TimberWest is celebrating 50 years serving the forestry industry in 2025; we spotlight our longest-serving staff member, Sheila Ringdahl. 10 Salvage Work
California logging company helping Sierra Pacific salvage timber from forest fires
16 Mill Upgrades Drying
Weyerhaeuser sawmill in midst of installing new continuous dry kiln; other recent upgrade includes USNR Horizontal Shape Saw
Suppliers and visitors flocked to this year’s Oregon Logging Conference for three days of exhibits and educational programs 44 Tech Column
Jim O’Halloran, a product marketing manager for John Deere, offers tips for maintaining disc and bar saws on mechanical harvesters DEPARTMENTS
Weyerhaeuser
Trump Moves to Increase Logging on National Forests
President Donald Trump is moving to increase logging on national forest lands.
The Trump administration quietly issued an executive order for the “immediate expansion” of commercial logging on federal lands. It sets deadlines for officials to figure out how to fast-track permits and circumvent restrictions set out in the Endangered Species Act and other environmental protections.
The order calls for the ramping up of domestic timber production to avoid reliance on “foreign producers.” It was followed days later by sweeping 25 percent tariffs on Canadian products, including lumber.
The order says the U.S. has an “abundance of timber resources that are more than adequate to meet our domestic timber production needs.”
Some industry experts warned the tariffs could end up increasing lumber and building costs — and even push up housing prices for consumers.
The U.S. relies heavily on Canada for lumber. Last year 23 percent of the lumber consumed in the U.S. was imported from Canada, according to Forest Economic Advisors.
Increasing logging on federal lands would increase the supply of logs, noted Rocky Goodnow, vice president of North American Timber Service at Forest Economic Advisors. However, it won’t replace Canadian imports in the near term, he said. The U.S. would need to build more sawmills to produce the lumber and develop the labor force in rural areas and increase logging capacity.
Environmental groups opposed Trump’s order.
Schultz Named to Lead The U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins appointed Tom Schultz as chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Schultz replaced Randy Moore, who retired.
“Tom is the right person to lead the Forest Service right now, and I know he will fight every day to restore America’s national forests,” said Rollins. “Together, Tom and the incredible employees at the Forest Service will work to execute the agenda of President Donald J. Trump to make America’s forests healthy and productive again.”
Schultz previously served as vice president of resources and government affairs at Idaho Forest Group, where he led timber procurement operations and managed relationships with government officials at all levels. He also served as director of the Idaho Department of Lands, overseeing the
management of several million surface acres of endowment lands and minerals. He held leadership roles in Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, managing the Trust Lands and Water Resources Divisions.
Schultz holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in political science from the University of Wyoming, and a master’s degree in forestry from the University of Montana.
In an introductory letter to Forest Service employees, Schultz wrote that he wants to refocus our efforts on safety, active forest management, fire management and recreation. As a field-based organization, safety must always be at the forefront of our minds.”
Forest Service Employees
Terminated, Then Rehired
The U.S. Department of Agriculture rehired thousands of probationary employees who were terminated in February and will provide back pay for the weeks they were away from the agency, officials said.
The agency said it will “work quickly” on a phased-in plan to bring the affected employees back to work, in response to an order from the chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board last week. They’ll be paid in the meantime, the agency said.
The department had not detailed how many probationary workers were terminated. However complaints that led to the board ruling put the number at more than 5,000 The U.S. Forest Service accounted for around half of those, though some terminations of fire- and timber-related workers had already been reversed.
About 75 percent of the terminated employees had secondary wildland fire duties, according to Grassroots Wildland Firefighters vice president Riva Duncan, who obtained the numbers from the National Federation of Federal Employees’ Wildland Fire division.
The board ordered the reinstatement of every position terminated within the department since Feb. 13 to be reinstated for at least 45 days on the grounds that the terminations were likely unlawful.
Northwest Forest Plan Panel to Be Disbanded
Federal officials are preparing to disband an advisory committee tasked with guiding policies for millions of acres of national forests in the Pacific Northwest, according to two committee members.
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Editor: Tim Cox, tim@forestnet.com
Contributing Editors: Mary Bullwinkel, Dawn Killough, Jim O’Halloran
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(continued from page 4)
Tribal leaders, environmental advocates, timber representatives and local government officials were among the 21 members of the Northwest Forest Plan federal advisory committee. They’ve been meeting in person over dayslong meetings since summer 2023, hashing out how to tackle wildfires, pests and diseases across nearly 25 million acres of national forests in Oregon, Washington and Northern California.
U.S. Forest Service officials told committee members the agency was likely to dissolve the group in the coming weeks. Some members said they had been expecting this news, given President Donald Trump’s goal of eradicating most of the Biden administration’s efforts.
“It’s always disappointing when a process like this comes to an end,” said Travis Joseph, president of the American Forest Resource Council, a timber industry advocacy group. “That said, we did our job. We did what was asked of us.”
The Forest Service pulled the committee together during the Biden administration to help amend the decades-old Northwest
Forest Plan, a set of policies that came out of the timber wars of the 1980s and ’90s.
The panel’s primary task was to create a set of recommendations on how the forest plan should be amended, like how much logging could happen and where, and how to protect endangered species from logging impacts. The committee also focused on how the federal government should work alongside tribes in managing millions of acres of their ancestral lands, something that wasn’t done in the initial plan. The panel made recommendations to the Forest Service last year.
The Forest Service included many of the committee’s recommendations in its draft amendment, and the agency accepted public input on the draft through March 17. Many environmental groups opposed the draft.
White House Streamlines Environmental Reviews
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released an interim final rule to remove its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidelines. The rule was issued in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order,
Edna Tainsh Named Advertising Sales Manager for TimberWest
Anthony Robinson, Publisher of Logging and Sawmilling Journal, has appointed Edna Tainsh as Advertising Sales Manager of TimberWest magazine and its affiliated publication, Logging and Sawmilling Journal.
With her extensive experience in publishing, Edna has a deep passion for advertising and marketing. She is committed to understanding the intricate dynamics of the market and utilizing data to drive successful, results-oriented campaigns for clients.
Edna has expertise in data analysis, publication marketing, digital advertising, social media advertising, and geofencing. She will help clients strategically reach their ideal audiences across various platforms, print and digital. She is dedicated to ensuring that each campaign is effective, impactful, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, and delivering real, measurable results.
Edna’s passion for success drives her to continually seek new ways to elevate brands and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing — and she is looking forward to delivering results for advertising clients of TimberWest.
Welcome aboard, Edna!
Edna can be reached at edna@forestnet.com or at (866) 447-9334.
“Unleashing American Energy,” which also directs federal agencies to “undertake all available efforts to eliminate all delays within their respective permitting processes.” The proposed rule will go into effect 45 days after its publication.
The rule intends to reduce federal bureaucracy by reverting the mission of CEQ to its origins. The agency, which was created with the passage of NEPA, was originally intended to advise the executive branch on environmental matters and NEPA implementation.
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed an executive order that required federal agencies to comply with NEPA regulations published by the CEQ. Since then, the council has been the guiding agency for the federal government’s NEPA reviews.
Trump’s executive order reversed Carter’s, which rescinded CEQ’s regulatory authority over other federal agencies. The proposed rule, if implemented, would not strike down NEPA altogether (this would require congressional approval). Instead, it would remove CEQ’s NEPA regulations from the federal register and allow federal agencies to use their own rules to comply with the law
Montana Boosts Forest Acres Under Management
Montana Gove. Greg Gianforte announced the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) placed nearly 130,000 forested acres under management since he took office.
“DNRC has demonstrated its commitment to safeguard our forests, communities, and natural resources,” said Gianfort. “The benefits of active forest management are clear and extend far beyond just protecting our forests from wildfires and disease – it creates healthier habitats for wildlife, improves water quality, and supports good-paying jobs.”
Since Gianforte took office in 2021, the agency has shown a steady increase in the pace and scale of forest management.
Cross-boundary projects and agreements on federal, state, and private land have increased the state’s active forest management practices to protect Montana communities and natural resources from an increased risk of wildfire and forest health issues. Management projects include mechanical treatments, such as thinning or logging, prescribed fire, and forest restoration
“Without our logging and industry partners, our ability to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health and achieve management goals is significantly hindered,” said Amanda
Anthony Robinson CEO/Owner
Edna Tainsh
Kaster, director of the agency. “DNRC is committed to supporting this industry by providing a consistent, reliable timber supply that keeps mills operating, sustains jobs, and ensures the long-term health of Montana’s forests.”
Wildfire Risk in West Outpacing Prevention
A new interactive map and report show wildfire risks in the West are outpacing preventative measures.
“We have a really high wildfire risk across the West, and we aren’t doing nearly enough to prevent these fires,” said Hannah Downey, policy director of the Property and Environment Research Center.
Wildfires have become more frequent, larger and more intense in recent decades. They’ve also extended earlier into spring and later into fall across much of the West.
As risks increase, PERC is trying to help show where more prescribed burning and other proactive measures should be taken to lower, though not eliminate, the dangers of a wildfire disaster.
Downey said agencies in the West should be dramatically increasing preventative treatment measures, such as forest thinning and prescribed burns, to lower wildfire dangers.
Multiple wildfire-related bills in Congress seek to address some of these issues, she noted.
PERC and UC Davis found that in the past decade, nearly 13 percent of U.S. Forest Service land in the West burned, but less than 4 percent of Forest Service land was subject to preventive treatment like prescribed burns. In California, 24% of Forest Service land burned from 2010 to 2020, the research shows.
EPA Acts to Allow
Prescribed Burns
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin took action to decrease the risk of future catastrophic wildfires
Specifically, he directed EPA staff to revisit the Obama-Biden Administration’s Exceptional Events rulemaking and prioritize the allowance of prescribed fires within State and Tribal Implementation Plans (SIPs/TIPs).
