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Jacqlyn Kirkland

Eastern U.S. Kathy Sternenberg

Tel: 251-928-4962 • Fax: 334-834-4525 219 Royal Lane Fairhope, AL 36532

E-mail: ksternenberg@bellsouth.net

Midwest USA, Eastern Canada John Simmons

Tel: 905-666-0258 • Fax: 905-666-0778 32 Foster Cres. Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1R 1W1 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com

Western Canada, Western USA Tim Shaddick

Tel: 604-910-1826 • Fax: 604-264-1367 4056

10th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6L 1Z1

E-mail: twshaddick@gmail.com Kevin Cook Tel: 604-619-1777

E-mail: lordkevincook@gmail.com

murray.brett@abasol.net

Forester, Insurance Man, Vet SOUTHERN STUMPIN’

Scud missile attacks and sarin nerve gas were threats—most of the time, Chad felt somewhat in control of his situation. But his loved ones at home, with little information, could only hope and pray. It wasn’t until some years later that he learned just how worried his mother had actually been; they didn’t tell him at the time. “It affects more than just the one deployed, so every time you pray for a soldier, pray for their family,” he advises.

The conflict was over pretty quickly, in just about six weeks, but Chad says when he got home, it didn’t feel like a real ending. The coalition drove Iraq from Kuwait, but Saddam Hussein was still in power in Baghdad. Chad got that closure he’d been missing about 12 years later, when Saddam’s statues, and his reign, were toppled. “That was one of the greatest days of my life,” he says.

need. “I may see something on the job that they may not know to ask for.”

He now works for Palmetto State Insurance Agency, a South Carolina-based company founded in 2008 that focuses on forestry. Chad had worked with owner Donnie Watts 22 years ago at a different agency, and reconnected four years ago. “I found my home and this is where I plan to be for the rest of my career.”

After 27 years in the business, Chad has seen logging evolve as methods grew increasingly mechanized. “I’ve seen trucking rates go up and workers’ comp rates go down.”

camp and school, do six years in the Reserves and you get the GI Bill.” He went to school in California, where he trained as a heavy equipment operator in the Navy’s Seabees (CBs—Construction Battalion), a group known for their “Can Do” attitude; some may recall the 1944 John Wayne film The Fighting Seabees

After finishing his Navy schooling, he went back to Georgia and started forestry school at ABAC (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College) in Tifton.

Halfway through his education at ABAC, his unit was called up for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He spent eight months overseas in 1990-91 in Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the Navy Seabees. “There were 100 of us and 4,000 Marines,” he recalls. “We were a construction and support team.” He drove trucks and worked mostly on airfields, building runways, convoying equipment back and forth to the front line and maintaining the base for the Marines.

Communication with deployed service members was even more limited 30 years ago than it is now. Although there were a few scary moments—Iraqi

Most people who join the military do so because they hate bullies and want to help people who can’t help themselves, Chad believes. The experience taught him a lot and shaped his philosophies on life. “It has helped me in my adult life tremendously. One of the Seabee mottos I love is: ‘We build, we fight, can do.’ Another is: ‘The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer.’ It just showed me how much you can do as a team. Sometimes you sacrifice yourself for the greater good of the group. It’s not the individual achievement you’re looking for; it’s the end result.”

Ever since he left the Navy, Chad had missed that sense of camaraderie he had with his Seabee unit, and sought to find it again somewhere. That desire led him to Shriners International, a Masonic society.

Chad says he’s seen a lot of former military men seeking that same camaraderie fall into gangs or other negative groups, so he considers himself blessed to have found a more positive atmosphere. “Through this I am able to help children.” These days, he says, that is his great passion.

Back home, Chad graduated ABAC with an associate’s degree in forestry. He went to work in procurement for a paper company and later a wood dealer, but says that having a two-year degree limited his opportunities to advance.

In 1996, an insurance company that specialized in forestry contacted him to become an insurance agent. It was easier to train a forester to sell insurance than it was to teach an insurance agent about logging, they reasoned. That’s what he’s done ever since.

Chad is a licensed insurance agent in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. He travels frequently, at least one or two nights most weeks, to visit his clients in person and find out what they

Shriners International was established 150+ years ago, and opened its first children’s hospital 100 years ago in Shreveport, La. “We specialize in orthopedics, spinal cord injuries, burns and cleft palates for children,” Chad explains. Today the organization supports 22 hospitals (20 in the U.S. and one each in Canada and Mexico). Chad is a member of Zamora Temple in Birmingham, which supports Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, SC.

“We’re not the best at everything, but we specialize in a very few things and we’re the best at that.” Just like when he was in the Navy, Chad’s greatest sense of fulfillment comes from helping others.

You can reach Chad at Chad@PSIAgency.com or 256-506-5459.

Want to recommend a veteran in forestry for Veterans Day issue November 2023? Let us know. Text me at 334-677-9663 or email me at ttobbad39@msn.com.

Chad and wife Jenny support Shriners children's hospitals.

Chad visits clients frequently in the field.

ChadHouze,right,withPettyOfficerRaymondQueen,left,in SaudiArabiaduringDesertStorm

Total Commitment

By May Donnell

RICHBURG, SC

Coleman Brothers Logging is closing in on its 10year anniversary. Ask anybody with knowledge of logging in Chester, Fairfield and Richland counties and they’ll tell you the outfit has come a seriously long way in a relatively short amount of time. From producing 10 to 15 loads per week at the start, today they haul pulpwood, hardwood and chip-n-saw at an impressive rate of 150 to 180 loads per week. That type of production takes a load of work.

First generation logger Will Coleman, 34, and his wife, Katherine,

each draw a blank when asked to name their favorite hobbies. They look at each other for a long moment and smile.

“We mainly just work,” Katherine says finally. Katherine and her little white dog, Sugar, manage the office. Her duties include insurance, payroll, and keeping up with taxes and benefits. These days, she and Sugar also make runs to Newberry, Chester, Rock Hill or Charlotte, NC for parts. “It’s a ton of hard work and it doesn’t ever slow down but we’ve gotten used to it and so now it just seems normal,” she says.

Will is convinced logging is in his blood, even if it wasn’t passed down in his family like it is with so many other loggers. “I knew real

■ South Carolina operation continues to gain steam as it comes of age.

fast that logging was what I wanted to do and believe me, if you don’t like this kind of work, you’re in for a bad time. I chose logging and I love it.” Perhaps that’s why the long hours and the persistence with which the crew gets after a tract of land doesn’t seem to weigh very heavily on them. The crew is all smiles and jokes as they gather for a group photo.

