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Vol. 51, No.5
(Founded in 1972—Our 596th Consecutive Issue)
F E AT U R E S
May 2022 A Hatton-Brown Publication
Phone: 334-834-1170 Fax: 334-834-4525
www.southernloggintimes.com Publisher David H. Ramsey Chief Operating Officer Dianne C. Sullivan Editor-in-Chief Senior Editor Managing Editor Senior Associate Editor Associate Editor
Rich Donnell Dan Shell David Abbott Jessica Johnson Patrick Dunning
Publisher/Editor Emeritus David (DK) Knight
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PSP Logging Focuses On Hardwoods
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R&B Logging Louisiana Logger of 2021
Art Director Ad Production Coordinator Circulation Director Online Content/Marketing
Cindy Segrest Patti Campbell Rhonda Thomas Jacqlyn Kirkland
ADVERTISING CONTACTS DISPLAY SALES Eastern U.S. Kathy Sternenberg Tel: 251-928-4962 • Fax: 334-834-4525 219 Royal Lane Fairhope, AL 36532 E-mail: ksternenberg@bellsouth.net
out front:
Midwest USA, Eastern Canada John Simmons Tel: 905-666-0258 • Fax: 905-666-0778 32 Foster Cres. Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1R 1W1 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com
20 Brad Comer spent most of his career as a mechanic before he decided to take advantage of recovering post-recession markets; he was 43 when he started Outlaw Timber Harvesting in 2013. Hoping to mitigate the high costs associated with trucking, Comer is experimenting with contracting J.B. Hunt Transport Services to handle his hauling. Story begins on Page 8. (Patrick Dunning photo)
Mizell Development Reforestation Site Prep
Southern Stumpin’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From The Backwoods Pew . . . . . . . 22 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Industry News Roundup . . . . . . . . . 26 Machines-Supplies-Technology . . . 32 Trucking Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 ForesTree Equipment Trader . . . . . 41 Coming Events/Ad Index . . . . . . . . . 46
Western Canada, Western USA Tim Shaddick Tel: 604-910-1826 • Fax: 604-264-1367 4056 West 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6L 1Z1 E-mail: twshaddick@gmail.com Kevin Cook Tel: 604-619-1777 E-mail: lordkevincook@gmail.com International Murray Brett Tel: +34 96 640 4165 +34 96 640 4048 58 Aldea de las Cuevas • Buzon 60 03759 Benidoleig (Alicante), Spain E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
Bridget DeVane
Tel: 1-800-669-5613 • Tel 334-699-7837 Email: bdevane7@hotmail.com
Southern Loggin’ Times (ISSN 0744-2106) is published monthly by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscription Information—SLT is sent free to logging, pulpwood and chipping contractors and their supervisors; managers and supervisors of corporate-owned harvesting operations; wood suppliers; timber buyers; wood procurement and land management officials; industrial forestry purchasing agents; wholesale and retail forest equipment representatives and forest/logging association personnel in the U.S. South. See form elsewhere in this issue. All non-qualified U.S. subscriptions are $65 annually; $75 in Canada; $120 (Airmail) in all other countries (U.S. funds). Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds). Subscription Inquiries— TOLL-FREE 800-669-5613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.southernloggintimes.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Southern Loggin’ Times magazine are accepted and published by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. harmless from and against any loss, expenses, or other liability resulting from any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Southern Loggin’ Times. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertisement which it deems inappropriate. Copyright ® 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and at additional mailing offices. Printed In USA.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Southern Loggin’ Times, P.O. Box 2419, Montgomery, AL 36102-2419 Member Verified Audit Circulation
Other Hatton-Brown publications: ★ Timber Processing ★ Timber Harvesting ★ Panel World ★ Power Equipment Trade ★ Wood Bioenergy
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SOUTHERN STUMPIN’ By David Abbott • Managing Editor • Ph. 334-834-1170 • Fax: 334-834-4525 • E-mail: david@hattonbrown.com
Fighting Windmills ave you ever heard the expression “tilting at windmills”? It originates in the 1605 Spanish novel Don Quixote by author Miguel de Cervantes. Widely regarded as the first modern novel and often cited as foundational to Western literature, Don Quixote influenced later works like Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers and Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. One of the most widely translated works of fiction in the world, it has remained a popular classic for over 400 years. The titular protagonist is delusional; a lower class gentleman, he imagines himself to be a knight of great nobility. He’s a wannabe hero, a visionary idealist lost in his own fantasy of the world. He goes on a series of adventurous, often humorous quests. In one of the novel’s more famous scenes, Don Quixote mistakes a bunch of windmills for giants. Since he fancies himself a chivalrous knight with the duty to vanquish these monsters, he decides to attack them. His faithful sidekick/squire, simple peasant farmer Sancho Panza, who served as the voice of reason, tries to convince his master of the truth, but Quixote won’t listen. So the would-be knight charges at the windmills, only to get himself pummeled by the spinning sails. The “battle” is of course both needless and futile, accomplishing nothing. The windmills were just there, inanimate and indifferent to Quixote’s misperception of them. They weren’t a threat to him, and he couldn’t really do anything much to them, either. “Tilting,” by the way, means jousting, the way medieval knights liked to fight. So the expression “tilting at windmills” basically means to fight against an imaginary enemy; to waste time, energy and resources on a pointless quest. These days, windmills, like everything else in our ever-more-divided cultural landscape, have been politicized on both the left and the right. Like electric cars, windmills have become symbolic of “Green New Deal” energy/environmental policies, part of the liberal/progressive agenda aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions, replacing fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy and reversing climate change. Some folks think this is a good idea, even a vital one; others think it’s a fool’s errand, or worse, a scam. Depending on where you live and what you do for a living, your view of all this might blow one direction or the other.
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Changing Winds Lately, it seems to me that members of the logging community with whom I have interacted don’t seem quite as negative or hostile towards the concept of climate change as seemed to be the case maybe 10 or 15 years ago. If not entirely positive, the attitude seems at least neutral. 6
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Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean to imply anyone is applying for membership in a tree-hugger society. But there seems to be an acknowledgment that there might be some truth to climate change, and moreover, a recognition of the fact that a lot of people believe climate change is a fact. Myself, I have neither the qualifications nor the inclination to debate the science or the politics of it, on one side or the other. Believe in it or not, though, arguing over it might be a counterproductive waste of time. Trying to change people’s minds might be a fight against windmills (both figuratively and literally). Seems like we’ve had a tendency to cast the logging community and environmental activists as natural enemies, on opposite sides of the issue. And when we think about halted timber sales, spotted owls, deserted mill towns and wildfires in westerns states, it’s easy to see why. It seems so obvious as to need no explanation: loggers cut trees; environmentalists don’t want trees cut. But maybe it doesn’t have to be that way, and maybe it isn’t that simple or clear-cut. Maybe the social/political dimension of the climate change debate might actually represent a positive opportunity for the industry. At the ALC Annual Meeting last fall, Scott Dane discussed the importance of selling what people are buying. It might be the first rule of business, really: give the people what they want. If you want to sell cars, make cars people want to drive. If you want to sell music, make music people want to listen to. And if you want to sell a narrative, tell a story people want to hear. As Scott put it, we know what the current administration in DC is buying—what drives their agenda. We can and must work with whatever side is in power if we want to accomplish things, and we have to be able to meet them where they are, not where we wish them to be. It’s important we tell our side of the story, which, conveniently, also happens to be the truth: that loggers are, and should be recognized as, part of the solution, not the problem, when it comes to clean energy and a healthy planet. Many of the loggers I talk to throughout the country tell me how highly they prioritize working to improve the public perception of logging, to rehabilitate the industry’s image. It’s not a deceitful spin or PR campaign to cover up anything nefarious. It’s just about better educating a poorly informed public about a vital, necessary sector that has been widely misrepresented and misunderstood.
Common Ground Last summer my family and I went to see the iconic country band Alabama perform at the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Alabama. This was the sixth time I have seen them in concert in the
last 30 years—you could say I’m a fan. They opened the show with their hit song from 1990: Pass It On Down. The song is basically a conservationist anthem: “Let’s leave some blue up above us, let’s leave some green on the ground. It’s only ours to borrow, let’s save some for tomorrow, keep it and pass it on down.” It reminds me of my dad lamenting modern pollution compared to the clean water and forests he enjoyed growing up in rural Arkansas in the 1950s. Well, my dad and Alabama aren’t exactly flaming liberals; and there’s no reason why protecting (or responsibly managing) natural resources for future generations should be politicized or controversial. Environmentalists want less pollution, clean air and clean water, right? Well, those are our values, too. Who would be against clean air and water and less pollution? We all want these things. That’s some common ground; we can build on it. Sure, there are some in that movement who go too far; but my guess is most of them just don’t know what they don’t know. They mean well; maybe they see themselves as idealistic heroes, as knights attacking giants. We just need to help them see that we are not the enemy; in fact, in many ways, our goals align. Environmentalists want to stop deforestation. You know who’s really against deforestation? People who make their living from the forest! Families who plan to stay in logging generationally want to see trees replanted to be harvested in sustainable and responsible ways, because their livelihood today and the future livelihood of their children and grandchildren depends on it. It’s their legacy and they want to pass it on down. Loggers, for the most part, don’t get into logging for how great the money is. They do it because they love being in the woods. They’re not out to destroy the thing they love. It’s a misperception that needs to be corrected with education, communication and good PR. If the political goal is to mitigate the effects of man-made climate change, then a timber industry helping to sustainably manage healthy forests that can constantly regenerate and absorb carbon in the atmosphere must be an essential part of that plan. The new, younger generations believe in climate change; denying it is a losing strategy. Ridiculing that belief will get you nowhere. Rather than being antagonistic to those with differing political views, a wiser strategy might be to embrace, adapt and adjust. Put another way: if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em—but on your own terms, by showing how you can contribute to helping them get what they want. Form alliances instead of making enemies so you can have a voice in policymaking; be a part of the conversation and get a seat at the table so you can bring your point of view to the discussion. Either that, or we could just keep fighting windSLT mills.
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Change Of Pace ■ Former mechanic finds ways to alleviate logging pressures while commodities markets soar.
By Patrick Dunning GRAY, Ga. rad Comer, 54, had ★ been a full-time mechanic with a couple of trucks for more than 20 years before he hauled his first load of pulpwood. He’d been around logging his entire life, growing up in Hancock County; even his dad was a lifelong logger. Comer says this part of rural midwest Georgia has always relied on the timber industry, which has provided jobs for the families that live here. Nearly a decade ago, Georgia’s forestry industry was moving forward following a setback from 2008’s downturn in the housing market. The state’s timberland coverage had remained stable and Comer, who was already considering a career change, figured it was a good time to start a logging business. He established Outlaw Timber Harvesting LLC in 2013.