This announcement comes in the wake of expeditiously completing the agency’s largest wildfire hazardous material removal effort in its history responding to fires in Los Angeles County.
“The Trump Administration is tackling
our emergency response duties head on and taking action to reduce the likelihood of these devastating disasters in the future,” said Zeldin. “EPA plays an important role in ensuring the best forest management practices while protecting human health and the environment. Revisiting this rulemaking will ensure that EPA doesn’t get in the way of making preventative efforts like prescribed burns easier to protect communities.”
When EPA reviews SIPs and TIPs, EPA
will work to ensure states and other entities that work within those states can use prescribed fires to properly manage their forests, without being unfairly penalized when it comes to assessing their air quality.
Zeldin also directed the EPA Office of Air and Radiation to convene meetings with state and tribal air agencies and state, local, and federal forest managers to evaluate ways to ease unnecessary burdens that prevent prescribed fires.
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50 Years of TimberWest: Meet the Team
TIMBERWEST MAGAZINE
is celebrating 50 years serving the forestry industry in 2025. In this and subsequent issues this year, we will introduce members of the dedicated team behind the magazine.
Although TimberWest has been published for 50 years, it has had only a handful of ownership changes.
The company was founded by president Joseph Woods in 1975. John Nederlee served as both editor and publisher.
Nederlee and his wife, Shirley, eventually took ownership of the company. They retired in 2000, when the business was acquired by Rob Stanhope and Jeff Pearce. Stanhope later became the sole owner.
Anthony Robinson acquired TimberWest Publications in 2019; at the time he was associate publisher of Logging & Sawmilling Journal and had a leadership role in both magazines.
In this issue, we’re proud to spotlight
Susan Hanscom and Sheila Ringdahl at the 2010 Pacific Logging Congress In-the-Woods show.
Sheila, who has worked almost continuously for TimberWest Publications since 1998, is the brains behind the operation. She is the glue that holds it all together, and the driving force behind every issue of TimberWest As our publisher, production manager, and graphic designer, Sheila ensures that every issue meets the highest standards.
Sheila designs the editorial content for every issue as well as advertisements for some clients, producing the entire magazine in digital format for printing. She interacts with the editor, sales personnel, advertisers and ad agencies, and the company that prints and mails TimberWest
In addition to her duties with TimberWest, Sheila also designs and produces the company’s other magazine, a Canadian publication, Logging & Sawmilling Journal. Together she produces an impressive 12 magazines per year.
Besides her professional work, Sheila is a mother of four amazing children and an active community member. She and her family recently made the big move from Edmonds, Washington, to North Dakota to be closer to family, all while continuing to keep the magazines running smoothly.
Sheila’s dedication, hard work, and passion have played a key role in TimberWest’s 50-year legacy and success. We’re proud to have her as part of the team.
We look forward to introducing more of the people who make TimberWest possible.
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California Logger Is Helping Sierra Pacific Salvage Timber
Dan Arens and Son Operates Tigercat, Cat Crews
By Mary Bullwinkel
POLLOCK PINES, CALIFORNIA –
Dan Arens and Son Inc., a logging contractor in northern California, is a key business partner to Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI). In recent years the loggers have been helping SPI salvage timber on forestland ravaged by fire. The Arens family has been in the logging
business for more than 75 years, after Ken Arens bought a logging truck and began hauling logs in the Redding area in the early 1950s.
His sons, Dan and Larry, worked for their father until the mid-1980s. After 10 years of learning the ropes, they struck out on their own. They bought some used equipment from their father. Fast forward to 2004, when Dan Arens and Son Inc. was established.
When a destructive wildland fire burns through a forest, loggers like Dan Arens and Son get to work. It’s a race against the clock to harvest trees that can be salvaged in order to get as much value as possible from the burned timber.
Dan Arens and Son specializes in mechanical timber harvesting. Over the last several years most of its logging operations have revolved around fire salvage timber, said Arens, company president. He estimates that the company has logged more than 200 million board feet of salvage timber in the last eight to 10 years, the majority of it from the privately owned forestlands of SPI, the largest landowner in the U.S.
“As soon as these fires go out, we are under the gun to get the merchantable timber harvested and sent to the mill,” said Arens. “Much of the timber starts losing value quickly, so time is of the essence. Our goal is: get as much of the salvage timber delivered to the sawmill before it goes bad.”
The company is based in Pollock Pines in northern California, a little over 50 miles east of Sacramento and on the western edge of the Eldorado National Forest. It operates two crews and produces about 40 loads of logs a day, approximately 30 million board feet per year. Species in the Sierra Nevada
From left, the three principals of the company: Levi Arens, his father, Dan, and Dan’s brother, Larry.
region include ponderosa pine, sugar pine, Douglas fir, white fir, and incense cedar. At the time Arens talked with TimberWest, the company was working on SPI forestland near Chico that was burned in the Park Fire in late summer of 2024.
The Park Fire broke out in July and was not fully contained until September. It burned more than 429,000 acres, California’s largest wildfire of the 2024 season and the largest fire ever caused by arson in California.
The business has three principals: Arens, his son, Levi, who serves as vice president, and brother Larry, who supervises logging
Decking logs from timber salvaged from a forest fire. In recent years Dan Arens and Son has been helping Sierra Pacific Industries salvage timber.
operations. Along with the family management team, Arens credited the company’s success to dedicated, skilled employees and the right equipment. In addition to the principals, there are 10 employees, all equipment operators.
Up until 2020 the company had all Cat logging equipment. That year Arens began adding Tigercat machines. The company now has a mixed fleet of Tigercat and Cat equipment. The most recent addition was a Tigercat 620H skidder purchased in 2024; the company now has three of the Tigercat grapple skidders.
“Those skidders are a beast and can pull big skids into the landing,” said Arens. “They are fantastic and give us little trouble.”
Other Tigercat machines include an LS855 track harvester with a Waratah 623C Waratah processing head. “They’re tough and make a lot of logs,” Arens said of the Waratah attachment.
The company also has a Tigercat LX830D feller buncher with a 5702-26 hot saw. It is the first piece of Tigercat equipment Arens purchased. With over 6,000 hours on it, it is still going “hot and heavy,” said Arens.
Arens has steadily added Tigercat equipment because of its dependability. “It is built by loggers for loggers,” he said.
All Tigercat machines are equipped with Tigercat’s technology to allow contractors to remotely monitor fuel consumption, production time, and potential mechanical issues. “All this leads to more uptime and less downtime,” said Arens.
“Tigercat equipment is easy to maintain,” he added. For example, grease zerts are located in places that are both easy to see and reach, noted Arens.
He also had complimentary words for Bejac, the Tigercat equipment dealer that he does business with. “Both Bejac and Tigercat have been outstanding to work with,” said Arens. “If we have an immediate service need, they jump to service our need, and that is a big deal.”
One crew uses the Tigercat machines,
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ContractorProfile
(continued from
and the other crew is equipped with Cat machines: a 548 harvester with a Waratah 623C processing head, two 548LL shovel loaders, a 525D skidder, and two 527 dozer-grapple skidders. The local Cat dealers Arens does business with are Holt of California near Sacramento and Peterson Cat in Chico.
The Waratah attachments are used in the woods to process at the stump. They form bundles of cut-to-length logs for the skidders to retrieve.
“The majority of timber we harvest is second growth,” said Arens. There are some larger trees, 30 inches DBH and larger, and those are felled manually by a pair of contract timber cutters.
Logging slash is spread over the job site, and the equipment traveling over it helps to break it up. It eventually decomposes, creating a mulch that returns nutrients to the soil that will foster the growth of seedlings planted by SPI.
SPI has a number of mills within reasonable hauling distance of the salvage timber projects, including sawmills in Lincoln, Quincy, Oroville, Anderson, and Central Valley. Arens relies on about 20 independent log trucks to haul wood. They generally
make two trips per day.
His son and his brother have been key to the company’s success, said Arens. “I want to give kudos to my brother. He’s the reason we have a good reputation with Sierra Pacific
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and the area foresters he works with on a day-to-day basis. He gets along well with all of them, and he’s a heck of a good representative for me.”
His son began working in the woods when he was a teenager. He has been by Arens’ side since 2004 and has been an integral part and helped build the company into what it is today.
His employees are skilled and dedicated, said Arens. They work long days, are good at what they do, and productive. He ties those qualities to what he calls a “close to the stump” philosophy, something he and his brother have followed since they first began logging together in the mid-1980s. The brothers would take turns and meet with the crew every morning, making sure each person knew what their responsibilities were and how to do it right. And they would be – and still are – on the jobsite, close to the stump, during and after the logging operations.
Being well organized, having a good crew that is paid well, and good equipment are what guides the company. “Happy people make lots of logs,” said Arens.
Having logging jobs in the pipeline for SPI is also a plus. “This allows us to purchase our equipment, knowing we’re going to have work and that we’re going to make enough to pay for the equipment to get it done,” said Arens.
“SPI is a great company to work for,” he added. “They keep us busy and treat us fairly.”
There have been ups and downs over the
(continued on page 14)
Tigercat LX830D feller buncher taking down a tree with 5702-26 hot saw.
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(continued from page 12)
years, he acknowledged. “Anyone that’s been a logger for very long knows how tough this business can be at times,” said Arens.
There are several keys to maintaining consistent production, said Arens. One is a fleet of late model, well-maintained equipment. Another is experienced and well-paid equipment operators. The third is keeping the customer – in this case, SPI – satisfied.
Another is abiding by state logging regulations. Finally, working and operating safely, which helps keep insurance costs down.
