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Vol. 45, No. 12
(Founded in 1972—Our 531st Consecutive Issue)
F E AT U R E S
December 2016 A Hatton-Brown Publication
Phone: 334-834-1170 Fax: 334-834-4525
www.southernloggintimes.com
H.L. Williams And Son Continued Family Legacy
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Will Fortner Logging Productive Young Gun
Co-Publisher Co-Publisher Chief Operating Officer Executive Editor Editor-in-Chief Western Editor Managing Editor Associate Editor Associate Editor Art Director Ad Production Coordinator Circulation Director Marketing/Media
David H. Ramsey David (DK) Knight Dianne C. Sullivan David (DK) Knight Rich Donnell Dan Shell David Abbott Jessica Johnson Jay Donnell Cindy Segrest Patti Campbell Rhonda Thomas Jordan Anderson
ADVERTISING CONTACTS DISPLAY SALES Eastern U.S. Kathy Sternenberg Tel: 251-928-4962 • Fax: 334-834-4525 219 Royal Lane Fairhope, AL 36532 E-mail: ksternenberg@bellsouth.net 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
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Katesville Pallet Mill Installs Dash Cams
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out front: With a focused commitment to quality of work, a solid record on safety and a history of active involvement in his industry and community, it’s no wonder Freddy Tidwell was selected as Alabama’s Outstanding Logger Of The Year for 2016. Story begins on Page 8. (Jordan Anderson photo)
Alabama Loggers Council Holds Annual Meeting
D E PA RT M E N T S Southern Stumpin’....................................6 Historical Series: Finkbine Lumber ......28 Bulletin Board .........................................36 Industry News Roundup........................38 At The Margins........................................46 Machine-Supplies-Technology ..............49 2016 Editorial Index................................52 ForesTree Equipment Trader................53 Safety Focus ............................................61 Coming Events/Ad Index .......................62
Western Canada, Western USA Tim Shaddick Tel: 604-910-1826 • Fax: 604-264-1367 4056 West 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6L 1Z1 E-mail: tootall1@shaw.ca Kevin Cook Tel: 604-619-1777 E-mail: lordkevincook@gmail.com International Murray Brett Tel: +34 96 640 4165 Fax: +34 96 640 4022 Aldea de las Cuevas 66 Buzon 60 • 03759 Benidoleig (Alicante), Spain E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
Bridget DeVane
Tel: 1-800-669-5613 • Tel 334-699-7837 Email: bdevane7@hotmail.com
Southern Loggin’ Times (ISSN 0744-2106) is published monthly by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscription Information—SLT is sent free to logging, pulpwood and chipping contractors and their supervisors; managers and supervisors of corporate-owned harvesting operations; wood suppliers; timber buyers; wood procurement and land management officials; industrial forestry purchasing agents; wholesale and retail forest equipment representatives and forest/logging association personnel in the U.S. South. See form elsewhere in this issue. All non-qualified U.S. subscriptions are $65 annually; $75 in Canada; $120 (Airmail) in all other countries (U.S. funds). Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds). Subscription Inquiries— TOLL-FREE 800-669-5613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.southernloggintimes.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Southern Loggin’ Times magazine are accepted and published by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. harmless from and against any loss, expenses, or other liability resulting from any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Southern Loggin’ Times. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertisement which it deems inappropriate. Copyright ® 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and at additional mailing offices. Printed In USA.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:Southern Loggin’ Times, P.O. Box 2419, Montgomery, AL 36102-2419 Member Verified Audit Circulation
Other Hatton-Brown publications: ★ Timber Processing ★ Timber Harvesting ★Panel World ★ Power Equipment Trade ★ Wood Bioenergy
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SOUTHERN STUMPIN’ By David Abbott • Managing Editor • Ph. 334-834-1170 • Fax: 334-834-4525 • E-mail: david@hattonbrown.com
That’s What They Said hen I was young I heard older folks talking about how time passes more quickly with age. I didn’t really understand that then but I do now. Each year seems to go by faster than the last, and here we are again, at the last issue of the year. Once again, I can’t believe how fast this year has flown by. Looking back, for me personally, I was able to do some interesting things this year. Along with my usual trips to visit loggers and mills all over the South, in April I was able for the first time to attend the spring fly-in with the American Loggers Council to visit Congress on behalf of the industry. In May, along with attending the Richmond Expo in Virginia, my colleague Jordan Anderson and I went to see the family and operations of the M.M. Wright company in Virginia, which had been selected as the 2016 Logging Business of the Year for Timber Harvesting, the companion publication to Southern Loggin’ Times (and congratulations to them by the way). In September, for the first time I attended the American Loggers Council’s annual meeting in Florida, at which we formally presented the award to M.M. Wright. And, in late October, I was able to attend the annual meeting of the Alabama Loggers Council, where that organization recognized its Outstanding Logger Of The Year, Freddy Tidwell (see Jordan Anderson’s cover story on page 8, and more on the other ALC’s meeting on page 34). With it being the last issue this year, I thought it would be a good time to look back on all the stories of all the loggers we have covered in these pages throughout the past 12 months. Below, I have assembled a sampling of some of my favorite “quotable quotes” from throughout the year:
