Conference was held February 6-8, in Anderson, California. It was a success on every level, and it set records!

The weather was spectacular, as temperatures reached the 70s. People were out in force enjoying the equipment on display, the wide variety of panels and seminars, and the live events. Over the course of the three days, a total of 800 high school students, elementary school children, and educators arrived by bus to tour the grounds, enjoy educational activities, and see the equipment up close.

And they asked a myriad of questions.

As in past years, attendees earned professional credits through a wide variety of seminars and panels covering topics such as fireline safety awareness, training the next generation of loggers, and handling the current political environment.

For those looking for a little entertainment, there was the President’s Ax Throw, the Logging Sports Exhibition (where

college teams from across California competed in traditional logging sports events), and the World’s Strongest Logger Competition.

One unique event required amazing operator talent — the Excavator Rodeo. It’s not often you see an excavator operator dunking a basketball.

One of the highlights of this year’s conference was the Lumberjack Banquet and Education Auction held at the Redding

Civic Auditorium. An astounding 650 people attended the event, and the auction brought in a record-setting $250,000. All proceeds will go toward scholarships and assisting the next generation in their pursuit of careers in the forest industry.

It was truly a great conference, thanks to an amazing board and a host of incredible sponsors!

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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Kone-Ketonen Oy Names a New Managing Director

Juha Jaakkola (38) has been named the Managing Director of Kone-Ketonen Oy, effective March 2, 2020. Juha Jaakkola will take on the position immediately.

Juha Jaakkola has previously been employed by Valmet, a large Finnish corporation providing automation solutions for pulp, paper, and energy companies, where he was responsible for the global movement of approximately 6,000 persons (Team Leader Travel and Expenses). Juha has always been interested in forest management and forestry machines. Over the course of his professional career, he has acquired a diversity of language skills, including Swedish, English, and German.

forest machines, has grown from a machine entrepreneur’s dream to an international export company with operations in 40 different countries. This year Ponsse is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The ownership of this Finnish listed company is still in the same hands, and its operations are guided by the same family company values as when it was founded.

It’s 50th anniversary roadshow will travel round the world, stopping at different logging sites and at more than 100 different events in 28 countries. Its European roadshow began in Finland on 23 January, and will end at the FinnMETKO 2020 exhibition. The company will also visit various logging sites in South America, North America, Russia, Asia, and Australia.

Rottne Industries Celebrates 65 years

As Rottne Industri AB celebrates year number 65, it also sets some serious goals.

Ponsse Celebrates 50-year Journey with Its Customers

Ponsse, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rubber wheel cut-to-length

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

The company has had an aggressive approach — 50 percent growth in three years and record sales in 2019. Today Rottne is setting its sights on new technological advances.

“We’re well-prepared to continue development and have targeted growth of another 50 percent over the next five years,” says CEO Tobias Johansson.

Freres Lumber First in U.S. to Install Horizontal Plywood Press

Freres Lumber Co. Inc. is the first U.S. company to install and operate the Taihei Horizontal Press Model P25-AB, a horizontal hot press for laminating plywood after the gluing and prepressing processes. Freres is already reaping the numerous benefits the horizontal press offers over the conventional U.S. vertical press technology. The horizontal press differs from conventional vertical presses in that the heat plates are installed vertically and apply pressure to the plywood horizontally.

Unlike the U.S. vertical presses, the horizontal press does not require a dedicated operator—the system has an automatic feed system. Even modern vertical chargers, which transfer pre-pressed panels to the press, require an operator to manually feed every panel into the press.

Doosan Streamlines Equipment Delivery Process

Doosan equipment customers can receive their new, specifically configured machines faster in the United States and Canada thanks to a streamlined fulfillment process from Doosan Infracore North America LLC.

Fecon Hosts Senator Rob Portman

Fecon recently hosted Senator Rob Portman, delegates from the United Way of Warren County, and students involved with

Fecon’s apprentice program for a roundtable discussion on workforce development. Fecon has a long history with local high schools and technical colleges, providing training and meaningful, well-paying jobs while students are in school and after they graduate.

The apprenticeship program allows students to work alongside experienced tradesmen and learn from mentors. There are regular opportunities to expand their responsibilities and their pay rate, as well as attend college or trade school, should they choose to do so.

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Stateside at the company’s North American customization plant in Savannah, Georgie, dedicated Doosan employees, including a manufacturing engineer, oversee equipment final assembly and inspections.

The customization plant allows Doosan to provide machines sooner to Doosan dealers and customers nationwide. Doosan machines could arrive four to six weeks after the order is submitted.

New Tigercat Dealer for California and Nevada

Tigercat is pleased to announce that Bejac Corporation is now the authorized Tigercat dealer for California and Nevada.

With over 35 years of experience in the heavy equipment industry, Bejac is a leader in the sale and service of machinery for niche markets including forestry, scrap, waste recycling, green waste, and the demolition industry. Headquartered in southern California, with ten locations in California, Nevada, and Arizona, Bejac is strategically positioned throughout the southwest to deliver its products and services quickly and effectively.

AFRC Welcomes Public Affairs Director Nick Smith

AFRC is pleased to announce Nick Smith has joined the team as Public Affairs Director based out of the Portland office.

Nick will handle AFRC’s communications responsibilities and will serve as the association’s primary media contact. In addition to providing support to all AFRC programs, Nick will continue to operate the Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities (HFHC) grassroots advocacy program.

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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Nuking Bugs out of Pallets

By Lindsay R. Mohlere

T

here’s a new wrinkle to the RF vacuum kiln drying technology that was introduced several years ago as an alternative to the established way to dry lumber.

Dielectric Heating

Last December, a new technology that uses dielectric heating and radio frequency (RF) energy to destroy invasive pests hiding in wood products was demonstrated at Penn State’s University Park Campus, in hopes of bringing the technology closer to commercial marketplace.