The Arenses have no immediate plans to retire. “As long as my brother wants to keep going, I’m willing to take care of the office part of it,” said Arens. “As long as our health allows us, we’ll keep going.” His son has a stake in the business, and presumably he will take over leadership of the company when his father and uncle retire.
The company is a member of the Sierra Cascade Logging Conference and Associated California Loggers.
“I’ve been a logger for 40 years,” said Arens. “The reason we log is not to get rich. It’s because we love to log. It’s in your blood.”
Company added a Tigercat 620H skidder in 2024; it now has three Tigercat grapple skidders.
New Kiln for Weyerhaeuser Mill In Washington to Boost Throughput KDS
Windsor Continuous Dry Kiln Expected to Start Up in 4Q
By Tim Cox, Editor
RAYMOND, WASHINGTON –
Weyerhaeuser Company is more than 100 years old. There has been a lumber mill on the site of its sawmill in Raymond, Washington, for even longer than that.
The Raymond mill made an important upgrade just two years ago, and it is embarking on perhaps an even more important one this year: a new KDS Windsor continuous dry kiln.
Raymond is located in southwest Washington on the Willapa River, not far from the coast. There has been a mill
on the site making lumber since 1870. Weyerhaeuser bought the mill that was in place in 1930 and retooled it in 1956, 1980, and 1997.
The most recent upgrade was the installation of a USNR-HSS (Horizontal Shape Saw) – and infeed and outfeed – in early 2023 that helped to increase production and
The Weyerhaeuser Raymond mill, with 200 employees, produces about 200 million board feet per year of coastal Douglas fir lumber.
throughput, noted mill manager Spencer Headley. He has managed the mill for two years and previously oversaw another Weyerhaeuser mill in Oregon.
The USNR-HSS, with blades to cut up to 12 inches, replaced an older gang that was limited to cutting 10 inches. It cuts about 50,000 board feet per hour, a 4 percent improvement. It also increased lumber recovery 16 percent.
The Raymond mill is situated on 60 acres, which includes the log yard. The facilities include the sawmill, planer mill, a shop and store room, two drying sheds, eight batch dry kilns, and a ‘power house’ for a boiler that provides steam for drying. The sawmill and planer mill operate two shifts, 80 hours per week. The operations employ 200 people. The mill currently produces about 200 million board feet per year of coastal Douglas fir lumber.
The mill makes framing lumber, mainly studs – 2x4 8 feet long, which account for about 40 percent of production. Boards 2x6 account for another 30 percent. The mill cuts other lumber up to 2x12 20 feet long. All production is kiln-dried and sold S4S to wholesalers and small chains of lumber yards or home improvement stores. The Raymond plant is the only Weyerhaeuser mill on the West Coast that dries its production.
Frederick Weyerhaeuser, after years of successful lumber and mill operations based along the Mississippi River with Frederick Denkmann and others, founded Weyerhaeuser Timber Company in 1900 with 15 partners and purchased 900,000 acres of timberland in Washington. The business began with three employees and a small office in Tacoma, Washington.
The company purchased a small sawmill – its first mill – in Everett, Washington, in 1902. It built what was then the world’s largest sawmill in Longview, Washington, in 1929.
Today Weyerhaeuser Company owns or manages nearly 10.5 million acres of timberlands in the U.S. and manages 14 million acres of timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. It operates 34 wood
(continued on page 18)
Processing logs starts with a Nicholson dual ring debarker. L-M Equipment Co. log merchandiser with six shifting saws (above) handles about 3,000 logs per shift.
Log heads into Optimil Machinery primary breakdown system. Chipper heads open two faces to start the process. The Optimill system is supported by Porter scanning and optimization.
MillUpgrade
(continued from page 17)
products manufacturing facilities across North America. It also operates distribution centers, nurseries, offices, and shops. The company manufactures lumber, engineered
wood products, and panels made of plywood, oriented strand board, and medium density fiberboard, and its operations employ more than 9,000 people.
The Raymond mill processes 100 percent Douglas fir. The mill processes logs according
Two-sided cant goes in-line to a twin band mill to remove material from both sides. Depending on the log dimensions and the optimized solution, the log may bypass the twin band mill and go directly to the gang saw.
to three groups of log specs for the top: 8-11 inches (56 percent) 5-7 inches (36 percent) and 12 inches and up (8 percent). Logs must be a minimum of 16 feet long with the average being 32-½ feet. Eighty-five percent of logs are sourced from Weyerhaeuser tree farms in the region, and the rest are purchased from other timber companies. The company’s timberlands division and loggers harvest trees on Weyerhaeuser land. The mill can store 4-6 million board feet of logs on the yard.
The Raymond mill is located “incredibly strategically” with respect to Weyerhaeuser’s timberlands, noted Headley. “We have about 450,000 acres of tree farms within 50 miles.” That proximity enables the company to achieve operational excellence in both timberland and mill operations. “We can leverage the log. We can get it here cheaper than competitors.”
Processing begins with a Nicholson dual ring debarker that can debark logs up to 24 inches in diameter. An L-M Equipment Co. log merchandiser with six shifting saws processes about 3,000 logs per shift.
Primary breakdown is accomplished with Optimil Machinery technology. An infeed system positions the log, and a sharp chain infeed holds it in place as chipper heads open two faces. The two-sided cant goes in-line to a twin band mill that can remove material from each side. Depending on the log dimensions and the optimized solution, the log may bypass the twin band mill and go directly to the gang saw.
The USNR-HSS gang is equipped with chipper heads to open the top and bottom faces of the log to produce a four-sided cant before sawing. The chipper has the capability to profile a 2x6 on a rounded edge. Material that needs edging goes to a USNR-Newnes edger. “Our strategy is to run as much through the gang as possible,” said Headley.
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The log is scanned and optimized at each stage of processing, beginning with the merchandiser, which is equipped with Porter scanning and optimization. The Optimill primary breakdown system also is supported by Porter scanning and optimization while the gang saw is supported by USNR scanning and optimization.
From the gang, boards go to a USNR-Newnes trimmer with a 20-foot saw box. Optimized with USNR technology, the boards are scanned, optimized and trimmed according to value, grade, and recovery, then sorted and stacked by other
USNR-Newnes machines. The mill has ca pacity to store 6 million board feet of lumber in sheds, ready to be kiln-dried.
In the planer mill a USNR-Newnes tilt hoist disassembles packs of kiln-dried lumber so it can be fed to the planer. The lumber is surfaced on four sides by a “fairly old” USNR-Coastal planer, noted Headley. It can surface 57,000 board feet per hour. The finished lumber goes through a USNRTHG grading system before it goes to a USNR-Newnes 50-bin sorter and a USNRNewnes stacker. A Samuel Packaging band ing station secures the lumber in packs, and the packs are covered with a wrap that is stapled on by workers and tagged.
The biggest immediate challenge facing the mill is with regard to the drying op erations – a challenge that will be overcome with the new KDS Windsor kiln. “The bottleneck right now is the kilns and drying capacity,” said Headley.
The mill’s existing eight batch kilns were installed in 1989. The aging units have a combined capacity of 220 million board feet, which limits the mill’s output. The company expects to increase throughput and gain efficiency and performance benefits from Most recent upgrade was USNR-HHS gang saw with blades to cut up to 12 inches. It cuts about 50,000 board feet per hour, a 4 percent improvement. It also increased lumber recovery 16 percent. (continued on page 20)
MillUpgrade
(continued from page 19)
replacing the aging infrastructure.
The new KDS Windsor continuous dry kiln will have an annual capacity of 300 million board feet. “We’re working on it right now,” said Headley, who hopes the new kiln will begin operating in the fourth quarter of 2025. At the time he talked to TimberWest in late fall, some residuals were being moved and paving was under way. Construction on the new kiln was expected to begin within a few months.
With the added kiln capacity, the mill is expected to increase production from 200 to 220-225 million board feet in 2025.
Most of the bark from debarking is processed by a USNR hog and used to fuel the boiler that produces steam for the dry kilns. USNR chippers in the sawmill and planer mill reduce scrap material. Chips, sawdust and fines are supplied to paper mills. Shavings also are used for boiler fuel, and some are supplied to farmers.
Some other ideas are under consideration to further modernize the mill in the future. “Right now the gang can outrun the front of the mill and the back end,” added Headley.
The mill likely will be making additional improvements in the next several years.
Framing lumber, mainly 8-foot 2x4 studs, accounts for about 40 percent of production; 2x6 boards make up another 30 percent.
“We’ve got some stacker improvements that will be happening at the same time as the kiln construction,” said Headley. The company may upgrade the debarker and log merchandiser in 2028. Beyond that, it may be looking to improve throughput at the back end of the planer. “Our intention is to get to 285 million board feet by 2029-30.”
Raymond is a small town with a population of about 6,000. “We are one of the primary employers in the area,” noted Headley. “We are really involved in the community as far as volunteerism and financial support. It’s important to our team and to Weyerhaeuser
that we give back to these communities where we operate.”
Weyerhaeuser announced earlier this year it would invest $1 million in Raymond through the company’s THRIVE program, which provides targeted assistance to five of its rural operating communities. Weyerhaeuser will make the investment over the next several years with significant input from elected officials, employees, nonprofits, local business leaders and other community partners. Potential areas of investment include workforce development, job training and youth education.
Washington Sawmill Starting Up Again
Elk Creek Forest Products has been named the exclusive sales agent for Buse Mill Company in Everett, Washington. The partnership comes as Buse Mill Company reopens under its new name following its transition from Buse Timber & Sales in 2024. As the mill resumes production, Elk Creek Forest Products will oversee the sales of Buse’s lumber products.