Coleman’s brother Wesley helped start the company. “I really rely on my brother, Wes,” Coleman says. “If I’m at work, he’s at work, no matter what. If I’m in the shop, he’s in the shop. And he really takes charge with the skidders. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

Surroundings

Chester County was founded and named in 1785 by a group of cotton mill pioneers who must have missed their former home—Chester, Pa. The population is 32,000, give or take, and that number is dwindling, according to the past three U.S. Census counts, in stark contrast with exploding Charlotte some 50 miles to the northeast.

One of the most notable incidents in Chester County occurred in 1807 when former U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr was escorted through the town of Chester on his way to Richmond, Va., to stand trial for treason. According to local legend, Burr “flung himself from his horse and cried for rescue but the officer commanding the escort seized him, threw him back like a child into the saddle and marched on.” The rock

It’s mostly Mack trucks and more Mack trucks for Coleman.

Posing in front of one of three 720G feller-bunchers,sitting up top,left to right,Thomas Jones and Bobby Laster; standing,left to right, Leon Curry,Wesley Coleman,Will Coleman,Toisey Coleman,JamesWhite,ShaneWhite (not pictured,Ty Hayes).

5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and sometimes on Saturday.

“We don’t take many rain days either,” he says. “I don’t see how we could make it without producing at least 150 loads a week. It takes that to keep up with the rising price of parts, fuel, insurance and everything else.” The price of gasoline, motor oil, hydraulic oil and diesel is a killer these days, he adds, knowing he is saying the obvious.

His production at this site is mostly pulpwood and chip-nsaw and will go to New-Indy Container Board in Catawba and Canfor Southern in Camden. “The quality of wood isn’t that great but we’ll manage to make 163 loads this week,” Coleman says. What hardwood they extract generally goes to the International Paper mill in Eastover or Santuc.

Logging Growth

Will began his career at 18 when he went to work for Ideal Logging in nearby Edgemoor. His ambition to run his own show eventually kicked in and in 2013 he decided to strike out on his own. His brother Wesley joined him and together they gradual-

ly pieced together two loaders, four skidders and three cutters, all very well used—some might say used up. Will’s father joined in to help with maintenance and Will’s uncle, Don “Uncle Stump” Dickson, signed on to drive a truck.

“He managed to acquire some old equipment,” says Kevin Wright of Tigercat dealer Tidewater Equipment in Newberry. “I mean this stuff they were using had tens of

thousands of hours on it. It was way past prime. Over time his work ethic proved sound and he was able to replace the old equipment with new. That makes such a big difference in productivity.”

Coleman is a big fan of the Tigercat dealership in Newberry. “You can’t ask for anything better when it comes to our dealer,” he says. “They take very good care of us. I love the Tigercat brand but it also

comes down to service. Tidewater provides us with excellent service time after time. Plus, Kevin doesn’t mind telling people about me (Wright suggested Coleman for this story), so that’s good.”

Now that the crew is working with the latest forestry equipment, Coleman says life is easier. “Before, when we had our bare bones forestry equipment, it was harder to attract and keep good help. Now we’re able to recruit and maintain a good quality crew. They want to work on the newer equipment models and I can sure understand that.”

The outfit works exclusively for Myers Timber Co. out of Camden and Coleman gives that company credit for taking good care of him and his men.

“We have come to rely on them and they do us right 100% of the time.

It’s a real steady thing and we are so fortunate to have gotten up with them several years ago.”

Mitch Stines at Myers was the first dealer to give the Coleman brothers a chance to haul “wide open” and according to Will the business took off from there. Over the past three years, Coleman Brothers Logging has purchased

It’s all about getting the loads on the road for Coleman Brothers.

seven new Mack trucks and one Western Star. “We really took off after Mitch gave us a chance to haul,” Will says.

“Will is a hardworking young man and I couldn’t be happier for him and his success,” Stines says. “We saw how reliable and steady he and his crew were and three years ago we signed them on to produce for us. We were ready to grow and they were, too, and now we’re both growing. I’m interested in seeing just how far Will is going to go.”

Equipment Roll

Will says he prefers Tigercat to any other line. He owns four skidders: a 2021 Tigercat 620H, ’16 and ’18 620E’s and a ’13 620D.

Operating skidders, along with his brother Wesley and Toisey Coleman, are Ty Hayes and Bobby Laster.

The group has three Tigercat 720G feller-bunchers, 2022, ’18 and ’16 models. Feller-buncher operators are James White and Thomas Jones.

At the loading deck, the Coleman

brothers use a 2021 Tigercat 234B and a ’15 234. Manning the loaders are Leon Curry and Shane White. The crew also uses a ’14 John Deere 700K bulldozer for road and deck clearance.

Coleman’s allegiance to Mack trucks is evidenced by his impressive inventory. The company owns a 2023 Mack Granite, four ’22 Mack Pinnacles, a ’21 Mack Pinnacle, ’22 Western Star, ’17 Mack Granite, ’15 Mack Pinnacle and a 2012 Mack. All the Macks were purchased from Shealy

Truck Center in Columbia and by and large all are maintained at McMahon Commercial Truck Service in Rock Hill.

Coleman Brothers’ trucks are kept clean with help from Blue Beacon Truck Wash in Columbia. “We like to look good on the road and they (Blue Beacon) are the best people I know to use for that.”

Truckers for Coleman Brothers include Will and Wesley’s uncle, “Uncle Stump” Dickson, along with Joe McCrorey, Frank Byrum, Robert Catoe, David Boone, James Crawford, Jamie Mobley, Johnny Woodard and Tommy Thomas.

The Macks pull two 2023 Pitts trailers, a ’22 Big John trailer, four ’22 Pitts trailers, two ’20 Pitts trailers, ’10 Big John trailer, two ’02 Evans trailers, and two lowboys—a 2000 Evans and ’00 Pitts. All are plantation style.

For his personal vehicle, Coleman drives a Chevy 2500 HD. He relies on Terry Blackwell at Car Quest in Chester for hydraulic motor oil, as well as truck and trailer parts. “Terry does a great job for us and knows what we prefer and keeps it in stock,” Coleman says. The crew fuels up at Darby Oil in Chester.

Will and Wesley’s dad, Tim Coleman, a seasoned mechanic who has worked as head mechanic for the long-time popular amusement park Carowinds in Charlotte, helps keep tabs on all the moving parts and equipment at Coleman Brothers. “I don’t know where we’d be without Dad’s help,” Will says. “He’s one of the best mechanics in this part of the world.” According to Will, if you made a list of all the things Tim Coleman can’t fix, you’d have a very short list.

Gaining Momentum

While workers and executives in the timber industry have long held concern about the lack of young people going into the business, Coleman Brothers Logging is proof that the youth of America has not yet deserted the forest in favor of less vigorous occupations.