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Best of 2016 “We, the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.”—Billy Ray Camp, Oxford, Ala. Page 8, January issue “These days, the work is less back-breaking and more nerve-wracking.”—Ray Camp, Oxford, Ala. Page 10, January issue “I got scared of all the math and thought forestry might be easier. Boy, was I fooled.”—Greg Moretz, Deep Gap, NC. Page 12, January issue “You’re going to have to be a really good manager and you’re going to have to learn how to think long term. You’re going to have stretches where you’re making money, but you better be saving some because you’re going to need it when you go through stretches that aren’t so good.”—Tim Cox, Iuka, Miss. Page 18, January issue 6
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“We didn’t make moves just to make them. We looked at how it fit into the operation—what diversity did it offer the company. We needed more pieces to have a little more control over our destiny.”—Mitchell Presley, Toxey, Ala. Page 8, February issue “The industry has really held its own around here.”—Harold Kleckley, Cuthbert, Ga. Page 26, February issue “I got something a lot of people don’t get. We didn’t have a lot of money coming in, we had no rich lifestyle, but I got to spend a lot of time with my dad. He taught me how to weld. I learned my mechanical skills from him. There was nothing he couldn’t fix or build.”—David Greer, Jonesboro, La. Page 9, March issue “It’s (2015) the best we’ve done in the last 10 years, or at least the last seven.”—Eric Dykes, Richton, Miss. Page 14, March issue “I want to make sure I make the right decisions. As I get more experienced in owning a business, these decisions are a little easier to make. I don’t have to second-guess myself so much. I learn something new every day. I don’t think it ever ends. What’s the fun in it once I stop learning?”—Gilbert Gladson, New Bern, NC. Page 46, March issue “He’s a drill sergeant. He wants to work you daylight to dark. Through the years, we would holler at each other, but after he got sick, a lot of the small things don’t bother us anymore.”—Jay Kirkland (speaking about his father Leonard), Bryson City, NC. Page 10, April issue “Bigger is better, that’s what I always thought.”—Greg King, Selmer, Tenn. Page 17, April issue “(Dad) always told me to try and save my money. He said you could dip it out faster with a teaspoon than you can put it in with a wheelbarrow.”—Kason Lott, Fitzgerald, Ga. (His father Mark passed away in 2014.) Page 24, April issue “One of the most important things a logger needs is a good woman to put up with you.”— Mitchell Carter, Florence, SC. Page 34, April issue “Will and I are more like Sanford and Son. We hoot and holler and it can be right comical sometimes, but we get along, and we have fun. That’s how we make it work.”—Glenn Coleman (speaking of his son), Inez, NC. Page 8, May issue
“It’s getting worse and it’s getting down to county regulations. If we put a little bit of mud on the road people will call the police and they’re out there in a few minutes.”—Jimmy Bearden, Preston, Ga. Page 32, May issue “Dad could pluck the feathers off a chicken before it could get away.”—Howard Dunivan, Jr. (referring to Howard, Sr.’s speed as a loader operator), Columbia, Va. Page 42, May issue “It kind of goes together. In the commercial fishing industry you’re out in the water, you’re not dealing with the public as much, you’re kind of on your own. When you’re logging you’re out here in the woods, on your own, not dealing with the public.”—Tracy Richardson (who also runs a commercial fishing boat with his brother Stanley), Southport, Fla. Page 8, June issue “We’re a two-man show, for sure. We’ve tried to use employees before, but you can’t depend on drunks. We found that we make about the same amount of money with just the two of us.”—Jeremy Whitesides (speaking of his brother Josh), Lake Toxaway, NC. Page 14, June issue “I might not have done it (gone into logging) if I had known what I was going to go through. I have given up more than what I thought, but it’s paid off.”—Josh Whitesides, Lake Toxaway, NC. Page 14, June issue “Some people feel working for the state is difficult, but communication and the right attitude with the guys in charge have really made it easy for me.”—Jeff Drake, Jackson, Tenn. Page 21, June issue “In college I realized I didn’t want to work for anybody. This is what I wanted to do, so I made the leap and hoped for the best. I didn’t need a degree to do this.”—Hunter Williams, Chester, Va. Page 8, July issue “We were handling so much of the tree that we weren’t using. We want to take advantage of all the portions of the tree and the chipper has been a good procurement tool for us.”—Kip Smith, Haddock, Ga. Page 28, July issue “If I put all of that together, I’d have to start taking blood pressure medicine.”—Pat Brister (speaking of his equipment investment), Kinder, La. Page 12, August issue “One thing I tell my son: if the trucks are sitting out there parked, I know I won’t make any money. If they are moving then I take a ➤ 51
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Love Your Work ■ Alabama Logger Of The Year Freddy Tidwell is passionate about safety, quality and the job.
Freddy Tidwell emphasizes quality of work and safety and strives to exceed expectations.