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Brad Comer, center, says his young crew has been dependable.
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Comer switched to Weiler in 2019 because of their bumper-to-bumper four-year, 7500-hour warranty.
“I was 43 when I decided I wanted to be a logger,” he recalls. “I’m sitting around drinking some beers with a friend of mine who had just bought a truck and said he wanted to haul wood with it. At the time I had never hauled wood before and told him, ‘I’m going to buy a trailer tomorrow and we’re going to be a couple of outlaws doing it’ and it stuck.” Comer jokes that his attempt to change occupations only resulted in him having two careers at once, only now he doesn’t get paid for working on equipment. “I got tired of being a mechanic. Now I’m a logger and a mechanic,” he laughs. “Went from getting paid to do it to doing it for free now.”
Outsourcing Help Since Outlaw Timber’s inception Comer has contracted for Piedmont Forestry, headquartered in Macon and servicing the middle-Georgia region. In the past Comer purchased
Outlaw Timber plans to reduce its weekly production and become more efficient with trucking.
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his own stumpage and coordinated with mills himself, but now believes contracting is the simpler solution and allows him to focus efforts more on in-woods operations. “I prefer contracting because often times it’s harder to sell your wood,” Comer asserts. “I don’t have time to do what I have to do now. I’d love to haul 40 loads a week that’s worth 70 but the mills around here prefer you go through a forester. The middle man needs his money, especially some of these pulpwood mills.” Trucking is another area Comer is contracting out to a third-party to remain focused on meeting production goals. As of last month, J.B. Hunt’s newest endeavor to mitigate cut-and-haul headaches by offering dedicated fleets has made its way to Outlaw Timber’s loading deck. Comer currently owns six trucks, has four full-time truck drivers and pays near $20,000 annually per truck for insurance premiums. With the price-per-ton rates failing to compensate for rising operating costs, Comer says eliciting J.B. Hunt’s services through Piedmont Forestry is a sure-fire way to reduce insurance and liability costs on his rigs. Still, how effective J.B. Hunt’s efforts will turn out to be remains to be seen, the logger admits.
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Nearly 70% of the company’s volume is dedicated to Interfor in Eatonton, Thomaston and Perry.
“J.B. Hunt says this is something they want to get into,” he says. “They’ve already deployed trucks in Alabama and Florida. They’re putting a big price tag on it but know we are at a vulnerable point as loggers. I know three or four loggers around here personally that said if J.B. Hunt didn’t pull through, they would have had to get out of
the industry. Insurance companies have put contractors out of business. Why would a man want to have his own truck and liability and make the same he could driving mine and parking it on the weekends?” Jeremy Morris, General Manager, J.B. Hunt Timber Services, says their dedicated solution provides
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loggers with a contracted hauling capacity they can rely on every day. He believes a stable trucking force will give loggers a competitive advantage. “A logger’s main competency is cut, skid and load logs,” Morris says. “J.B. Hunt’s core competency is trucking. When those two marry, you’ve got a great thing. Now you
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have two companies focused on their core values, which in the end is to give the logger the results he needs and that’s more wood across the scales. We put someone on site with that customer and in essence became an extension of Piedmont. I’ve got guys imbedded at that Piedmont office that operate our fleet, working with the logger and logistics professionals every day to maximize efficiency.” In the past Comer averaged 120 loads per week, sometimes more depending on available trucks. Now
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with 35 trucks at his discretion with one phone call, Comer’s plan is to efficiently reduce the number of loads he hauls to 75 per week. Within his current big-rig inventory of three Macks (’06, ’08, ’10), two Freightliners (’96, ’07) and a ’98 Peterbilt, Comer plans to reduce his fleet to four in the near future. “I don’t want to haul over 75 loads a week,” he says. “I’d rather just not worry about trucking. I don’t want to get back to 100 loads per week. I was on a roll there for a minute but I’m getting older.
Almost all my equipment is paid for so I want to go backwards and slow down.”
Operations When Southern Loggin’ Times visited Outlaw Timber in November last year, Comer’s three-man crew was clear-cutting a 200-acre private block of 20-year-old planted pine in Hancock County. When Comer started in 2013 the first piece he bought was a Caterpillar loader. He ran a Tigercat skidder
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and cutter for a stint. He switched to Weiler in 2019 because of their four year, 7,500-hour warranty. “That’s bumper to bumper,” he asserts. “I met Pat Weiler before and he’s a really good man. What that warranty covers is a no-brainer.” Comer’s cut-skid-load operation utilizes a ’20 Weiler B670 fellerbuncher and ’19 S350 skidder with 35x5 tires. At the loading deck he runs a ’16 model 559C Cat and ’20 538 Cat Forest Machine featuring a ’17 model HTH622B Waratah processing head. Comer doesn’t strip wood with either of his loaders, only loading trucks, so combined both loaders have just 6,000 hours. Roughly 70% of Outlaw’s volume is dedicated to Interfor in Thomaston, Eatonton and Perry. The remainder is hauled to GeorgiaPacific in Warrenton and Madison. “I’ve had that processing head almost five years now. Some people thought I was crazy to buy it but it’s fast and Interfor guaranteed me quota if I bought it. We do all cut-to-length for Interfor and there’s no waste left.” The 32 in. saw bar can cut up to a 30 in. tree and features a twin retainer knife and strengthened upper delimb castings to improve delimbing durability. Outlaw Timber just finished constructing a new 40x60 shop at the company’s headquarters in Gray. Comer maintains both Cat loaders and Cat skidder and all warranty maintenance on his Weiler cutter and skidder is done by Yancey Brothers, Macon. “In this area, Yancey has the best service-oriented people,” Comer believes. Comer buys his oil and fuel in bulk, 1,000 gallons at a time, from Chambers Oil Co. Inc. in Milledgeville. He changes oil every 250 hours in woods equipment with Cam2 semi-synthetic 15W40, and every 20,000 miles in trucks. Today’s synthetic blends expand the service window and newer engines produce significantly less particulate matter. It’s one way Comer reduces costs. “I changed oil every 10,000 miles for 20 years but with today’s oil it’s not necessary,” he affirms. “Mack truck oil changes are every 45,000 miles or so now. Yesterday’s oil, yes, but (with) synthetic oil blends today, you don’t need to change oil and filters often.” Outlaw Timber’s liability and workers’ comp insurance have been through Hawkins & Rawlinson since day one. The company also utilizes Safety On Site, Inc., which provides quarterly safety SLT meetings.
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Always Something ■ Contract trucker Phillip Brooks expanded his PSP Hauling into PSP Logging four years ago. By Tim Cox SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. hillip Brooks II is ★ committed to his logging business. He is somewhat of a newcomer to the logging contracting business, but he’s no stranger to logging. Actually, he started out as a trucking contractor, hauling logs, with one truck in 2013. He launched his logging business in 2018. The name of the trucking business is PSP Hauling, and the name of the logging entity is PSP Logging. Those letters come from the first letter of his first name, and the first letter of the first names of his parents, Phillip Brooks, Sr. and his wife, Sonya. “I couldn’t have done it without my parents’ help,” the younger Brooks says. “It’s always been a team effort.” His father retired after working for the federal government for more than 30 years. Described by his son as a jack of all trades, the elder Brooks, 69, helps the company maintain its equipment. “He keeps things running,” his son says.
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His mother runs the office in their home and takes care of the administrative side of the business. The company has a wood yard equipped with a watering system to prevent logs from drying out, as well as a shop and office at his parents’ property in Spotsylvania. Brooks has four employees working in the woods and also a fulltime mechanic back at the shop who works on both the logging equipment and trucks. One of his employees is a nephew, Montana Moody, who operates a skidder. Spotsylvania is a county on the west side of Fredericksburg, which is situated about halfway between Richmond and Washington, DC. Brooks normally buys standing timber and tries to stay within 4050 miles of the company’s base. “We try to stay as close as possible.” A typical job is about 75-100 acres in Spotsylvania or the neighboring counties of Orange to the west, Stafford to the north, or Caroline to the south. PSP Logging has worked as far away as Chesapeake, about 150 miles away in the Hampton Roads Phillip Brooks II region. Brooks has a couple of jobs
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coming up, one closer to Washington and one in Maryland.
Coming Up Brooks grew up on a farm. He started his logging career when he turned 18, working for Mid Atlantic Tree Harvesters, a contractor in central Virginia. By the time he started PSP Logging, he already had about 15 years of experience working in the woods. When asked why he started PSP Logging, he puts it simply: “Make more money.” PSP Logging performs clearcuts and select cuts. “We cut big hardwood,” Brooks says. “That’s what we’re known for.” He doesn’t compete for pine. “There’s not enough money in it. We like doing hardwood.” He gets jobs with hilly terrain and soft bottomlands. “It’s almost impossible to get out,” Brooks says. “I don’t get the easy ones.” It’s timber other contractors don’t want. When Southern Loggin’ Times visited Brooks, the company was working on a job of 37 acres in
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Stafford adjacent to U.S. 1. The tract contained white oak, poplar, and Virginia pine. The job was producing about 60% pulpwood and 40% sawtimber, he estimates. Pulpwood, both hardwood and softwood, normally goes to the WestRock paper mill in West Point, which is at the head of the York River and represents a haul of 75 miles from Fredericksburg. Sawlogs are supplied to mills in Spotsylvania, Orange and Caroline, and also Culpepper, which is north. Brooks also supplies grade hardwood logs that are bound for export and buys additional logs for that market.
Equipment The company is equipped with a mixed fleet of logging machines. It has a John Deere 643K fellerbuncher (and another spare machine); two grapple skidders (a 2018 Cat 535D and a John Deere 848H); and a pair of loaders (a 2020 Tigercat 234B and a 2014 Prentice). Brooks also has a Case bulldozer for building roads and landings and a Cat 559C loader with delimber and ground saw at his wood yard. The crew—Robert Holmes, Kendall Lanpher, Elisha Parker, and Moody—is cross-trained on the equipment and used interchangeably to operate machines. The only exception is Moody, who is still dedicated to operating the skidder full-time until he is trained on the other machines. At the job in Stafford, the loaders were set up so that two trucks could be loaded at the same time. The loaders are matched with CSI DL 44 ground saws and CTR 426 pullthrough delimbers for processing the trees. Brooks likes to try to have a trailer on the job at all times, ready to fill with a load of wood. “You can’t let up production,” he says, “even though it costs more to produce it.” He likes to do 60 loads of wood per week, and that’s what the company normally averages. PSP Hauling is equipped with Western Star and Kenworth semitractors and Pitts, Evans, and Kaufman log trailers. For trucks and trailers, he is not wedded to any particular dealer, although he has purchased seven Kaufman trailers directly from the company’s factories in North Carolina and South Carolina. Currently Brooks is only running one of his seven log trucks, relying on contract haulers to make up the difference. The reason: a shortage of drivers. “It’s terrible,” Brooks says. Walmart is paying drivers $40 per hour, according to Brooks, who notes that small businesses like his can’t compete for drivers at those wages. “We really rely on the contract haulers,” says Brooks, who has help-
ed some of his former drivers buy their own rigs. He started the business by purchasing used machines, but has made some new purchases since. Going forward, he plans to continue to invest in new machines. “Less downtime,” Brooks believes. Much of the preventive maintenance on the machines is done at jobs in the field, and the crew performs it. The company’s mechanic services the trucks and also works on trucks for other contractors. “We’re a lean crew,” Brooks says. If something breaks down, they all pitch in to get it running again. “We’re all versatile.” For dealer service Brooks relies on Tigercat dealer Forest Pro, the company from which he purchased the Tigercat loader. Forest Pro has three locations in Virginia: Albemarle County, to the west, Charlotte County, to the west and south, and King William County, to the south and east, which is the closest one to PSP Logging and the one with which Brooks does business. He also purchased his Cat skidder from Forest Pro, while the John Deere machine was purchased from James River Equipment, which has multiple locations in Virginia and the Carolinas.