“There is a place in the industry for young loggers like Will,” says Tidewater’s Wright. “And it’s a testament to the industry that we are able to help launch new operations like his as we have.”

For Will and Katherine Coleman and their little white dog, Sugar, the work goes on rain or shine, heat or cold. That’s the way they seem to like it. Will sums up his ambition for and his philosophy of logging this way: “You’ve got to have logging in your blood or you ain’t going to wake up every morning and come out here. It’s a challenge but we love it.”

Back To The Start

ALC’s outgoing President hosts the Annual Meeting in his home state. But like many things that year, the meeting was held virtually due to pandemic concerns. To even things out, Jarvis’s successor, Idaho’s Tim Christopherson, who took office as President at the 2020 meeting, served for two terms, and hosted the Annual Meeting in person in his home state last year. Jarvis and his wife Shawnee, in conjunction with the Missouri Logging Council / Missouri Forestry Assn., finally got the chance to host the event in Branson this year.

The Conference started Wenesday night with an axe throwing competition among teams representing loggers from the East, South, Midwest and West. The West Team (Tim Christopherson and Mark Mahon from Idaho and Matt Hegerberg and Jean Pierre Fontenot from Oregon) took the top spot.

On Friday night, a Log-A-Load For Kids auction raised $56,000 for the Missouri Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. A separate auction was held to benefit Thomas Johnson, a logger from DeRidder, La. who is fighting cancer (his story was featured in Southern Stumpin’ in the September 2022 issue of Southern Loggin’ Times). Two items—a Duck Dynasty autographed duck call display donated by Skeet from Louisiana and a chain saw donated by the Louisiana Loggers Assn. and Stihl—raised over $38,000 to help with Johnson’s medical bills. The chain saw was auctioned and then donated back to be auctioned again a total of 10 times!

During the President’s Farewell Dinner on Saturday night, SLT senior western editor Dan Shell presented the Timber Harvesting Logging Business of the Year award to South Carolina’s Great Woods

Keynote speaker Manley Feinberg II,formerly of Build-A-BearWorkshop,kicked off Friday's seminars with a little Van Halen.

John Deere sponsored a Missouri logging demo site visit onThursday morning.

Louisiana'sToni McAllister,Alabama's Joel Moon

Loggers are generous in helping kids and one of their own; auction raised$38,000forLouisianalogger/cancersurvivorThomasJohnson.

ALC recognized some of its OG founders (and their descendants) from that first meeting in Missouri in 1994.

From left:incoming PresidentAndy Irish,outgoing PresidentTim Christopherson,Executive Director Scott Dane,past President (and Missouri host) Shannon Jarvis

Bob Lussier accepted the Timber Harvesting Logging Business of theYear award.

Andy Irish accepts the President's gavel fromTim Christopherson.

Loggers get their two cents in.

Mississippi's David Livingston brought the auctioneer.

At Saturday's awards luncheon,Bobby and Lori Goodson (left) received the NationalActivist award, andTomTrone (right) the President'sAward.

Well Deserved

■ Virginia Loggers Assn. honors C.K. Greene at its 2022 Annual Meeting.

kind made specifically to fit with the recipient’s talents and lifestyle. This year’s award was designed and created by Gene Brumett. The President’s Award certificate read as follows:

This certificate is presented to C.K. Greene in appreciation for outstanding service to the Virginia Loggers Association and Virginia’s forest products industry. This award is a unique combination of logging and the beach. This unique award combines a Civil War axe head recovered from the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, a piece of chain from the same area but of unknown age, with seashells and sand from the Atlantic Ocean where C.K.’s spirit often dwells. The driftwood was weathered in Virginia and contains lights and natural secret spot for a safe key or combination.

Successful Meeting

beyond any normal expectation for a member. The logger selected for the President’s Award must be a good business owner, an active supporter of VLA, and engaged in industry advocacy. VLA is fortunate to have many people who exceed every category and could easily be great choices.

This makes the President’s job that much harder. Picking someone among so many great candidates is done with a lot of serious thought.

In 2022, C.K. Greene, the owner of Virginia Custom Thinning & Chipping, was selected to be recognized for his active role in VLA and the industry. C.K. Greene was surprised when the President delivered his message and finally announced his name. Mr. Greene later said that he was sure it was another business owner and he almost fell out when his name was called instead. Mr. Myers did a great job keeping the suspense going until the name was announced.

C.K. is a highly productive mechanized logger operating from his home base in Brunswick County

has turned me down. It makes Ron’s and my job so much easier when you have support that you can count on.

“This year’s winner, like in years past, has a long history with the VLA. When past VLA President Ronnie Wright and I met with the Mayor of Emporia trying to get our trucks through the city, the mayor told us to come to the City Council meeting the next month, and she would get us on the agenda. We lined up several industry people to come and speak that night. Bernard Rose (of Kapstone at that time) did a great job of describing how the city of Roanoke Rapids worked with the paper mill on thru trucks and truck traffic. We had enlisted several area business owners to speak to the city council members prior to the meeting.

“But the one that still sticks out to me was the presentation of C.K. Greene. C.K. had broken down all his costs and went down every business in town and how much money he had spent with each one. It really changed how we were perceived that night. We even agreed to help

ing 90,000-lbs. hauling weight on non-interstate highways. C.K. attended the signing ceremony in Richmond in 2015.

“The list of his work with the VLA could go on and on because he was just as instrumental in our work with Delegate Roslyn Tyler.

“I would be remiss if I also did not at least mention his efforts with our membership committee. If my memory serves me correct, he missed a meeting, and we made him chairperson—forever! But he has done a great job in recruiting new members to VLA for years.

“C.K. has always done things his way and is a strong supporter of this industry. He always has a favorite saying or two, such as ‘hustle, hustle’ or ‘dollar, dollar’ whenever you ask him what he has been doing. Here lately, it has been more about his house at the beach, and ‘I do not own a paper mill or power plant.’

“So, in honor of his accomplishments and love for the beach, Ron and Nannette had a special award made for you with this certificate.”

The award is a unique one-of-a-

VLA reports this year’s annual meeting recorded its highest attendance yet. Prior to every meeting, those involved in the planning go about frantically attending to details. Once we reach the postmeeting week, we tend to spend time catching up on things we had to postpone before. With 2022 annual behind, we felt like success had been achieved and there was a real peace of mind over us.

Prior to the meeting VLA started early, receiving enormous support from sponsorship and by the end we had 56 sponsors who placed faith in this annual meeting. Twenty-three businesses and organizations exhibited their products and services. All were easily located inside the Virginia Room along with the presenters and Saturday evening banquet. This ensured easy access between our guests and exhibitors so they could network and hear all the presentations.