Nearly 40 percent of U.S. logs are processed into wooden shipping pallets, which makes eliminating wood-burrowing pests a big deal. Compared to conventional heat practices, the RF treatment offers enhanced ability to terminate wood insect and nematode pests.

The demonstration, which was observed by regulatory and wood products industry 30

professionals from the U.S. and Canada, validated the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the RF technology for pallet sanitation.

Dielectric heating is also known as electronic heating, radio frequency heating, and high frequency heating. It is a process in which a dielectric material (e.g. wood, ceramics, paper, or glass) is heated by a radio frequency (RF) alternating electric field, radio wave, or microwave electromagnetic radiation.

According to international trade agreements, wood packaging material, including wooden pallets, crates, and chips must be debarked, treated, and inspected to be pest-free.

Invasive bugs like the emerald ash beetle and the Asian long-horned beetle have found a home in the U.S. after being introduced via untreated wood pallets. These pests continue to wreak havoc and have caused nearly $120 billion a year in damage to forests, ecosystems, and agricultural crops.

Developed by Penn State scientists John Janowiak and Kelli Hoover, the technology is designed to heat wood using electromagnetic TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

penetration, much like a microwave oven.

The wood is heated from the inside-out causing the core to heat rapidly destroying burrowed pests.

Currently, pallets are sanitized by heat treating the wood in kilns or by fumigating with methyl bromide, which is being phased out. The RF technology will be faster and more cost-efficient than conventional kilns, which will help decrease energy costs.

However, there are certain challenges the technology must overcome to make the innovation “mill ready.” The biggest hurdle will be convincing people in the industry who have used the same kiln heating methods for the last 50 years that there’s a new kid on the block with a better, more efficient, and less expensive way to do things.

Finnish Smart Tires

In the past few columns, I’ve written about telematics and how it is applied in devices that are used to communicate machine and operator efficiency, in addition to optimizing machine maintenance and

EmergentTechnologies diagnostics data along harvest parameters.

All the major manufacturers have telematic options, and now Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyre has jumped into the fray with what is billed as “the smart tire.”

Similar to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that has been fitted to passenger vehicles since the 2008 model year, when they were made mandatory in the United States, the Nokian Tyres Intuitu combines sensor-equipped smart tires with a mobile application that records the sensor data from commercial, industrial, and agricultural tires.

Designed to be user-friendly, plug-andplay, the application will keep the operator informed about tire pressure and temperature, while warning about possible anomalies and helping to prevent tire damage.

Like other telematic systems, the digital real-time data is communicated to a smart phone application that informs the operator, helping to keep the machinery operational by minimizing downtime and increasing production. In the future, integrating the smart tire functions with the data section on a forestry machine screen will provide crucial data for both the operator and the fleet manager.

“Many people still see tires as just tires — a piece of rubber between your machine and the ground,” said Toni Silfverberg, head of Sales & Marketing at Nokian Tyres. “With Nokian Tyres Intuitu, your tires are no longer forgotten pieces of rubber, but smart, active components they rightfully should be.”

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Tigercat Launches LogOn

The new Tigercat LogOn system reportedly allows easy access to detailed machine data and diagnostics at the worksite. With a mobile app, users can access the system within 45 feet of the machine.

Operators open the Tigercat Mobile App on their smartphone, select the LogOn icon, and connect to the secure Wi-Fi hot spot to enter the system, where they have access to detailed activity charts, stem count, and production volume, important failure cause, and repair information, along with operator and service manuals. Data is displayed with an easy-to-use mobile interface. No cellular coverage is needed. An optional satellite modem allows access in the world’s most remote locations.

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TW TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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Association Cancelations and Postponements

Many association conferences were negatively affected due to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

• The Washington Contract Loggers Association annual meeting set for March 13-14, was cancelled and was not rescheduled. www.loggers.com • The Olympic Logging Conference set for April 29-May 1,in Victoria, BC, has been rescheduled for September 16-18, 2020. www.olypmicloggingconference.com • The WCLA Credit Union’s annual meeting has been cancelled. Please check their website for updates for rescheduling. www.loggerscu.com • The Intermountain Logging Conference set for April 1-3, was cancelled and has not been rescheduled.

• The Redwood Logging Conference set for March 19-21, was cancelled and has not been rescheduled. www.rrlc.net • AFRC Annual Meeting set for April has been rescheduled for September 16-18, 2020, at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. www.amforest.org

AFRC at Work on Wilderness Legislation

The AFRC reported that on February 12, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a package of wilderness bills that would designate 1.4 million acres of new wilderness in Colorado, California, and Washington State – including the Wild Olympics Wilderness and the Wild and Scenic Act. The most controversial measure is H.R. 2546, the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2019 sponsored by Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), which would designate 740,000 acres (more than 1,150 square miles) of wilderness across 33 areas. Much of the area proposed for wilderness is in the district of Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), who opposes the legislation.

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The package also includes Rep. Jared Huffman’s (D-CA) Northwest California Wilderness and Wild & Scenic proposal, which would create eight new wilderness areas and designate 379 miles of Wild & Scenic rivers. AFRC expressed its opposition to the proposal when it was passed by the House Natural Resources Committee.

Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities (HFHC) has been organizing a grassroots campaign in opposition to the proposal.

AFRC has spent considerable time on the Wild Olympics legislation. In December, AFRC sent a letter to Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) outlining specific concerns with the proposal and requesting a limited number of changes, including removing proposed wild and scenic river designations from DNR state trust lands.

Rep. Kilmer’s office made modest changes to the proposal, but they fell short of addressing major concerns. One of the most significant concerns is the impact of new planning requirements that will shift forest service staff away from preparing timber sales and other on-the-ground work to preparing 19 new “Comprehensive River Management Plans” to satisfy a requirement in the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. HFHC is now running an advocacy campaign in Western Washington seeking to educate the public about the impact of the proposal and the need for balanced legislation that meets the environmental and economic needs of the Olympic Peninsula by increasing active management of the Olympic National Forest.