Business Besides scouting timber, bidding on timber, and working with a landowner to lay out the next job and set up the deck, Brooks is hands-on. “I do whatever needs to be done,” he says. He runs the loaders a lot but also operates the cutter sometimes. Brooks has enjoyed a measure of success. He just bought the land where he did his first logging job in 2018. It will be the site of a future shop and office. Safety on the job is important to Brooks. He holds a weekly meeting
Moving forward, PSP Logging is investing in new machinery.
with his crew. He uses those sessions to review the work of the prior week, the plans for the current week, and to address any safety matters. “I’m proud to say we’ve never had an accident,” he says. “We try to be safety conscious.” He is well aware of the risks and danger of logging. “I’ve seen a lot of bad stuff happen on other logging jobs,” Brooks says. “I try to be proactive.” When he is on a job site he is constantly watching the crew and how they work to correct any safety-related issues. “I’m watching everyone all the time,” he says. Brooks has been trained and certified under the Virginia Forestry Assn. SHARP Logger program. He is a member of that association and also the Virginia Loggers Assn. and attended the loggers trade group annual meeting in Roanoke last year. Brooks calls the recent spike in fuel prices “ridiculous.” At the time he talked with SLT, he was paying $3.50 per gallon for off-road diesel – $5.05 delivered to his shop. Diesel fuel for trucks was at $4.98
per gallon but had been as high as $5.49. “That’s what hurts the most,” Brooks adds. “When that fuel goes up, everything goes up with it.” On the day when SLT visited his job, Brooks was waiting to hear how much of a surcharge one of his mills was going to pay to help offset the high fuel prices. Asked what he likes to do when he has free time, Brooks says he enjoys traveling, whether he can get away for a few days or a week or more. One gets the impression he doesn’t get away very often, though. Brooks works 70-plus hours a week, he estimates. “I work every day. There’s always something to do.” He adds, “I like to log,” and describes himself as a workaholic. SLT visited his job on a Friday. The PSP Logging crew knocks off for the week at lunch time each Friday—but not Brooks. After the crew left, he was planning to climb in the cutter and fell some more timber. Like he says: There’s alSLT ways something to do.
PSP team, from left: Robert Holmes, Kendall Lanpher, Phillip Brooks Sr., Sonya Brooks, Phillip Brooks II, Montana Moody, Elisha Parker
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Bright Side ■ Randy Broadway was the Outstanding Louisiana Logger for 2021.
NOTE: This article previously ran in the September 2021 edition of Forests and People magazine, a publication of the Louisiana Forestry Assn., and the October 2021 issue of Louisiana Logger, the magazine of the Louisiana Logging Council.
By Jeff Zeringue, Media Specialist, Louisiana Forestry Assn. PROVENCAL, La. pend a little time ★ with Randy Broadway and you’ll quickly find out how much he likes to joke around. At a logging site, he likes to keep things light-hearted, but he also is serious about his business because he knows it’s not just about him. That joyful attitude, dedication to doing good work and the will to help others through a giving spirit has culminated in Broadway and his company, R&B Logging, being selected Outstanding Louisiana Logger for 2021. The Provencal Master Logger has been in business for a quarter century, but before then he was working logging jobs for other logging companies. It’s a profession he’s loved for many years. “I just enjoy going out in the woods,” Broadway says. “You feel like you’re free.” Bruce Colclasure, production manager for Walsh Timber Co., says he enjoys working with R&B Logging. It’s a family operation, typically fun to work with on any job. “They do an excellent job on big timber but they clear-cut, any type of job, really,” Colclasure says. “They’re a pretty diverse kind of operation.” Tom Leone agrees. Leone hauls wood for the Broadways through a contract hauler. He went to work for R&B Logging when they had trucks 16 years ago. After trucking costs led to the use of contract trucks, Leone continues to haul for the Broadways through the contractor. He’s 83 and has no plans to quit now.
“Boo-Boo,” who is also co-owner of R&B Logging. Like most loggers, Randy is in the woods when the sun rises, a sight he especially loves about his job. Another aspect of his job that makes it enjoyable is working with family, he says. “It’s good to have brothers to work with you,” Broadway says. “Sometimes you have problems, but
too, especially if they think they have something on you, they’ll pick with you about it,” Randy says. “That just makes the day go better.” The three Broadways have had quite some time learning to work with each other, Randy says. They did it growing up with three other brothers. In addition to working together, each knows what’s happening with the others’ families.
says. But she’s not alone. The couple’s daughter Shanna helps her mom with the necessary duties to keep a small business going. “You’d normally think a small business doesn’t take that much to operate, but you’d be surprised by what it does take, and everything you have to keep up to date,” she says. Shanna helps out with payroll or “whatever else Daddy needs me to do.”
“We talk about everything going on in your family,” he says. Some things that are good for siblings to talk about, however, are also difficult. On the day Broadway was interviewed for this story, his father, Peter Broadway, Jr., known to everyone as “Junior,” was gravely ill. In the mornings preceding the elder Broadway’s death, Randy would talk with his brother Terry as they rode to work. At the logging site, “Boo-Boo” joined in the conversation and all three shared memories of their father or how he might have been that day. “Sometimes it’s hard to talk about your dad, like he had a rough night last night,” Randy says. That night, Junior Broadway passed from this world. Family is also what keeps R&B Logging going. Randy’s wife, Becky, runs the office. “Our office is set up in our home, so I do the office work in our home,” Becky
Before working in the family business, she was a registered nurse. “(Working in the family business) helps me to be with my children,” Shanna says, adding that her sister Hannah also helps out.
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Family Affair Randy works with two of his brothers: Terry, who operates the feller-buncher, and Gary, known as 18
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Randy and Becky Broadway
we work them out.” Terry Broadway says he has been in the woods since he was 10. He’s 63 now. For the past 11 years, he’s worked with his brother after working for other loggers in the area. He says he enjoys it. “If something comes up, I can take care of it,” Terry says. “I know what I have to do every day.” Sometimes taking care of things means taking care of himself. Terry says he has diabetes and had a difficult time fighting through the coronavirus. His brother allowed him to take the time he needed to get well. “I’d do anything for my brothers,” Terry says, “and I know they’d do anything for me.” That doesn’t mean each won’t dish out ribbing and joking with each other. Randy Broadway says you have to be prepared for it. “They love picking on each other; not only them, but I pick on them,
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Faithful The Broadways are quick to admit that the logging industry has its ups and downs, just like most industries. But the family has risen to the challenge and is thankful for what logging has allowed them to accomplish. They fully understand that the business isn’t just about the Broadways. “If you’re just looking out for yourself, you just as soon hang it up because logging is for everybody,” Randy says. “You look down the line, you’ve got seven or eight families you’re helping. They’re making a living, too. I
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thank the Lord He can provide for them and help them out.” Broadway’s generosity is one of the things Shanna admires about her father. Shanna also admires her father’s ability to look at things positively, like the time Becky needed a new liver. The family rallied around the matriarch and Shanna was to donate part of her liver to her mom. While going through tests to determine if she would be a suitable donor, the younger Broadway learned she was pregnant. That meant she could not help to save her mother’s life. Randy’s faith (he is a deacon at the Provencal Free Methodist Church) and positive attitude carried his daughters through the difficult time. “He’s always so optimistic; I love that about him,” Shanna says. “I can always call him and he’s an encourager, no matter what is going on, he knows we can get through this.” That encouragement lifted Shanna’s spirits. Soon, the Broadways would learn that a donor had been found and she would have to get to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas as soon as possible. The call came on a Sunday when the Broadways were in church. “It was a touchy situation, but the
Randy, right, with his brother, Terry, left
Lord provided for us and I thank Him for that,” Randy says. A quick trip to Dallas and several hours of surgery later, Becky’s system was able to accept the organ and did very well, but that wasn’t the only medical challenge the Broadways had to work through. “During our stay out there, we discovered my sister (Hannah) needed a kidney transplant,” Shanna says. Another Broadway, another organ transplant and both are doing well. Six years later, they find themselves well enough to work in the logging business, and Becky is well enough to spoil her grandchildren. “We really, really spoil them,” Becky, whose grandchildren call her
Randy Broadway, right, with Bruce Colclasure, Walsh Timber forester, at left
Gammy, says with a broad smile. Randy, who is called Pawpaw by his grandchildren, admits he spoils them, probably more than he has spoiled his daughter. But providing for his family isn’t the only thing he considers when it comes to sharing his blessings with others. Broadway also participates in community fundraisers and contributes to St. Jude Children’s Hospital each year. “There’s a lot of needy people out there and I’m just thankful we can help,” he says. As for the joking, that, too, will continue at work and home. Shanna says she has picked on her parents almost as much as they’ve picked
on her. “Poor Mama, sometimes she just gets caught in the middle,” Shanna says. That seems to be the way it’s always been, even as the young couple was starting out. Becky recalls how Randy pulled the old watch the coin flip on the water bottle trick. Becky ended up with a face full of water. "And I fell for it," Becky says as she and Randy erupt with laughter. "That's what's bad. Thank God we were married. If we had been dating it might have been a different outcome." For now, the Broadways will continue to log, to pick on each other and to be an important part of the SLT Provencal community.