Twelve people spoke during the two general sessions covering a wide range of topics. Speakers covered the recent rise in fuel prices, change, problem solving, technology, policy, safety, and watching your legal front. Keynote speaker was Richard Lawler of John Deere, who gave us a glimpse of forestry from the equipment provider’s perspective.

C.K.Greene,left,receivedVLA’s 2022 President’sAward fromTravis Myers,center,and Frank Myers,right.

Secretary Lohr charged up the opening with some humor and great information. He got our general session started on Friday afternoon with tremendous insights and a few great jokes. Secretary Lohr also joined us later during our reception and evening dinner meeting allowing more time to get to know our members and industry a little better.

Virginia State Forester Rob Farrell brought laughter and light moments to Friday evening following dinner. He was a delight for the serious times. Setliff Law team brought in three attorneys to cover the most important aspects of managing your business and reducing your risks. This workshop is provided now at our annual meetings on Friday mornings and without additional fees because we want every business to stay abreast of the changes that can put you ahead and in front of competitors.

Workshops were provided for both the adults and youth. Adults received careful instruction from Rita Hyatt about painting on canvas. Youth received a special lesson from Belle Simpson on making Dream Catchers followed by an authentic Colonial Williamsburg

Storyteller. SHARP Logger and SAF continuing educational credits were provided for all training. Those who signed the attendance sheets will see these credits added to their profile.

All this was set just steps away

from historic Colonial Williamsburg. As our attendance grew, it became obvious that our space was too small. Good fortune was to be the VLA’s again as the best spot in the entire facility was available for us. Everything was moved before

the program was finished and our guests had the opportunity to enjoy the private setting of the Virginia Room and the huge foyer, a private walk, and a beautiful private courtyard to relax and network.

Spotlight On: Transportation

American Truck Parts

American Truck Parts, Inc., established in 1997, located in Douglas, Ga., is a worldwide supplier of new and used heavyduty truck parts. We specialize in used and rebuilt engines, transmissions and rear ends. We also carry body parts including a full line of new and used hoods. We clean DPFs for trucks and heavy equipment as well. Our full service shop also repairs, balances and manufactures drive shafts. Our heavy-duty wreckers and lowboys provide 24-hour service. Owned and operated by staff formerly in the timber business, we appreciate loggers and understand the business. Check out our web site at americantruckparts.com to search our inventory or call us with your truck part needs at 888-383-8884.

Fryfogle Manufacturing Inc. was established in 2018 under the operation of Gordon Fryfogle as President and Larry Williamson as Sales Manager. Together, they have over 65 years experience in the forestry trailer market. Located in Lucedale, Miss., FMI carries a full line of new and used trailers as well as parts and is an authorized Vulcan and SI on-board scale dealer. Please visit FMITrailers.com for photos and standard specifications, or call Gordon at 601-508-3333 or Larry at 601-508-3334.

Kaufman Trailers

Since 1987, our products have become the standard of excellence for the industry. If Kaufman sells it, you can depend on it being the best value available. Our rigorous internal standards as well as NATM certification assure you of a durable, long-lasting, great investment. We specialize in the following:

Gooseneck—We offer gooseneck trailers in multiple types. These include a flatbed version with the floor over the tires, equipment hauler style with fenders, and tilting deck in both deck-over and floor between the fenders configuration.

Flatbed—We define this family as a trailer having the floor over the tires. These models start at 14,000 GVWR with electric brakes and go up to our 62,000 GVWR tri-axle air brake model.

Equipment—All our equipment trailers have fenders and swing-up ramps in ratings ranging from 7,000 to 17,000 GVWR. With our extensive range of models, we have an equipment trailer to fit every need.

Dump—Low profile dump trailers are available in bumper pull and gooseneck hitch options. Weight ratings range from 10,000 to 17,000 GVWR. Heavy Haul—We offer a full range of heavy haul products ranging from 30-ton capacity lightweight commercial trailers up to 55-ton commercial trailers and everything in between.

Logging Trailers—We offer a full range of forestry trailers with about any option you can dream up: 2-axle, 3-axle, plantation, straight frame, sliding bolsters, scales, multiple suspension styles, the list goes on and on. It will be hard to find something we can’t do.

Kaufman Trailer’s friendly, specially-trained customer service staff can help answer your questions and assist you in finding the perfect trailer for your needs at a price you will love. Call 336-790-6807 or visit kaufmantrailers.com for more.

Loadrite Southern Star

In the competitive logging industry, you need confidence your operation is as efficient and smooth as your loading style. Introducing Loadrite Scales, the most reliable way to optimize your load. Loadrite calculates weight in real time, by constantly monitoring your mac hine. Loadrite scales provide accurate dynamic payload measurements that improve safety, optimize truck loading, improve productivity, and protect your bottom line. Loadrite scales are known for their durability and reliability. Since 1978 Loadrite has been used in harsh environments like mines, quarries, landfills, and forests. Take control with Loadrite! Ensure you're getting the maximum payload on any truck, anywhere, every time!

The Loadrite X2350 knuckle boom scale removes a need for truck scales on your entire fleet. It gives you the ability to accurately load any truck, anywhere! You have the flexibility to move and retrofit the Loadrite scale to a new piece equipment and our scale will outlive 2-3 loaders!

With the addition of Loadrite payload management solutions to your operation, you’re in a more powerful competitive position in the marketplace. Whether you choose to start small or connect your operation, the expanded capability will enable you to be more efficient and productive, year after year. After all it’s not just a job for you, it’s a legacy you're growing!

The experienced professionals at Loadrite Southern Star provide:

● Local customer service and sales

● Installation services, annual calibration check up

● Personalized operator training and refresher

● Management reporting setup and training

● Technical support

Loadrite Southern Star is your local authorized Loadrite distributor, contact us today for more details!

SLT invited manufacturers/dealers of forestry transportation products/services to present information about their offerings. All those that participated are included here.

Magnolia Trailers

Established in April 1993 to service the forestry and equipment hauling industry, Magnolia Trailers Inc. builds all types of forestry, logging and equipment trailers. We also offer a complete line of conventional pole, loader, delimber or your own specially designed trailer, including a great inventory of used trailers. Principals Robert and Connie Langley welcome you to call today to discuss your equipment needs. Cal l (601) 947-7990; toll free: 800-738- 2123; fax: (601) 947-4900; e-mail: info@magnoliatrailers.com or visit magnoliatrailers.com for more.

Maxi-Load Platform Scales

A Maxi-Load platform scale provides a time proven solution to controlling your truck weights and safely maximizing your payloads. Our scales are accurate, durable, and trouble-free. They come with a comprehensive two-year warranty. We have 26 years of proven performance weighing log trucks. The first scale we built in 1996 is still weighing log trucks daily. Our scales are working on over 850 logging jobs throughout the Southeastern United States.