The mill is poised to resume its production of FOHC timbers, transmission crossarms, industrial clears, and structural lumber in the first week of April or sooner. The company anticipates manufacturing 2.5–3.0 million board feet per month.
Elk Creek Forest Products will be responsible for managing all sales and distribution efforts.
Ponsse Launches 55th Anniversary Tour Event
Ponsse, the Finnish manufacturer of
cut-to-length logging equipment, is marking its 55th year in business this year. Entrepreneur Einari Vidgren originally founded a factory in Vieremä, Finland.
The 21,000th Ponsse machine – a Buffalo forwarder – was manufactured and delivered in February to Scheff Logging & Trucking Inc. in Minnesota.
In addition, 2025 is the 30th year that Ponsse established operations in the U.S. The company plans to observe the milestone later this year.
Ponsse is conducing a tour to mark his year’s 55th anniversary. It was scheduled to begin in mid-March and continue during the year around the world. Customers and stakeholders are invited to participate in the events.
“Since the earliest days, Ponsse’s driving force has been the belief that only the best people, in cooperation with customers and stakeholders, can develop and manufacture the best forest machines in the world,” said Jarmo Vidgren, chair of Ponsse’s board of directors.
Ponsse is a family-owned company focused on the development and production of cut-to-length forest machines and providing
maintenance services for them. Its machines are still manufactured in Vieremä. Ponsse equipment is at work in almost 40 countries.
Wood-Mizer, U.K. Company Partner on Fence Post Machine
Postsaver, a United Kingdom business, and Wood-Mizer have partnered to develop a machine that applies a protective sleeve to wood fence posts.
The collaboration combines Postsaver’s innovative, guaranteed rot prevention products with Wood-Mizer’s advanced engineering expertise. The PostMizer machine is a custom-built application system designed to protect timber posts against rot and boost growth of wood sales.
Postsaver’s Pro-Sleeve and Pro-Sleeve +PLUS rot protectors promise a guaranteed lifespan of 20 and 40-years, respectively, giving producers the ability to offer a premium product that maximizes profit margins. This proven technology provides long-life and sustainable solutions for fence posts.
The PostMizer can apply rot protection sleeves to 360 posts per hour. Sawmills and other companies can apply both Pro-Sleeve and Pro-Sleeve +PLUS rot protectors at
scale to UC4-treated posts. The finished product offers protection against decay and a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to creosote or CCA treatments.
Customers will have access to WoodMizer’s customer support.
Oregon Firm to Represent SII Dry Kilns in the West
SII Dry Kilns, a leading manufacturer in the kiln industry, appointed Oregon-based Heicor Enterprises to represent SII in the Western U.S.
This strategic decision is part of the SII’s ongoing efforts to enhance its offerings and better serve its growing customer base across the country.
Heicor Enterprises, based in Monmouth, Oregon, is a manufacturer’s representative for sawmill and wood processing equipment. It is poised to build strong relationships with current and prospective clients, ensuring the seamless delivery of SII kilns and heattreating equipment in the West.
“We are excited to expand our reach to the Western United States, and bringing on Heicor as our official representative in this region is an important step toward achieving
that goal,” said Dan Mathews, chairman of SII, based in Lexington, North Carolina. “We are confident that Heicor will be an asset to our team and to our customers.”
The appointment of a dedicated Western region representative highlights SII’s focus on personalized support, ensuring clients in the region receive the best possible service.
Heicor Enterprises has experience in primary and secondary lumber manufacturing and has worked in Western states since 2016.
Remsoft, a leader in forest intelligence solutions, has secured a strategic investment from Banneker Partners, a private equity firm specializing in enterprise software. This investment strengthens Remsoft’s ability to scale, accelerate innovation, and deliver high-value solutions that help forestry organizations improve profitability and enhance sustainability.
Remsoft has acquired Lim Geomatics, a forestry software innovator specializing in geospatial and operational analytics. The partnership expands the Remsoft platform with geospatial intelligence, LiDAR, and
forest machine telematics capabilities that deepen insights into forest operations.
“The forestry sector is accustomed to disruption — from shifting regulations to changing market dynamics,” said Andrea Feunekes, Remsoft CEO. “Success comes from adaptability, efficiency, and informed decisions.”
Remsoft will be able to “deliver the most advanced analytical tools to the industry,” she added.
The investment and acquisition advance Remsoft’s vision of a fully integrated forestry intelligence ecosystem. Providing a seamless, data-driven approach to forest value chain management — from planning to operations, compliance, and ESG reporting — within a unified platform enhances decision-making, reduces risk, and drives new efficiencies.
“Together, we are developing a modern and modular platform that harnesses data and analytics to ensure that every stakeholder — from landowners and forest product companies to public stewards and timberland investors — can navigate today’s challenges and unlock future opportunities,” said Kevin Lim, CEO of Lim Geomatics.
Washington Company Focuses On Reforestation, Management
Tree Management Plus Has Three Generations of Family at Work
By Dawn Killough
TOLEDO, WASHINGTON –
It’s unusual to find a logging company that focuses on reforestation as much as Tree Management Plus (TMP). The company, in business since 1977, and has always focused on the entire lifespan of forestry management.
Tree Management Plus, founded and owned by Tom Fox, is based in Toledo in southwest Washington, not quite 50 miles south of Olympia. Fox’s company manages land in that region, working with landowners regardless of the size of their property.
Tree Management Plus helps clients
“care for their forest land through management of the stand’s overall health,” said Fox, who will turn 75 in May. “We advise clients of the proper care and treatments needed to meet their management plan.” Tree Management Plus primarily works for small landowners although sometimes it provides services for industrial companies, like Sierra Pacific Industries.
“We rarely buy standing timber,” said Fox. “We mainly work on a per thousand board feet or per ton (basis) and do a percentage split on the revenue generated from the timber.”
When Fox started the company, its main business was planting trees and Christmas
Tree Management Plus has a pair of Doosan (now DEVELON) DX225LL track loaders. One is used for processing trees, and the other is dedicated to decking and loading.
Tom Fox
tree farming. The business grew quickly. By the 1980s it had up to 50 people planting trees and planted over 1 million seedlings per season. Now in its third generation, it continues to provide planting services and sell seedlings, as well as performing logging operations.
Fox has always been interested in logging and forestry. He grew up near Springfield, Oregon, and worked in a sawmill as a young man, earned his associate’s degree in forestry, and then worked for some landowners for a few years before setting up his own company out of his back porch.
Today TMP has three generations on its leadership team, including Fox’s daughter, Alicia Fox, and his twin grandsons, Bennett and Camden Bull. Alicia handles the financial and administrative tasks of the business, Bennett meets with landowners, submits permits, and oversees operations, and Camden helps manage the logging sites, manages the reforestation side, and is an equipment operator.
“The twins have jumped right in and are constantly on the go,” said Alicia Fox. “It’s great to see the younger generation care so much about our family business.”
The company’s services include cut-tolength logging, clear-cut timber harvesting, pre-commercial thinning, reforestation for private or family forest owners, and seedling sales. They also work with conservation districts on many projects, including reforestation initiatives.
The business currently employs 14 people. Seven work on the tree planting crew, two on cut-to-length projects, three to four on clear-cut projects, and they have one mechanic.
The company’s logging crew is equipped with a Timbco 475 feller buncher, a Cat D4H dozer with a grapple for skidding and site prep work, and a pair of Doosan (now DEVELON) DX225LL track loaders. One Doosan is paired with a CTR processor saw for delimbing the trees and bucking the logs to length, and the other Doosan is dedicated to decking and loading.
The Doosan machines are a fairly recent addition and were purchased from Cascade Trader in nearby Chehalis. “They’ve been a great customer,” said Jim Wark, sales manager for Cascade Trader.
The DEVELON DX225LL is the industry’s only log loader to feature a pattern control valve, enabling the operator to pick the operating pattern. Other features include 36-foot logger boom and live heel, fully guarded upper structure, and high walker undercarriage with 28-inch, 2-bar grouser pads and full length rock guards.
LOGGER'S TIP
Have a Back-Up Plan
“It’s important to always have a back-up plan in this business. Whether it is the ever-changing log market or the tumultuous weather system, we work really hard to have a back-up plan for our work day. A day sitting isn’t an option when you have a team that depends on the income to feed their families.”
Tom Fox, Tree Management Plus
(continued on page 26)
Timbco T475EXL feller buncher makes a cut.
ContractorProfile
Tom Fox says having two identical loaders ‘has been great for filters, parts and the operator learning curve. The knowledge of the same machine makes it easy for an operator to be in either Doosan.’
(continued from page 25)
An Electronic Power Optimizing System provides four work modes, auto-idle and machine diagnostics. To help save fuel, autoshutdown is standard. When enabled, it will shut down the engine when the preset idle time is met; operators can configure the idle time from 3 to 60 minutes.
(For more information about DEVELON machines, visit www.na.develon-ce.com.)
Fox said he was drawn to the Doosan machines for a couple of reasons. “The initial price of the machine and its availability were attractive along with having two shovels that are identical,” he said. “Having two of the same machine has been great for filters, parts and the operator learning curve. The knowledge of the same machine makes it easy for an operator to be in either Doosan.”
Fox recently invested in a John Deere 1270G 8-wheel harvester and a John Deere
1910G forwarder for the cut-to-length crew. Both machines were purchased from Papé Machinery in Tacoma.
The harvester was purchased to replace an aging piece of equipment. They selected the model because they already had experience with John Deere, had purchased a simulator with similar controls, and therefore wouldn’t need to invest in further training to operate it.
“We could just plug and play with our operators and didn’t have to go through a new training program,” said Alicia Fox.
They also like the fact that it has two more wheels than their previous harvester, which helps reduce ground disturbance. The machine also is equipped with a harvester attachment that can fell and process larger trees.