AFF Welcomes Domtar

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) announced that the Domtar Corporation has joined AFF and its partner, the Nature Conservancy (TNC), in supporting the newly-created Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) to enhance carbon sequestration in family-owned forestland across the U.S.

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

Domtar is committed to safeguarding endangered forests and wildlife, respecting the culture and rights of indigenous peoples, and conserving natural forests and biodiversity by sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests. Domtar remains committed to their goal of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy at pulp and paper mills by 15 percent from 2010 levels by the end of 2020.

The FFCP incentivizes individual and family forest owners to adopt forest management practices that improve forest health and increase carbon sequestration, incorporating family forest owners in the global effort to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

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CALENDAR *Please note dates may change or cancel due to the COVID-19 virus.

May 15-16 Montana Logging Association 29th Annual Meeting, Butte, MT 406-752-3168, www.logging.org May 18-20 Forest Resources Assoc.

Annual Meeting, Austin,TX 202-296-3937, www.forestresources.org June 1-4 42nd Annual National Indian Timber Symposium, Fairbanks, AK 503-282-4296, www.itcnet.org June 13-14 Deming Logging Show, Deming, WA 360-592-3051 www.demingloggingshow.com June 26-27 62nd Annual Libby Logger Days, Libby, MT 406-293-1074, www.loggerdays.org June 27-28 Buckley Log Show, Buckley, WA 360-829-0474, www.cityofbuckley.com/ logshow

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ConferenceReview

Review

T

he 82nd Oregon Logging

Conference (OLC) held February 20-22, 2020, was a great success, with wonderful weather and thousands of people in attendance.

“The Oregon Logging Conference is always an opportunity for everyone to get to know who we are and what we do,” said OLC Conference Manager Rikki Wellman.

“We are the largest show in North America,” she added, referring to over 325 participating vendors, with both outside and inside

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exhibits and displays.

This year’s theme was Working Forests: Carbon Keepers, and 2020 OLC President Greg Stratton said, “This theme highlights the fact that our industry, the products we produce, and the forests we manage are some of the best natural carbon keepers available to the world. While this sounds good with the modern buzz words like carbon sequestration, the truth is this is what our industry has been doing for generations.”

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

Show Highlights

Below are just some of the highlights of this year’s show.

• The Annual Oregon Women in Timber dinner and auction raised over $93,000 to benefit its award-winning Talk About Trees program.

• As for students, the 3rd Annual Future Forestry Workers Career Day included more than 775 high school students and educators representing 36 schools, who learned about a variety of career opportunities in logging, forestry, and natural resource businesses. And more than 868 students and teachers from 14 schools visited the conference to learn more about the forest industry.

• The High School Skills Competition included more than 100 high school students from 10 schools in Oregon. The top four teams received awards, as did the top individual in each category. The relay team award winners, first place through fourth, were Clatskanie Middle/High Schools, Waldport High School, Philomath High School, and Crook County High School.

• The Oregon Logging Conference Foundation auctions, held during breakfast Thursday and Friday mornings, raised more than $29,000 from generous supporters.

ConferenceReview

• There was again an amazing lineup of conference seminars and panels. Topics included Your Voice and Vote Count; the Oregon and Washington Forest Practices Acts; drone use to protect resources and improve efficiency; and effective communication.

• This year 33 people from six states demonstrated their skills in the 11th Annual Log Loader Competition. First, second, and third went to Zane Bryant of Bryant Logging, 2:35:56; Ross Cribbs of Van Well Timber, 2:56:50; and Bryan Chipps of Green Diamond Resource Company, 3:09:35.

• OLC First Lady Cathy Stratton’s Desserts for Dreams luncheon raised more than $10,000 for Our Backyard, a nonprofit anti-human trafficking organization.

• Of 800 entries, Ric Levanen of RJL Forestry LLC won the Guess the Net Scale contest.

.404” pitch, and .050, .058, and .063 gauge. www.cannonbar.com Cascade Trader – The ELTEC FB277L feller buncher on display at the OLC was the first one in America. This ELTEC short tail swing tracked feller buncher is designed and purpose-built to deliver high productivity. The ELTEC 270 Series is powered by a fuel-efficient Cummins diesel engine and hydraulic system enhanced for forestry.

Better stability is ensured by the chassiscarrier with a very long wheelbase. The boom system allows the machine operator to extend and retract the boom on a horizontal plane smoothly and quickly using a single joystick. www.cascadetrader.com

Diamond Mowers — The company’s Skid-Steer Drum Mulcher was new to the OLC. It mulches up to 9” diameter continuously. It has a 72” cutting width, 2-speed variable displacement piston motor protected within the low-profile frame, 41 hardened steel teeth, patented depth control rings to control bite size, and anti-warp plates to protect the drum while preventing material from wrapping. www.diamondmowers.com Komatsu – On display was the new 331 HP XT465L-5 track feller bunch featuring gull-wing engine hood service access, increased lift capacity, modern cab with (continued on page 36)

New Equipment

Each year companies debut a variety of new machinery, and this year attendees had the opportunity to see: Alliance – The new 643 III and 644 III Forestar were on display. The 643 III is engineered for ultimate track compatibility. Even without tracks, it provides exceptional grip under critical forestry conditions.

It also features outstanding stability, excellent self-cleaning, and a unique shoulder buttress design. The 644 III is specifically designed for forestry applications. The variable lug angle provides enhanced hillside stability, versus a standard 23-degree lug angle tire. It too boasts excellent self-cleaning, high traction, and low soil compaction. www.atgtire.com Cannon – On display was the Superbar, with a classic solid steel bar with flamehardened rails and precision honed groove.

Power plus profile maximizes cutting power and chain speed while reducing damage from loose chain. Large Ventrui Oil Hole increases lubrication for longer bar and chain life and also reduces oil hole plugging.

