September/October 2023
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PACIFIC LOGGING CONGRESS
Demos Highlight Live In-Woods Show
SPECIALIZING IN TETHERED LOGGING
S&G Industrial
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ON THE COVER
September/October 2023 Vol. 48 No. 09-10
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California Logger Got Early Start
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Tethered Logging Is His Specialty
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Hunter Creek Contracting
Logan Taylor credits his success as a longing contractor to hard work, focus, and the dedicated four men who make up his crew.
Mark Gronlund took an occupational detour before returning to the logging industry. Now he specializes in logging on steep terrain.
YouTube Videos Connect with Youths
Blake Manley has produced videos about jobs in forestry and other natural resource industries – published on YouTube – that have gone viral and attracted national attention.
Oregon Man Demonstrates Forest Management
Chuck Vance is demonstrating how to manage a family forest and the benefits they accrue.
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Technical Forest Solutions Harvestline mobile yarder, with Cat 568 carrier, demonstrates yarding operations at Pacific Logging Congress Live In-Woods Show in Rainier, Washington.
Pacific Logging Congress Live In-Woods Show
Over 5,500 people, many of them students, attended the Pacific Logging Congress ninth Live In-Woods Show hosted by Weyerhaeuser, and there was plenty to see.
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Tech Review: Carriages
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Guest Column: Have We Run Out of Time?
S&G Industrial
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Manufacturers of carriages provide information about their company and their products for a Tech Review of carriages. With Guest Column on factors to consider when weighing an investment in a grapple carriage.
U.S. Forest Service wildfire policy merits examination and clarification to meet government’s responsibilities to taxpayers.
DEPARTMENTS
Page 4..........................................................In the News Page 26........................................................ Safety Alert Page 37..................................................Machinery Row Page 40....................................................New Products Page 44............................................. Association News Page 45............................................ Calendar of Events Page 45................................................ Advertiser Index
Pacific Logging Congress Live In-Woods Show
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TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
8 ‘Manley Jobs’ Videos Connect with Youths
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IN THE NEWS The federal Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission issued its second and final report to Congress in September. It reflects one of the most sweeping and comprehensive reviews of the wildfire system to date. The report makes 148 recommendations covering seven key themes. They include new approaches to the wildlife crisis, supporting collaboration, shifting to proactive planning to mitigate and recover from fire, and enabling beneficial fire to reduce wildfire. The other themes are supporting and expanding wildland firefighting staff, modernizing tools for informed decision making, and increased spending now to reduce long-term costs. The Commission urged an “all of the above” approach because the scale of the problem requires broad, integrated, solutions. While the resulting recommendations are extensive and diverse, they are also complementary and interrelated. With these solutions in hand, the commission is recommending Congress act as quickly as possible. Stimson Lumber Co. President Andrew Miller was critical of the U.S. Forest Service in managing the wildland urban interface in the wake of his company’s downsizing a lumber mill in northern Idaho. Miller had pointed words for Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chad Benson. Miller, like many in the lumber industry in the Inland Northwest and others seeking more management in the interface, had hopes that smaller scale thinning projects in places such as Libby and Troy would help an already sagging industry while improving wildfire safety for those living in the interface. “He (Benson) has a chance to do a lot of projects and he’s not really interested,” Miller told a news outlet in the region. “His whole operation is suspended in litigation.” Stimson’s mill in Plummer, Idaho, has dropped about two-thirds of its workforce. The mill processes smaller trees, but Miller said a lack of them fueled the downsizing of the facility. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation requiring agencies to accurately report the amount of hazardous fuels removed on public lands and the effectiveness of such measures in preventing catastrophic wildfires. The measure mandates the secretaries of the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior to detail the acreage where hazardous fuel reduction activities took place, the effectiveness in its reduction of wildfire 4
risk, what methods were used and the cost per acre to do so, and — importantly — to distinguish treatments that are near communities most at-risk to the threat of wildfires. The legislation requires the reports be made public and instructs the agencies to implement standardized procedures for tracking such data. The transparency-driven legislation, led by Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., who serves as chairman of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands, comes on the heels of a damning report by NBC News: “The Forest Service is overstating its wildfire prevention progress to Congress despite decades of warnings not to.” The bill awaits action by the U.S. Senate. Simultaneous outbreaks of large wildfires will become more frequent in the West this century as the climate warms, putting major strains on efforts to fight fires, new research shows. The work appears in the International Journal of Wildland Fire. It was co-authored by scientists from the University of Washington and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. The study, led by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), focused on wildfires of 1,000 acres or larger. It found that wildfire seasons in which several such blazes burn concurrently will become more common, with the most severe seasons becoming at least twice as frequent by the end of this century. “Higher temperatures and drier conditions will greatly increase the risk of simultaneous wildfires throughout the West,” said NCAR scientist Seth McGinnis, the lead author of the study. The Oregon Department of Forestry will offer training to better understand new timber harvest rules that go into effect Jan. 1. The new rules are designed to better protect fish and wildlife. The rule changes came about from legislation that supported the landmark Private Forest Accord, which was an agreement between the timber industry, small forest landowners, and conservation groups. “These are the most sweeping changes to the Forest Practices Act (FPA) since it was enacted in 1973,” said Jennifer Ward, Forest Resources Division training coordinator. “We are providing several training opportunities to help people better understand the changes and the possible impacts on their land.” (continued on page 6)
Editor: Tim Cox, tim@forestnet.com Contributing Editors: Jan Jackson, Dawn Killough –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Send both OLD and NEW Circulation information to: TimberWest Magazine Attn: Subscriptions P.O. Box 610, Edmonds, WA 98020 Fax: (425) 771-3623 • subscribetw@forestnet.com CEO / Advertising Sales: Anthony Robinson – arobinson@forestnet.com Phone: (778) 991-3500 Associate Publisher/Advertising Sales: Hannah Robinson – hannah@forestnet.com Phone: (604) 990-9970 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Publisher & Production Manager: Sheila Ringdahl – sringdahl@forestnet.com Digital Marketing: Anthony Robinson arobinson@forestnet.com Social Media: Kaitlin Davidson Accounting Manager: Shelina Jessa – accounting@forestnet.com Corporate Office Information: Phone: (425) 778-3388 • Fax: (425) 771-3623 timberwest@forestnet.com • www.forestnet.com TImberWest Publications, LLC P.O. Box 610 (300 Admiral Way, Suite 105) Edmonds, WA 98020-0610 PUBLISHER’S EDITORIAL STATEMENT: TimberWest reports on the logging and lumber segment of the forest industry in the Western United States with emphasis on the states of AK, WA, OR, ID, MT and CA, providing current information on timber harvesting techniques, sawmill operations, news, legislation, events, people and products pertinent to this market. TIMBERWEST (USPS #024858) is published bi-monthly (Jan/ Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec) by TimberWest Publications, LLC, 300 Admiral Way, Suite 105, Edmonds, WA, 98020. Periodicals postage paid at Edmonds, WA and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Subscription rates to qualified subscribers are Free and all non-qualified subscriptions in U.S. are $22 per year payable in advance. Canada $35 (U.S.). Other $60 (U.S.). Single copies paid in advance $4. Company affiliation, title, date and signature must appear on subscription forms. Publisher reserves the right to refuse non-industry subscriptions and advertising. All other advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher. Back issues, if available, $4 each. Directory and Calendar issue $10 each. Advertising created by TimberWest Publications, LLC is the sole property of TimberWest Publications, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher. Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement #40740074. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to P.O. Box 86670 Stn. Main, North Vancouver, BC V7L 4L2 Printed in Canada at Mitchell Press Printed on FSC®certified paper. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to TimberWest, P.O. Box 610, Edmonds, WA, 98020-0610
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
IN THE NEWS (continued from page 4) People living in the West are breathing in 27 times more pollution from wildfire smoke than they were 10 years ago. That’s according to a study by the website Climate Central. The study reports that 2023 is the worst wildfire season the Northern Hemisphere has seen in 17 years, with the worst air quality in the western half of the U.S. Researchers say health issues such as eye irritation, heart disease, asthma and death have increased as much as 66 percent in some areas in the last decade. The report also says the current warming climate will continue to produce larger wildfires and smoke pollution for years to come. Recent heavy rainfall has dropped the wildfire potential outlook down to normal for the Northwest, according to the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook. In Washington, a total of 165,365 acres burned this season, according to Angie Lane, who works for the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the wildland fire management division. The 10-year annual average for acres burned is 472,881. Still, Washington marked its secondhighest number of fire-starts this year at 1,884. That falls just behind 2015 when 2,013 ignitions were reported. The Northwest Interagency Coordinating Center (NWCC) reported 41 large fires burned in Washington this year and 44 in Oregon. NWCC considers large fires to be 100 acres or more in timber, 300 acres or more in grass, or when a Type 1 or Type 2 Incident Management Team is assigned. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Forest Health
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Research Program has awarded $5.5 million to support 15 scientific research studies. The results of these studies will provide critical information and tools to forest landowners, resource agencies, fire management organizations, and policy makers across California on a variety of topics related to forest health and forest management. Research projects are expected to produce scientific publications, outreach and education events, and decision support tools. Proposals selected for award include research projects focused on post-fire restoration, forest resilience to pests, new decision support tools for communities and homeowners, and the use of national Forest Inventory and Analysis data to inform biomass estimates in forests and shrublands. Grantees include the University of California, Northern Arizona University, University of Wyoming, and the USDA Forest Service, among others. Funding for these grants comes from Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds through the California Climate Investments program and the Wildfire and Forest Resilience budget package. Oregon has yet to deliver 1,100 units of permanent housing planned after catastrophic wildfires displaced vulnerable families three years ago this month, a review by The Oregonian newspaper reported.. State administrators pledged to rebuild communities and told lawmakers at least some replacement housing for low-income and working-class Oregonians would be ready as soon as fall 2022. Officials blew past those early timelines and have divulged little information publicly about the problems causing delays. The state through this spring committed $183 million for 17 projects with 1,100 units, but none has been completed. Two of the largest projects, in southern Oregon, are
substantially behind schedule and timelines for completion remain murky. In one case, agency leaders failed to effectively navigate warnings about alleged construction defects and didn’t tell people expecting the homes until 14 months later. As a result, some low-income Oregonians waiting for years to move into new homes or apartments remain stuck living in statefunded RVs or former hotel and motel rooms converted into cramped studios. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate that aims to restore ecosystems and boost carbon storage and sequestration through tree planting, fire risk reduction projects, and expanded use of forest products and new wood technologies. The legislation will increase revegetation, wildfire prevention, and hazardous fuels reduction projects, as well as expand the use of wood products, said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Virginia, one of the bill’s sponsors. The measure was lauded by the Society of American Foresters, the American Wood Council, the American Forest Resource Council, and the National Association of State Foresters. “The devastating wildfires we’ve seen over the past year are proof once again that the Federal government must take a proactive role in improving the resiliency of our forests and that can also help to reduce carbon emissions,” said Manchin. At least a dozen windows were smashed at the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon, as a timber-industry conference got underway. The conference, called “Who Will Own the Forest?”, continued amid protests. The group that organized demonstrations outside the center’s campus denied responsibility for the vandalism. An anonymous blog post on a website dedicated to disseminating anti-fascist messages took credit. A small group of activists blocked the entrance to the conference, chanting “Shame” and “Clean water, clean air, not another billionaire,” a Pacific Northwest Forest Climate Alliance spokesperson said in a statement. Windows and doors were boarded up with plywood as demonstrators gathered on the sidewalk with signs and banners. Activists from organizations that are part of the Pacific Northwest Forest Climate Alliance were in attendance, protesting the environmental impacts of logging and, more broadly, big-business ownership of forests.