“We consider Cascade Trader and Papé to be part of the TMP team,” said Fox. He bought one of his first skidders in 1978 from Wark. At the time the equipment company was known as Cascade Loggers Supply.
“Jim and I have had a great relationship for almost 50 years,” said Fox. “He is and has been a top notch salesman over the years. Jim’s knowledge about the equipment and his constant support to our company has been an asset that Tree Management Plus has felt very fortunate to have. He’s a saint, honestly, – there for us through thick and thin!”
Like other loggers who work in the Pacific Northwest, they often work on wet ground. Equipment and trucks can cause significant rutting when working in extremely wet conditions. Fox counts on his tracked and multi-wheeled equipment to help prevent or to minimize ground disturbance. In addition, the slash is used strategically to help prevent rutting.
“Slash can be left on the ground for
coverage to help decrease soil damage and compaction,” noted Fox. “It allows us to work in conditions that may otherwise create mud issues.” As it breaks up and eventually decomposes, the slash also returns nutrients to the soil.
With the John Deere 1270G harvester, the operator can process the trees so the limbs and top fall in front of it, creating a mat the machine can travel on and preventing rutting and damage to nearby root systems.
The company’s other crew is equipped with a Timbco 475 feller buncher, a Cat D4H dozer with a grapple for skidding and site prep work, and a pair of Doosan DX225LL track loaders. One Doosan is paired with a CTR processor saw for bucking the logs to length, and the other Doosan is dedicated to decking and loading.
Clear-cutting, also referred to as evenaged harvesting, harvests all trees in an area while leaving certain trees for stream buffers and wildlife. Tree Management Plus also provides pre-commercial thinning, removing undesirable trees and brush to help crop trees achieve proper growth and to reduce fuels.
Other services include forest management plan writing and implementation, reforestation, and seedling sales. The company has two cold storage units to store seedlings
John Deere 1910G forwarder getting the wood out. The company also has a John Deere 1270G cut-to-length harvester.
for over 20 species of trees and native plants, which it grows or brokers from other nurseries.
Although there’s quite a variety of tree species on the lands where the company works, it mainly encounters Douglas fir, Western hemlock, cedar, red alder, and bigleaf maple.
Logs are supplied to Sierra Pacific mills in Centralia and Aberdeen. Cedar goes to Alta Forest Products near Shelton and RSG Forest Products in Kalama. Hardwoods are taken to either Northwest Hardwoods in Longview or Cascade Hardwoods in
(continued on page 28)
Contractor
(continued
Chehalis. Markets have been challenging in recent years, but prices are beginning to rebound, according to Fox.
He has recently been supplying pulp logs to Pacific Fiber in Longview, DaPaul Chip in Tumwater, and Cascade Hardwoods.
Tree Management Plus does not have its own trucking operations, relying on trucking contractors to deliver wood to mills. Most mills are within 20 to 60 miles.
In addition to providing logging and forest management services, the Foxes own and manage 440 acres of forestland known as the Tagshinny Tree Farm, an award-winning tree farm enterprise. In 2005 they negotiated an 80-year Habitat Conservation Plan and a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. The agreements conserve the habitat for 17 fish and wildlife species while allowing the family to plant and harvest timber. They do this as an example of their dedication to proper forest management for clients. Their property was awarded county, state, regional, and national Tree Farmer of the Year by the American Tree Farm System in 2004-2005.
Fox appreciates the risks associated with logging work and puts a clear emphasis on safety. He trains all workers on CPR, logging safety, and the Master Logger certification course. Every job has a written safety plan, and crews regularly attend regional safety conferences.
“We approach our staff as family,” said Fox. “We understand the dangers of the industry and work vigilantly to protect our staff.”
Company benefits include paid time off, holiday pay, a medical stipend, cell phones, and work vehicles.
In 2000 Fox co-founded the Family
Tree Management Plus also grows seedlings and plants trees in addition to performing logging operations.
Forest Foundation. It seeks to ensure family forests in Washington remain economically and ecologically viable into the future. Fox served as president of the foundation for 20 years and continues to serve on its board of directors.
Over the years, Fox has learned that there are two things he cannot control: weather and wood markets.
“Those are the two things you have to be able to pivot on at the drop of a dime and figure out which direction to go, and it might not be the direction you had planned,” said Fox. “It’s a struggle to make ends meet in the logging industry right now. I think you have to look in every direction for ways to make money and tap into what the market’s bringing your way.”
6-YEAR/12,000-HOUR SKIDDER TRANSMISSION COVERAGE
CW Mill Equipment Co.
HogZilla Grinders, manufactured by CW Mill Equipment Co., Inc, can handle the toughest jobs and provide the highest production rates. CW Mill manufactures 20 standard models, including self-propelled, track driven, self-loading, and electric units. Configurations include tub and horizontal grinders for wood and other waste recycling. Thrown object restraint and tire processing package options are available for most portable and stationary tub grinders. CW Mill manufactures the highest quality industrial grinders and believes in service after the sale with customer support and parts availability top rated in the industry. Each product CW Mill has developed, manufactured, and offered for over 50 years has been in large part customer-driven, backed with experienced staff and advanced manufacturing equipment. CW will continue its commitment to innovate and adapt. www.cwmill.com
Bandit Industries
Bandit introduced its first hammermill grinder, the HM6420, in January 2024. With considerable research and collaboration, the Bandit team was excited to bring this highly productive 40-inch capacity grinder to market. It was designed and manufactured to accommodate grinding applications that may encounter contaminants. A Cat C32 1,200 hp engine provides ample power and torque for optimal machine performance and productivity. The heart of the HM6420 is a 50-inch-diameter by 66-inch-wide hammermill. The heavy-duty mill features a 1.75-inch drum skin custom-formed from rolled plate. The mill is equipped with 20 carbide infused hammer inserts built to withstand the toughest material. An impact detection system is standard and designed to limit damage if a contaminant is struck inside the grinding chamber. www.banditchippers.com
Chippers & Grinders
CBI (Continental Biomass Industries)
CBI has introduced the CBI 5900T, a next-generation horizontal grinder that sets standards in efficiency, power, and durability. As the first model in the 5900 series, this machine incorporates proven features from the well-known CBI 6800 and 5800 grinders while introducing upgrades for superior material processing. With a 60-inch-wide infeed rotor, the 5900T optimizes material flow, handling wider material and reducing the need for pre-processing. Its 755 hp engine, paired with a hydraulic clutch, delivers smooth, powerful performance with precise control, making it an exceptional choice for high-production grinding. Designed with mobility and transport efficiency in mind, the 5900T boasts an 8-foot-6-inch legal transport width and a redesigned dolly system, providing seamless movement between job sites. Features include quick air filter removal and convenient engine access, minimizing downtime and maximiz ing productivity. www.terex.com/cbi
Tigercat
The Tigercat 6500 is a heavy-duty drum chipper designed for maximum throughput and high quality chip production. It is a heavy-duty up-swing horizontal grinder designed for high production and reduced knife wear in extreme duty applications. The 6500 is powered by a Cat C27 Tier 4f 1,050 hp engine. Features include split hog box, a pivoting upper assembly, and handy tool box. Current applications are primarily in biofuel production using a variety of feed materials such as forest debris, sawmill scrap material, and full logs and stumps. The versatility of the 6900 makes it the perfect solution for grinding a variety of materials, such as forest biomass from logging operations, trees, stumps and root mass from land clearing operations, demolition debris, and scrap sawmill material. www.tigercat.com
(continued
Rotochopper
The Rotochopper B-66 L-Series horizontal grinder is designed to meet the needs of processing larger, more abrasive feedstock materials. Designed to be lower, longer, and have less drag, the infeed hopper allows logs, whole trees, and brushy materials to transition to the powerfeed effortlessly. The B-66L has additional wear liners, a bolt-in anvil, 24-tooth, 2-inch rotor drum, and reinforced case to tolerate substantial wear and tear, all as standard features. Cat engine options from 950-1,050 hp. Rotochopper manufactures grinding, shredding, screening, and supporting equipment to convert waste forestry and sawmill material into profitable products such as colored landscape mulch, animal bedding, biomass fuel, and compost. The company offers both towable and tracked horizontal grinders as well as stationary electric grinders. www.rotochopper.com
The track mounted Astec-Peterson 6310B drum chipper is suited for high volume biomass production. It can chip logs up to 36 inches in diameter as well as brush and small feedstock. The 6310B is powered by a Cat C27 1,050 hp engine; a Tier IV engine available is optional. It has two drum configurations: an 8-pocket drum to make standard biomass chips, or a 16-pocket drum to make microchips. An optional grate system allows for adjustment from a microchip to a 1¼-inch chip. Traditional Babbitt type knife systems are standard equipment; a Key Knife system is optional. Astec-Peterson manufactures disc and drum chippers, horizontal grinders, chain flail debarkers, and blower trucks and trailers. Applications include pulp and paper chip production, processing salvage timber, land-clearing, and plantation rotation. www.astecindustries.com
Vermeer
The Vermeer WC2500XL whole tree chipper features a chip drum with an adjustable bite size that produces chips for pellets and biofuel chips, faster and easier knife setup, and a PT Tech clutch. Material can be handled efficiently with variable-speed dual-infeed conveyor chains and SmartCrush technology. The self-adjusting, push-button, hydraulic dry clutch provides consistent engagement — helping to prolong clutch life, lower maintenance costs and reduce operator error. Knife setup is fast and easy; knife position is set with two small bolts — no babbiting needed. Bite size is adjustable in 1/8 in (.3 cm) increments from 1/8 in (3 mm) up to 5/8 in (16 mm) via shims. Makes knife change-out on the jobsite easy and helps reduce cost of operation. It is powered by a Cummins QSX15 Tier 4 Final engine. www.vermeer.com
Morbark
The Morbark 50/48X whole tree drum chipper is the largest and most efficient drum chipper on the market, according to the company. The 50/48X model has been revamped with a layout similar to Morbark’s other top-of-the-line industrial drum chippers, featuring a sloped infeed, externally adjustable anvil, and spacious work
platforms for hassle-free routine maintenance. The reverse pivot yoke applies greater down pressure, enabling aggressive feeding of various materials. Morbark’s Advantage 3 Drum ensures consistently high-quality chips. The heat-treated AR-450 steel drum skin extends wear life, resulting in reduced replacement costs and minimal downtime. Choose 10 knives for fuel chips or 20 knives for micro chips. Chipping capacity is 28 inches. Cat engine options from 1,050-1,200 hp. www.morbark.com
Duratech
The DuraTech TC-15 disc chipper can process trees and limbs up to 15 inches in diameter. Features include a spring-loaded feed wheel with adjustable down pressure, an optional height sensor that automatically adjusts the feed roller to material size, an optional hydraulic gathering winch, and innovative hopper safety bars with easy
Astec-Peterson
and instant feed wheel shut off. Available with a pintle or ball hitch, this heavy-duty chipper is compact enough to easily tow anywhere. The PT-Tech HPTO wet microprocessor controlled clutch has a 4-groove belt system; it provides easy startups and torque overload protection for the disc, engine, and driveline. For maximum control and protection, the clutch comes with a clutch control interface.