It’s available in lengths from 12” to 84” and motor mounts for most makes and models of chainsaws. It’s available in .325”, 3/8”, and

OREGON LOGGING CONFERENCE

Thank You! To Our Exhibitors, Sponsors, Speakers, Event Facility and Everyone Who Attended the 2020 Oregon Logging Conference.

Each of You Serve a Very Important Part in the Success of the 2020 Oregon Logging Conference and Equipment Show The Officers, Board of Directors and Staff Appreciate Your Continued Support and Dedication!

Please Plan to Join Us for the 83rd Oregon Logging Conference February 25, 26, & 27, 2021 Lane Events Center & Fairgrounds Eugene, Oregon www.oregonloggingconference.com Tel 541.686.9191 Email info@oregonloggingconference.com

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ConferenceReview

(continued from page 35) superior visibility, new rugged undercarriages, KOMTRAX telematics system, powerful and fuel-efficient Cummins QSL9 engine, heavy-duty 4-way leveling system that maximizes slope productivity, new hydraulic pump system for faster cycle times, and Komatsu CARE. www.komatsuforest.us Maxam Tire – The new Maxam MS931 tire is designed for extreme applications. It offers extra shoulder and sidewall protection, maximum protection from cuts, impacts, and punctures, cut-resistant compound specifically engineered for forestry, steel reinforced undertread, extra-wide footprint that provides exceptional flotation in muddy and wet ground conditions, and nylon-wrapped beads that prevent unwinding. www.maxamtire.com Modern Machinery – The company’s new Falcon Claw 1750 motorized grapple carriage comes standard with a large heavyduty grapple with a maximum opening of 80 inches and a payload of up to eight tons.

It has a 360-degree continuous grapple rotation and a Hatz 1D90 air-cooled diesel engine. Other key features include led flood lights, easy access panels for maintenance, anti-swing grapple breaks, purpose-built bunching grapple, and tandem 2-stage high/low-flow pump hydraulic system. www.modernmachinery.com PAT Attachments – On display were the new TH-70 and TH-86—fully hydraulic, radio controlled, non-motorized grapple carriages. Both can be run on 5/8-1 1/8" diameter cable. The unique grapple carriages require no engine and instead use traction on the skyline—otherwise wasted energy— to store electric and hydraulic energy. That energy operates the carriage radio control system, hydraulic controls, work lights and camera system that allows the operator to log without a spotter day or night. The stored hydraulic energy operates the grapples open/ close function as well as the 360-degree deg L/R rotate. PATattachments@gmail.com Ponsse – It was the launch of the 36

PONSSE H9 harvester head, capable of processing, felling, and multi-stemming even large trunks. Thanks to the felling feature, the new harvester head has a great tilt function, and the top saw option allows for more efficient tree handling. The PONSSE H9’s solid structure, firm grip, and powerful feed guarantee a high efficiency ratio and reliability from one logging site to the next. www.ponsse.com Southstar – The QS600 head with four rollers and 29.5” capacity is designed for medium to large-sized stems. It features a wide frame design for structural strength, magnetic touch-less encoders for better accuracy, extended delimb tips, pop angle for ease of picking from the stack, and extrawide measuring wheel to allow operators to accurately measure both single and multistems, as well as bidirectional drive teeth designed for optimum grip in both forward and reverse. www.southstarequipment.com Summit Attachments – Introduced at the show, the new SY45 Hydraulic Swing Yarder is engineered with a 400+ hp closed loop regenerative hydraulic drive system and three high-capacity drums to deliver high production and long reach whether logging uphill or downhill. The 45’ live hydraulic boom delivers excellent lift and control logging with a grapple or choker carriage. A powerful hydraulic blade delivers machine stability without guylines. The spacious cab delivers comfort, convenience, and unmatched control of all machine functions.

Designed for long life and easy service, all components are North American sourced. www.summitattachments.com Tigercat —The 6050 Carbonator is the first product offering from Tigercat’s new material processing equipment lineup.

Unique, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, the 6050 carbonator reduces wood debris volume onsite through an environmentally friendly carbon sequestration process with no material pre-processing required. Clean wood-based debris can be reduced by 9095%. The remaining carbon-based output (commonly called biochar) sequesters the TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

captured carbon. There is no resulting organic decay or release of greenhouse gasses. www.tigercat.com Timbermax — The T20 series Traction winch was new to the OLC. The Timbermax T20 traction-winch package consists of the winch unit, hydraulic components, and the iWinch Control System. The winch is compact and features a built-in spooling device — making it compatible with a wide range of carriers. The T20 winch pull is 19-22 tons, and it has a capacity of 1,380 to 1,770 feet.

It has a maximum speed of 4.5 feet/second and weighs in at 10,340 pounds. www.timbermax.ca Weiler Forestry – Weiler debuted both the B458 track feller buncher and the S350 wheel skidder. The 298 hp B458 is a leveling machine for steeper terrain and excels in select or clear-cut logging. It provides a leading combination of lift capacity, swing torque, and drawbar. Multi-function performance is achieved through dedicated pumps and optimized circuit configurations. It has an extended track roller frame option that includes two additional bottom rollers for a total of eleven, enhancing overall machine stability on steep terrain.

The 225 hp S350 wheel skidder delivers greater reliability and durability with improved transmission and axles along with a refined electrical system. The lock-up torque converter powershift transmission and independent front and rear differential locks deliver powerful pulling while strong multifunctioning hydraulics improve overall performance. www.weilerforestry.com

Final Notes

OLC Manager Wellman sums it up best, “We couldn’t put on this successful show without the support of all of our sponsors and the participation of all of our vendors.

We are proud to promote and showcase the logging industry and contribute to its continued growth and expansion.”

Mark your calendars now. The 83rd Annual Oregon Logging Conference will be held February, 25-27, 2021.

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ConferenceReview

Brake Systems Brake Systems Inc. displayed their complete line of Williams Control air valves, air cylinders, shifters, air throttles and Blue Ox exhaust brakes.