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Tomorrow’s Timber ■ Adam Mizell looks to the future, with a focus on reforestation. By Steve Werblow EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written exclusively for Southern Loggin’ Times by Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc. CALLAHAN, Fla. very day, Adam Mizell and his crew at Mizell Development, Inc., plant the seeds for tomorrow’s timber harvest. After earning a forestry degree from Lake City Community College and building a business specializing in logging roads, Mizell found himself doing more and more site prep contracts. He discovered that he was drawn to the reforestation side of the timber industry. After a little over 10 years in the reforestation business, the Florida Forestry Assn. named Mizell the Silviculture Contractor of the Year for 2016. “I’m a farmer at heart,” says Mizell, who represents the fifth generation of a poultry producing family. “I have no doubt if I lived somewhere else, I’d be growing corn or soybeans.”
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In The Field On a fall day on a cut-over softwood site outside of Callahan, Fla., one of Mizell’s Tigercat 630E skidders was pulling a 20,000-lb. Marden Industries drum chopper, preparing the ground for a stand of slash pine. Mizell’s skills in site preparation will put that land on the fast track to its next timber harvest, helping make Southeastern logging even more sustainable than ever. In 15 to 20 years, the trees on this parcel will be ready for the pulp mill; in about 30 years, the landowner will have a rich stand of saw logs. Site prep and replanting can account for as much as 20% of a timber harvest budget, so reforesting a site is a major investment for landowners—but it pays off. A University of Georgia study documented the benefits of replanting versus natural regeneration: slash and loblolly pine replanted into prepared land had twice the growth rate— 5.85 tons per acre per year vs. 3.0— and greater economic returns than naturally regenerated stands of the same species. 20
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Forming beds for the next generation of pine forest is farming on a huge scale, Mizell says.
from the ground up to be protected from debris and logs and sticks stabbing up through the machine. They were engineered for this application, and you can get bigger tires on them.” Mizell uses a variety of equipment, including both Tigercat and John Deere machines, and works with dealers Tidewater Equipment Co. in Brunswick, Ga., and Ring Power Corp. in Jacksonville, Fla.
Head Start The reforestation process starts with a herbicide application soon after logging has ended. Mizell likes to let a clear-cut sit for about a year before site prep, giving some of the debris a chance to start breaking down, but he says he and his team are often chopping within a few months. Large stumps with a lot of heartwood can be sold to an explosives manufacturer, but the stumps are generally chopped to fertilize the next generation of trees. “Chopping softens the soil so that the new roots can grow vigorously throughout the bed,” Mizell says. “You want a chopper with good, long blades so it will get down there and break up the lateral roots on the residual stumps and split the residual stumps as much as possible so it encourages the breakdown of all those things. The pine needles, the palmettos, the gallberries, all that gets broken down and folded into the bed and serves as nutrient and organic matter to help the new seedlings get ahead.” Mizell follows chopping with a Fleco root rake, originally designed for wheel loaders and modified by Stokes Welding to fit Deere or
Pulling Beds
Reforestation contractor Adam Mizell
Tigercat feller-bunchers. On the Callahan project last fall, a Tigercat 720G piled debris too big for the drum chopper to break up. “Feller-bunchers make a fantastic raking tractor,” he explains. “We’ve used wheel loaders and dozers in the past, but the undercarriage cost is prohibitive. You have to guard them up with forestry packages, and sticks still get in there and break things. A feller buncher is made
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The final step in land prep is pulling beds, which Mizell forms with Savannah Global Solutions bedding plows pulled by Deere or Tigercat skidders in the 250-to-300-horsepower range. “They have the strength to pull through without having to gear down,” he notes. About half of the sites Mizell prepares for planting are on beds 12 ft. apart on center. The rest range from 11 to 16 ft. on center, depending on soils and the foresters’ plans for stand density. Drier sites can be bedded in a single pass. On wetter ground, Mizell prefers to build the beds higher—about two feet from the bottom of the furrow to the top of the bed—with a second pass.
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“It’s so flat here we get ponded water,” Mizell says. “None of it is very deep, but it will stagnate the tree’s growth if it’s just sitting in sour water.” Mizell’s work in the 150-mile radius around Callahan falls mostly in the heavy soils of the Okefenokee Swamp region. In January or February, crews come through to plant seedlings. Mizell says 95% of the trees planted on the land he prepares are slash or loblolly pine, and the other 5% are longleaf pine. With a skilled crew and bareroot or containerized seedlings, Mizell says stand survival can be 98% or better.
Gearing Up Mizell attributes successful site prep to simple factors. “Having goodquality equipment with good tires and a good man running it—that’s the key,” he says. “What makes a good contractor is someone who does what he says he’s going to and follows through with it, who has good equipment and good people on his team to make good on that.” Mizell points out that horsepower is critically important, but so is making sure that all the horsepower reaches the ground. “Tires are extremely important to my business,” he notes. “Our tires aren’t as susceptible to torque or puncture as a logging tractor because we’re not toting out the weight of the trees. All we have is the weight of the tractor and the tread of the tire—so if I don’t have good tires, I’m just spinning in place. “Most particularly, when you’re pulling beds and your tire spins, the tractor sinks down some, then that makes the disk sink down some, and it becomes a tougher pull on your tractor,” Mizell explains. “So now the tractor’s dug itself into a hole it’s trying to climb out of, and that takes more fuel and horsepower—and if you don’t move on, you’re stuck.”
Bedding often takes two passes.
Pulling a huge bedding plow takes horsepower and traction.
Deep Tread Years of trial and error, and the evolution of logging tire design, led Mizell to Primex Log Stomper Xtreme tires. The 82/32” depth and wide construction of the tires’ curved lugs had instant appeal, and the durable compound reaffirmed his choice. “They’ve got a thick, deep bar, which makes a lot of difference,” he says. “I try to stay on the new side—the first 50%—of a tire. I can have 3,000 hours on the Primex Xtreme and it will still have a bigger bar than other tires. In my business, if your tires start to get bald or worn down, they’re fine when you’re on dry ground, but we’ve got to work the whole field: the good, the bad, or whatever. You’ve got to have what it takes to get through those wet areas. We don’t want to leave those acres out, because they’ll grow a tree.” Most of Mizell’s tires are stan-
dard 30.5 and 35.5 widths, but in some wetter ground, he has experimented with 73x44.00-32 Log Stomper Xtremes. He says the extra wide tires have provided both better traction—helping his operators work swampy areas that would otherwise have to be bypassed—and better flotation, which minimizes soil compaction to maintain a healthier root zone for seedlings. “A 300-horsepower skidder, whether it’s a John Deere or a Tigercat, is a heavy tractor,” he points out. “I needed more flotation and hoped to achieve a little more traction, and I think I got both things.”
Thin Margins Mizell points out that, like every aspect of the logging business, reforestation is tougher than ever. “It’s all about efficiency nowadays,” he says. “You can be inefficient. But you just won’t be inefficient for very long.”
The name of the game is working more acres at thinner margins, and keeping crews active all the time. “I look at labor as a fixed cost,” Mizell says. “If you’re going to have good people, you have to pay them consistently. If you send them home, you can’t blame them for looking for something else. You’ve got to keep them working. And if they’re out working, they have to be able to do the job. If they’re stuck, just sitting there spinning in place, they might have to get on the lowboy and leave and then come back later. We don’t get paid to move back and forth— that’s counterproductive.” In the end, Mizell sees the results of his investments and his people in the tall stands of pines stretching through north Florida and south Georgia—tomorrow’s timber growing straight, tall and fast. “I still have to be competitive,” he says, “but I always think first, ‘this is what we need to do the job SLT right.’”
Mizell says feller-bunchers make great raking tractors.
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FROM THE BACKWOODS PEW
Lingering Too Long at the Road Kill The rural South is often a maze of cultivated fields and timberlands, intersected by narrow roads, some paved, many still dusty dirt paths. Foresters find themselves driving many of these dirt roads and passing
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by these fields and timberland edges on a daily, if not hourly basis. Along this maze a vast array of wildlife also moves, often converging at a point in time and space with the forester. More specifically, it is usually the
bumper, door, or the most expensive part of the forester’s truck, where the convergence takes place. Antill More times than not, the wild animal cannot withstand the collision
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caused by the convergence. The result is referred to as road kill. Many jokes have been made about road kill and even some recipes. I will let others share those tantalizing tidbits. Let me, however, share these two pieces of advice: stay upwind, and don’t linger. To linger, according to most dictionaries, is described as “to delay leaving.” We have all done that, haven’t we? Time to leave for an appointment, but the game is in the final seconds, so we have one foot outside the door, but both eyes inside. We linger until we are late. Maybe it is the smell of cookies in the oven, and any idea of going out to mow the yard is forgotten. We would rather stay and enjoy the aroma, and wait to sample the culinary masterpiece; until a wooden spoon comes our way, chasing us out the door. Without a doubt, put “game” and “aroma” together, and it is really, really hard to leave. A few years ago, I was driving through the southeastern portion of Virginia, along the typically narrow, curving secondary roads. The weather was warm. Up ahead, in the right-side ditch, a “convention” of buzzards was gathered along the roadside. They were celebrating the late game, that being a deer that had tried to cross the road. The deceased deer was actively decreasing, thanks to the heat and the enthusiastic buzzards. Upon my approach, the buzzards began to go airborne, and fly away. I proceeded to pass the deer, when out of the bottom of the ditch came the one who lingered. Slow to
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pull himself away from the feast, he flew up into the road…and into the bumper of my truck…up onto my hood…across the windshield…and off my right-side mirror. What a mess! What a stench! Road kill is nothing new, nor is it confined to the era of the automobile. King David saw some road kill in his day; he saw it in the lives of men, and how they traveled the path of life. He saw it in how they responded towards God, denying and rejecting his Lordship. Like road kill, they lay scattered across the landscape. He writes: Psalms 14:1-3—The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one. We would blanch at the idea of sitting a few feet downwind of a ghastly road kill, steaming in the summer sun—not wanting to leave, even when approaching you was destruction! Wouldn’t you want to fly away from it, get to some fresh air, and get to any place other than next to that stench? Yet, spiritually, we too often want to linger in the ditch with sin. Sin, like a rotting corpse that causes us to gag and hold our breath, still seems to pull us back into the ditch. We see others ruin their lives taking another drink, or taking another dose of illicit drugs. We see their lives falling into the gutter. But it doesn’t seem to scare us away. We linger. We reach for a bottle or a pill, and taking in a deep breath of the aroma of decay, we drop into the ditch. James said it like this: James 1:14, 15—But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Not a pretty picture, is it? When we hold to sin and resist God; or when we declare there is no God, no one to tell us what we can or can’t do; then we are nestled in tight with the road kill. We are covered with it, smelling like it; we are feasting on sin, and sin smells like death; and around the corner at any moment, judgment is approaching. Flee now, don’t wait! Don’t linger at the road kill, holding on to sin for even a second longer. God offers something so much better. He offers to us a way out of the ditch, a way to remove the stench from our lives, a way to escape eternal death. He offers Jesus. Coming to God through Jesus, as Paul explains, is
the difference. Why smell like road kill, when you can smell like “lifeeternal”? II Corinthians 2:14, 15—Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through
us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. That is the essence of the Good
News, the Gospel, that there is a better breeze blowing, a better life waiting. Stop lingering at the road kill. Excerpted from Pines, Prayers, and Pelts, Bradley Antill, author. Visit www.onatreeforestry.com
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not, you let me go and don’t give me the ticket.” Old cop: “Sounds fair. Please exit your vehicle sir.” The cop takes his baton and begins beating the crap out of the lawyer and asks, “Daeye want me to stop or just slow down?”