The machine is powered by a Cat C4.4 129 hp engine. www.duratechindustries.net
Ecoverse/Doppstadt
The Doppstadt AK 640 is the flagship of the AK grinder series, designed to deliver maximum throughput thanks to its huge feed hopper and state-of-the-art engine technology. The high-speed grinder uses an up-swing hammermill to produce hundreds of yards of finished material daily. Features include reversible feed roll so material is consistently and evenly fed to the grinding chamber, hinged radiator with automatic reversing fan, and large 2.5-ton rotor with easily replaceable tips. Power is supplied by a 644 hp engine. Mesh screens from 1-16 inches can be easily replaced in 10 minutes or less for quick product sizing changes. Doppstadt is a German manufacturer represented in the U.S. by Ohio-based Ecoverse. www.ecoverse.net
J.P. Carlton
J.P. Carlton’s newest series in drum chippers is the model 2518. It has a 25x18 opening and a 37-inch diameter pocketed drum to process average size whole trees. The 2518 features a 25-inch by 18-inch opening combined with a 37-inch diameter pocketed drum, allowing it to easily consume average size whole trees. A dual pump hydraulic system controlled by a digital reversing autofeed system provides aggressive feeding of material. Aggressive feeding is handled by a dual pump hydraulic system controlled by a digital reversing auto feed system. The 2518 series uses an exclusive long pivot arm for the top feed wheel for a smooth vertical lift path, allowing for easy
opening over the largest butt ends. It also incorporates an exclusive Air Vortex Control to channel and accelerate discharge air, giving the 2518 series high discharge velocities and great chip throwing power. Other features include concealed wiring, integrated single manifold hydraulics with electronic control, and dual lift cylinders to enhance performance and improve productivity. Engine options range from 140-180 hp. www.stumpcutters.com
Dyna Products/Vortex
The Vortex V18-32 drum chipper, with its 18x32 opening, has more capacity than other chippers in the 18-inch class. Hand fed or machine fed, the ‘oversized- opening makes feeding and operating best in class. The V18-32 can process limbs and even small whole trees. The patented Vortex chamber is an enclosed, semi-cone shaped area that acts as the bellypan where chips are guided and accelerated into the discharge paddles. Gravity and powerful air currents
(continued on page 34)
generated by the spinning drum and impeller assembly create an unrestricted pathway for chips to naturally flow directly toward the discharge paddles. The chamber virtually eliminates plugging and controls dust and ‘blowback.’ Diesel and gas engine options range from 173 to 247 hp. Covered by a 36-month, 3,000-hour limited warranty. www.dyna-products.com (continued from page 34)
ALBACH Diamant/Sennebogen
The ALBACH Diamant 2000 is a powerful all-road, self-propelled chipper. The all-wheel drive system with independent hydromechanical drive on the two main axles enables it to climb hills and rough terrain. The rotor is at the heart of the chipper. It can produce chips ranging from 0.35-inch to 2.36 inches. The knife carriers are interchangeable to adjust to different material. Features include loss-free transfer of wood material from the infeed table to the chipper rotor and automatically reversible cooler. Modifications to the machine are possible in consultation between the manufacturer and the customer. ALLBACH is a German manufacturer, and the Diamant 2000 is distributed in North America by Sennebogan. www.albach-maschinenbau.de/en
Hydraulic Oil Injected into Logger’s Hand SAFETY ALERT
Background
On a sunny fall day in the south-central U.S., a logging crew’s chief was attempting to locate a hydraulic hose leak on a skidder at the harvest site. The hose contained a very small hole and was leaking hydraulic oil under the engine cover. Fearful of a potential loss of production from a total failure and/or possible fire, the crew chief asked a coworker to help him locate the source of the leak.
Unsafe Acts and Conditions
The crew chief opened the engine cowling and placed his bare hand over the hose while attempting to find the precise location of the leak. As his bare hand was feeling around the hose, the co-worker bumped the starter, causing hydraulic oil to be injected into the crew chief’s thumb through a pinsized hole in the hose.
Injury
The crew chief immediately withdrew his hand and complained about feeling a stinging sensation in his thumb. He continued to work while the pain from the hydraulic
oil injection intensified. He eventually went to the hospital emergency room to have it examined when the pain became too intense to ignore.
The attending doctor informed the injured worker that hydraulic oil injections can easily kill victims. Thankfully, his thumb was only injected with a minute amount of hydraulic oil. He was prescribed antibiotics and instructed to closely monitor the wound.
Over the course of the next several months, the crew chief went back for further medical treatment, including several more rounds of powerful antibiotics. He was able to work throughout this period but told the timber company’s safety manager that there were many days he thought he might lose his thumb. The pain lasted for almost six months before it finally subsided. All signs indicate there is likely no permanent damage to his thumb.
Recommendations for Correction
• Never use your hands (bare or gloved) to locate hydraulic leaks and always wear proper PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment) while working on logging equipment.
• Never change a hydraulic hose while the equipment is powered and/or under pressure.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s repair manual instructions and safety warnings.
• If a hydraulic injection occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
(Source: Forest Resources Association (FRA), a national advocacy organization representing the entire wood supply chain. Visit the FRA at www.forestresources.org.)
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Oregon Logging Conference Draws Exhibitors, Vistors
EUGENE, OREGON –
Forestry industry professionals gathered for three days of networking, education, equipment exhibitions, and social activities at the 87th annual Oregon Logging Conference (OLC). It was held February 20-22 at the Lane Events Center and Fairground.
This year’s conference drew more exhibitors, both inside and outside, and greater attendance.
Conference organizers thanked sponsors, many of whom support it every year, who – without their support – the annual event would not be possible.
“The 2025 Conference was excellent,” said Jayme Dumford, OLC president. “The show continues to grow and has become the place to be for industry professionals.” Dumford expressed his appreciation to everyone who did their part to make such an event so successful.
Keynote speaker Chris Evans, president of Oregon-based Timberlab, spoke about the environmental benefits that mass timber building materials have over concrete and steel. Using mass timber instead of concrete and steel will result in a 60 percent reduction in greenhouse gases, he said.
“Using wood helps reduce carbon emissions,” said Evans. “If you put this product into a building where it’s going to be stored for 100 years, that really is a deferment of having
Oregon Logging Conference Foundation held an auction to fund its scholarship program.
High school students try their hand with a crosscut saw in the skills relay event held as part of Future Forestry Workers Career Day.
This year’s Oregon Logging Conference drew more exhibitors, both inside and outside, and greater attendance.
that carbon released into the atmosphere.”
A typical mass timber building also is half the weight of a concrete building, he noted. “It’s hard to fathom how much a building weighs when you look at it, but when you think about the impact that has to the local community, as that building is being built, that’s half the trucks on the road.”
Equipment Exhibits
DC Equipment showcased Madill logging equipment for the first time in the U.S. along with its Falcon Forestry Equipment brand. The company exhibited a Madill 3000B log loader.
Madill loaders feature a number of improvements. For example, the boom and stick have increased strength and durability in key stress areas. “We have also redesigned the cooling package to reduce vibration, generate extra capacity for warmer temperatures, and provide access improvements for serviceability,” said Dale Ewers, managing director of DC Equipment.
DC Equipment manufactures and exports forestry equipment to North and South America while supplying the New Zealand and Australian markets. With its acquisition and relaunched production of the Madill brand last year, it opened a facility in Prince George, British Columbia.
“By manufacturing locally, we can ensure faster delivery times and maintain the highest standards of quality and innovation that our customers have come to expect from
Madill and DC Equipment,” said Ewers.
Among other companies that exhibited new equipment and other products for the forestry industry, Peterson Cat showcased a Weiler M860 mulcher with a factoryinstalled 825 mulching head. Building on the Cat 586C site prep tractor, the Weiler M860 features a Cat C9.3B Tier 4 Final engine that generates 375 hp and a 113 gpm hydraulic pump. It can cut through trees up to 16 inches in diameter or clear a path more than 8 feet wide in one pass.
Hoffman Boots displayed its new Grizzly boot. It features a stout 10-inch upper, carbon finish on the outside leather, and a waterproof membrane. The Grizzly, the newest addition to the Hoffman Boots line of outdoor boots, is available with a Vibram or calk sole.