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
ContractorProfile
Young California Logger Got Off to an Early Start Hunter Creek Contracting Adds Tigercat Skidder By Jan Jackson
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ALO CEDRO, California –
Logan Taylor credits half of his success as a longing contractor to hard work, his ability to focus, and his love of what he does. The owner/operator of Hunter Creek Contracting credits the other half to the dedicated men who make up his four-man crew. The company recently added a second skidder, a Tigercat 632H. Taylor, 27, was born on a ranch in Fall River and raised in the suburbs of nearby Redding. He started his company seven years ago and has no plans of slowing down. Hunter Creek Contracting is based in Palo
Cedro, which is situated a short distance from I-5 in northern California, a little over 120 miles from Oregon. The company harvests white fir, cedar and ponderosa pine that grows in the southern Klamath Mountains to the west and the Cascade Range to the north. “When I first started,” said Taylor, “if you got 15 or 16 loads a day you were doing good, and now my two skidder operators and a buncher, loader, and processor operator average 25 to 30 loads a day.” “With inflation,” he added, “we have to produce more and more just to meet the margin, and to do that you have to invest in and maintain good equipment.” Taylor contracts for W.M Beaty &
Associates, a land management company that consults for private landowners. At the time he talked with TimberWest, Taylor and his crew were clear-cutting a fire clean-up job in the Mt. Shasta/Lake Elsinore area. They usually work year-round except when the snowmelt starts to get muddy and fire season, when California’s strict laws kick in. Taylor’s latest investment was the Tigercat 632H skidder, which he purchased through Bejac Corporation and its Redding-Anderson location. He chose the Tigercat machine, he said, mainly because of its heavy-duty drivetrain, big cylinders and strong center section. He also figured the comfortable and spacious cab would help with operator fatigue. The skidder also
The crew of Hunter Creek Contracting includes, from left, Casey Clark, Ryan Faulkner, owner-operator Logan Taylor, and Ian Collingwood. Not shown: Travis Crosby. 8
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
ContractorProfile features easy access for routine maintenance. “I have a great relationship with (Tigercat),” said Taylor. “They have been very supportive of not only my business but my family as well.” The Tigercat 632H grapple skidder is powered by a Tier 4f engine that generates 285 hp and can travel up to 14 mph. It is available with higher capacity grapples and Tigercat’s most robust rear axle for extreme duty cycles and high volume demands. The cab features Tigercat’s Turnaround 220, a seat that rotates 220 degrees and enables the operator to access all functions and full drive control from any position. (For more information about Tigercat equipment, visit www.tigercat.com.) Hunter Creek Contracting also is equipped with a John Deere 859m track feller buncher and a Link-Belt 4040 forestry machine with a Southstar 600 for processing. The company’s other skidder is a John Deere 848H. Rounding out the equipment is a Doosan 300 log loader. Taylor normally operates the LinkBelt, processing trees. As the owner, though, he does much more. He lays out each job with the landing(s) and skid trails and also figures
Logan Taylor, owner-operator of Hunter Creek Contracting, normally operates the Link-Belt 4040 with the Southstar 600 head, processing logs. out the trucking logistics, including stops for meals. As he described it, everything before the job starts and afterward to the finish. His wife, Jayden, manages the books for the business. Every work day Taylor meets with the crew in the morning to talk about their tasks for the day – including what he expects from them. “I also talk everyday about the safety procedures.” He runs a “tight ship,” he admitted, and is strict on operations and equipment maintenance. After the morning talk, “We go to work and get it done.” Taylor does not own any trucks, so he contracts to haul his wood. Also, unless he is required to remove the biomass, he contracts his father’s company, Sierra Land Management, to chip it. Labor is a challenge, noted Taylor. “One of the biggest problems we all are having today is there are too few new employees,” he said. “The workforce is either getting older, or they’re really young and difficult to teach. When I started, I brought in a lot of friends from high school that were interested in logging from an early age. They already liked the equipment and the work. The ones that stuck and stayed are doing very well because they like to work. My retention stays at about 60 percent and I think my secret is that I hire the young, weed out the dumb, and keep the smart.” (continued on page 10)
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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ContractorProfile (continued from page 9)
Company’s new Tigercat 632H skidder with a hitch of logs approaches landing where Link-Belt 4040 is processing with a Southstar 600 attachment on a fire clean-up job.
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Although he has high expectations for his employees, Taylor pays a “good hourly wage.” He also pays bonuses based on job performance. The company provides health insurance, pickup trucks and fuel cards, and a crummy. “I keep my fire equipment in my truck at all times, and my guys are fire and CPR certified every year. When a fire breaks out, we all jump into equipment and head for it. As far as Hunter Creek Contracting, we’ve never had a safety violation claim so far. Taylor is a third-generation logger. He remembers being obsessed with logging and the equipment when he sat on his father’s lap while he worked in the woods. He operated equipment for his father, Wes, on weekends and summer vacations. After graduating from high school he worked two years for his father and alongside his paternal grandfather, Ron. He saved enough money to buy his first machine and go into business for himself. Taylor has two brothers who also work in logging. His brother Wyatt is president of Allwood Inc. in Redding, and his brother Jesse runs a shovel logging operation for Green Diamond Resource Co. on the coast. “My dad, who has two big operations and three small ones, now does contract work for all of us,” said Taylor. “He had a vision for his three boys and has done what he can to set us all up, and now we all have our own things. It’s what he wanted, and it’s what we wanted, too. “We are all very competitive,” continued Taylor, “but we talk every day and throw each other jobs as they come up. When I see a job that’s a better fit for one of my brothers, I pass it on to them, and they do the same thing. Fortunately, when I get home at the end of a long day, I can leave my work in the truck before I go in the house. However, none of us is always successful at not dominating family dinners with shop talk.” Taylor and Jayden have three children, so he saves the weekends for his family. They go to church on Sunday. Other than that, Taylor is up for whatever his children want to do on the weekends. He has had to cancel more vacations than he’s taken, but he and his family enjoy taking a couple of weeks off in the fall to go hunting. A member of the California Association of Loggers, Taylor thinks the future looks bright. “Technology is advancing at such a fast pace,” he said. As the old loggers retire and the young don’t want to work, I figure there’s going to be more work for fewer contractors, and that could be rosy.”
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
ContractorProfile
Washington Contractor Specializes in Tethered Logging Operations S&G Industrial Adds Third Ecoforest T-Winch
Kobelco 170, which is equipped with a brush rake that is not visible, works while tethered to Ecoforst T-Winch 10.2. S&G has two T-Winch 10.2 models in addition to the new 30.2. 12
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
ContractorProfile By Dawn Killough
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NCHELIUM, Washington
– Mark Gronlund was raised in a logging family, but he took an occupational detour before returning to the industry just a few years ago. Specializing in timber harvesting on steep terrain with tethered equipment, he purchased the first Ecoforst T-Winch 30.2 in Washington earlier this year. Gronlund’s father was a logger for 48 years. (He had an uncle who logged for 50 years.) Gronlund worked for local contractors during summers while attending Spokane Community College, where he earned an associate degree in diesel and heavy equipment technology. “I bumped knots and was just a ground guy,” he recalled, referring to the manual work of delimbing and bucking with a chainsaw. Gronlund moved to North Dakota when he was 22 to work as a mechanic and was there about 15 years, eventually owning his own shop. When the local economy started going downhill in 2019, he moved back to Washington and started S&G Industrial to do excavator piling – using excavators to
form piles of logging slash. He got a taste of tethered excavator piling and saw an opportunity to do tethered logging because there weren’t many contractors in the region doing it. “So, I decided to just jump in and try it out, and it turned out to be very successful.” He’s been doing tethered timber harvesting since 2021. Gronlund’s company is based in Inchelium, which is located on the edge of the Colville Indian Reservation in northeast Washington, about 80-plus miles northwest of Spokane. S&G Industrial has 22 employees, which includes four who do excavator piling. The company’s main customer is the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation, a business entity of the confederation of 12 tribes. The confederation has 1.4 million acres of timbered land that it owns and manages. Most of the work performed by S&G Industrial involves thinning, and the tribe replants land to maintain sustainable forests. Gronlund’s company has been working on the reservation since late 2019, and he expects the work to continue into the foreseeable future. His wife, Lori, is a member of the tribe and assists with the business.