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I’m on two diets. I wasn’t getting enough food on
one. Don’t irritate old people. The older we get, the less “life in prison” is a deterrent. l You will hit every cone on the highway before I let you merge in front of me because you saw that sign two miles ago like I did. l I really don’t mind getting older, but my body is taking it badly. l It turns out that being an adult now is mostly just googling how to do stuff. l I miss the ’90s when bread was still good for you and no one knew what kale was. l Do you ever get up in the morning, look in the mirror and think, “That can’t be accurate.” l I want to be 14 again and ruin my life differently. I have lots of new ideas. l As I watch this new generation try to rewrite our history, I am certain of one thing: It will be misspelled and have no punctuation. l I told my wife I wanted to be cremated. She made me an appointment for Tuesday. l Confuse your doctor by putting on rubber gloves at the same time he does. l My wife asked me to take her to one of those restaurants where they make food right in front of you. I took her to Subway. l I picked up a hitchhiker and he asked if I wasn’t afraid that he might be a serial killer. I told him the odds of two serial killers being in the same car were extremely unlikely. l I went line dancing last night. OK, it was a roadside sobriety test...same thing. l If you are happy and you know it, it’s your meds. l Sorry I’m late. I didn’t really want to come. l Everyone was thinking it. I just said it. l When I was a kid I wanted to be older. This is not what I expected. l I have stopped listening, so why are you talking? l Science doesn’t care what you believe. l The best thing about the good old days was that I wasn’t good and I wasn’t old. l If you can’t laugh at yourself, then let me do it. l Patience is a virtue. It’s just not one of mine. l
The Irish Cop A London lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by an elderly Irish cop. The lawyer thinks he is smarter than the old cop because he is educated and is from London, so he decides to prove this to himself and have some fun at the Irish cop’s expense. The old Irish cop says, “License and registration please.” The lawyer says, “What for?” Irish cop: “Ye didnae come to a complete stop at the stop sign.” Lawyer: “I slowed down, and no one was coming.” Irish cop: “Ye still didnae come to a complete stop. License and registration please” Lawyer says: “What’s the difference?” Irish cop: “The difference is, ye huvte come to a complete stop; that’s the law. License and registration please!” Lawyer: “If you can show me the legal difference between slow down and stop, I’ll hand over my license and registration and you give me the ticket. If 24
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What is Wrong With Him? Two medical students were walking along the street when they saw an old man walking with his legs spread apart. He was stiff-legged and moving slowly. One student said to his friend: “I’m sure that poor old man has Peltry Syndrome. Those people walk just like that.” The other student said, “No, I don’t think so. The old man surely has Zovitzki Syndrome. He walks slowly and his legs are apart, just as we learned in class.” Since they couldn’t agree they decided to ask the old man. The older of the two explained, “We’re medical students and couldn’t help but notice the way you walk, but we couldn’t agree on the syndrome you might have. Will you tell us what it is?” The old man said, “I’ll tell you, but first you tell me what you guys think.” The first student said, “I think it’s Peltry Syndrome.” The old man said, “You thought, but you are wrong.” The other student said, “I think you have Zovitzki Syndrome.” The old man said, “You thought, but you are wrong.” Puzzled, they asked him in unison, “Well, what do you have?” The old man said, “Well, I thought it was gas, but I was wrong, too!”
A Frog Tale A group of frogs was hopping through the forest when two of them accidentally fell into a deep pit, landing on a narrow ledge not that far from the top. The other frogs sat around the pit, and, seeing how deep it was, told the two unfortunate frogs that they couldn’t help them, that there was no hope. However, the two ignored the others and tried jumping out of the pit. The frogs at the top continued to tell the trapped frogs to give up, as there was no way they would be able to jump out. After trying over and over, one of the frogs gave up, falling to his death. But the other frog continued to jump with all his might. The crowd of frogs yelled down the pit for the frog to stop. But the frog jumped even harder and persisted until he finally got out. Upon reaching the top, the other frogs said, “We thought there was no way any frog could jump that high. Couldn’t you hear us?” The frog then signaled to the others that he was deaf, and he thought that the frogs standing around the pit were encouraging him the whole time. The moral: The words of others can greatly impact your attitude and actions. Ignore the naysayers. Only engage with those who encourage you and believe in your ability to succeed. Furthermore, think about what you say to people before speaking so you can make sure what you’re saying is supportive. Your support, or lack thereof, could make the difference between success and failure.
That Would Be My Wife A very senior citizen, 89 years of age, was stopped by the police around 2 a.m. and was asked where he was going at that time of night. He replied, “I’m on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse, smoking, staying out late, and the effects all these have on the human body.” The officer asked, “Really? Who’s giving that sort of lecture at this time of night?” The old man replied, “That would be my wife.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS ROUNDUP (WNS), while hibernating As We See It: The New Spotted Owl? Syndrome in caves during the winter. By Scott Dane The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to change the listing from “Threatened” to “Endangered” for the Northern Long-Eared Bat will do nothing to reduce the mortality of the bat, but will Dane
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contribute to the declining numbers of loggers in the U.S. and threaten the forest products industry. Let’s examine the facts: l The Northern LongEared Bats are dying from being infected with a fungus that causes the White-Nose
mortality rate for bats infected with the fungus is 97%-100%. There is no known cure. l The range of the bats covers 37 states. l WNS is predicted to be in 100% of its U.S. range by 2025. One of the talking points being promoted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in support of their efforts
to change the listing from “Threatened” to “Endangered” is that the Northern Long-Eared Bat contributes $3 billion annually to the U.S. agricultural economy through pest control and pollination. The U.S. forest products industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in America, representing nearly 4% of manufacturing GDP, $300 billion in products annually and $109 billion in payroll—more than 100 times the so-called economic contribution of the bat. If the Northern Long-Eared Bat is listed as Endangered it will result in enhanced habitat (forests) protec-
tion restrictions, particularly during the summer (June and July) roosting phase. Since it is impossible to accurately identify roosting trees, this will open up a pandora’s box of overreaching limits and restrictions that will impede forest management activities. Furthermore, after the bats, including newborn bats, return to the caves to hibernate, they will be infected with the fungus and die anyway. This prescription will be equivalent to treating a terminal illness (literally for the bats) with an ineffective focus on extenuating factors while ignoring the source of the illness. The medical field has a fundamental principle of “Do No Harm.” The listing of the Northern LongEared Bat as Endangered, and the subsequent actions and restrictions that will result, will do harm, particularly to the timber and forest management sectors...far more harm than good. The Endangered Species Act was passed by Congress in 1973. In nearly 50 years more than 2,000 species have been listed, with only 54 ever being removed due to recovery, and many (34) removed due to extinction. This constitutes only a 2% recovery rate. A species must satisfy at least one of five listing criteria in order to qualify for listing as a “threatened” 26
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or “endangered” species under the Endangered Species Act: l The present or threatened destruction, modification or curtailment of its habitat or range; l Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or educational purposes; l Disease or predation; l The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; l Other natural or man-made factors affecting its continued existence. Based on these criteria the American logger satisfies more than one and should therefore be considered for listing as “threatened” or “endangered” and afforded the same protections. Scott Dane is Executive Director of the American Loggers Council. ALC is a 501(c)(6) trade association representing the interests of timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses across the United States. For more information visit www.amloggers.com.
more than a century, starting with a sawmill in 1920. International Paper Co. built the site’s paper mill in 1930. Southwest Forest Industries bought it in 1979. Stone Container Corp. purchased it in 1987 and merged with the Jefferson Smurfit Corp. in 1998 to make Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2009. RockTenn purchased the mill from Smurfit-Stone in May 2011, and it’s been a WestRock mill since the 2015 merger with MeadWestvaco.
Stihl Inc. Appoints Horan As President/CEO Stihl Inc. named Terrence (Terry) Horan as President and CEO, responsible for the management of the Stihl Group’s largest market and subsidiary. “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Horan, an internationally successful leader with 35 years of experience in the power tools, DIY, and consumer goods industry to the Stihl family,” comments Dr. Nikolas Stihl, chair-
man of the advisory board and supervisory board at Stihl Group. Michael Traub, chairman of the executive board, adds, “Terry Horan has demonstrated proven leadership of major companies and global brands, creating winning cultures focused on innovation and leveraging a deep understanding of the end-customer. This makes him the right choice to lead the company and its employees.” Horan joins Stihl Inc. after a successful career as RPM Consumer Group president at RPM International Inc. Horan has also held vari-
WestRock Closing Mill At Panama City, Fla. Northwest Florida fiber markets were jolted in April after WestRock announced that it will permanently shut down pulpwood operations at its major Panama City, Fla. mill in early June. According to a recent Fastmarkets-RISI report, the move eliminates 2.75 million tons of annual wood consumption, with Enviva’s pellet mill at Cottondale, Fla. and Georgia-Pacific’s linerboard mill at Cedar Springs, Ga. expected to be the future destinations for much of the WestRock plant’s incoming wood. The move comes as a result of several issues, including closing an aging facility that operates an outdated linerboard line and also produces non-core business market pulp. The facility’s procurement area had also taken a big inventory hit in 2018 with damage from Hurricane Michael as pine plantations in the region were hammered. The mill itself was down more than six weeks in 2018 after sustaining hurricane damage. In addition, there’s a wave of new containerboard capacity coming on line later this year. The facility’s fast-track closure— less than three months from announcement to shutdown—marks the end of a hundred-year era as city officials note the site is to be re-purposed with a new owner. Most of the current complex came into production back in the late 1950s, but the site in an area known as “Millville” on the outskirts of Panama City has been a major regional log destination for wood consuming operations for Southern Loggin’ Times
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ous senior leadership roles including President and CEO of DAP Products Inc., President of The Master Lock Co., President and CEO of the Robert Bosch Tool Corp. North America, and President of Dremel Power Tools. “I am excited both personally and professionally to join the team at Stihl Inc.,” Horan says. “I look forward to working with the men and women here in Virginia Beach, our branch and distributor teams, and our vast network of more than 10,000 local Stihl dealers across the country.” Horan, a native of the Chicago area, received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Northern Illinois University. He also volunteers as a start-up advisor at the IDEA Center at the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Jill have three children.