Mills only pay for what crosses their scale. Underloaded trucks are a missed opportunity. A fully loaded truck would have paid more money. Overloaded trucks are a liability. If one has an accident you can be dealing with a serious issue.

Tally your weekly load tickets. What tonnage did you get paid for? What could you have been paid for? The difference between being almost loaded and fully loaded—about $1,000 per week.

A Maxi-Load platform scale can be installed on your job in two hours. From that point on you can safely maximize the payload on every truck serving your job, your trucks, and contract trucks. Financing is available. Delivery and installation are part of the sale. Contact your forestry equipment supplier

Pinnacle

Pinnacle Trailer Sales: The Right Trailer, For the Right Haul, Right Now. Since the founding of our company, our knowledge, values and extensive inventory have set us apart from our competitors. Our mission at Pinnacle Trailer Sales is to provide our valued customers and our family of employees the tools and information to help them be as successful as possible.

For more than 20 years we’ve served businesses specializing in industries such as:

● Forestry and Logging

● Agriculture

● Construction

● Heavy Haul

● Towing and Recovery

Our extensive inventory of new and used semi-trailers means no matter what industry you specialize in, we’ve got options to increase your payloads, secure more hauls, and boost your bottom line. We can even customize your trailer to haul unique loads with unusual specifications. In addition, we offer free inspections for the life of your trailer. We also take a lot of the headache out of the process by tackling titling and insurance, so you don’t have to.

Need a trailer today? Not a problem with our easy and straightforward financing. With our in-house delivery and pick up, you always have the option of having your trailer delivered to your location. This enables you to remain competitive and have the trailer you need when you need it most.

Not sure what trailer is right for you? With a 15-minute phone call, we can help you find the right one for the job with our MVP assessment. Simply dial 800-513-9373.

We have four locations: Charleston, SC; Lynchburg, Va.; Spartanburg, SC; and Wilmington, NC. At each location you’ll find employees who provide more than mere service. They are dedicated to our core values of integrity, respect, listening, duty, teamwork and responsibility.

Visit pinnacletrailers.com for more.

Pitts Trailers

For decades, Pitts Trailers has pulled the industry forward with innovative designs and high quality products built for optimal performance. According to President and CEO Jeff Pitts, every innovation, every manufacturing advancement starts with a single person in mind—the customer. “The people who use our trailers go to work every day in one of the toughest, most demanding industries,” Pitts explains. “Our number one goal is to supply them with high performance trailers to make their work as efficient, convenient and safe as possible.”

The most recent Pitts innovation, Lock ’N Go landing gear, was introduced in 2018 to significantly enhance operator safety and convenience. The four-pin auto-lock system allows a driver to easily ensure that both sides of the landing gear are securely engaged without circling or crawling under the trailer. It also helps secure the load and protect the trailer from unnecessary wear and tear.

The pioneering Load Payin’ Series, introduced in 1994, is the number one selling logging trailer in North America. This line introduced a fully fabricated frame made of high-yield materials with a continuous submerged arc welding process, allowing customers to haul more wood and less steel, while maintaining the highest performance standards available in the industry.

Pitts revolutionized loader carrier manufacturing with the development of Crawler Suspension, providing the smoothest, most stable transport available for safety both on- and off-road. The military-derived, patent pending design delivers double the ground clearance of traditional spring single-point suspension. And the rocking beam construction eliminates spring bounce effect, protecting the load from unnecessary impact and vibration.

Family owned and operated since 1976, Pitts Trailers is the world’s largest and only complete-line forestry trailer manufacturer. Pitts offers a wide variety of truck trailers, including logging trailers, hydraulic elevating loader carrier trailers, open and closed top chip vans, moving floor vans, hydraulic removable neck lowboys, fixed neck lowboys, hydraulic folding tail lowboys and construction grade tagalong lowboys.

“Pitts Trailers has made many contributions to the industry over the years,” says Pitts, “But what we’ve really done is take care of our customers.”

Coffee, Cups, & Happiness

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit an old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups—porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite. He told them to help themselves to the brew.

When all had a cup in hand, the professor said: “If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups have been taken, leaving behind the plain, cheap ones. While it’s normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, I suggest this is the source of your problems and stress.”

He continued: “Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it’s just more expensive and even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups and then you began eyeing each other’s cups.

“Life is the coffee. The jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They’re just tools to hold and contain life. The type of cup we have does not define, or change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savor the coffee, not the cups.

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.”

The Equestrian Pastor

Knowing that their pastor had a budding interest in horses and dreamed of becoming an avid equestrian, the deacons of the church decided to surprise the pastor with a handsome stallion.

A trainer was hired to give the pastor some elementary lessons. “This is a Christian horse,” he said. “If you want him to move, you must say, ‘Praise the Lord!’” The Pastor did as he was told, and the horse started off on a leisurely walk. However, he soon found that the horse would not stop. “He won’t answer to whoa,” said the trainer. “To get him to stop, simply say Amen.”

After several lessons, the trainer agreed to let the pastor ride the horse on some remote trails. All went well until the horse was startled by a rattlesnake and panicked, bolting away. The pastor yelled “whoa” but the horse only ran faster. In vain, he tried one word after another. Finally, he remembered the correct command and screamed “AMEN” just as the horse skidded to the edge of a cliff.

Thrilled and relieved, the pastor raised his hands to the sky and shouted, “PRAISE THE LORD!”

Benjamin Franklin: Enduring Proverbs

l Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every New Year find you a better man.

l Diligence is the mother of good luck.

l Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.

l He that would live in peace, and at ease, must not speak all he knows or judge all he sees.

l Great beauty, great strength, and great riches are really and truly of no great use; a right heart exceeds all.

l He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.

l The sting of a reproach is the truth of it.

l Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.

l Beware of little expenses: A small leak will sink a great ship.

l Hide not your talents, they for use were made: What’s a sun-dial in the shade?

l Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.

l Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked, and never well mended.

l He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.

l Well done is better than well said.

l Genius without education is like silver in the mine.

l If man could have half his wishes, he would double his troubles.

l The poor have little, beggars none, the rich too much, enough not one.

l Don’t throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.

l A true friend is the best possession.

l Wish not so much to live long as to live well.

The Cynical Philosopher

Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool. I gave him a glass of water.

I find it ironic that the colors red, white, and blue stand for freedom until they are flashing behind you.

When wearing a bikini, women reveal 90% of their body. Men are so polite they only look at the covered parts.

A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.

Relationships are a lot like algebra. Have you ever looked at your X and wondered Y?

America is a country that produces citizens who will cross the ocean to fight for democracy but won’t cross the street to vote.