While the reservation land keeps his team busy most of the time, Gronlund occasionally works on private land and does postlogging cleanup work for Vaagen Brothers Timber. S&G Industrial usually operates two crews of five people each. Two employees are mechanics working in the shop, and there are two dedicated truck drivers. The rest of the hauling is contracted to other trucking companies. The crews average a combined 100 loads per week. Beside the Ecoforst T-Winch 30.2, S&G Industrial is equipped with two more Ecoforst T-Winch units, the smaller 10.2 models. For felling the company uses a Tigercat 830 feller buncher and a Tigercat 855 harvester with a directional felling head. A pair of Cat 538LL machines with Satco attachments do the processing work, and loading is done with two Cat 538LL log loaders. The company has four skidders: John Deere 848LL-II, 748L-II and 768 machines, and a Tigercat 625. Five Kobelco (continued on page 14)
From left, Mark Gronlund, owner of S&G Industrial, and Jason Newton, owner of NEWTEC, an equipment dealer in Kettle Falls, Washington, for Ecoforst. TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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ContractorProfile
Ecoforst 30.2 T-Winch, shown with skidder, can tether machines up to 176,000 pounds. It has a line speed of 5 mph, making it suitable for fast-paced skidding operations. (continued from page 13) excavators – three model 170, a 130 and a 120 – are used for piling slash and brush. The Ecoforst T-Winches are used to tether machines both for felling and skidding. They tether the Tigercat feller buncher and harvester and typically tether the John Deere 768 six-wheel drive bogie skidder or
the Tigercat 625 bogie skidder. Gronlund, 34, explained why he invested in a third Ecoforst T-Winch. “I went with the T-Winch because of the ease of use and setup,” he said. “It takes up a much smaller footprint. Other tether systems, like the excavator-mounted ones, you’ve got the length of the excavator, then the boom, the lead, plus your tethered machine. The T-Winch
eliminates a lot of that distance. And since it’s remotely operated, one person can run both machines.” The winch’s production can’t be beat, according to Gronlund. “We produce as much or more than a lot of conventional tractor systems. We do work long hours, but for the amount of production you get, it’s well worth the purchase price.” He also appreciates the
Tigercat 625H skidder gets an assist from one of S&G Industrial’s two Ecoforst T-Winch machines. S&G specializes in logging on steep terrain with tethered equipment. The company bought the first Ecoforst T-Winch 30.2 in Washington earlier this year. 14
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
ContractorProfile
speed, capacity, and fuel economy, which has helped keep production costs low. Ecoforst T-Winch machines do not require any electronics or hydraulics integrated into the tethered forestry machine. It can be operated via remote control from the tethered logging machine. This saves time when loggers need to tether to multiple machines to be winched. The operator of the logging machine also operates the T-Winch, which can be driven and anchored in place via the remote controls. The smaller Ecoforst 10.3 T-Winch is
capable of tethering machines up to 100,000 pounds; the new 30.2 model can tether machines up to 176,000 pounds. The 10.3 unit has a line speed of 2.5 mph; the 30.2 has a line speed of 5 mph, which makes it suitable for fast-paced skidding operations. Ecoforst is an Austrian company. (For more information on Ecoforst and its T-Winch products, visit www.ecoforst.at.) Ecoforst T-Winch products are distributed in North America by Wisconsin-based LMS Equipment. (For more information on LMS Equipment or to contact the company, visit www.lmsjcb.com.) S&G Industrial’s new Ecoforst 30.2 T-Winch recently was working on a 170acre site that had multiple finger ridges. The ridges would not allow moving the skidder straight down the hillside. “We had to do a lot of double tethering,” said Gronlund. “We’d move one T-Winch down on the ridge and tether up to the top of that ridge. Then we’d hook another skidder to the small T-Winch and tether up to the top where the road is.” The confederation provides its own forest management services and sells its wood products. Gronlund and his team harvest, process, and truck the timber to the appropriate mills. The current harvest
is approximately 75 percent Douglas fir. Other species are Douglas or ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and some cedar and spruce. Logs are delivered to the three Boise Cascade mills in the region as well as Vaagen Bros. in Colville and Idaho Forest Group in Laclede, Idaho. Gronlund also delivers wood to Western Forest Products in Cle Elum in eastern Washington. Throughout the four years Gronlund has been in business, the biggest challenge has been hiring workers, specifically equipment operators. He believes in hiring local employees as a way to give back to the community. Gronlund has a very high standard for equipment maintenance. Besides employing two full-time mechanics, he also relies on NEWTEC in Kettle Falls for parts and factory service. S&G Industrial follows a ‘no trash’ policy when it comes to finishing the job and leaving the site. Everything that’s hauled in has to be hauled out. “I’ve been to logging sites and seen buckets and grease tubes and other debris, and that’s a big no-no with our business,” said Gronlund. “We believe that if it wasn’t supposed to be there, it shouldn’t be there.”
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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Blake Manley talks with Cade Reynolds in a scene from one of his ‘Manley Jobs’ YouTube videos about cable logging and yarding operations.
‘Manley Jobs’ Videos Connect with Youths
Teacher’s YouTube Series Provides Hands-On Learning for Forestry Jobs
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Blake Manley 16
lake Manley has produced videos about jobs in forestry and other natural resource industries – published on YouTube – that have gone viral and attracted national attention. A teacher at Sweet Home High School in Sweet Home, Oregon, his ‘Manley Jobs’ videos portray hands-on experience in logging operations and other fields. Manley started producing the videos in the fall of 2020 as a way to reach out to students who weren’t being served well by distance learning. The first episode was filmed on a cell phone and focused on working as a fishing guide. The next episode was about logging work. From there, the series caught the attention of the Oregon Logging Conference, where the videos were showcased in 2021. Since then Manley and his video series have received national attention from Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” show. Manley also
was the keynote speaker at the 2022 Oregon Logging Conference. TimberWest writer Dawn Killough sat down with Manley to discuss how technology is influencing forestry education and practices and to learn more about the success of the Sweet Home High School forestry program. TimberWest: How has new technology in the forestry industry encouraged students to join? Manley: There’s a lot of new technology out there, and one of the benefits that we have here in Sweet Home is that the Santiam mill for Weyerhaeuser’s just down the road, and it’s extremely technologically advanced, so students get to see that. And through our video production they’ve seen some of the more technologically advanced
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
(continued on page 18)
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‘Some students will watch the videos and also get to learn hands-on through a forestry program like ours,’ says Manley. ‘We just want them to know what options are out there, and we are using this technology to do that.’ (continued from page 16) machinery. A lot of kids, if they don’t come from a forestry background, still think that everyone cuts down a tree with a chainsaw. Being able to show them how technology is applied is vital. I think the logging industry is dealing with the same thing everybody else is, and that’s a lack of labor. Because of this, and the fact that you need less labor to run some of the newer technology, the industry has
Blake Manley grew up in a logging family and worked in logging before later becoming a teacher. 18
embraced technology. Companies can’t find workers, and technology eliminates some of that need. I think of the tethered logging systems that are just fantastic right now, but I’m not sure that I would want to run one. I think about the claws on the skylines now instead of all just being chokers and all the technology that’s involved with that. The industry’s coming along, and it’s quicker than I think maybe it would have been had it not needed to come along so quickly. TimberWest: What has inspired you to help the next generation of forestry professionals? Manley: I grew up in the industry. My grandpa was a cat skin logger. My dad started in the woods in 1972, and by 1980 he owned his own small company, Manley Brothers Logging. I was born in 1981, so I haven’t spent any years of my life outside of the industry. There’s a saying that we used on one of the videos, that “in my family we don’t bleed red, we bleed saw dust.” That’s the truth. My passion for the industry is the easy part. The hard part was trying to weave that passion with my passion for the younger generation. I was a coach and an athletic director, and I was officiating high school basketball and football while cutting logs and running machinery for my dad. I was really trying to tear myself apart because both of them are full-time gigs. And so, when I was
able to weave education and forestry together in my current role, it was perfect for me. I already loved working with the next generation, and I have this massive passion for forestry. It was the perfect fit. TimberWest: How do you think YouTube and the digital work you’re doing has helped you connect with the younger generation? Manley: It’s where they learn. We try to put round pegs in square holes far too often, especially in education. Kids want hands-on stuff, and they learn digitally now. And it’s not just the pandemic. I think it was happening before then, but not at the rate that it’s happening now. When we came up with the idea of ‘Manley Jobs’ and doing job shadows during distance learning, it was because that’s where we had to teach them at the time. We don’t have to teach them there now, but we are still finding that’s where they’re accessing information. They access it through TikTok videos, Reels, Instagram, and YouTube, and they access it on their own, rather than it being shoved into their face. I think that’s a good thing. It gives them a chance to see something that they might enjoy. When they are back in the regular classroom, they realize they need to learn certain things because they’re going to need them. Some students will watch the videos and also get to learn
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
(continued on page 20)
(continued from page 18) hands-on through a forestry program like ours. We just want them to know what options are out there, and we are using this technology to do that.
TimberWest: How have machine simulators helped your students? Manley: Last summer I went to a workshop at Oregon State University. They have their own simulators. They have simple ones and more complex, three-screen ones. But the ones that we were using were the simple one-screen version with John Deere controls. It was cool how lifelike that simulator was. It didn’t move your seat or anything. It was only on the screen, but it was very lifelike, and the concepts were good. You could make your own forest. I said, ‘Holy cow, if I can make my own forest, then I can put defects and all kinds of stuff in it.’ This brought up a whole conversation with my students about what trees should stay if you’re thinning. How do you manage this forest? Why does it look this way? And I can put more or less dead wood into the model and blame it on whatever I want. ‘A spruce budworm came through and killed all the spruce, and that’s why they’re dead.’ If we
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can give context to what they’re seeing, the students always learn better. We partnered with Oregon State University on a pilot program to bring one into a high school because we didn’t have any forestry simulators in the high schools at that time. We ran one here, and all of a sudden we’ve got a way for these kids to learn something that’s practical. One of the benefits for us here is that one of our local loggers uses this exact logging system. They run John Deere harvesters and forwarders, exactly what we were running on the simulator. So, you could easily translate it to a job. It wasn’t just a game. We did an episode on cut-to-length logging, and I could dive even more into it. Here’s the simulator, here’s the episode of cut-to-length logging, and here’s the company you can go work for. And it brings it all together. I’m a hundred percent sure that there were six to 10 students that were all into my program because of that simulator last year. For some of them it’s the chainsaws. They love to go run the chainsaws and cut firewood. Awesome. Some of them love to cut boards and make a product in our sawmill here. Excellent. It was just another way to get them hooked into the industry and our program.