Pewag Purchases Wallingford’s Inc. Pewag group, a leading global company in traction chain devices and industrial chain solutions, has completed the acquisition of Wallingford’s Inc. and BABAC Inc., a
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leading U.S.-based provider of forestry traction devices, forestry supplies and snow chains. Wallingford’s and BABAC are now consolidated as part of pewag’s traction and forestry segment. The acquisition of Wallingford’s and BABAC is a strong fit with pewag’s North American forestry business and in particular its forestry traction devices business. It is part of the strategy of pewag to be a leader in this segment globally. Moreover, the high-quality forestry traction devices, developed and manufactured by pewag in Austria and Czech Republic will be integrated in the portfolio of Wallingford’s. Pewag has hundreds of years of experience in the manufacturing of chains and their components. Founded as a forging plant in Brueckl, Austria in 1479, pewag group became one of the leading chain manufacturers worldwide. Today its success is based on wellengineered state-of-the-art quality products. Pewag’s business areas are mainly snow chains, forestry traction, hoist and conveyor chains, do-ityourself products, engineering, lifting and lashing chains and accessories and tire protection chains. It operates modern chain production facilities in Europe and in Pueblo, Colo. “The combination of pewag’s
strong portfolio in forestry with traction devices and the wide distribution network of Wallingford’s in the forestry industry will result in a leadership position in this sector in North America. Moreover, the skidder and ring skidder traction devices developed and manufactured by BABAC will complete pewag’s global forestry product range,” comments Rob Bekkers, CEO, pewag Traction and Forestry. President of Wallingford’s Inc. Chip Wallingford adds, “We are very excited to be now part of the global pewag group, which will add value and quality to our product portfolio, improve our position in the North American forestry market and will definitely give a further push to our professional customer service.” Founded in 1975, Wallingford’s Inc. is an international wholesaler of tire chain, logging and industrial supplies. Products are predominantly sold to distributors in North America. The sales and marketing office is located in Oakland, Me., with a distribution, assembly and administrative facility in New Hampton, NH, and Canadian distribution centers in Edmonton, Alberta and Montreal, Quebec. In the position as President of Wallingford’s Inc., Chip Wallingford will be in charge for the future devel-
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opment and is taking over this position from John J. Wallingford.
Enviva Will Build Pellet Mill In Bond Enviva, Inc., the world’s leading producer of sustainable wood bioenergy, announced it will invest approximately $250 million in Bond, Miss. to build a new wood pellet production plant. The facility is a key component of the company’s growth strategy to double production capacity from the current 6.2 million metric tons annually to approximately 13 million metric tons annually over the next five years. “Markets for our renewable products have been growing rapidly as countries look for new ways to reduce their dependence on coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for heat and power generation. Demand from manufacturers driving to reach ‘net-zero’ by decarbonizing industrial production of steel, cement, lime, and sustainable aviation fuel is also growing rapidly for us,” comments John Keppler, Enviva’s Chairman and CEO. The facility site, directly off Highway 49 in Bond, was selected in close collaboration with Governor Tate Reeves, the Mississippi
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Development Authority, and Stone County officials. The plant is fully contracted under long-term take-or-pay supply contracts with customers around the world. In addition to creating around 100 local jobs with wages projected to be approximately 70% higher than the county average, the Bond plant will generate more than $1 million in taxes per year for the county and school district and deliver over $250 million annually in economic impact in the region. Once operational, the plant will support more than 350 jobs, including those in related industries such as logging and transportation. The new plant in Stone County joins two other Enviva facilities in Mississippi, one in Amory, which is Enviva’s first production plant in the state, and the company’s most recent manufacturing facility in Lucedale. The company also owns and operates a deep-water marine terminal at the Port of Pascagoula from which pellets are shipped to customers in Europe and Asia. Combined, Enviva’s total investment in the Magnolia State is more than $600 million and supports over 850 direct and indirect jobs in Mississippi. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023, subject to receiving the necessary permits, and is expected to take 18 months. The Bond plant is expected to have a production capacity of more than 1 million metric tons of wood pellets per year. The plant intends to use low-value and low-grade softwood and hardwood fiber sustainably sourced within 75 miles of the facility.
Rawls Was One Of Morbark’s Faces Stephen (Steve) Brady Rawls of Lenoir City, Tenn., who worked for Morbark for more than 20 years and was a recognized presence at industry trade events for Morbark, died April 2. He was 68. A member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Lenoir City, Rawls was a talented sales consultant, mechanic, and operator of a wide range of heavy equipment. Happiest outdoors, Rawls enjoyed working in this yard on a John Deere and in his garden. Known as a kind and honest man, he had a passion for his Harley. Rawls is survived by his wife of 28 Rawls years, Melissa May Rawls, son Thomas Herzog (Heather) and granddaughter Emersyn as well as countless other family members. A celebration of life was held April 9 in Lenoir City. Donations in his memory can be made to the CLL Society, cllsociety.org.
Weyco Purchases More Acreage In Carolinas Weyerhaeuser Co. is purchasing 80,800 acres of timberland in North and South Carolina from a fund managed by Campbell Global for $265 million. The acquisition is composed of highly productive timberlands situated in strong coastal markets and strategically located to deliver immediate synergies with existing Weyerhaeuser timber and mill operations. Additionally, the acquisition is expected to deliver portfolio-leading cash flow and harvest tons per acre within the company’s Southern Timberlands business.
Tennessee Honors Logger Of Year Shannon Jarman, wife Rachel and daughter Marley from Dickson County were honored by Governor Bill Lee and members of the Tennessee General Assembly on March 16. Pictured with the Jarman family are From left: Senator Kerry Roberts, Shannon Jarman, his wife Rachel and daughter Marleigh Jarman, and Rep. Michael State Senator Curcio Kerry Roberts and Representative Michael Curcio. Shannon was honored for his commitment to sound and sustainable forestry practices along with his ability to work well and communicate with landowners. Shannon was nominated for the Tennessee Master Logger of the Year award by Independent Stave Corporation. The Tennessee Forestry Assn. (TFA) is very proud to recognize Shannon Jarman and his family as Tennessee Master Logger of the Year for 2020-2021. The Tennessee Forestry Assn. (TFA) represents wood industry, loggers and forest landowners in government affairs, education and outreach programs. TFA sponsors the Tennessee Master Logger program along with the Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture and University of Tennessee Extension Service. For more information on TFA visit the website at www.tnforestry.com.
Key components include: —Fee ownership with 89% planted pine acreage and strong site productivity delivering attractive longterm timber returns —Well-stocked timber inventory with a mature age class producing attractive sawlog mix and average harvest of 6.5 tons per acre (or 520,000 tons) annually over the first 10 years —Expected average Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $160 per acre (or $13 million) annually from timber operations over the first 10 years With this acquisition, Weyerhaeuser will own or manage more than 900,000 acres of timberland in the Carolinas, and the company also operates four mills, a distribution center and tree nursery and hosts multiple mitigation banks and real estate development projects, while employing more than 700 between the two states.
Auburn Forestry School Celebrates 75th Year Auburn University’s College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences culminated its 75th anniversary year with a gala at the Gogue Performing Arts Center on April 13 featuring a keynote address and performance by Rolling Stones keyboardist and honorary U.S. Forest Service ranger Chuck Leavell and a proclamation from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. Mary Katherine Pittman from the Office of the Governor presented Ivey’s proclamation to Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, in honor of the college’s anniversary and its recent change in designation from a school to a college. Alavalapati recognized Auburn’s leadership and faculty, staff, alumni
and friends who have propelled the college forward for the past 75 years to become a premier institution. He also expressed gratitude to the anniversary celebration organizing committee, which included faculty, staff and distinguished alumni like Glenn Glover, professor emeritus and 1973 forestry graduate; William Green, a 2014 wildlife graduate and current forestry and wildlife divisions director of ALFA Farmer’s Federation and Executive Director of the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association; and Frank Walburn, a 1979 forestry graduate and Regions Bank Senior Vice President of natural resources and real estate management.
Drax Officially Opens Demopolis Pellet Plant Drax Group has opened a new pellet plant in Demopolis, Ala. At full capacity the plant, which is Drax’s second production facility in Alabama, will produce 360,000 tonnes of sustainable biomass pellets a year. “Drax’s wood pellet plant that’s being commissioned in Demopolis represents a major investment that will drive long-term economic growth and spark significant job creation in Marengo County. The opening of this facility is an exciting development for this rural region, and I look forward to seeing Drax develop new growth plans in Sweet Home Alabama,” commented Governor Kay Ivey at the official opening. Will Gardiner, Drax CEO; Mayor Woody Collins; Ashley Coplin, Executive Director of the Demopolis City Schools Foundation; and Matt White, Drax Executive Vice President, Pellet Operations also participated in the ceremony held April 5.
John Deere Expands Self-Repair Resources John Deere announced it will enhance the capabilities of existing diagnostic tools and expand their availability. In 2023, the company will roll out an enhanced customer solution that includes a mobile device interface, and the ability to download secure software updates directly to embedded controllers on select John Deere equipment with 4G connections. In addition, John Deere announced that coming this May it will expand its offerings by giving customers and independent repair shops in the U.S. the ability to purchase Customer Service ADVISOR directly through JohnDeereStore.com. Customer Service ADVISOR has been available through John Deere dealerships, enabling customers to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair
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their own equipment. With the ability to purchase directly from John Deere, equipment owners and independent repair shops will have expanded access to Customer Service ADVISOR, in addition to existing access to replacement parts to complete needed repairs. John Deere owners will continue to have the option to visit a dealership, engage an independent repair shop, or self-repair their machines according to their preferences. Visit www.JohnDeere.com/repair.
Collaboration Enhances Data-Based Intelligence Remsoft’s collaboration with ForestPHD, an Australian-based developer of Sticks, opens new opportunities for forestry companies to drive more accurate harvest, delivery and wood flow schedules and budgets. This partnership will enable the use of forest machine data in Remsoft Forest Intelligence solutions. The partnership will improve visibility and data-based intelligence for forestry companies using Remsoft Operations SaaS software to plan and schedule their harvest and wood flow activities. Widely used throughout Australia, New Zealand and increasingly other parts of the world, ForestPHD’s Sticks cloud solution enables data collected by forestry equipment to be analyzed for better understanding of harvesting operations, wood flow logistics and value recovery. Sticks aggregates data from feller-bunchers, harvesters, processors and forwarders that support the internationally recognized StanForD data format that is used by manufacturers. Linking the machine data from Sticks with Remsoft Operations
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opens new opportunities to drive more accurate harvest, delivery and wood flow schedules and budgets with improved harvest unit inventory updates and forecasts, harvest productivity rates and harvesting costs. “As forestry companies make the move from spreadsheets to intelligence-based planning in Remsoft Operations, data integration is a key focus for delivering more value,” says Doug Jones, Senior VP, Remsoft. “Our collaboration with ForestPHD opens the door for clients to incorporate and extract more value from their forest machine data to inform supply chain decisions.”