You know that tingly little feeling you get when you like someone? That’s your common sense leaving your body.

Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish?

My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that.

I think my neighbor is stalking me as she’s been googling my name on her computer. I saw it through my telescope last night.

Money talks, but all mine ever says is good-bye.

You’re not fat, you’re just easier to see.

If you think nobody cares whether you’re alive, try missing a couple of payments.

I always wondered what the job application is like at Hooters. Do they just give you a bra and say, “Here, fill this out?”

My therapist said that my narcissism causes me to misread social situations. I’m pretty sure she was hitting on me.

The pharmacist asked me my birth date again today. I’m pretty sure she’s going to get me something.

The location of your mailbox shows you how far away from your house you can be in a robe before you start looking like a mental patient.

Money can’t buy happiness but it keeps the kids in touch!

The reason Mayberry was so peaceful and quiet was because nobody was married. Andy, Aunt Bea, Barney, Floyd, Howard, Goober, Gomer, Sam, Earnest T. Bass, Helen, Thelma Lou, Clara and, of course, Opie were all single. The only married person was Otis, and he stayed drunk.

Never Be A Prisoner Of Your Past. It Was Just A Lesson, Not A Life Sentence.

Many Americans Feel Like Andy Is Out Of Town And Barney Is In Charge.

In My Mind I Am Still 29, But My Back is 54, My Knees Are 63, And My Hips Are 78!

The Old Homestead

The forester walking through the woods comes across many things: old stills, old wells, old fences and old graves, just to name a few. Often an old home site will be found with the evidence of the dwelling scattered

throughout the woods. Maybe it is a part of a structure or some equipment. Often it is a trash dump. One of the first pieces of evidence will be a tree or bush that doesn’t belong or an abandoned orchard of pear trees,

cedar trees or apple trees.

While strolling through a piece of Virginia Piedmont one winter afternoon, I came upon the remains of an old home site tucked in the middle of 200 acres of hardwood. The first site was nothing more than a rock chimney. It was made of old stones and rocks, picked out of a stream and from the local hillside. It had a mud

clay mortar that had held up well over the years. Someone had replaced the upper part of the chimney with bricks and the discarded rocks lay in a pile. The old corners of the house could be made out. It had been a small building, no more than 20 feet wide. Trees, growing in what was once the living room, were close to 60 years old.

A second structure, 200 yards away, was much more pronounced; most of its two stories had fallen in with the roof, but the insides showed an old stairway. The porch was long gone. A third building, another 100 yards away, was made of logs and mud, with a partially intact tin roof. It had a porch and several windows, but trees and vines made it nearly impossible to approach.

What had happened? It had obviously been a populated area at one time, and someone had spent a great deal of time constructing these buildings. Had the inhabitants passed away with no heirs, or did they just let it all fall apart, little by little?

Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it. —Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus tells this parable of two

builders and two foundations. He compares the houses being built as a picture of our spiritual house, a snapshot of our relationship with God. There are two builders. One builds on a rock and survives the storms of life

and in the end has a house that stands strong. The other builder constructed his house on sand. This house, though it might have looked good, could not stand the winds and storms of life, storms of health, disappoint-

ment and discouragement, storms that shake us, storms that scare us.

What are we building our house on? It all starts on the foundation. With a good foundation comes a good house, one that survives the storm.

In Joshua 24 the people of Israel have just completed a victorious military campaign. They have seen firsthand the power of God. They had witnessed miracles too marvelous for us to imagine as walls fell and planets stood still in the sky, water parted and foes were vanquished. It would seem that even the idea of abandoning God would be ridiculous. Yet Joshua warns them:

“Now, therefore, fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the river, and in Egypt, and serve ye the Lord. And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”—Joshua 24:14, 15

He reminds them that they will be tempted to abandon the house, to let

it fall into disrepair. So he gives them a challenge, and God through the same verse gives us a challenge. What is the status of our house? Is it on a good foundation? Is Jesus Christ our rock, our cornerstone?

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth on it. But let every man take heed how he buildeth upon it. For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. —I Corinthians 3:10, 11

Make the commitment today, right now, to do something about it. If you have your house on the wrong foundation, the Bible tells us to call on the name of Jesus. Confess our sins and he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us and make us whole. If you are still breathing while reading this, God has given you an open invitation to ask Jesus into your heart. If you have done that already, then how’s the house? Need any repair work? Don’t delay. If storms are not yet in your life, I assure you they are coming. Don’t wait until it is too late.

Excerpted from Faith, Fur, and Forestry, Bradley W. Antill, Author. See more at www.onatreeforestry.com

ROUNDUP

As We See It: Get In the Wheelbarrow

By Scott Dane

Super Bowl champion quarterback Kurt Warner sent a letter to the American Loggers Council that was shared at the Annual Conference. In it, Kurt conveys a story re-

garding a symbolic reminder to the 1999 Super Bowl champion, St. Louis Rams football team during their practices. Their coach Dick Vermeil had a blue wheelbarrow on the sidelines. It was a visual motivational reminder

to inspire the team and was based on the following story:

There once was a man who traveled from town to town performing a tightrope act. In one town he proclaimed that he would walk on a rope spanning a nearby wide river canyon. He boasted he would do it pushing a wheelbarrow.

Townsfolk didn’t believe him, so he practiced flawlessly just five feet

off of the ground on a rope tied between a pair of trees. After seeing the tightrope walker practice one farmer said he believed the man could cross the river canyon. He even bet $10 to prove his faith in the man’s skills.

The man asked the farmer if he really had faith that he could do it? The farmer said, “I sure do.” The tightrope walker said, “Okay, get in the wheelbarrow!”

“Success in any field begins with faith. Faith in yourself. Faith in your teammates. Faith in coaches. And in my case faith in God. The championship teams that I played with had faith. We climbed in the wheelbarrow together. So –Keep the Faith.”

Kurt Warner was an American underdog who got his chance to play for the St. Louis Rams in 1999 after having been passed over by other teams. The American Loggers Council got its chance in St. Louis, Mo. in 1994 when the “team” was formed by a bunch of American underdogs who had faith – faith in themselves, faith in each other and faith in God. They got in the wheelbarrow together and over the past 28 years crossed many canyons while building a championship team. They didn’t stand on the sidelines, they got in the game. They took the hits, but they carried the ball and scored! The American Loggers Council is a championship team!

Kurt also autographed a poster titled “Legacy” that said:

“Legacy – Live a Life that Inspires Others to Dream Bigger, Try Harder, Do Better and Accomplish the Unexpected.”