TimberWest: Where are your students going after they leave your program? Manley: Everywhere. Companies want new young blood. You can mold them into what you want. Last year we had several students go straight into the logging industry here locally, doing everything from setting chokers to running machinery to mechanic’s work. We have several students that are pursuing four-year degrees at different colleges and universities, some at Oregon State and at least one at the University of Montana for forestry. Several pursued careers in wildland fire this year. We have several going to different twoyear programs. And Knife River came to our job fair last spring and hired a couple young ladies to run equipment for them, which was pretty exciting with the wage package that Knife River set up. Weyerhaeuser also picked up a couple working in the lumber mill. So, really kids are leaving this program with a set of skills to go into the industry. We’re not teaching them just to teach them. One of the things that we are focusing on here at Sweet Home is not just graduation. We don’t just want to get a kid to graduation. We want to give them skill sets so that they hit that graduation, close that chapter, but there’s more to the book. And I believe programs like mine do that.
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
ForestManagement
Oregon Man Demonstrates Value, Benefits of Family Forest Management
Chuck Vance bought 39 acres of land in the 1990s and planted 16,000 seedlings, mainly Doug Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Noble Fir. ‘I wanted a place that would allow me to start from scratch on the forest I envisioned,’ he says. He has been managing his forest ever since.
The sawmill has become an ever-more important part of Vance’s strategy for managing his forest. He has a Wood-Mizer LT50 Super Electric band mill. It is the third Wood-Mizer sawmill that Vance has owned. 22
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
ForestManagement By Jack Petree
S
ANDY, Oregon – Near Sandy, Oregon, only a few miles distant from the site of the Clinton timber summit, Chuck Vance is demonstrating how to manage a family forest and the benefits they accrue. For most of three decades Vance has worked to demonstrate the value and benefits that intensive management can yield when practiced on a relatively small parcel of forest land. In the 1990s, Vance, a timber cutter by trade, was not happy with what he saw in the way of forest management. “I had a lot of my own ideas on silviculture, so my wife and I looked for a place to buy,” he recalled. “I wanted a place that would allow me to start from scratch on the forest I envisioned.” At the time he was working on a logging job nearby. He watched as the timber was harvested. Half the stumps were grubbed out, the slash and stumps were stacked in piles, and a ‘for sale’ sign went up. They bought the 39 acres, and the couple moved into a “rat-infested biker hideout shack” on the site. They removed abandoned cars and “a mountain of trash,” then set about reestablishing a healthy, sustainable, working forest. “Over the next two winters, we planted 16,000 seedlings,” said Vance, “mainly Doug Fir, some Western Red Cedar, and Noble Fir.” Volunteer alder also established itself in scattered patches. Today those alder patches contain
good size, healthy, valuable trees destined to be harvested in 2030, according to Chuck’s plan. Vance explained his passion for creating a healthy sustainable forest on the land he purchased. “If we truly want to think globally and act locally, then we should all get behind intensive forest management,” he said. “No management is the worst thing you can do. Get in there and shape it, sculpt it. We need to make our home a carefully tended, beautiful and productive garden. With forestry, if you aren’t looking at it from a generational perspective, then you aren’t focusing properly. I lived in Germany as a youth, and much of my vision is from there.” By 2004 Vance was working exclusively for himself, running his own equipment as a contract logger. He continued to manage his growing forest, harvesting boughs for Christmas wreaths and producing and selling firewood from small trees that were removed to improve forest health. He also invested in a Wood-Mizer portable sawmill and began producing lumber. Over the years he has done most of the work by hand, felling trees manually as well as removing the limbs and bucking the logs with a chainsaw, axe, and wedges. He has accumulated a pair of Kubota 4wd tractors, one about 15 years old and newer one only a couple of years old. Each tractor is equipped with the largest version of the Finnish-made Farmi winch for skidding logs. The tractors also have fork and bucket attachments to pick up and move logs, slabs, lumber, sawdust, gravel, etc. “I am pushing 63 years old,” said Vance, “and I’m really starting to wind down. These days I am mostly here on the tree farm, sawing custom lumber orders.” Vance increasingly is harvesting timber on his land. However, most of the logs for lumber orders still are supplied by friends who are logging contractors. “I can get any amount of wood I need from them. I pay them on shares based on the cut-out.” Besides cutting about 300,000 board of lumber a year, he sells firewood. He uses sawdust generated by the mill for mulching blueberry bushes, giving away the fruit to friends and neighbors. The sawmill has become an ever-more important part of Vance’s strategy for his forest. He cuts decking, board and batten siding, beams, and custom lumber to nearly any size. “There is a big advantage in sawing young, smallish, timber,” observed Vance. “There is virtually no defect. Problems with quality have never had a chance yet to get going. (continued on page 24) 23
‘I’m really starting to wind down,’ says Vance. ‘These days I am mostly here on the tree farm, sawing custom lumber orders.’ (continued from page 23)
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Also, grade allowances are all about knot diameter. I get mostly select grades, about 75 percent or so. The volume is lower, but you are getting finished lumber from trees that need thinning anyway.” Chuck estimates the actual cut-out he gets from a log almost always doubles log scale at the mill. “I’m doing better on my logs by a factor of at least three,” he said. At today’s prices, that’s an extra $1,600 per thousand board feet return. Vance is on his third Wood-Mizer portable sawmill. “My first Wood-Mizer was a used LT40 with a 24 horsepower Onan gas motor,” he said. “I ran it for five years, then sold it for what I’d paid for it. My next mill was an LT40 with a 30 horsepower Kubota diesel. Four years ago I bought an LT50 Super Electric and have been running it steady since then.” “The electric was a great decision,” said Vance. “Much quieter, much less vibration, no exhaust fumes to breathe, much more user friendly, and much cheaper to run. Production is excellent, and my monthly power bill never exceeds $100 on the mill electric meter.” Wood-Mizer’s primary supply and distribution center for the Northwest is located less than an hour’s drive away in Troutdale. “Their support has always been excellent,” said Vance. He purchased both Kubota tractors from Dan’s Tractor in Battle Ground, Washington. “Bill and Skip at Dan’s are top notch,” said Vance. There are other equipment dealerships that are closer, but Dan’s Tractor has been accommodating to his needs. “Needless to say, I am loyal to Dan’s.” More than 270 million acres of America’s forested land are family forests. On a small scale, Vance continues to demonstrate the value and benefits of managing them well. “The most important thing to me with my forest management is the future,” said Vance. “I will never live long enough to see much of my stand harvested.” However, he will have established an environmental legacy that will continue to benefit his community.
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
SAFETYALERT Tether Line Cut Near Miss Background
On a fall day in the Pacific Northwest, a feller buncher operator had a close call when he cut through one of the lines of his tethered machine.
sensor. If the movement sensor in the base machine had been activated, the tether machine would have been able to move for half a wrap on the drum and while drum brakes were being applied.
Personal Characteristics
Accident
The operator had 15 years of experience running equipment and six years of experience working on the rigging. He had been operating this system for five months.
Unsafe Acts and Conditions
The operator of a dual-line tether system was using a bunching head to fall large hemlock trees on an 80 percent slope. The base machine had its bucket dug in and tracks parallel to the hill slope on a large landing. Chains connected to the tether machine were shackled to spliced eyes on the lines from the base machine. The lines were in lead with both machines and separated by stumps. The operator would walk the machine down the slope and cut his way back uphill. He would sever the trees from the stump, lift them over the tether lines, and bunch them on the opposite side of the lines. The operator had just finished cutting a tree when the base machine slid slightly forward. This caused the tether machine to slide slightly downhill. The shift was not enough to activate the movement
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The operator’s reaction was to get the boom grounded immediately. He dropped the tree he had just cut in the standing timber, then began to swing the head around to ground it. In the process, he cut one chain. After grounding the machine and ensuring it was stable, the operator assessed the situation. He determined the best option was to unhook the lines and walk the tether machine to the lower road. He walked the machine ahead to get slack and unhooked the shackles. He called the owner and informed them of the situation. The operator replaced the chain he had cut, inspected all components, dug the bucket in better, and began cutting again. In this situation, all safety mechanisms
worked properly and as designed. Years of training and experience led the operator to react by grounding the boom when the tether machine slid, in turn cutting the chain. Because the lines were separated by stumps, only one chain was cut. When the line was cut, the tether machine was positioned with the boom facing uphill. Without having the second tether line as a secondary stopping device, the tether machine would have slid down slope.
Injury
Fortunately, there were no injuries.
Recommendations for Correction
• Ensure the base machine is properly secured. • Employ a secondary stopping device when using a buncher head. • Consider using a grapple head or a retractable hot saw on extremely steep slopes. • Keep lines spaced out by stumps or terrain when using a buncher head. • Only allow experienced operators to use tethered machines. • Avoid operating over tether lines.
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
(Source: Forest Resources Association)
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Tigercat had a big presence at the Pacific Logging Congress ‘Live In-Woods Show,’ demonstrating a yarder and several other machines working in steep terrain.
Pacific Logging Congress Event Draws Crowds for Equipment Demos
Eleven companies conducted live demonstrations of logging equipment at the event. They included (above) John Deere dealer Pape Machinery, which demonstrated three machines felling, shoveling and processing, and (left) Caterpillar dealer MC Machinery, which demonstrated Cat and Weiler Forestry equipment. 28
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
R
AINIER, Washington –
Over 5,500 people, many of them students, attended the Pacific Logging Congress ninth ‘Live In-Woods Show’ recently. Weyerhaeuser hosted the outdoor exhibit of forestry equipment at its Vail Tree Farm property near Rainier, Washington. The number of visitors included 2,300 students from elementary, middle, and high schools in Washington – the educational component being an important part of the mission of the congress. The show auction raised about $74,000 for the Pacific Forest Foundation, the educational arm of the congress. The funds will be used to award college scholarships for forestry students. The Pacific Logging Congress holds the ‘Live In-Woods Show’ every four years, but it’s been five years since the last event because of the COVID pandemic. The last show was held at Oregon State University. In addition to the number of visitors, the show featured 11 companies that conducted live demonstrations of logging equipment and another 33 that exhibited at the event. “Our numbers are definitely up from last time,” said Diane Mettler, executive director of the Pacific Logging Congress. “I thought it was a great show,” said Casey Black, president of the Pacific Logging Congress. He cited the number of visitors and favorable weather. “And we had a good turnout from our equipment dealers and sponsors, and a tremendous turnout from volunteers to make the show happen.” Black, Weyerhaeuer’s western timberlands export sales lead, paid a special thanks to the many volunteers who supported the event. “It’s a big undertaking,” he noted. “We do it once every four years, and we try to put on a good show. Thanks to everybody who steps up to make that happen.” More than 70 volunteers were Weyerhaeuser employees. It was the first time in 13 years the event has been held in Washington. “When this event is held in Oregon, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute handles all the students, including reaching out to schools, setting up times, payment of buses, the guides, and so on,” said Mettler. “This year, because it was in Washington, we had to fill their shoes — very big shoes.” “Our thanks to more than 200 volunteers who helped this show run smoothly and safely so that attendees could learn something new while enjoying a day in the woods — and to all the sponsors who ensured that schools could send students free of charge,”
Weyerhaeuser said in a statement issued after the event. The Pacific Logging Congress solicited sponsors from companies in Washington and Oregon to help defray the cost of sending students to the show. Ninety businesses supported the show as sponsors. “Truly remarkable,” said Mettler. “It speaks to our sponsorship team, too.”