All are manufactured in Portland, Ore., for logging and the heavy duty industry. Brake Systems is Williams’ largest stocking distributor and a Haldex Superstore, with a complete line of air compressors, air valves, brake boosters, converters and electronic throttle controls. BSI also remanufactures air valves, roto chambers, air compressors and brake boosters for heavy duty applications, and is ISO 9001-2008 and ITAR certified. For your air control specialist count on Brake Systems Inc. parts@brakesystemsinc.com, www.brakesystemsinc.com

Cascade Trader

Peterson

Cascade Trader specializes in new and used logging and construction equipment. Over the past twenty years, our business has expanded to include sales, parts as well as service for Doosan Construction and Forestry Equipment. For the past ten years, Cascade Trader has been one of the top five machine dealers in the USA for Doosan Excavators, Wheel Loaders plus purpose Built Log Loaders. www.cascadetrader.net

Peterson designs and builds state-of-the-art equipment, which makes it possible for our customers to supply their clients with industry leading results profitably. For our customers, we will continue to be the most innovative company in our industry offering the world’s most advanced, productive, durable and environmentally friendly products, coupled with training, education, service as well as support that is far beyond anything offered by the competition. www.petersoncorp.com

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ConferenceReview

Komatsu America Corp.

Quadco Group: Southstar

Modern Machinery showcased a wide range of Komatsu Forestry equipment including CTL, a PC290-11 Processor and the Komatsu XT-5 Series Track Feller Bunchers during the 2020 Oregon Logging Conference.

The XT-5 Series line-up includes the XT430-5, XT445L-5 and XT465L-5 models which feature a more powerful and fuel efficient engine, gullwing style engine hood, redesigned and relocated cab with superior visibility, increased lift capacities, rugged new undercarriage, new higher capacity hydraulic and cooling systems, forestry-specific guarding, KOMTRAX® telematics system technology, and Komatsu CARE® complimentary maintenance program. www.KomatsuForest.us

Southstar Equipment Ltd is a world-leading forestry attachment manufacturer. We come with a simple mission; to be industry leaders in forestry attachments by providing world-class products for global conditions. This is achieved through progressive design thinking, service and listening to our customer requirements as we create low maintenance heavy-duty machinery that displays efficient, high quality performance while remaining affordable. www.southstarequipment.com

Joral/Loggingencoders.com

Pape Machinery

LoggingEncoders.com produces a rugged duty pulse generator specifically for the logging industry, increasing the lifespan of the sensor from months to years. At the OLC, Logging Encoders.com shared information on replacement sensors that fit Waratah, Valmet, Risley, Quadco, Log Max, Denharco, John Deere and Fabtek (CAT) harvesting heads. www.LoggingEncoders.com 38

Thank you for visiting the Papé Machinery display at this year's Oregon Logging Conference. We're proud to have served the needs of loggers throughout the West for 80 years with superior products and superior support. Learn more about our promise of consistent, quality customer service at any of our 23 locations or papemachinery.com.

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

ConferenceReview

Morbark

Pierce Pacific

Morbark is a leader in the biomass market, building Industrial drum chippers, Chiparvestors, flails and brush chippers, as well as tub grinders and horizontal grinders to meet all of your chipping and grinding needs. In a market that is reliant on the processing of materials, it is crucial to own a piece of equipment that adds to your success and helps you create opportunities better than anyone else. On display at the Oregon Logging Conference 2020 was the Morbark 40/36 Whole Tree Drum Chipper, a compact, affordable, productive drum chipper designed with the biomass industry in mind. For more information visit www.morbark.com.

The 2020 OLC contained heavy concentration of Pierce products throughout…steep slope forestry fronts, shovel conversions, forestry grapples and forestry cabs. Pierce’s exhibit also consisted of the newly refined GP ProSeries, as well as Pierce’s family of industry leading forestry grapples – plus the unveiling of Pat Attachments new grapple carriage. Thank you to all that joined us. For more information on Pierce’s full line of forestry attachments, contact 800.760.3270.

Quadco Group: Log Max

Alliance Tire

Log Max engineers products that promote healthy forests, providing harvesting, as well as processing solutions, to its clients, big or small and in any type of forestry application. The 7000XT and 10000XT continue to be popular with the PNW loggers. However the demand for smaller heads has become apparent in the industry’s changing markets. Log Max has a wide variety of harvesting heads as well as processing heads for all applications, from the little 928 to the 10,000XT and 12,000XT. www.logmax.com

Alliance Tire Group chose the Oregon Logging Conference to introduce its 643 and 644 CTL tires to western loggers. Engineered specifically for use with bogie tracks on forwarders and harvesters, the design greatly reduces rubbing and wear between tracks and tires. Both the 643 and 644 tires feature Alliance’s chunk and chip-resistant compound and shoulder-to-steel belts for extra durability. In addition, ATG’s new hexagonal bead completely eliminates slip between the tire and rim. www.atgtire.com

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ConferenceReview

Rapid-Span

Triad Machinery

Rapid-Span has been serving the forest industry for over 35 years, providing modular bridge systems to keep road networks open. We offer a full line of solutions from short-span portable bridges to long-span permanent structures. Our systems are fast and easy to install and are virtually maintenance free. Contact the bridge experts at Rapid-Span for your next project: 1-800-661-2047

Triad Machinery is your forestry, excavation, and crane equipment leader in the Pacific Northwest. With six full-service dealerships locations scattered throughout Oregon, Washington and into Idaho as well as Montana, Triad Machinery offers sales, rentals, service, parts, and product support.

Triad Machinery is focused on providing exceptional customer service and has continued to adapt and serve our customers varied needs for more than 25 years. www.triadmachinery.com

Maxam Tire NA

Quadco Group: Quadco

MAXAM has engineered the MS931 LogXtra to provide the forest industry with the best solution for abusive applications. The LogXtra design components and tire construction have displayed increased efficiency, durability and traction compared to industry benchmarks.