Those who came together to form the American Loggers Council in Missouri in 1994 have left a legacy because they inspired others to dream bigger, try harder, do better and accomplish the unexpected. They had faith and got into the wheelbarrow. Today’s American Loggers Council is their legacy. Some of them were in Branson and were recognized. Representing the first President, Earl St. Johns, was his grandson, Jordan St. Johns, and his great-grandson. Also present and recognized were inaugural representatives Jim Carey (MI), Eric Mayranen (MN) and Charles Johns (FL). Representing Marvin Zuber (OR) was his son, Bruce Zuber, Western Regional Representative of the American Loggers Council.

The legacy of the American logger has been recognized. It was announced at the conference that a resolution was introduced in the U.S. Senate to designate October 12 as National Loggers Day. This reso-

Dane

lution honors the American logger for their role in building America; producing products for Americans from the renewable timber harvested; creating jobs; and forest management that results in healthy forests that provide recreational opportunities, animal habitat, clean water, carbon sequestration and reduction of wildfires. The designation of this National Loggers Day was achieved because (team) members of the American Loggers Council worked together to garner this overdue national recognition. So loggers, on October 12, take

a moment to proudly reflect on what you do, on what your fathers and grandfathers did, and how it contributes to building America every day. Without loggers, America would not be the great country it is today. You are an American legacy.

Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda run the First Things First Foundation which is dedicated to impacting lives in a lasting way by promoting Christian values, sharing experiences, and providing opportunities to encourage everyone that all things are possible when people seek to put “first things

first.” When Kevin Smith, American Loggers Council Director of Communications and Marketing, contacted the First Things First Foundation and explained to them that the American Loggers Council is the national sponsor of the Log-A-Load For Kids program and that we would be holding a fundraising auction at the conference, Kurt responded with the letter and autographed Legacy poster.

With great success comes great responsibility. Kurt Warner accepts this and so does the American Loggers Council. The ALC has been

blessed with success, and, like Kurt, appreciates the responsibility to help others and impact their lives in a positive way. The Log-A-Load For Kids auction raised over $56,000! In addition, an impromptu auction to support a logger dealing with cancer was conducted. The two items (autographed Duck Dynasty duck calls and Stihl chain saw) that were donated were auctioned – donated back – then reauctioned - numerous times, raising a total of $38,000.

The outpouring of support and generosity demonstrated by loggers from across the country for children in Missouri and a logger in Louisiana was a testimony of the character of the logging community and family.

Two-hundred and fifty timber industry representatives came to Branson, Mo. from across the country to represent the American logging industry. They met to discuss and explore “Tomorrow’s Timber Industry.” To share ideas and thoughts, much like loggers did 28 years prior when they formed the American Loggers Council, to ensure that there is a viable future for the next generation. They came together to be responsible corporate stewards and support their communities. They came together to be part of a team, a winning team, and to make a difference – and what a difference they made!

The American Loggers Council now represents loggers in 38 states. If you are reading this, and you are not a member of your state logging association or the American Loggers Council, don’t be a believer that stands on the sidelines, be a believer that gets in the wheelbarrow. Be a part of the team!

Scott Dane is Executive Director of the American Loggers Council. ALC is a 501(c)(6) trade association representing the interests of timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses across the United States. For more information visit www.amloggers.com.

TimberPro Announces Facility Expansion

TimberPro is making a significant expansion to its current operation in Shawano, Wis. Working with Keller Inc. as the construction contractor, the new addition will add 48,765 sq. ft. to TimberPro’s existing facility. The company expects to spend $8 million on the expansion project.

“Forestry is very important to our state’s economy and expanding our operation will enable us to provide more good family-supporting jobs in northern Wisconsin,” says Lee Crawford, CEO, TimberPro. “This expansion will also allow us to enhance our R&D capabilities and

significantly increase our production of existing and new products.”

The expansion will enable TimberPro to double the company’s production capacity to help meet market demand for the equipment and attachments manufactured at the facility. In conjunction with the expansion, the company anticipates adding new positions for assemblers, welders, machinists and office staff. The expansion project should be completed and ready for occupancy in the summer of 2023.

Established in 2002 and founded by the Crawford family, TimberPro is a manufacturer of purpose-built forest machines and attachments, offering tracked feller-bunchers and harvesters, forwarders, wheeled harvesters,

and felling heads. TimberPro was acquired by Komatsu in 2019.

U Of Ga. Researchers Will Reengineer Poplar

A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Georgia and two partner institutions have been awarded a $15.8 million grant over five years from the U.S. Dept. of Energy to reengineer poplar trees to be used as a sustainable energy source.

The researchers will use state-of the-art biotechnology approaches to breed the trees as a multipurpose crop that can be used for bioenergy, biomaterial and bioproduct alternatives

to petroleum-based materials.

“Poplars are among the fastest growing trees in the United States and are important for both carbon sequestration and global carbon cycling,” says Robin Buell, principal investigator on the grant and the GRA Eminent Scholar Chair in Crop Genomics at the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

The team will start by measuring mRNA transcripts in single cells— mRNA transcripts are portable strands of RNA that encapsulate the information contained in a gene — and will look at how the 3D DNA changes in single cells. From this, they will create a cell type-specific

gene expression and regulatory map of poplar that will provide new information on gene function.

Ultimately, the project aims to fabricate new types of poplar through genetic modification.

“What we propose is to genetically engineer poplar to make it a multipurpose crop by changing its architecture and engineering it to produce different things in the leaves and wood,” Buell says, adding that the team will try to engineer several different types of poplar trees in the study to take advantage of different plant materials—such as the wood or the leaves—for different uses.

Through biotechnology, plant materials from reengineered architecture of the tree will be used to create products that have the potential to replace petroleum-based products.

Center For Forest Business Starts Up

University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Arkansas Center for Forest Business, housed in the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources building on the Monticello campus. Approximately 200 people attended the ceremony, where Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson served as the keynote speaker.

The center was created to provide market-based economic solutions to forest resource issues. It aims to improve business practices for forest enterprises and enhance the economic competitiveness of Arkansas’ forests in a global economy. Gov. Hutchinson provided seed funds of $450,000 to establish the center in June 2021.

Dr. Matthew Pelkki, professor, and George Clippert, Chair of Forestry in the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, serve as the directors of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business. During the ceremony, Dr. Pelkki highlighted the origin of the center, explaining, “About 12 years ago, Dean Emeritus Phil Tappe and I came up with a simple concept: healthy forests, healthy forest economy, healthy forest businesses, and vibrant rural communities are really complementary. They all work together, and it is a win-win-win situation for the forest, the people, and the economy, so we put together a proposal for the Center for Forest Business with the help of a long list of people.”

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, said the center will partner with programs at the UAM Colleges of Technology in Crossett and McGehee to provide additional educational opportunities to those pursuing forestry-related careers.