Show sponsors included forest landowners as well as companies with mills, logging contractors (large and small), and suppliers to the forest products industry – businesses throughout the Northwest. The show began Sept. 20 with a meeting (continued on page 30)
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TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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The show featured 11 companies that conducted live demonstrations of logging equipment and another 33 that exhibited at the event. (continued from page 29) of the Pacific Logging Congress board of directors and a reception co-sponsored by the Forest Resources Association. The live demonstrations of forestry equipment and exhibits were held Sept. 21-23 for the most part under sunny skies and warm temperatures. In addition to the demonstrations and exhibits, the show included logging education
seminars about ticks and lyme disease, ergonomic safety, and more. The live exhibit featured yarding operations performed by several manufacturers – Tigercat, Summit Attachments, and Technical Forest Solutions – as well as tethered machines working on the steep slopes to perform felling, shoveling, and skidding. In addition to demonstrating a yarder working with an Acme Manufacturing
Visitors to the show included 2,300 students from schools in Washington – the educational component being an important part of the mission of the Pacific Logging Congress. 30
grapple carriage, Tigercat machines performed felling and shoveling, processing, and skidding. The company also had equipment in static displays. Summit Attachments demonstrated a yarder and exhibited four other machines, including a winch assist and yoder. Technical Forest Solutions demonstrated a Cat-based yarder and grapple carriage. LinkBelt demonstrated several machines loading and handling logs. Ponsse (PacWest Machinery) brought two cut-to-length harvesters and a forwarder to the show for live demonstrations. John Deere dealer Pape Machinery demonstrated three machines felling, shoveling and processing and also had static equipment displays. Caterpillar dealer MC Machinery demonstrated Cat and Weiler Forestry machines, and Develon (Cascade Trader) exhibited several machines at work, felling and processing, and others in static displays. Two horizontal grinders were demonstrated, a Bandit machine (PacWest Machinery) and a Vermeer machine (Vermeer Mountain West), and FAE demonstrated a forestry mulcher. The Pacific Logging Congress mission is to provide sound technical education about the forest industry. Founded in 1909, it seeks to educate politicians, educators, their students, and the general public about the need for sound, responsible forestry to supply the global needs for wood fiber. The next ‘Live In-Woods Show’ will be held in 2027 at a location to be determined.
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
Carriages Editor’s Note:
TimberWest solicited manufactures of carriages to submit information about their company and their products for a Tech Review of carriages. The following businesses provided information. The suppliers are listed in alphabetical order.
Boman Industries Inc.
Contact: Jon Smith Phone: 503-362-7657 Email: Info@Smith-Boman.com Website: www.BomanIndustries.com Type of Carriages: Hydrostatic Drum Carriage Engine HP: 74 to 240 available Skyline diameter: ¾-inch to 1-½-inches Drum Capacity: 250-900 feet of 9/16-inch, 300-750 ft of ⅝-inch Line Pull and Speed: Ranges, depending on the model, from 14,000 pounds at 580 feet per minute (full drum) and 20,000 pounds at 420 feet per minute (mid-drum) to 35,000 pounds at 700 feet per minute (full drum) and 45,000 pounds at 550 feet per minute (mid-drum) Boman Industries has been a pioneer in the design and development of drum carriages and radio remote control systems specifically for the logging industry. It strives to meet the ever-increasing need for efficiency through the full use of modern technology. Boman’s goal is to continue to give loggers more safety, productivity, and profits. In 2024 the company plans to introduce a state-of-the-art motorized grapple carriage to add to its line of high productivity drum carriages.
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Eagle Carriage & Machine Inc.
Contact: Brandon Wright Phone: (541) 963-4646 Email: eaglecarriage@eoni.com Website: www.eaglecarriage.com Type of Carriages: HG 74 Grapple Carriage Engine HP: Hatz 14 hp Diesel Engine Logtek monitor and controls with on-screen diagnostics. Aarcomm radio controls. Seventy-four inch buncher grapples, continuously rotating grapples. Wireless camera system linked to monitor. Skyline range 5/8-1-1/8. Used on yoders and yarders. Eagle Carriage has more than 40 years of experience manufacturing carriages. They are built from the best components with the majority made in house for durability and reliability.
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
Falcon Forestry Equipment
Contact: Tom Filmer Phone: +64 27-267-9922 Email: tom.filmer@dce.co.nz Website: www.falconforestryequipment.com Type of Carriages: Slack Pulling, Grapple, Combination, Motorized Grapple Carriages Engine HP: 11.0-14.8 Skyline Diameter: Suitable for almost all rope diameters including ⅞-inch, 1-inch 1-⅛-inch and larger if needed Drum Capacity: n/a Line Pull and Speed: Dependant on yarder The Falcon Claw has a heavyduty grapple with an opening of 78 inches and a payload of up to 8 tons. Features include LED flood lights and auto-shading lens. It is designed for operators with easy access panels and anti-swing brakes. Real-time data including distance to home and latitude/longitude. Hoses are internally routed for protection. Various body and grapple configurations available to suit customer requirements.
Integral Equipment Ltd
Contact: Del Penner Phone: (250)306-0604 Email: del@integralequipment.ca Website: www.integralequipment.ca Type of Carriage: Grapple Engine HP: Hydraulic Power Skyline Diameter: ⅝-inch to 1-¼-inch (Mainline Diameter: ⅜-inch to ⅞-inch) Grapple Opening: 6 feet, 10 inches Load Capacity: 7,700-9,900 pounds Integral Equipment supplies the Alpine Shovel Yarder and Alpine Grapple Carriage to North America. The Alpine product line has been thoroughly tested globally and locally. Alpine grapples can be installed on multiple yarders. The AGC2 has the closing power of a Johnson-style grapple, which uses the mainline to close. Combined with a multidirectional pump to provide hydraulic power for rotation, closing line and mainline brakes, there is no need for an engine, so there is less maintenance and more uptime. The grapple open and 360-degree rotation functions are hydraulically powered and controlled via remote electric signals. Hydraulic energy is stored in accumulators and pressurized by a pump, connected to one of the haulback/skyline sheaves, as the carriage travels along the cable. Multiple cameras on the grapple and optional lights increase efficiency. TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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TechReview
Summit Attachments
Technical Forest Solutions
Contact: Eric Krume Phone: (360) 749-2187 Email: info@summitattachments.com Website: www.summitattachments.com Type of Carriages: Hydraulic Grapple Carriage Engine HP: 20 hp Hatz Diesel Skyline Diameter: 5/8”-inch to 1-⅜-inch Drum Capacity: n/a Line Pull and Speed: n/a Washington-based Summit Attachments designs, engineers and builds innovative solutions for safe, automated timber harvesting. It specializes in cable solutions for steep slope logging. In addition to hydraulic grapple carriages, it offers dual drive, high-speed winch assist machines for high production skidders, two- and threedrum hydraulic swing yarders in 40 and 50 foot variations, automated smart Yoder packages, and self contained tong thrower attachments. Summit provides custom machines, rebuilds, engineering, machining, fabrication, electrical systems, and hydraulic systems. It is finalizing development of an electric grapple carriage that will eliminate the reliability and supply chain issues of small diesel engines.
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Contact: Vince Wilbur Phone: (360) 431-3273 Email: vince@technicalforestsolutions.com Website: www.technicalforestsolutions.com Type of Carriages: Motorized Hydraulic Grapple Engine HP: 23 Skyline Diameter: ¾-inch Drum Capacity: n/a Line Pull and Speed: n/a The Hawkeye motorized grapple carriage manufactured by New Zealand-based was developed to work with the Harvestline hydraulic mobile yarder. The Hawkeye and Harvestline share the same display screen, reducing the number of screens in the cab. The MK4, a new and improved model of the Hawkeye, will be released in 2023. The MK4 Hawkeye will be equipped with an upgraded 3 cylinder diesel engine and a new variable displacement hydraulic system that increases open and close cycle times and grapple clamping force and reduces hydraulic heat. Other improvements include fewer electrical components and less wiring and increased access to the inside of the carriage for maintenance. The MK4 Hawkeye is equipped with a 68-inch grapple and features 360-degree continuous rotation, an auto clamp feature for closing the grapple, and work lights. Three cameras give the operator a view of the grapple as well forward and rearward views. The MK4 Northwest model will be a lighter weight, increasing payload to the landing.