The steel belt stabilized construction along with heavy duty shoulder and sidewall thrives in harsh environments while also resisting cuts, cracks, impacts and punctures. Visit us at maxamtire.com

As a true visionary and pioneer in the forestry industry, Quadco embraces quality craftsmanship, business relationships, and loggers needs.

Incorporated in 1989, we are recognized worldwide for revolutionizing the forestry industry through development of the Quad Tooth System® as well as other valuable products used by loggers every day. Browse our selection of forestry cutting tools, saw discs, and attachments to complete your QUADCO cutting system at Quadco.com

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TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

ConferenceReview

Tigercat

John Deere

Tigercat and its dealer Triad Machinery displayed over 20 pieces of equipment at the conference. Of note was the new Tigercat 6050 Carbonator. The 6050 Carbonator is the first product offering from Tigercat’s new material processing equipment lineup, reduces wood debris volume by 90% through an environmentally friendly carbon recycling process.

Logs, limbs, brush, stumps, yard waste, pallets and other wood based debris can be reduced with no pre-processing required. Learn more about innovative Tigercat harvesting systems and off road industrial products at www.tigercat.com.

John Deere and its dealer Papé Machinery, again brought a massive display of construction and forestry machinery to the conference. Attendees got to see an amazing line up of both full tree and cut to length equipment. Inside the tent John Deere forestry specific simulators were on display, these simulators are a state-of-the-art tool for efficient, safe and cost-effective operator training. In addition updates to the TimberMatic™ Maps and TimberManager™ Technology Solutions were available for all to see. To find out more about John Deere forestry solutions, please visit www.papemachinery.com or www.deere.com/en/forestry

Ponsse DEDICATED TO CUT-TO-LENGTH LOGGING

Gem Chain Bar

We are a Logger´s Best Friend – and for a very good reason! Our inA global leader in manufacturing, GEM Chain Bar has over 30 years of novative harvesting solutions that follow the principles of sustainable experience proudly making harvester products in the USA. Through development are always produced specifically for each customer: our innovative design, advanced technology, extensive field testing, and mission is to help to improve our customers’ business by providing cutting-edge materials, GEM is able to deliver maximized runtime, unreliable products and services. matched durability and consistent productivity. GEM offers harvester bars, sprockets, chain, chain loops, measuring wheels, and bar repair.

Our R&D activities never stop – this ensures that we remain number www.gemchainbar.com one. Ponsse designs its machines together with their users, catering to the needs of every customer in all conditions. This is why Ponsse’s products are also tested constantly. We want to keep earning our cusTimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com 41 tomers’ trust. Contact us! www.ponsse.com

SENNEBOGEN E-Series 835 Log Handler

SENNEBOGEN bid farewell to the old 835 C-Series and said “hello” to a bright new E-Series 835 electric drive! The new gantrymounted 835 E-Series electric-drive machine comes with industry-leading features for safety and energy efficiency as well as a more powerful motor and longer reach.

provides exceptional operational capabilities in traditional felling and steep slope shoveling applications. It also includes a valve-inhead design and our new TimberRite X-20 control system, simplifying installation.”

Waratah Forestry Equipment has released the new WaratahPlus mobile app, available as a free download from the App Store for Android and iOS platforms. The new app provides contractors and their equipment operators with more accessibility to information for setting up and servicing their Waratah 600 Series machines. www.waratah.com

Doppstadt Releases Two Smart Shredders

As Constantino Lannes, president of SENNEBOGEN LLC, commented, “The Finkbeiner experience bears out what we’ve been saying all along about the value of our electric-drive machines. They cost less to operate and service, day to day. But they also deliver a significantly longer service life.

Electric-drive results in less stress throughout the entire machine. They pay for themselves in so many ways; you can’t get a better lifetime value.” www.sennebogen-na.com

Waratah Announces New FL100 Felling Head

Waratah Forestry Equipment has released a new large felling head model, the FL100. The large directional felling head, designed for 30+ metric ton carriers, improves productivity, increases durability, and extends uptime for steep slope, shoveling, and traditional felling applications.

“The high-capacity Waratah FL100 gives our customers the benefit of added productivity in a very capable head,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. “It has high-capacity grapple arms engineered for improving operational picking and holding force of logs – this

Doppstadt’s slow-speed shredder line continues to expand! Doppstadt is launching two new models, the Inventhor Type 6 and Methor.

Inventhor Type 6 has been optimized for economic efficiency, ease of use, good accessibility, and minimized downtime. A unique direct drive principle, the VarioDirect Drive forms the core technology that combines high throughput, low fuel consumption, and optimum start-up performance even with difficult shredding jobs. The shredder is able to handle a wide range of applications in the area of pre-shredding thanks to its configurable shredding system with easy-toreplace teeth that are available in size M and L (including limiters at the time of market

launch). This results in a perfect machine combination when Doppstadt’s robust separation solution, the Selector 800 with SWS 800 spiral shaft screening deck, is operated directly in line after the Inventhor Type 6.

Doing so allows for the inline generation of a finished product.

The Methor is based on a different, new approach for Doppstadt. It leverages for the first time the advantages of Doppstadt’s high-performance technology for smaller volume flows, monobatches, or special materials and is geared to maximum flexibility. The Methor shredding system can be switched over within 60 minutes. www.doppstadt.de

Tigercat Innovations

There has been a lot going on at Tigercat.

Tigercat continues to expand its range of harvesting heads with the new 568, a robust, productive four-wheel drive harvesting head 42

TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

for roadside processing. The new Tigercat 568 harvesting head offers excellent productivity and reliability. Optimized harvester head hydraulics maximize performance and efficiency, while robust, high-quality components provide long-term reliability. Largediameter hoses and large-capacity valves provide ample strength to match the greater hydraulic flow and power of Tigercat carriers.

Tigercat also released the quick, compact, and fuel-efficient 602 grapple skidder, which is ideal for high-value selective logging in tight or challenging terrain. A fixed front axle with an oscillating center section allows the 602 to achieve a narrow overall width of 106”.