MACHINES-SUPPLIES-TECHNOLOGY

Deere Disc Saw Felling

pared to previous models. The FR27 features an impressive cutting capacity of up to 27.2" and an accumulation capacity of up to 7.5', improving capability in the woods.

simplicity and intuitive operator navigation.

John Deere announces its newest forestry attachment offering with the FR27 disc saw felling head. Now standard on the John Deere 953M and 959M feller-buncher models, and available as an upgrade on the 853M, 859M and 903M feller-bunchers, this felling head attachment has a larger cut capacity compared to previous felling head models. Building upon the success of the FR24B, John Deere has successfully designed the durable FR27 as a solution aimed to increase productivity on the job.

The FR27 is designed to take on a variety of timber applications, from large single stem cutting to mid-sized accumulation, and boasts an all-new design and overall rebranding from previous John Deere felling head models. In addition, this robust, high rotation felling head features excellent cut and accumulation capacity, offering top-of-the-line productivity com-

Building upon the success of the field proven FR24B, the FR27 features an updated frame and wrist design, which includes a tall horn, long harvesting arms and continuous hose routings that promote easy machine clean-out. The hardened saw housing wear plates are now standard and offer improved saw housing wear resistance.

Additionally, the FR27 offers bolton saw housing for improved serviceability, with three separate saw housing sections with integrated skis getting you back on the job sooner. The incorporated large side chip exhaust chute minimizes build up and plugging, keeping your machine up and running. The side chip exhaust chute also includes a cover that can be added or removed depending on application. Visit johndeere.com.

Tigercat Head Controls

The Tigercat D7 control system combines a solid and field proven hardware and bucking control system with a Tigercat developed head control and user interface. The system offers powerful functionality,

There are two types of bucking controls available for D7. Prioritybased bucking logic utilizes a list of operator-entered log specifications sizes to determine how best to process the tree. D7 Optimization level uses a value-based logic. Using multiple layers of matrices correlating price, demand, and production limits to each log size under each tree species, the control system optimizes each processed tree to achieve the best value. These matrices are usually programmed by the timber buyer.

Both Tigercat D7 Priority and Optimization levels offer StanForD Classic, StanForD 2010, and PDF production reporting based on contracts, operators, species and product groups. The reports provide total quantity and volume, as well as per species and product group quantities and volume. Reports can be viewed on screen, or exported for later analysis. D7 also sends production volume data to RemoteLog, Tigercat’s optional telematics system.

D7 can be equipped with a GPS receiver and the GeoInfo software. This provides an active navigation application using the machine’s current position on a georeferenced map. Work site maps can be viewed

on the in-cab display screen, allowing the operator to easily view the site layout, track the movement of the machine, and view production information. Restricted areas can be marked with boundary alarms.

D7 is currently available for the Tigercat 534 harvesting head. Visit tigercat.com.

COMING

American Loggers Council 30 202.627.6961

American Truck Parts 22 888.383.8884

BITCO Insurance 25 800.475.4477

Caterpillar Dealer Promotion 11 919.550.1201

Cleanfix North America 30 855.738.3267

Despino Tire 27 318.445.4561

Eastern Surplus 17 855.332.0500

FMI Trailers 12 601.508.3333

Forest Chain 22 800.288.0887

Forestry First 36 803.708.0624

Forestry Mutual Insurance 2 800.849.7788

G & W Equipment 32 800.284.9032

Hawkins & Rawlinson 26 888.822.1173

Interstate Tire Service 37 864.947.9208

Kaufman Trailers NC 3 336.790.6807

Mike Ledkins Insurance Agency 29 800.766.8349

LMI-Tennessee 23 800.467.0944

Loadrite Southern Star 22 256.270.8775

Logger Associations 24

Magnolia Trailers 31 800.738.2123

Maxi-Load Scale Systems 28 877.265.1486

Midsouth Forestry Equipment 25 870.226.0000

Moore Logging Supply 24 888.754.5613

Morbark 1,7 800.831.0042

Olofsfors 39 519.754.2190

Pinnacle Trailer Sales 17 833.623.0671

Pitts Trailers 40 800.321.8073

Ponsse North America 13 715.369.4833

Quadco Equipment 10 800.668.3340

Quality Equipment & Parts 35 386.487.3896

Southern Loggers Cooperative 17 318.445.0750

Stribling Equipment 35 855.781.9408

Tidewater Equipment 34,36 912.638.7726

Tigercat Industries 5 519.753.2000

Timberblade 21 519.532.3283

TraxPlus 27 601.635.5543

VPG Onboard Weighing 29 800.237.0022

W & W Truck & Tractor 33 843.761.8220

Waters International Trucks 37 601.693.4807

Yancey Brothers 24 800.282.1562

January 2023

10-11—Missouri Forest Products Assn. winter meeting, Courtyard Marriott, Jefferson City, Mo. Call 573-634-3252; visit moforest.org.

February 2023

22-26—Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers annual meeting, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra, Fla. Call 336-885-8315; visit appalachianhardwood.org.

24-26—South Carolina Timber Producers Assn. annual meeting, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, Myrtle Beach, SC. Call 800-371-2240; visit scloggers.com.

March 2023

8-10—2023 SLMA & SFPA Spring Meeting & Expo, Hyatt Regency Savannah, Savannah, Ga. Call 504443-4464; visit slma.org.

28-30— Kentucky Forest Industries Assn. annual meeting, Embassy Suites, Lexington, Ky. Call 502-695-3979; visit kfia.org.

30-April 1—Southeastern Wood Producers Assn. annual meeting, The Okefenokee Fairgrounds, Waycross, Ga. Call 904-845-7133; visit swpa.ag.

April 2023

26-28—Virginia Forestry Summit, Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, Va. Call 804-278-8733; visit vaforestry.org.

August 2023

11-12—Southwest Forest Products Expo, Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs, Ark. Call 501-2242232; visit arkloggers.com.

17-20—Virginia Loggers Assn. annual meeting, Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, Va. Call 804-677-4290; visit valoggers.org.

23-25—Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo, Music City Center, Nashville, Tenn. Call 504443-4464; visit sfpaexpo.com.

September 2023

15-16—Kentucky Wood Expo, Masterson Station Park, Lexington, Ky. Call 502-695-3979; visit kfia.org.

May 2024

12-13—Wood Bioenergy Conference & Expo, Omni Hotel at CNN Center, Atlanta, Ga. Call 334-834-1170; visit bioenergyshow.com.

17-18—Expo Richmond 2024, Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond, Va. Call 804-737-5625; visit exporichmond.com.

August 2024

20-23—IWF 2024, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Call 404-693-8333; visit iwfatlanta.com.