FAE announced a partnership with Papé Machinery to bring its premium land clearing, construction, and agriculture equipment to more customers in the Pacific Northwest. Papé Machinery, a leading supplier of equipment for forestry and other industries, will
sell FAE tracked carriers and attachments in Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, Nevada, and Hawaii. FAE tracked carriers with mulching attachments, like the PT300, already are used widely in the West, particularly for wildfire prevention.
Gem Chain Bar announced its partnership with SSAB as a new member of the Hardox® in My Body program. Gem has been using SSAB specialized wear plate Hardox® steel for harvester bars since 1998. It became a member of the program last fall.
“Only products that have been certified to meet the strictest standards of quality in design and fabrication may display the Hardox® in My Body sign,” said Gem manager Melissa Kaschmitter. “The sign is an acknowledgement of our dedication to providing high-quality, high-performing and cost-efficient products. The Hardox® in My Body sign on all of our harvester bars indicates that they are made from the world’s number one abrasion resistant steel Hardox® 500 Tuf wear plate.”
Desserts Fundraiser Tops Previous Years
More than $30,000 was raised at the annual Desserts for Dreams luncheon. It was the most successful of all events held since it began in 2004.
Conference First Lady Maria Dumford selected Every Child Lane County as this year’s charity to benefit from the annual fundraiser. The non-profit organization provides assistance for children and families in the foster care system.
“Dessert for Dreams was an overwhelming success with the largest attendance ever!” Dumford said. “Thank you to everyone who came and gave generously.”
The luncheon included salads and desserts donated by local bakeries and
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DC Equipment exhibited a Madill 3000B log loader – the first exhibit of Madill equipment in the U.S. – along with its Falcon Forestry Equipment brand.
restaurants, and a special sock drive, with all donations given to the charity’s Brighter Side Giving Store.
Career Day
More than 700 students, educators and industry professionals participated in the 7th annual Future Forestry Workers Career Day, held in conjunction with the conference.
Students from more than 32 Oregon high schools attended the interactive and hands-on career day, learning about jobs in logging, forestry, reforestation, sawmills, wildland firefighting, diesel mechanics, and heavy equipment operation.
Some students had an opportunity to operate a small excavator. “That’s the most fun I’ve ever had,” said one student. “That was so cool.”
One of the educators accompanying her students described the event as a “one-stop shop” for learning about job opportunities and careers in natural resource-related industries, adding how much she and her students look forward to coming to this event every year.
One of the activities of Future Forestry Workers Career Day was the high school forestry skills relay. Teams competed in the four skills relay, which included hose lay, choker setting, crosscut sawing. and chainsaw use. With 100 students from 12 schools competing, Waldport High School teams took first and second places, finishing within seconds of each other. Third place was captured by La Pine High School, and Taft High School took fourth place.
The skills relay event is coordinated by Future Natural Resource Leaders. Executive director Rex Lowther said, “Overall the event went great with no issues. The kids did a great job of being ready to go and properly equipped.”
Log Loader Contest
Demonstrating their skills at operating a Link-Belt 4040B loader, the top three winners in the 15th annual Log Loader Competition were within 20 seconds of each other.
Jeremy Staats of Bryant Logging won first place with a time of 3:24:44. Second place was a familiar name in this annual contest, Bryan Chipps of Green Diamond Resource Company, with a time of 3:35:91, and Layne Walker won third place with a time 3:43.16.
Guess the Net Scale
Conference attendees gave their guesses for the net scale of two loads of logs, with the winner of each receiving a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
The winner of the load of alder chip
and saw logs was Thomas Fox of Ethel, Washington. He was one of four who were 10 feet off the total of 4,690 board feet. The four names were put in a hat, and Thomas was the winner drawn.
The net scale of the load of logs was 6,660 net. The lucky winner was Jack Miller from California, who guessed the load to the exact foot.
The contest sponsors were Swanson Bros. Lumber and Southport Lumber Co., with log trucks provided by Leonard Masser Logging and Bracelin Trucking Co.
Family Day
Families and others turned out in large numbers on Saturday, the final day of the
conference, and the rain held off until late afternoon, so the weather cooperated for children who built wooden bird houses just outside the Wheeler Pavilion. Other popular Family Day attractions included live wildlife, free seedling giveaways, face painting, balloons, art projects, and other hands-on forestry-related activities.
“The final day of the conference is an opportunity for families to attend the OLC and for the public to learn more about who we are, what we do, and to meet many of the professionals who make their living in our industry,” said Rikki Wellman, manager of the conference.
The 88th annual Oregon Logging Conference will be held Feb. 19-21, 2026.
TIMBERWEST MAGAZINE
proudly celebrated 50 years of covering the forestry and logging industry at the Oregon Logging Conference Sawdust Bowl. It was an incredible evening of camaraderie, storytelling, and recognition of the people and innovations shaping the industry.
We wish to say a special ‘thank you’ to our sponsors who helped make this milestone event possible:
• Conrad Blacksmithing – Crafting high-quality tools for the logging industry.
• Husqvarna Chainsaws – Delivering
trusted performance and innovation in forestry.
• Hoffman Boots – Providing durable, high-performance footwear for loggers.
• Cannon Bar Works – Manufacturing premium guide bars for professional loggers and sawmills.
• Jason Davenport Photography –Capturing the essence of the industry through stunning imagery.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us in Eugene, Oregon, to celebrate.
Here’s to the next 50 years of TimberWest magazine and the continued strength of the forestry industry!
Oregon Loggers Will Hold Log-A-Load Golf Fundraiser
Associated Oregon Loggers will hold its Log-A-Load for Kids golf tournament fundraiser June 20 at the Bandon Crossings Golf Course in Bandon, Oregon.
The event will begin with registration at 7 a.m. followed by breakfast and a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament format will be four person scramble.
The registration fee is $600 for a team of four. All registration feeds are donated to Log-A-Load for Kids to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Player fees include greens fee, cart, continental breakfast, two drink tickets, one raffle ticket, and lunch.
Prizes will be awarded for the winning team, men and women closest to the pin, men and women long drive, and hole in one.
For more information or to register, contact Rachel Hultgren at rhultgren@oregonloggers.org or (503) 364-1330.
Washington Association Sets Master Logger Course in April
The Washington Contracts Loggers Association will hold a certification course for the Master Logger Program designation.
Courses will be held 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 8, 9, 15, and 16. The sessions will be taught via Zoom.
Master Logger Program certification requires completion of the four sessions plus first aid training. Loggers may complete a partial MLP program and take the remaining sessions at a later date.
The four sessions are: logging business management, silviculture and ecology, DNR forest practices, and safety & workers comp.
Sessions cost $40 each for active WCLA members and $120 for non-members.
For more information contact Tami Au at (800) 422-0074, Ext. 139, or email tami@ loggers.com.
Montana Loggers Plan
Annual Meeting in May
The Montana Logging Association will hold its annual membership meeting May 16-18.
The event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell, Montana.
For more information or to register, contact the association.
NEW PRODUCTS
Opticom Tech Introduces Mill Fire Detection-Alert Camera
Opticom Tech, a leader in industrial video monitoring solutions, has released a new thermal monitoring camera that detects hot spots and fire hazards in sawmills. The cutting-edge fire prevention technology is designed to safeguard sawmills from catastrophic fire events.
Using advanced AI-driven thermal imaging and analysis, the camera provides early detection so operators can mitigate fire risks before they escalate.
“Sawmill operators face a constant challenge when it comes to fire prevention, and our new monitoring system provides a proactive solution,” said Heidi Schmidt, global sales manager at Opticom Tech. “By integrating intelligent thermal imaging and real-time alerts, we’re giving sawmills a plug-and-play system to detect potential fire hazards, taking facility safety to another level.”
Opticom Tech’s thermal monitoring camera, the MIB-5141T, features the quality and durability for which the brand is known. The camera continuously monitors for temperature anomalies in sawmill operations. When a hotspot is detected, the system triggers alerts via multiple channels — chosen by the sawmill — including on-site alarms, visual indicators, email notifications and text messages. With immediate notification, operators can act on-the-spot to prevent fires.
This new thermal monitoring camera delivers a powerful combination of highresolution thermal detection and AI-driven alerts, helping sawmills reduce downtime, protect assets, and improve worker safety.
“With the MIB-5141T thermal monitoring camera, we’re redefining what’s possible in fire prevention technology for industrial operations,” added Schmidt. “Our goal is to help sawmills run safer and more efficiently by providing a proactive, intelligent monitoring solution.”
For more information, visit www.opticomtech.com.
Caterpillar Offers New Forest Machine
Caterpillar has introduced the Cat® FM528 GF/LL Forest Machine. It is designed to meet the diverse demands of forestry professionals, providing them with unparalleled versatility, enhanced operator comfort, and cost-effective performance.
The Cat FM528 is equipped with the side-entry Next Generation Certified Forestry cab, which features a reinforced structure, a large 1.25-inch-thick polycarbonate windshield, narrow cab pillars, large panoramic windows, and a flat engine hood, helping provide premium work task visibility.
It is the first Cat Forest Machine that offers a fixed or live heel and blade option. Its multi-configuration capabilities fill in fleet equipment gaps. It can go to work in the woods or the mill yard to help boost productivity and profitability.
Powered by a Cat C4.4 173 hp engine and electrohydraulic system, the high-torque motor provides high power at low RPMs while helping to reduce fuel consumption and minimize downtime and maintenance costs.
Whether it’s performing tasks for land clearing, fire clean-up, chipping or grinding, mulching, or processing, the Cat FM528 is equipped to tackle a variety of jobs with ease. It is compatible with a wide range of robust Cat forestry grapples.