NED Joins Barko Dealers Lineup Barko Hydraulics announced the addition of National Equipment Dealers (NED) as the company’s newest authorized dealer. With more than 30 years of industry experience in heavy equipment sales, rentals, and serving customers in an array of industries, NED will sell and support the full line of Barko equipment in South Carolina. With 15 locations in Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, NED is one of the preeminent heavy equipment dealers in the U.S. NED serves customers in earthmoving, forestry, mining, oil and gas, scrap and material handling, road construction, landscaping, government and municipalities. Paul Harmer, NED Forestry Div. Manager, comments, “We are thrilled to expand our relationship and our territory with the innovative Barko product offering. We look forward to growing our business throughout the NED territory with this great product.”
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MACHINES-SUPPLIES-TECHNOLOGY ASTEC Drum Chipper
made from AR400, for long life and accurate chip sizing. The 4310B is also available as a Highwalker giving extra ground clearance for landclearing operations. More torque creates superior fuel efficiency. Longer knife life reduces downtime from replacing wear parts frequently and the Adaptive Feed speeds reduce engine load and increase fuel efficiency. Visit astecindustries.com.
Tigercat Track F-B
ASTEC Industries Peterson’s 4300 and 6300 series drum chippers are available in double or triple grouser tracked options. Powered by a Caterpillar engine, Peterson drum chippers boast high torque for high volume production. Chip accelerators enable faster load times with more chips in each truck. The 4300B drum chipper can easily handle material from logs up to 26" (61 cm) in diameter, to brush and small feedstock. The chipper utilizes a 36" diameter by 40" wide (91 by 102 cm) drum with wear resistant AR450 wear surfaces on the drum pockets and shell. A sloped feed deck makes feeding the chipper easier. The optional material sizing grate and chip accelerator ensures tight chip packing and fully loaded chip vans. All models come standard with an end-load spout; the 4310B and 6310B are available with an optional top-load spout. The discharge system can either add load density or propel chips significantly farther from the machine for in-woods and clearing operations. The grate system provides ultra-consistent chip sizing; twigs and small stems are easily fractured through an innovative system. Easy access knives on all drum chipper models have a patented safety latch system which prevents the drum from moving during knife changes. Anvils are
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The Tigercat LX830E is a powerful and stable leveling feller-buncher with a compact tail swing and a high performance closed loop track drive system, well suited to steep slope thinning and final felling applications. The updated Eseries cab includes a new parallel action air ride seat with integrated heating and cooling. The reclining seat is fully adjustable with seat angle and seat extension adjustment. The wider seat cushion and lumbar support provide operator comfort all day long. HVAC controls feature a new infinitely variable fan speed control, adjusted on the control panel or the machine control system touchscreen, adding to operator comfort. Multiple convenient storage locations with nets
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have been added to the cab to keep items secure. A redesigned engine enclosure provides improved roof access for clearing debris. A boom slider also reduces debris build-up in hard-toreach areas. A hot shutdown feature has been added. This allows the turbo to sufficiently cool before stopping the engine, improving turbo life. A larger, spring-assisted pump cover allows for easier service access to the hydraulic pump area. Hydraulic enhancements include quicker anti-stall response, consistent anti-cavitation flow and improved heat rejection. Visit tigercat.com.
The new Tigercat SC08 shovel clam grapple is designed for the LS855E and LSX870D shovel loggers. Also with an 8 ft2 load capacity, the shovel clam grapple provides an alternative to dangle style log and bunching grapples. The SC08 can enhance shovel logger functionality and productivity by increasing control of the trees and the speed at which the operator can gather and manipulate the bunches. Visit tigercat.com.
Tigercat Yarder The purpose-built Tigercat 180 swing yarder combines the speed and stability of conventional yarders with the mobility and simpler controls of excavator-based yarders. The result is a powerful and versatile yarding machine for extreme terrain log-
ging applications. The 409 HP carrier was carefully designed with a component layout, hydraulic system, drivetrain, and boom system optimized for yarding. The result is high line pull, excellent stability, and efficient operation.
Grapple Attachments
Tigercat is steadily growing its line of grapple attachments in an effort to provide end-to-end Tigercat branded solutions that integrate seamlessly with Tigercat loggers, loaders and shovel loggers. The new butt-n-top and shovel clam grapples are built with durable boxed style jaws fabricated from high strength steel. Replaceable tine tips are made from abrasion resistant steel. High quality, heavy duty components are used throughout. Cushioned cylinders, and a softstart and stop slew hydraulic circuit prevent structural shock loads and promote extended grapple life while providing ample speed and torque for excellent performance. Hydraulic hoses are routed on top of the boom and under the connecting pin to best protect the hoses from damage. The BT08 and SC08 grapples are simple to maintain with easy access to daily service points and critical components. A sealed electrical box protects electrical components from the elements. With an 8 ft2 load capacity area, the BT08 butt-n-top grapple is designed to match up to the 865, 875E and 880E series loggers. The overall design provides exceptional control of tree-length timber. The jaw profile rolls the logs into the load area to maximize load size and minimize cycle times. Southern Loggin’ Times
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Designed to achieve exceptional stability, the 180 can achieve high line pull without the use of guylines in most operating conditions. The undercarriage has a reinforced pedestal and carbody with an extended blade for added stability. Blade mounts are tied directly into the carbody for added strength. The machine can be quickly moved to the next setup by simply lifting the blade. In operating situations where additional stability is required, such as with extremely long yarding distances or low deflection conditions, a simple static guyline can be quickly set up. The machine still retains the ability to swing with this guyline attached. The winches are driven with efficient dedicated closed loop hydraulic circuits for smooth operations and infinitely variable speed control. The closed loop circuits provide energy when lowering the load for increased efficiency. Intuitive joystick controls, along with many programmable features reduce, operator training time and increase production. Visit tigercat.com.
Komatsu Forwarder Komatsu’s 845-1 forwarder offers an excellent combination of high crane capacity, maneuverability and rough terrain capability to help you maximize your productivity. With high productivity for thinning and light clear-cutting, the 12-metric-ton class forwarder offers several frame-length options. Designed for smooth and precise operation, the 8451 has a long reach with
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excellent lifting power and slewing torque. Even when fully loaded, operators can maneuver with confidence in the most rugged forests. The chassis and suspensions on Komatsu forwarders are designed for performance under demanding conditions. Komatsu Comfort Bogie axles with a high portal offset and V-shaped frames provide some of the highest ground clearance in the industry. Designed to maximize performance with high power and torque with a Tier IV Final fuel-efficient engine, the sophisticated control system on the 845-1 automatically adapts to changes in engine load. Computerized HST system considers machine load, terrain conditions, power and torque output to give you exceptional tractive force. Hydraulic retarder overspeed protection ensures the driveline won’t run too fast. Operator comfort is key to productivity and the spacious and open cab on the 845-1 provides excellent visibility, ergonomic controls and a seat that delivers all-day comfort. The state-of-the-art MaxiXT system monitors and controls everything from engine and crane to the transmission and service ladders. Multiple options are available to enhance productivity and comfort, including bunk wideners, rearand front-view video cameras, computer touchscreen and electric fuel fill pump. For ground or stump leveling on tough terrain, an optional heavyduty stacking blade is available. Mounted with a high angle of departure for climbing obstacles, there’s no interference between blade, battery boxes or hood guard. A standard diesel heater system heats the engine coolant, hydraulic oil and the batteries to facilitate cold-weather starting on the 845-1. Maintenance is quickly and easily completed with a service-friendly design that features an electronically powered tilting hood. All filters are located together for easy access under the hood. Visit komatsu.com.
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JD Mid-Sized Excavators
Doosan Wheel Loaders
John Deere revealed the newly enhanced 350 Ptier and 380 P-tier excavators to the manufacturer’s mid-size excavator lineup. These revamped machines are the first excavator models to launch as part of John Deere’s new Performance Tiering strategy Both excavators offer SmartGrade technology as a factory option and field upgrade kits. Customers can choose from 2D guidance, 3D guidance, 2D SmartGrade Ready Control, and SmartGrade 3D Control. These grade management options allow customers to choose a level of technology that’s right for them with the ability to upgrade as their business grows. Overdig protect limits the bucket’s cutting edge from going below the target design surface. Visibility around the machines has been improved with the option of a right, rear and left camera system with LED surround lighting that provides enhanced 270° visibility and is integrated into the primary display in the cab. The machines’ fuel economy is up 7% compared to previous models via electric on-demand cooling fans that reduce engine load, in-line after treatment for less restriction and system complexity, along with increased front piping diameter to cut down hydraulic restriction. Visit johndeere.com/excavators.
Doosan Infracore North America introduces three additional models of its next-generation 7 Series wheel loaders. These new 200 size class machines include many of the same features as the larger models and are now available at Doosan dealerships. Similar to the -7 Series wheel loaders that were launched in spring 2021, this next generation offers all-new redesigned cabs with first-class comfort features, increased bucket capacities and new fuel-saving technologies. The three new models—DL200-7, DL220-7 and DL250-7—are smaller than the models launched last year. They have standard bucket capacities between 2.6 and 3.3 cubic yards. All three new models are available with a high-lift option for additional dump height and reach. Each model of the -7 Series can be equipped with an optional Transparent Bucket, a Doosan-exclusive technology that offers a supplemental view from a monitor inside the cab to improve operator visibility and productivity. The Transparent Bucket has two cameras with protective guarding, one mounted high and one mounted low on the front of the machine. An improved Load Isolation System improves wheel loader stability while moving, which can reduce cycle times, increase productivity and boost fuel efficiency. The new Doosan Smart Load weighing system tells the operator the weight of material in the bucket. All menus and settings are integrated into the Doosan Smart Touch screen. Visit na.doosanequipment.com.
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Tigercat Dozer Tigercat Industries has developed a forestry dozer. The new TCi 920 will be making the rounds at several U.S. forestry industry tradeshows this spring.
The dozer will be branded under the new TCi badge, as Tigercat Industries continues to design machines for applications beyond forest harvesting systems. All products falling under the TCi brand are, and will continue to be designed,
manufactured, and supported by Tigercat Industries. Seeking to overcome shortcomings that harvesting professionals have experienced when applying standard-build, mass production dozers to forestry operations, the new 920 is designed specifically for use in logging applications. The 920 is powered by the Tigercat FPT N45 Tier 4f engine rated at 101 kw (135 hp). It is equipped with a 190 mm (7.5 in) pitch heavyduty undercarriage, a responsive and efficient closed loop track drive system, strong, impact-resistant belly pans, and durable structural components throughout. The 920 provides the power, durability and versatility for deck clearing, road building and cleanup activities on logging sites. The carefully designed forestry cab offers the operator clear sightlines augmented by the sloped front hood and rear-mounted exhaust. The cab is quiet and comfortable with a heated and cooled air ride seat, ergonomic armrest mounted joysticks, and a large touchscreen machine control system interface. Visit tigercat.com.