The Tigercat FPT N45 Tier 4f engine delivers 168 hp at 2,200 rpm while conforming to emissions standards for North America and Europe.

Lastly, the company introduced the Tigercat 850 processor, a purpose–built roadside processor that delivers outstanding performance and impressive fuel economy.

Designed for high-volume roadside processing, the Tigercat 850 offers many advantages over excavator conversions including better service access, higher cooling capacity, and processor head optimized hydraulics. The Tigercat FPT N67 engine delivers 213 hp at 2,100 rpm for Tier 2 and Tier 4f emission compliance. www.tigercat.com

Softree offers new software making it easier for cable harvest planning

Softree Technical Systems Inc, a leader in forest road and engineering software, has released the RoadEng Version 9. This updated version offers a variety of new features for planning cable harvesting operations.

Cable harvest planning and analysis using RoadEng 9 can help determine landing locations and road infrastructure.

Working off of a high resolution digital terrain model such as LiDAR, users can simultaneously explore multiple areas for deflection for cable harvesting suitability and conduct payload analysis. Harvest planners can review the potential locations in plan, profile, and in data views, allowing them to better determine optimum locations.

RoadEng 9 runs on a Windows tablet, which means users can bring the full engineering program with them to the field. (continued on page 44)

LOADED BY YOU. Learn more at

discoverdoosan.com/OwnDoosan_TimberWest

Doosan® log loaders are designed to be reliable even in your most remote locations. Demo a machine today!

Doosan® and the Doosan logo are registered trademarks of Doosan Corp. in the United States and various other countries around the world. © ���� Doosan Infracore North America, LLC. All rights reserved.

(continued from page 42) The new version also includes an easier user interface and touch gestures which make working with RoadEng on a tablet easier than in previous versions. Furthermore, GPS integration means users can track their location in the field while visualizing LiDAR data and planned cable harvesting locations.

This makes visualization and field verification easier than ever before. www.softree.com

Doleco’s DoRa Ratcheting Load Binder

Doleco USA, a manufacturer of lifting, sling and load-securing technologies, announced the introduction of its new, patented DoRa Ratcheting Load Binder.

At just three quarters as long as a standard load binder, the DoRa fits into tighter spaces, but expands to enable users to reach twice as far as any other. The compact size

and extra length of the DoRa save users time and trouble, because they don’t have to detach and reattach chains when periodically retensioning cargo.

“With double the tensioning length, our patented DoRa Ratcheting Load Binder virtually eliminates the time and effort needed to disengage cargo securement chains for retensioning,” said Ralph Abato, president and managing director of Doleco USA. “And by engineering the DoRa to be 20 percent shorter than standard load binders, it can fit in spaces others simply can’t.” www.doleco-usa.com

Morbark Introduces Two Horizontal Grinders

Morbark LLC debuted the 2400X and 3000X Wood Hog horizontal grinders at this year’s CONEXPO/CON-AGG show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both machines can be equipped with tracks, and the 3000X can be built as a fifth-wheel/dual-axle unit (3000X)

or pintle hitch/tri-axle.

One of the most important features of the 2400X and 3000X is their compact size.

Their standard widths (2400X: 7’6”, 3000X: 8’2”) make them within the legal transport width in any country. The models also share design features like the sloped infeed sides, which improve operator sight lines for more efficient loading of material, and easy-toload grate systems.

The 2400X ranges in horsepower from 188 to 203, while the 3000X has engine options from 350 to 577 HP. www.morbark.com TW

Quadco CEO Dan Webb on Customers and Service; New Service Facility

A

fter several decades working in the southern U.S. for the company, the appointment of Dan Webb as President and CEO of Quadco Inc. in 2019 has seen him make a big move — to the North.

Though he is now based at the company’s head office in Montreal, Webb still has a busy North American travel schedule, visiting dealers and customers for the company’s products, which range from Southstar and Log Max harvesting heads to Quadco saw teeth and attachments.

Webb has had a 28-year career at Quadco, starting as Southeast U.S. Sales Rep in 1992 moving up to Branch Manager in Lexington, South Carolina, and on to Vice President of U.S. operations, and Vice President of North American Sales and U.S. operations. Webb was appointed the company’s President and CEO in August 2019.

“It’s been a challenge taking over as President and CEO, but a good challenge,” he said.

Webb was interviewed in January at the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) trade show held in Vancouver, BC, where he talked about his focus for the Quadco Group.

“We want to keep moving forward, being innovative and determining how we can best help our customers harvest trees in the next five to 10 years and beyond, with a focus on improving customer service,” Webb said.

He noted that the company has some very loyal customers for its products, but it is important to keep those customers satisfied and not take their business for granted.

44

“We have a really good team of people out there looking after our dealers and our customers,” he added, noting an additional focus for the company going forward is to develop new business.

Customers and dealers will be getting some further support from the Quadco Group with the opening of a 20,000 square foot warehouse/service facility in Kelso, Washington, in April. “This facility marks the first time we will have all three product brands — Quadco, Southstar, and Log Max — under one roof, outside of the management office in Montreal,” noted Webb.

In addition to such facilities, it is also Quadco’s people who deliver solid service every day to customers that distinguish the company. “The key to our success is our employees and the great products we sell and service,” he says. “I’m very proud of our TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

team — let there be no doubt about it: we are dedicated forest industry people.”

And they are looking to grow their workforce team for the future. “We’re always looking for good service techs and service engineers.” Webb noted that those who work for the company can look forward to solid, and lengthy, careers. Among its 165 employees, the average time an employee has been with the company is 15 years, with some having been with the company for 25 years. There is a wealth of experience among such longtime employees, and new employees with innovative ideas and tech savvy are building on that very solid foundation.

“We’re very interested in meeting with our dealers and our customers, and learning from them on an ongoing basis,” says Webb.