Triple grouser track shoes help provide high maneuverability while minimizing disturbance in soft, wet ground conditions. The hydraulic system features cooling E-Fans with reversing capabilities to optimize engine efficiency and temperature control.
For more information, visit www.cat. com.
John Deere Enhances 900 MH-Series Machines
John Deere introduced new operator assistance features and enhancements on its 900 M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, 900 MH-Series Tracked Harvesters, and 900 ML-Series Shovel Loggers.
The improvements include an enhanced Dedicated Travel System, which has been updated for greater efficiency and is now a new feature on the 900 M-Series machines. Additionally, the new Return-to-Level functionality and further undercarriage improvements help to enhance durability. These operator assistance feature updates help improve the overall customer experience in variable operational applications.
The Dedicated Travel System isolates the travel functions from the other functions on the machine. This enables the operator to focus on the task at hand by not allowing boom and swing operations to interfere and slow down the travel functions.
The new one-touch Return-To-Level functionality combines multiple leveling system adjustments into one push-and-hold operator input. As the machine moves to a different slope, the rotating upper can be brought to a level position (based on the parameters of the leveling system) by utilizing a simple button function on the joystick. The individual leveling control buttons will remain. This new operator assistance feature has been combined with the field-proven John Deere Slope Monitoring system, which actively measures and displays the slope of the terrain to the operator. These two advanced features allow the operator to focus more on the application machine adjustments.
In addition to these new performance and productivity features, all 800 and 900 Series leveling feller buncher, harvester and shovel logger models received improvements to the leveling system cylinder pin joints.
For more information, visit www.deere. com.
Waratah Launches Grapple Line
Waratah Forestry Equipment has introduced a line of grapples for forestry and nonforestry applications. The New Zealandbased company, which manufactures forestry felling, harvesting and processing attachments, has introduced 15 grapple models.
“These grapples complement our customers’ jobsite productivity from our other products and can be utilized for a wide variety of applications,” said Brent Fisher, Waratah product marketing manager.
Three model categories – C, large C, and E – cover all types of forestry and non-forestry applications, ranging from traditional
CALENDAR
April 22-24
American Forest Resource Council Annual Meeting, Stevenson, WA 503-222-9505, www.amforest.org
April 24-26
Olympic Logging Conference, Victoria, BC 360-202-7014 www.olympicloggingconference.com
April 30/May 2
MSR Annual Workshop, Couer d'Alene, ID 608-310-6768, www.msrlumber.org
forestry equipment and tasks to heavy-duty requirements and maximum material handling flexibility.
In addition to being tough, Waratah grapples are designed for ease of maintenance.
April 30/May 3
American Wood Protection Assoc. Annual Meeting, Portland, OR 205-733-4077, www.awpa.com
May 2-10
Sequim Irrigation Festival Logging Show, Sequim, WA www.irrigationfestival.com
May 5-7
Forest Resources Assoc. Annual Meeting, Miramar Beach, FL 202-296-3937, www.forestresources.org
May 7-9
Washington State SAF Meeting, Vancouver, WA 503-226-4562, www.westernforestry.org
Greasing the grapple is straightforward, with a single position to safely perform maintenance while the grapple is lowered. The open frame structure further facilitates maintenance by offering easy access to hydraulic hoses.
As with all Waratah products, grapples come with easily accessible support for dealers and products, as well as genuine Waratah parts with an industry-leading warranty.
Waratah grapples are now available to customers in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.
For more information, visit www.waratah.com.
May 16-17
Loggers’ Expo at Champlain Valley Exposition, Bangor, ME 315-369-3078, www.northernlogger.com
May 16-18
Montana Logging Association Annual Meeting, Kalispell, MT 406-752-3168, www.logging.org
Canada North Resources Expo (CNRE), Prince George, BC 250-561-7777, www.cnre.ca
Tips for Maintaining Disc and Bar Saws
By Jim O’Halloran
FORESTRY OPERATIONS
require durable, high-performance equipment to handle the rigors of daily cutting and harvesting trees. Saw attachments are among the most critical tools in timber harvesting, and ensuring accurate, clean and efficient cuts is critical to maximize overall productivity. These attachments endure significant wear and tear, making regular maintenance essential for prolonging their lifespan and minimizing downtime. Proper maintenance not only enhances cutting performance but also reduces the risk of costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
By following a disciplined maintenance routine, operators and fleet managers can keep their disc and bar saws in peak condition, ensuring optimal efficiency and longevity.
Keep Tools Sharp
One of the most fundamental aspects of saw maintenance is keeping cutting components sharp. A dull saw tooth or chain reduces cutting efficiency, which increases fuel consumption and places unnecessary strain on the machine. For disc saws, this means ensuring that the saw teeth are both sharp and securely tightened. Bar saws require a properly tensioned and sharp chain to deliver clean cuts.
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TechColumn
(continued from page 44)
A saw that struggles to cut smoothly is often the first sign that sharpening or replacement is needed. Machine operators should be trained to recognize performance issues, such as slower cutting speeds, increased engine load, or rough, splintered cuts. Regular inspection of saw teeth and chains can identify sharpening or replacement needs before they become excessively worn. This can prevent costly disruptions or reduced timber quality.
Signs that a saw needs sharpening include:
• Increased resistance when cutting
• Noticeable drop in RPMs
• Frayed or splintered wood at the cut site
• Higher fuel consumption
• Excessive vibration or noise
If an operator notices these issues, it’s best to inspect the saw immediately and address any dull or damaged components.
Regular Inspections, Timely Replacements
misalignments can lead to inefficient operation and long-term damage.
Cutting Techniques
Proper tool maintenance goes beyond inspections and sharpening; it also involves skilled operation. How a saw is used significantly impacts its lifespan and performance. Operators should be trained on best practices that reduce strain on the cutting device and minimize premature wear.
can overheat, stretch, or break prematurely.
For disc saws, proper lubrication of moving parts within the saw assembly is also important. Operators should follow manufacturer recommendations for lubricating bearings and other mechanical components to keep everything running smoothly.
Follow these best practices for lubrication:
• Use high-quality bar and chain oil for bar saws.
• Regularly check oil levels and refill as needed.
The cost of neglecting disc and bar saw maintenance can be significant — not just in terms of repair costs, but also in lost productivity. Unplanned downtime due to saw failure can delay operations and lead to in-creased labor and fuel costs. By implementing a structured maintenance routine, logging contractors can avoid these setbacks and ensure their disc and bar saws remain in top condition.
Routine inspections play a vital role in preventing major equipment failures. Forestry equipment operates in harsh conditions, and even small issues can quickly escalate into costly repairs if left unchecked.
For disc saws, operators should inspect both the saw teeth and the saw teeth mounting bolts for signs of wear or damage. If any teeth are chipped, broken or excessively worn, they should be rotated or replaced immediately. It is strongly recommended to replace the saw tooth bolt when replacing teeth to ensure proper torque levels. To maintain optimal saw disc balance, saw teeth should be replaced in pairs, replacing the tooth directly opposite the damaged one. Loose teeth should also be tightened to ensure safe operation. Additionally, periodic checks of other areas of the saw blade and felling head can help maintain optimal performance.
For bar saws, daily maintenance should include checking the chain for wear, ensuring proper tension, and inspecting the guide bar for signs of bending or wear. The chain should always be properly lubricated to prevent excessive heat and friction. If a chain has excessive play or appears to be binding during operation, it may need adjustment or replacement.
Regular maintenance checks also should include an overall examination of the hydraulic or mechanical components that drive the bar. Leaks, worn bearings and
Follow these cutting techniques for disc and bar saws:
• Avoid excessive force: Allow the saw to do the work rather than forcing it through the cut. Excessive pressure can damage the saw teeth or chain.
• Cut straight through the tree: Angling the cut incorrectly can cause binding, increasing wear on the saw and reducing efficiency.
• Avoid cutting too close to the ground: Rocks, dirt and debris can quickly dull saw teeth and chains.
• Monitor engine and hydraulic performance: Any noticeable drop in disc saw RPMs or power output could indicate an issue with the saw’s cutting components. Experienced operators understand that smoother, more efficient cuts reduce wear and tear while maximizing productivity. Training new operators to follow these best practices can lead to fewer maintenance issues and improved overall equipment performance.
Proper Lubrication
Lubrication is another key factor in maintaining performance, particularly for bar saws. A properly lubricated chain ensures smooth operation, reduces friction, and minimizes wear on both the chain and guide bar. Without adequate lubrication, the chain
• Ensure oiling systems are functioning correctly to avoid dry-running the chain. Keep lubrication ports clean and free of debris.
Preventative lubrication is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to extend the life of saw components and ensure peak performance in the field.
Storing Saws
Store bars in a dry, covered area when not in use. Remove excessive dirt and debris before storing to prevent buildup. If storing for an extended period, lightly oil bar components to prevent rust. Ensure spare saw teeth and chains are stored properly to avoid unnecessary exposure to moisture or contaminants. By following these storage recommendations, forestry professionals can ensure their equipment is ready for use whenever needed.
Preventive Maintenance
The cost of neglecting disc and bar saw maintenance can be significant — not just in terms of repair costs, but also in lost productivity. Unplanned downtime due to saw failure can delay operations and lead to increased labor and fuel costs.
By implementing a structured maintenance routine, logging contractors can avoid these setbacks and ensure their disc and bar saws remain in top condition. Regular sharpening, inspections, lubrication, and replacement all contribute to maximizing uptime and keeping operations running smoothly. By following these best practices, loggers can get the most out of their equipment while minimizing maintenance-related disruptions.
(Jim O’ Halloran is product marketing manager for tracked feller bunchers/harvesters & disc saw felling heads for John Deere Construction and Forestry. He has 32 years of experience in product engineering and additional experience in product marketing.)