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
GuestColumnist
Factors to Explore When Considering a Grapple Carriage By Tom Filmer
T
here are a number of factors to consider when weighing an investment in a grapple carriage. Let’s start with the harvest conditions. What kind of terrain do you work in? How can tracts of timber be accessed? Where are the landings likely to be built? What is the length and run of the drags, and where does other infrastructure need to be set up or constructed? Harvest considerations that are specific to grapple carriages include: • Lift and deflection: Which angles and slopes are most accessible to provide the desired deflection for a motorized grapple carriage to be operated? • Length of setting: Motorized grapple carriages may be limited by the length of the line, dependent on the yarder. Using a motorized grapple carriage to harvest timber must be feasible in order to make it commercially viable for logging contractors. First, it must be physically feasible – you have to have the right equipment in addition to trained or experienced personnel. It has to be economically feasible. The economic benefits of motorized grapple carriage harvesting can be summarized as: • Less downtime and injuries • More reliability • More payload • Faster cycle times Logging with a motorized grapple carriage may be viewed as more socially acceptable as it reduces risk of harm by removing some workers – primarily choker setters – from dangerous conditions. Some people would argue that taking people off the hill is taking away jobs. Using a motorized grapple carriage provides an opportunity for crews and workers who perform manual labor to add skills and more value in other areas of a logging operation. Equipment Considerations
The weight of the grapple carriage impacts not only the lift but also the payload. A larger grapple carriage with a bigger grapple will have the strength and size to lift bigger loads. 36
However, the functioning weight of the unit should be considered when figuring the ideal set-up for your harvest settings. A heavier unit will require more deflection, especially when carrying larger payloads. The appropriate amount of lift and deflection comes down to how you plan your harvest and the use of rigging systems. Tail spars and intermediate spars are also a way of increasing deflection effectively and safely. Of course, new equipment must comply with pertinent government regulations. Certainly, be aware of any applicable fire regulations that apply. Fire suppressant and other fire prevention systems within a motorized grapple carriage must comply with the regulations. Durability of equipment is another factor to consider. Maintaining productive operations is important working in remote areas. Some points to consider when choosing a motorised grapple carriage are: • Who is the manufacturer? Are they reputable? • What components are used? • Are parts and servicing options readily available? • What level of technical support is offered? • How long have they been commercially offered? In doing the research to ensure you are buying a grapple carriage that best suits your requirements, take a close look at the manufacturer. How long have they been in
business? What is the size of the company? Is it well resourced, and can it supply on time? Ask for references, especially from other loggers who have used the equipment. Convenient and efficient access to spare parts is essential to ensure down time is reduced and productivity remains high. It’s paramount that your dealer has the ability to deliver parts quickly. Some considerations to think about are: • Are parts readily available? • Does your distributor stock replacement parts? • Is there a critical parts list? Critical parts are those which should be in stock, available to deliver to contractors. The critical parts may vary depending on the supplier, but they are often the 20 percent of parts for a grapple carriage that are ordered frequently (80 percent of the time). An example of critical parts may include: • Antennas and communication parts • Filters and other consumables • Electronic components • Bearings and other engineered parts (Tom Filmer is the marketing manager for DC Equipment, a New Zealand company that manufactures the Falcon Forestry Equipment brand of mechanized equipment for steep slope logging operations. For more information about Falcon Forestry Equipment, visit www. falconforestryequipment.com.)
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
MACHINERY ROW TimberPro Completes Expansion of Factory
TimberPro has completed an $8 million project that added nearly 49,000 square feet to its factory in Shawano, Wisconsin. The expansion will allow the company to double production capacity, enabling it to meet growing market demand for its forestry equipment and attachments. TimberPro hosted a public open house to mark the completion of the project. “Our facility expansion represents a significant step forward for TimberPro, and we were glad to be able to showcase our enhanced capabilities,” said Doug Morris, vice president of the forest machine business division for Komatsu, which acquired TimberPro in 2019. Established in 2002 and founded by the Crawford family, TimberPro manufactures purpose-built forestry machines and attachments, offering tracked feller bunchers and harvesters, forwarders, wheeled harvesters, and felling heads. Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets.
Diamond Mowers Launches Portal
Diamond Mowers has launched a new online portal to provide dealers with everything they need to know about Diamond’s products and services. The all-in-one portal allows sales professionals to conveniently access everything from sales and marketing materials to product training, customer care resources, parts lists and more. “When developing this new portal, we spoke extensively with our dealers to better understand the information and resources they need to make their jobs easier and to help their teams feel comfortable and confident recommending our brand and products,” said Dan Stachel, executive vice president of Diamond Mowers. The portal is “the direct outcome of those conversations and a prime example of our commitment to being the best partner in the industry.”
The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to cease operations at the mill. The mill employs approximately 400 people. Employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance in accordance with WestRock policy and labor union agreements. The mill produces kraft and white top liner and bleached pulp for a combined annual capacity of 510,000 tons. The majority of kraft and white top liner will be transitioned to other mills in the WestRock system to serve customers in North America and international markets. Approximately 60,000 annual tons of pulp and 25,000 annual tons of specialty grade capacity will be reduced due to the shutdown.
Ski resort, City Plan Biomass Facilities
As a way to help manage forests surrounding central Oregon, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and the city of Prineville are planning construction of biomass facilities that burn unwanted forest material to create heat and electricity. Mt. Bachelor plans to build a 1.2-megawatt facility to heat its buildings in the winter and avoid having to use 225,000 gallons of propane each year. The resort is on track to complete its project in 2024. Prineville, 57 miles away, plans to build a 24.9-megawatt power plant to generate electricity by burning debris and unwanted thirsty juniper trees cleared from the Ochoco National Forest. That project is in the permitting stage. Both projects dovetail with the state’s renewable energy standards, said Amy Schlusser, Oregon Department of Energy senior energy policy analyst. One goal, the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards, aims
for 50 percent of the electricity purchased in the state to be produced from qualifying renewable energy sources by 2040. “Biomass is one of the qualifying resources under the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards,” Schlusser said. “It has been deemed by the Legislature as preferable to other sources of non-renewable electricity.” Oregon ranks 19th among states in terms of biomass generating capacity, according to a 2020 report on the state of renewable energy in Oregon.
Serco Sales Director Retires
Serco Loaders, a leading fabricating and machining company, announced the retirement of Dale Williamson, director of sales, after 18-plus years of dedicated service. He played a vital role in the company’s success. In conjunction with Williamson’s retirement, Serco Loaders appointed Mark Shukla as director of sales. Williamson made significant contributions to the company’s achievements and was instrumental in growing the Serco brand throughout its dealership network. Shukla is an accomplished professional with an extensive background in material handling in truck mount loaders, stationary mount loaders, and large material handlers. He brings knowledge of a wide range of applications, including storm cleanup, waste, scrap, logging, and rail to the position, making him an ideal successor. “We are immensely grateful for (Williamson’s) countless contributions and the legacy he leaves behind,” said CharlesÉtienne Simard, division manager at Serco. “ At the same time, we are excited to welcome Mark as his successor. With his exceptional skills and experience, we are confident that Mark will lead us to even greater heights.”
Tacoma Mill to Close
WestRock Company announced it will permanently cease operating its paper mill in Tacoma, Washington, and would conclude production by September 30. “WestRock is working to optimize our operational footprint and consolidate production in order to improve our return on invested capital, and we have made the difficult decision to close the Tacoma mill as part of this effort,” said David B. Sewell, CEO of WestRock. TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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Faith, Family and Forest Management — Getting back to our roots.
February 22, 23, & 24, 2024
Lane Events Center & Fairgrounds, Eugene, Oregon Questions? Call 541.686.9191
86th Oregon Logging Conference Oregon Logging Conference President Steve Henson invites you to the 86th Annual gathering next year at the Lane Events Center & Fairgrounds in Eugene, OR on February 22, 23 & 24, 2024. The 2024 conference theme is Faith, Family and Forest Management Getting back to our roots. This will set the stage for interesting topics and speakers at the OLC. President Henson has invited US Forest Service Chief Randy Moore to provide the keynote address for the 86th annual OLC, which will be presented during the opening session on Thursday, February 22, 2024, in the Wheeler Pavilion at the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds. Steve Henson, 2024 President
For more information visit www.oregonloggingconference.
Keynote Speaker U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore Randy Moore, the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, will be the keynote speaker at the 86th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, in February 2024. Chief Moore began his 45-year career in 1978 with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservative Service in North Dakota and he joined the U.S. Forest Service in 1981. Prior to serving as Chief, Moore was Pacific Southwest Regional Forester from 2007 to 2021, where he was responsible for 18 national forests in California, as well as state and private forestry programs in Hawaii and U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands. As the leader of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, Chief Moore oversees a workforce of more than 31,000 employees who sustainably manage 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Chief Randy Moore 38
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
OLC Panels, Seminars and Activities February 22nd – 24th Three days of panels, seminars and other activities will be offered at the 86th Annual Oregon Logging Conference in Eugene, OR. Some sessions topics have been set and others are still being planned. Pro Logger credits can be earned by attending seminars and panel discussions. On the final day of the conference, industry families are invited to attend and enjoy the exhibits and activities on Saturday. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024 Registration Sponsor: T-Mar Industries LTD Hosted Breakfast – Sponsor: Papé Machinery Seminar 2 – Steep Slope Updates (2 PL Credits) Seminar 3 – Washington Forest Practices Seminars (2 WAFP or 2 PL Credits) Seminar 4 – Advanced Driver Training, Cameras in Vehicles/Telematics. (1 PL Credit)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 Registration Sponsor: T-Mar Industries LTD Opening Session Breakfast – Sponsor: Tigercat Keynote Address: Randy Moore, U S Forest Service Chief. Mill Tour – Northwest Hardwoods, Eugene, Or (1 PL Credit) Planner: TJ Hammerschmith, Swanson Group. The group will travel to Northwest Hardwoods via shuttle van. There will be an additional fee to attend and limited to the first 25 registered members. Contact OLC office for details. Hands-On Seminar 1 – Scaling and Quality of Lesser Species - Log Roll-Out – (1PL Credit)
Seminar 5 – Private Forest Accord Updates: Forest Roads and Riparian Areas. (2 PL Credits) Hands-On Seminar 2 (1 PL Credit) Sponsor: General Trailer Co. Oregon Department of Transportation Truck Inspection and Q & A.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2024 All exhibits are open free to industry families and the public. Family Day – Enjoy fun activities and exhibits in the Wheeler Pavilion. Log Loader Competition Sponsors: Triad Machinery and Link-Belt.