TW

AD INDEX COMPANY PG# ALLIANCE TIRE........................................... 20 BRAKE SYSTEMS....................................... 24 CASCADE TRADER..................................... 28 DOOSAN.................................................... 43 FORESTTECHX........................................... 45 GEM CHAIN................................................ 26 HYDRAULEX GLOBAL................................. 16 JOHN DEERE................................................ 5 JORAL....................................................... 26 KOMTASU AMERICA................................... 17 LBX/TRIAD/BEJAC...................................... 21 MAXAM TIRE NA........................................ 19 MORBARK.................................................. 27 OREGON LOGGING CONFERENCE............... 35 PACIFIC LOGGING CONGRESS.................... 45 PAPE MACHINERY...................................... 15 PETERSON................................................... 9 PIERCE PACIFIC.......................................... 31 PONSSE....................................................... 2 QUADCO GROUP.................................. 11, 48 RAPID-SPAN.............................................. 10 RITCHIE BROS. FINANCIAL SERVICES......... 33 TIGERCAT/BEJAC CORP.............................. 47 TIMBERPRO/BEJAC/DDI EQUIPMENT.......... 25 WCLA CREDIT UNION................................. 32 WHITE MOUNTAIN CHAIN........................... 29

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GuestColumnist

Your Voice and Your Vote Matter

By Nick Smith

Y

our voice and your vote matter.

Earlier this year #TimberUnity achieved two significant victories when the Oregon and Washington legislatures respectively failed to pass measures to increase the cost of energy on consumers and businesses. This remarkable movement continues to demonstrate the power of grassroots activism. Good things happen when working men and women get informed, get engaged, and participate in the process.

#TimberUnity Organizes in Salem and Olympia.

February 6, #TimberUnity held its largest convoy to date, bringing more than 9,000 people and over a thousand trucks to Salem.

The convoy once again rallied opposition to the “cap-and-trade” proposal, which would raise energy costs with the purpose of reducing carbon emissions, even though proponents conceded it would have no impact on global climate change. House and Senate Republican legislators left the capital after supermajority Democrats rejected referring the measure to voters. Denied a quorum, the session adjourned without a vote on cap-and-trade.

On March 3, the movement organized its very first convoy to the Washington legislature in Olympia. #TimberUnity members traveled from across the state to participate in a senate hearing on the proposed “low carbon fuel standard,” which would require fuel producers and importers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with gasoline and other transportation fuels. After the hearing, the senate committee declined to approve the measure.

At the Oregon Logging Conference, I had the opportunity to participate in a special seminar, “Your Voice and Your Vote Matter.”

Todd Stoffel, co-founder of #TimberUnity, shared his personal story and explained why he was motivated to set aside his own log trucking business to get involved in Salem and Olympia. As a result of his commitment, he has helped bring thousands of people into the political process — many for the very first time. Following is some of what I shared at the seminar.

Vote. Support Candidates Who Support You. 46

Decisions are made by the people who

show up. But showing up is only half the battle. To achieve positive outcomes for our timber communities, we must play offense and defense and use many of the same tools our opponents have been using for decades.

As we head into a historic election year, we must recognize that voting is the most important thing we can do. Elections are not decided “by the people.” Rather, they’re decided by the people who choose to vote.

In the coming months, candidates up and down the ballot will be coming to us for support. Ask the candidates where they stand on issues that are important to you.

More importantly, support the candidates who support you. In addition to voting consider contributing (no amount is too small) or volunteering for a campaign, making phone calls, stuffing envelopes, or putting up a sign. Your vote matters. And with so much at stake in this election, nobody can be a spectator.

Educate Your Representatives.

Tell Your Story.

A survey of congressional staff found that in-person visits from constituents have, by far, the most positive influence on the decisions that elected officials make. During both #TimberUnity convoys to Salem and Olympia, participants were encouraged to step inside the capitol buildings to speak with elected officials and tell their stories.

If you’re unable to visit your state capital or Washington D.C., elected officials often hold town halls and small events close to home. Don’t miss opportunities to visit with your elected officials and educate them on the importance of forestry.

As I’ve written in previous columns, elected officials and their staff typically lack an understanding of forestry and logging, and may have misperceptions about what we do in the woods. If you get the chance, invite them into the forest to see what an active logging operation looks like, especially if they represent a party or hold views that differ from yours. You may be amazed by the results.

Identify the Problem.

Offer a Solution.

Elected officials are most responsive to those who tell their personal stories, who know their facts, and are assertive but patient. The most effective advocates are those TimberWest Magazine — March/April 2020 — www.forestnet.com

who not only explain the problem, they also offer a solution. Legislators are eager to reduce carbon emissions, even if certain ideas can do more harm than good. We may rally against specific proposals, but we can’t afford to be absent from the debate.

As an alternative to cap-and-trade, #TimberUnity organizers presented the governor with a four-point plan the State of Oregon could deploy to address carbon emissions. Separately, industry advocates in Washington State have worked to position forestry as a climate solution, considering our industry’s ability to grow trees and manufacture renewable wood products that sequester carbon for generations.

During the recent legislative session in Olympia, large bipartisan majorities approved a bill recognizing the contributions of the state’s entire forest sector as part of the state’s climate policies. Legislators were swayed by research indicating that Washington State’s private working forests and woods offset 12 percent of our carbon emissions.

Stay Informed. Answer the Call.

Many men and women working in industry simply don’t have the time to be fulltime advocates. In today’s polarized political and media climate, it’s difficult to find good information about what’s happening on issues that affect you. Fortunately, there are several groups that are active on social media that are intended to alert you to key developments. Both #TimberUnity and Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities have popular Facebook pages that provide information on a daily basis. When you receive an alert from pro-forestry groups, answer the call to action. It can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Together we can achieve a great future for forestry and logging. Get informed, get engaged, and participate in the process. Cast your ballot and tell your story, because your voice and your vote matter. ___________________________________ Nick Smith is Executive Director of Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities (healthyforests. org) and provides public affairs services to the American Forest Resource Council in Portland, Oregon.

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