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TRUCKING SAFETY
Log Trailer Visibility
replace filament bulbs with LED bulbs to increase serviceability and brightness.
TOP TIPS TO HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS: Every logger operating a log truck needs to be diligent about making sure their vehicles are conspicuous, especially the log trailers. The time of day or weather can create conditions that make it difficult to stand out to other drivers. In the event of a crash, whether or not it’s an “at fault” accident, you can be sure the plaintiff’s attorney will introduce, explicitly or implied, that their driver did not see the truck/trailer. Why? The lack of or poorly maintained conspicuity tape, inoperative lights, reflectors, or obscured lamp lenses, among others. Continue reading to learn our top tips to help stand out and prevent accidents.
REFLECTIVE TAPE AND LIGHTS: In 2001, the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NTHSA) conducted a study on the impact of using reflective tape on trailers. The results concluded that the consistent use of reflective material would prevent over 7,800 accidents per year and 191 fatalities. The study reported that tape is quite effective and it significantly reduces side and rear impacts into heavy trailers in the dark. In addition to the DOT require-
PRE- AND POST-TRIP INSPECTIONS: To discover unsafe conditions, drivers should perform pre-and post-trip inspections. Inoperative lights and lamps (tail/brake, turn signals) are commonly noted during DOT roadside inspections as being: l Broken
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reflectors tape issues Check for these issues before leaving the yard or location. l Conspicuity
MAINTENANCE: It is highly recommended that drivers have the necessary replacement and repair parts with them to act immediately. Keep extra bulbs, lenses, reflectors, and a supply of reflective tape on hand. Periodically, drivers should wipe off the reflectors, lenses, and tape to ensure visibility. Another tip is to
Beacon Light and Bolster Tape
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ments at the federal and state level, add reflective tape to the rear bolsters, covering at least 50% of the height of the bolster. Add a beacon light centered on the rear of the trailer and use it, whether loaded or empty, before dawn and after dusk or when weather conditions dictate to make your trailer more visible. If your drivers often forget to turn on their beacon lights, the lights can be wired to activate when the truck’s ignition switch is turned on. FLEET SAFETY TRAINING: Provide training to log truck drivers regularly. Training reduces accidents and injuries and saves lives.
Replace poor, missing/incomplete or worn tape on trailers
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PRINT CLASSIFIED AD RATES: Print advertising rates are $50 per inch. Space is available by column inch only, one inch minimum. DEADLINES: Ad reservation must be received by 10th of month prior to month of publication. Material must be received no later than 12th of month prior to month of publication.
Click. Connect. Trade.
www.ForesTreeTrader.com
CONTACT: Call Bridget DeVane at 334-699-7837, 800-669-5613, email bdevane7@hotmail.com or visit www.southernloggintimes.com
Logo indicates that equipment in the ad also appears on www.ForesTreeTrader.com
LOGGER’S BEST FRIEND!
8309
Repair Hoses in the Log Woods Crimper Start-up Kit Less than $5,000 Contact: Chris Alligood 1-252-531-8812 email: chrisa.cavalierhose@gmail.com
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FOR SALE
PRENTICE 210E LOADER Cummins power, joysticks, saw hydraulics, good straight machine, JUST COMING IN ....................$POR Call or Text Zane • 334-518-9937
Logo indicates that equipment in the ad also appears on
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LOCATED IN ALABAMA
6288
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Ready To Place Your Classified Ad? Call 334-699-7837, 800-669-5613 or email class@southernloggintimes.com for print ads. 2687
5078
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Ready To Place Your Classified Ad? Call 334-699-7837, 800-669-5613 or email class@southernloggintimes.com for print ads.
7393
4433
13189
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Ready To Place Your Classified Ad? Call 334-699-7837, 800-669-5613 or email class@southernloggintimes.com for print ads.
RECONDITIONED DELIMBINATORS!!
566
CARVER SAWDISK REPAIR 252-945-2358 Washington, NC 27889
13795
In addition to new machines, CHAMBERS DELIMBINATOR, INC. now has factory reconditioned DeLimbinators. These units have been inspected, repaired, and updated as needed. Call us and we will help you select a DeLimbinator for your need.
13807
MIG welding is the incorrect way to repair cracks in saw disks according to a major welding rod manufacturer. I weld all cracks with TIG and air hammer “Peen” the welds. Disk straightening and balancing is a specialty.
WE ALSO BUY USED DELIMBINATORS Call: 662-285-2777 day, 662-285-6832 eves Email: info@chambersdelimbinator.com
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Contact Bridget DeVane to place your ad in next month’s issue!
334-699-7837
2583
6209
EUREKA! EUREKA! EUREKA! OWNERS HAVE OVER 30 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE!
N
EUREKA SAW TOOTH CO., INC.
7180
We can save you money on Saw Teeth. Hundreds of satisfied ACC OW EP customers. Rebuilt Exchange or New. We specialize in rebuild- CRE TING DIT ing Koehring 2000, Hurricana, Hydro Ax split teeth and all CARDS other brands. Call Jimmy or Niel Mitchell. Quantity Discounts!
4275 Moores Ferry Rd. • Skippers, Virginia 23879 PH./FAX (day) 1-434-634-9836 or Night/Weekends • 1-434-634-9185
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Make A Statement! As Americans, our heritage is important to us, but for most Southerners, it’s a treasure. You have to be born and raised South of the Mason-Dixon line to know just what it means to have Southern heritage. While we’re all proud to be Americans, Southerners feel God went the extra step for them. Show your Southern pride with these highly visible 3-1⁄2 in. x 12 in. bumper stickers from the publisher of Southern Loggin’ Times. Only $5 each, including postage and handling. All stickers shipped unfolded. Order on-line: www.southernloggintimes.com; by phone (800-669-5613); or mail (Bumper Sticker, Hatton-Brown, P.O. Box 2268, Montgomery, AL 36102-2268). Make checks payable to Hatton-Brown Publishers.
Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________________________________________________________ State________ Zip ___________________________________ Phone___________________________________________________________ E-mail _______________________________________________________________
Please send me _______ bumper stickers. I enclose $__________ total.
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A D L I N K ●
ADVERTISER
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PG. NO.
PHONE NO.
American Loggers Council
46
202.627.6961
American Truck Parts
22
888.383.8884
Around The World Salvage
42
936.634.7210
BITCO Insurance
10
800.475.4477
BKT USA
30
888.660.0662
Caterpillar Dealer Promotion
11
919.550.1201
Cleanfix North America
36
855.738.3267
Eastern Surplus
35
855.332.0500
ElmiaWood
39
+46 36 15 20 00
Firestone Agricultural Tire
26
515.242.2300
Flint Equipment
28
229.888.1212
FMI Trailers
27
601.508.3333
Forest Chain
22
800.288.0887
Forestry First
41
803.708.0624
Forestry Mutual Insurance
2
800.849.7788
G & W Equipment
22
800.284.9032
Hawkins & Rawlinson
33
888.822.1173
Interstate Tire Service
44
864.947.9208
Kaufman Trailers
3
336.790.6807
Mike Ledkins Insurance Agency
38
800.766.8349
LMI-Tennessee
17
800.467.0944
Loadrite Southern Star
23
256.270.8775
Logger Associations
35
Magnolia Trailers
37
800.738.2123
Maxi-Load Scale Systems
12
877.265.1486
McComb Diesel
23
601.783.5700
Midsouth Forestry Equipment
31
870.226.0000
Moore Logging Supply
30
888.754.5613
Morbark
1,5
800.831.0042
Olofsfors
47
519.754.2190
Pitts Trailers
48
800.321.8073
Ponsse North America
13
715.369.4833
Quadco Equipment
19
800.668.3340
Quality Equipment & Parts
44
386.487.3896
Southern Loggers Cooperative
34
318.445.0750
Stribling Equipment
43
855.781.9408
Tidewater Equipment
42,43
912.638.7726
Tigercat Industries
7
519.753.2000
TraxPlus
32
601.635.5543
VPG Onboard Weighing
36
800.237.0022
W & W Truck & Tractor
40
843.761.8220
Waratah Forestry Attachments
25
770.692.0380
Waters International Trucks
44
601.693.4807
J M Wood Auction
16
334.264.3265
Yancey Brothers
34
800.282.1562
ADLINK is a free service for advertisers and readers. The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions.
COMING EVENTS May 20-21—Expo Richmond 2022, Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond, Va. Call 804-737-5625; visit exporichmond.com.
July 13-14—The Warnell Logging Cost Analysis Course, Flinchum’s Phoenix, University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. Visit conted.warnell.uga. edu/courses/lca_2022. 25-27—Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Summer Conference, The Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Va. Call 336-885-8315; visit appalachianhardwood.org. 29-31—Georgia Forestry Assn. Annual Conference, Hilton Head Island, SC. Call 478-992-8110; visit gfagrow.org.
August 11-14—Virginia Loggers Assn. annual meeting, Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, Va. Call 804-677-4290; visit valoggers.org. 23-26—IWF 2022, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Call 404-693-8333; visit iwfatlanta.com. 29-September 2—Louisiana Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Resort, Lake Charles, La. Call 318443-2558; visit laforestry.com.
30-September 1—Florida Forestry Assn. Annual Meeting & Trade Show, Omni Amelia Island Resort, Amelia Island, Fla. Call 850-2225646; visit floridaforest.org.
September 9-10—Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo, Resch Expo, Green Bay, Wis. Call 715282-5828; visit gltpa.org. 11-13—Alabama Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, Ala. Call 334-265-8733; visit alaforestry.org. 16-18—Virginia Forest Products Assn. Annual Conference, at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, Va. Call 804-7375625; visit vfpa.net. 22-24—American Loggers Council annual meeting, Branson, Mo. Call 409-625-0206; visit amloggers.com. 24—TEAM Safe Trucking annual meeting, The Hilton Branson Convention Center, Branson, Mo. Call 207-841-0250; visit teamsafe trucking.com. 28-30—North Carolina Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Grandover Resort & Conference Center, Greensboro, NC. Call 800-2317723; visit ncforestry.org.
October 11-13—Arkansas Forestry Assn. annual meeting, DoubleTree, Little Rock, Ark. Call 501-374-2441; visit arkforests.org. 26-28—Texas Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, College Station, Tex. Call 936-632-8733; visit texas forestry.org. Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.
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