Seminar 1 – Your Voice - Your Vote Counts – Unelected boards and commissions and how to influence them. (2 PL Credits)
20th Annual Oregon Logging Conference Desserts For Dreams Charity Fundraiser PAVE will benefit from proceeds raised at the Oregon Logging Conference Desserts for Dreams luncheon. Through customized training and lifetime support, PAVE is helping to reduce the devastating rate of veteran suicide and offers support for those veterans who are left with psychological and/or physical wounds from military service. More information is available at www.paveusa.org. PAVE is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Desserts for Dreams event includes a light lunch and desserts donated by local restaurants and bakeries. Champagne, wine, sparkling cider, coffee, and tea are also served. The event will be held on Friday, Feb. 23rd from 12:30pm-3pm at the Graduate Eugene and tickets are $30 each, 100% of the luncheon proceeds will be donated to PAVE. For more details visit www.oregonloggingconference.com or call 541-686-9191. TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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NEW PRODUCTS
Diamond Mowers Offers New Pro X Disc Mulcher
Diamond Mowers has introduced the new Disc Mulcher Belt Drive Pro X, which can go from 0 to 1,000 rpm in a matter of seconds. Engineered for high-volume use and maximum productivity, this powerful attachment features increased torque to mulch virtually anything in its path without slowing down. The new Disc Mulcher BD Pro X couples a belt drive with a twospeed hydraulic motor to increase torque and disc speed. The disc speeds up during re-processing and back-dragging, so operators can finish a job faster. The belt drive system acts as a torque multiplier that prevents the machine from slowing down when slicing through large material and enables it to recover quickly. In addition, an AR 400 bolt-on replaceable liner helps to reduce abrasion on the shell from thrown materials. The Disc Mulcher BD Pro X is available in a 60-inch. It can material up to 14 inches in diameter and mulch material up to 6 inches. It attaches to large frame skid-steers and compact track loaders and is paired with a 107cc variable displacement bent axis piston motor to match its hydraulic flow of 32-50 GPM. “This game-changing attachment outpaces, outpowers, and outclasses anything else on the market,” said Dan Stachel, executive vice president of Diamond Mowers. “Because we know time is money and productivity drives profitability, we designed this machine to work as hard as the people who use it.” For more information visit www.diamondmowers.com.
DEVELON Introduces DD130 Dozer
DEVELON has introduced the DD130, the newest addition to its dozer lineup. It delivers best-in-class horsepower, plus more pushing power, superior traction, leading visibility, and advanced technologies for more productivity. The new mid-size 145.8 hp DD130 dozer is ideal for construction, road construction, mining and forestry industries to do grading, leveling, site preparation and land clearing. DEVELON entered the North American dozer market in 2022 with a small-size machine, the DD100; it competes in the 140-hp and under category. The DD130 is the next step up from the DD100; it has many of the same popular features but in the 140-hp and over category.
“Our dozers offer a higher horsepower than other comparable brands,” said Jacob Sherman, product and dealer marketing manager at DEVELON, and are designed with a heavy frame. “This results in more power to the ground and superior tractive effort, allowing our machines to push more material and be more productive on the job site, which helps our customers.” The DEVELON DD130 features a 6-way power-tilt angle blade to work more efficiently and reduce the number of passes by lifting, tilting and angling the blade to move dirt or other materials precisely. Blade pitch can be adjusted from 52 to 58 degrees to control how steeply it bites into the ground. The dozer comes standard with the oscillating serrated track system, which ensures consistent, stable ground contact for optimal grading performance and operator comfort, and a reduced-wear undercarriage link design. A 2D grading system option is available to make precision grading easier, even for novice operators. The operator programs the needed inputs, and the machine controls blade functions — finishing the job faster and with better accuracy.
DENIOS Battery Stations Provide Safe Storage
Lithium-ion batteries require special handling and care. DENIOS, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of storage containers for hazardous materials, has introduced Lithium-Ion Stations. Designed specifically for storing lithium-ion batteries, they are ideal for storing new, questionable, damaged, defective, or end-of-life lithiumion batteries typically found in small handheld devices. Available in two standard sizes, they allow the storage and transportation of batteries from 1 KG to 10KG up to 100W. Batteries in that range typically are used in power tools, e-bikes, medical devices, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, forklifts, cars, and more. With two hours of fire resistance and integrated forklift pockets for easy relocation, these purpose-built containers protect against fire hazards due to thermal runaway, deep discharge, mechanical deformation, or chemical reaction. Each unit includes media and visual identification on all sides to alert emergency personnel of contents and hazards. The stations protect employees, facilities, and the environment. They follow applicable and EPA regulations. DENIOS is a leading manufacturer and supplier of products and services for occupational environmental protection and workplace safety. For more information visit www.DENIOS-us.com.
Mecalac Offers Compact Wheeled Excavators
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Mecalac, a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of compact construction equipment for urban environments, offers its award-winning MWR series of wheeled excavators to the North American market. Consisting of three models — 7MWR, 9MWR and 11MWR TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
NEW PRODUCTS 75-horsepower engine is standard on each model, and lifting capacity ratio is best in class. For more information visit www.mecalac.com.
Georgia Boot Adds The LTX Logger
— the series features a range of benefits to help meet the needs of operations in the construction, landscaping and forestry industries, as well as municipalities and utility construction. The MWR Series of wheeled excavators are purpose-built to allow for maximum maneuverability in tight working areas, offering the flexibility and versatility of a skid steer or compact track loader in one machine and delivering higher speed and mobility than tracked excavators. Peter Bigwood, general manager of Mecalac North America, changing trends “make it easy to recognize that the North American market needs compact equipment and the specific advantages that the wheeled excavator offers.” “Mecalac has more than 40 years of experience building and fine tuning our wheeled excavators, and we believe the North American market is ready for this new approach to work,” he added. Each model in the MWR series offers speed in a compact footprint. The speed in combination with versatility provides operations with substantial benefits in productivity and efficiency by significantly reducing travel time on the jobsite and between jobs. A
Georgia Boot has expanded its line of Logger boots with the LTX Logger, a waterproof, full-grain leather boot with an AMP LT insole for additional comfort. Two of the styles feature Ergo-Fit technology, which is designed to match the contours of the foot, providing superior comfort and flexibility while maintaining the protective composite safety toe design. The Carbo-Tec rubber outsole is heat, chemical, abrasion, and slip-resistant. Additionally, the LTX Logger meets classifications including: ASTM F2892 Electrical Hazard; ASTM F2413 Protective Toe; and ASTM F2413 Electrical Hazard. For more information visit www.georgiaboot. com.
Loftness Unveils Battle Ax Mulching Attachment
Loftness has introduced the Battle Ax Extreme horizontal drum mulcher designed for prime movers up to 375 hp. The Battle Ax Extreme has a unique rotor that features built-in (continued on page 42)
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NEW PRODUCTS (continued from page 41) depth gauges. They function similarly to raker teeth on chainsaws to prevent the attachment from engaging too much material at one time. The drum mulcher also features the Loftness exclusive twostage cutting chamber, which is capable of processing material more thoroughly than competitive units by cutting material twice. The Battle Ax Extreme is equipped with twin hydraulic motors. The variable-displacement piston motors automatically shift the rotor RPM from the highest speed to a lower range for increased torque as needed. The result is less stalling and shorter recovery time, helping operators to concentrate on the job instead of power settings and continuous head repositioning. Power is transferred to the rotor via dual belt drive.
operator experience. The upgraded space includes a new suspension seat, more foot space, ergonomic foot pedals, and a wider cabin for easier entry and exit. Operators can survey the worksite more easily with increased cab glass area. The quieter cab also features automatic air-conditioning and has USB ports for phone charging. The ViO80-7 features 18 percent more power over its predecessor with its new 67 hp Yanmar Tier 4 Final diesel engine. The SV100-7 has a 72 hp Yanmar Tier 4 Final diesel engine. Both machines provide operators with increased attachment performance with 20 percent more PTO flow rate. Both machines can dig more than 14 feet. The ViO80-7 features Yanmar’s signature zero tail-swing, and the SV100-7 includes an ultra-tight tail-swing. Both allow efficient work in tight job sites. Improved engine output and hydraulics allow for more productivity and greater attachment performance yet better fuel economy: 15 percent faster work speed, 25 percent faster travel speed, yet 13 percent less fuel consumption. For more information, visit www.YanmarCE.com.
Rotochopper Holds Demo Day Event
The unit comes with triple carbide teeth, engineered for the most powerful prime movers. They feature an overlapping cap design that helps prevent the tooth mounts from damage if the rotor is driven into rocks. The teeth are mounted with a single bolt for easy replacement. The Battle Ax Extreme is equipped with a hydraulically actuated door that can trap material in the cutting chamber for further processing or open up for felling trees. The hydraulic cylinder that actuates the door is shielded within the belt cover to help protect it from damage. Other standard features include machined anti-wrap bearing protection, a tree pusher bar, premium strength steel housing, and steel deflector chains. For more information visit www.loftness.com.
Rotochopper hosted 120 customers and prospects from across North America for its 10th Demo Day event. The event began with a visit to Rotochopper’s headquarters in St. Martin, Minnesota, that included a facility tour, a presentation on the RotoLink® remote monitoring system and preventative maintenance program. Rotochopper demonstrated the MT 237 trommel screen and its newest machine, the Sarlac Pinch Point Shredder. The next day began with remarks from Rotochopper CEO Tosh Brinkerhoff. Great Lakes West sales manager Lars Bergan gave attendees information on each machine that was demonstrated. Rotochopper demonstrated the 480R tracked radial conveyor working with the B-66L horizontal grinder, 365 conveyor and FP-66 horizontal grinder grinding and coloring mulch, and MT 175 trom-
Yanmar Develops New Mini Excavator Models
Yanmar Compact Equipment has developed new generation ViO80 and SV100 mini excavators. The ViO80-7 and SV100-7 feature significant improvements to hydraulic efficiency, cab comfort, and ease of maintenance. The models are the largest in Yanmar’s mini excavator line and ideal for fleets and work in utility, construction, demolition and landscaping applications, to name a few. “These machines are entirely redesigned with the operator and service departments in mind,” said Buck Storlie, product manager for Yanmar Compact Equipment North America. One of the biggest differences from previous models are the newly designed cabins. Each is built for comfort and 42
mel screen screening topsoil during the first round of demos. The MC-266 horizontal grinder and B-66 E electric horizontal grinder both ground whole pallets and pallet scraps. Rotochopper also demonstrated the Go-Bagger 250 to bag colored mulch. Other equipment demonstrations included the 95 DK shredder, TS 165 deck screener, Screener Conveyor, and new B-66 LII 1,200 hp horizontal grinder. Attendees had the opportunity to see Rotochopper’s newest equipment in action at Herman’s Landscape Supplies in Jordan, Minnesota. “It was energizing to bring this group of industry leaders together from throughout North America as part of our Demo Day,” said Brinkerhoff. “There was great excitement around our new products.”
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
(continued on page 44)
NEW PRODUCTS (continued from page 42)
John Deere Adds Beaver Tooth Option
John Deere introduced the one-piece hardened Beaver saw tooth for John Deere wheel and tracked feller bunchers. The new Beaver saw tooth design boasts a beveled feature at each tooth tip, which helps improve tooth durability while striking materials other than wood. This feature extends the life of the tooth and also helps increase productivity in rocky conditions where a carbide tooth would not be advisable. “Our saw teeth models have been rigorously tested on real logging job sites, helping us deliver ideal solutions made to tackle any forestry application head-on,” said William Borrenpohl, John Deere aftermarket product manager. “This remains the case for our new Beaver saw tooth option, which was strategically designed to offer increased durability in the woods.” The Beaver saw tooth is one of four options available to customers and can be purchased in boxes of 18 or 20 teeth. Designed for maximum durability while lowering operating costs, the full line of John Deere saw teeth are made to help support daily logging operations and applications. Customers can work with a local dealer, who can recommend the right saw teeth for their logging operation. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.
Wood-Mizer Launches Battery-Powered Mill
Wood-Mizer has introduced the industry’s first battery-powered portable sawmill. The lithium-ion battery-powered sawmill provides an alternative power choice that is environmentally friendly and
delivers consistent, reliable, and high-quality sawing performance. The battery power option is now available on the popular WoodMizer LT15WIDE portable sawmill. The LT15WIDE sawmill currently offers a wide range of gas, diesel and electric power options with battery-power being the latest addition. All of the sawmill’s functions can be powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are the leading-edge technology in the automotive and outdoor power equipment industries. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, lithium-ion batteries are convenient, lightweight, easy to store, safe, and rechargeable. Rigorous field testing in locations throughout the world has proven the LT15WIDE battery-powered portable sawmill can saw constantly and consistently for up to eight hours on six batteries depending on wood species, sawing conditions, and amount of time spent in the cut. As the State of Charge (SoC) of the batteries reduced, sawyers reported the sawmill continued to perform at peak levels throughout the eight hours without losing power or performance. In addition, the patent-pending ‘Smart Feed’ technology ensures the sawmill automatically adjusts to wood species, log size, and blade conditions to provide optimal sawing feed rates and overall performance. The mill also comes with additional technological enhancements. The base model LT15WIDE battery-powered portable sawmill comes standard with four rechargeable lithium-ion batteries but can run on up to five or six batteries. Each battery weighs about 20 pounds, includes a 1.4 kWh capacity, and is covered by a 5-year warranty. The included six-battery charging base allows sawyers to charge all four batteries in under four hours, five batteries in under five hours, six batteries in under six hours, and it is compatible with a standard single-phase (15 amp) 110 AC wall outlet connection. The LT15WIDE battery-powered portable sawmill frees sawyers from relying on fluctuating fuel prices, reduces costs and time associated with fuel engine maintenance, and provides a more comfortable operation with reduced noise and odor. For more information visit www.woodmizer.com.
ASSOCIATION NEWS Oregon Logging Conference Set Feb. 22-24 in Eugene
Faith, Family, and Forest Management is the theme of the 86th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, scheduled for February 22-24, in Eugene, Oreon. The OLC’s board of directors approved the theme – proposed by president Steve henson – earlier this year Henson explained why he suggested the theme. “Faith, as we live in a broken world and need the grace of God. Family, as it is important to the success of any home, business, or association. And Forest Management, as I believe we are all tired of seeing small towns destroyed, lives destroyed, and our very livelihood threatened by destructive past nonmanagement, hands-off approaches that have 44
created the fuel conditions we have now.” For more information about next year’s conference or updates, visit the OLC website at www.oregonloggingconference.com.
Idaho Logging Association Launches Insurance Plan
Associated Logging Contractors, the trade organization of loggers in Idaho, has launched a medical insurance plan for members. “At a time when costs seem to be going up in every area, the new ALC Health Plan may decrease costs for many in the logging community,” said Shawn Keogh, executive director of the association. Many members have not been able to offer health insurance benefits in the past,
noted Keogh, and the lack of benefits can pose a challenge to recruiting employees. Offering health insurance may help contractors attract and retain quality workers. The ALC hopes to enroll 500 people in the first year of the plan. The ALC also will hold its fifth annual safety conference Nov. 11 at the Moscow Best Western University Inn.
Montana Meeting Set
The Montana Logging Association will hold its winter meeting at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish Dec. 1-2. Members are eligible for an MLA group rate and can book a reservation by calling (406) 892-2525.
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
CALENDAR September 7-9 Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo, Escanaba, MI 715-282-5828, www.gltpa.org November 8-10 NAWLA Traders Market, Columbus, OH 800-527-8258, www.nawla.org November 16-18 Tree Care Industry Expo, St. Louis, MO 603-314-5380, www.tcia.org
January 12-16 Western Pallet Association Annual Meeting, Rancho Mirage, CA 360-335-0208, www.westernpallet.org
January 19 Associated Oregon Loggers Annual Meeting, Grand Ronde, OR 503-364-1330, www.oregonloggers.org
January 16-18 Association of Equipment Distributors (AED), Summit, Las Vegas, NV 630-574-0650, www.aednet.org
January 22-24 Associated California Loggers Annual Meeting, Reno NV 916-441-7940, www.californialoggers.com
January 17-19 Truck Loggers Association Annual Convention, Vancouver, BC 604-684-4291, www.tla.ca
February 5-7 Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Assoc. Convention & Expo, Indianapolis, IN 317-288-0008, www.ihla.org
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TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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GuestColumnist
Have We Run Out of Time? By Jeffrey A. Lehman
T
he current U.S. Forest Service wildfire policy is rather ambiguous and its real intent unclear. In fact, one could question whether it was intended to obfuscate. Therefore, the policy merits examination and clarification to meet government’s responsibilities to taxpayers. For many reasons, we believe the policy should be modified to focus on priorities applicable to all wildfires — in urban areas, in the wildland urban interface (WUI) and in the wild. The estimated lost acreage due to wildfires in the United States in 2021 was a staggering 7,139,713 acres. The accumulated acreage lost from 2017 to 2021 was an eyewatering 40,408,070 acres — an area larger than the state of New York! All wildfires have the same net effect. They spew toxic particulate matter and carbon, which pose both health and economic threats to tax-paying citizens. We call for a simple policy: First, put out the fire! Of course, wildland firefighting is hardly simple, and any policy change must consider inherent complexities. Nonetheless, by first squelching the fire, lives and property are immediately preserved. An unspoken truth of living with wildfires — whether in close proximity or miles away — is the emotional stress and mental trauma experienced by those who live in fireprone country. Consequently, we focused on people-related aspects of wildfires in our work, Running Out of Time: Wildfires and Our Imperiled Forests. In fact, 70,000 communities and 46 million homes are at risk from wildfires. Yet despite this ever-present threat, the U.S. Fire Administration has seemingly made little headway in changing Forest Service policy. Why can’t the Forest Service adequately perform the mission of forest management? Funding immediately comes to mind, but equally important issues include manpower, technology transfer, cooperative involvement with the forestry industry, good leadership and competent management. Problemsolving is a manager’s integral skill set and begins with close observation. Merely paying
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attention leads one to observe, for example, that more-mechanized equipment will help firefighters clear wildland fuel much faster than hacking away with shovels and pulaskis. And think about the individual wildland firefighter who is temporarily employed when fires are raging and dismissed when the fire season ends. Expertise gained by trained individuals actually fighting fires is immediately lost and is not easily replaced. These people should be shifted to other work that contributes to the Forest Service’s wildland management mission. Ultimately, this approach would be less costly than finding, on-boarding, training, and assigning new employees to field operations every year. Professional, experienced commanders in the wildland firefighting business also should be recognized and better appreciated. They, too, are in the field, putting their lives on the line every day, just as an urban firefighter does. Among their myriad tasks, they maintain critical communication links between ground operations and aerial firefighting forces. Their coordination ensures the entire team stays focused on the overriding priority: First, put out the fire! The breadth of complex questions and potential answers should not get in the way of basic decision-making required to immediately bring wildfires under control. Key decisions should be made by one person, not multiple individuals across various agencies. Decision makers must be able to weigh complex inputs, assess operational facts, understand the impacts of specific fuel loads, weather and terrain, and act decisively! Having made a decision — without
second-guessing by higher-ups not on the scene — execution of a plan should be carried out efficiently. And everybody involved must keep two immutable tenets in mind: firefighting is not a game, and stupid hurts! Never forget that people’s lives and property hang in the balance. The nation has suffered far too much destruction from wildfires: the Tamarack fire in California, Bugaboo fire in Georgia, Marshall fire in Colorado, and countless others. Preventing such conflagrations requires a return to basics. Put out the fire. Make certain the fire is completely and totally extinguished. Double-check to ensure there are no hot embers hiding in duff, downed timber or standing snags. Do it right and be the professional example of good forest management, a template for the rest of the world. To upgrade Forest Service policies, practices and procedures, government and forest industry professionals must toss out age-old biases, suspicions, and misunderstandings. Join forces with aerial firefighting contractors and the forestry business sector to initiate and continue honest discussions with Congress, making the case for additional funding that will save jobs, create safe environments, and clean up America’s forests. Tear down decades-old barriers. Develop and field new and evolving technologies. Eliminate chronic distrust between business and government. Treat suppliers with respect. And open all minds to nontraditional approaches. New players can help solve old problems. And live by the firefighter’s mantra: First, put out the fire! ( Jeffrey A. Lehman has served as a C-level consultant to multi-national corporations such as McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, the Battelle Memorial Institute, and government and military entities for more than 30 years. His experience includes program management, operations, strategic planning, logistics, and more. He is the co-author with David L. Auchterlonie of Running Out of Time: Wildfires and Our Imperiled Forests. For more information about their book or to order a copy, visit www. wildfiresinamerica.com.)
TimberWest Magazine — September/October 2023 — www.forestnet.com
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