By Jordan Anderson DOUBLE SPRINGS, Ala. here are certain moments in life when ★ you can really see the excitement and passion in someone’s eyes and hear it in their voice. Scenes of children on Christmas morning come to mind. They don’t always know what to expect but hopefulness, eagerness and joy are unmistakable in their faces and voices. The same could be said for Freddy Tidwell, 50, owner of F&C Logging, LLC. He loves his work and enjoys every day he gets to spend in the woods. Even a few minutes around Tidwell in the woods reveals
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Tidwell runs mostly Cat equipment from Thompson Tractor Co. in Muscle Shoals.
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that classic “kid on Christmas morning” look. “I just fell in love with it. I love logging and still do to this day,” Tidwell says. “I love every aspect of it, from getting out and walking the tract to running the machinery, until we finish a job. I love every bit of it. I’ve never wanted to do anything else.” He recalls, “I once asked an elderly gentleman how to be successful in business and he said ‘Find out what you love and stick with it.’ I love what I do and I strive to be the best logger that I can be.” Tidwell, the recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Logger Of The Year Award from the Alabama Loggers Council, started helping in the woods with his father and brother at a very
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(From left to right) Freddy Tidwell, Joe McGrew, Tommy Townsend, Randy Baggett, Mark Norris and Joel Gray
(From left) David Butler, Dillon Atkins, Phillip Johnson and Justin Tidwell; (Inset, right) Micah Brewer
young age. His father, Wallace, started Wallace Tidwell & Sons Logging in 1977 when Freddy was just 11 years old. Upon graduating high school in 1984 Tidwell became a coowner and business partner in his father’s company and in 1987 began managing all operations.
back to pick up another load,” he says. He has set up such yards in Jasper, Hanceville and Double Springs. His truck drivers return to the yards to deliver dropped loads to the mills. In 2014 Tidwell developed a logging cost analysis program using an Excel spreadsheet, a tool that he says has become invaluable to him. “Most loggers don’t have a clue what it costs to log,” he notes. “I’ve developed this program that shows you what it really costs to run each piece of machinery. You can take a number straight out of your books and put it in this program and it will tell you exactly what a piece of machinery costs, down to the dollar. If you can show them at the mill exactly what it’s costing you to log, it can really help you.”
Growth Tidwell married his wife Cyndi in 1992 and went out on his own, forming F&C Logging in August 1993. “I wanted to grow,” he recalls. “I wanted to grow personally and in my business.” F&C Logging started with just Freddy and one employee. In 1996 and 1997 Tidwell bought his first new truck, his first fellerbuncher and earned his Professional Logging Manager certification. He purchased his first new skidder in 1998 and his first loader with a delimber in 2000. F&C Logging became a two-skidder operation in 2005 and added a second crew in 2009. Also in 2009 Tidwell separated his trucking from the logging business, starting ForesTree Transport, LLC. He decided to separate the trucking partly due to liability issues, but mostly so he could separate costs, something he says has helped him better manage his business.
average 70 loads a week, but he says that they’re only operating at about 70% capacity right now. At full capacity, they average closer to 100 loads. He’s hopeful that markets will improve. “Until a mill comes to this area, it’s not going to get any better,” Tidwell fears. F&C Logging typically works within 70 miles of its shop in Double Springs and delivers the majority of its pine pulpwood to the LouisianaPacific mill in Hanceville. Tidwell has been working with LP for 19 years and has a very close relationship with the procurement manager at Hanceville, Keith Plott. Any pine chip-n-saw goes to Jasper Lumber Co. in Jasper. In order to maximize production, in 2013 Tidwell set up trailer drop yards near his major markets, which allows for hauling during non-peak delivery times. “We set up the drop yards so we can offload at different times,” he explains. “When the mill is busy and backed up we can drop a trailer off and come back during an off-peak time. This way the trucks don’t have to sit in line and can come
Safety, Quality Tidwell makes no compromises when it comes to quality of work or safety in the woods and on the road. “Safety and quality are my top priorities,” he asserts. “From the beginning
of a job to the end, these are what I focus on. I always try to go above and beyond BMP standards. My philosophy is: not only do I follow the standards, I set new ones. I try to set the bar pretty high.” A broad base on all roads, hauling away excess brush, distributing slash to levels lower than waist-high, spreading slash on skid trails on steep ground to prevent erosion and meticulous tree selection are all common practices on F&C Logging job sites. Tidwell conducts weekly safety meetings and the company drug tests regularly. F&C provides all PPE for crew members and truck drivers, who are required to wear hard hats, safety glasses and reflective safety vests. Since its start in 1993, the company has never had an injury occur in the woods and only one truck accident, that in 2011. Truck drivers are paid by the load and are required to have at least three years of experience behind the wheel of a log truck in order to meet the strict requirements for insurance providers. When a driver is hired, they must undergo initial training and
Operations F&C Logging prides itself on its years of experience with pine plantation thinnings. When Southern Loggin’ Times visited on a dry, dusty day in early November the crews were working on an 80-acre first thinning in Jones Chapel and a 30-acre first thinning just down the road in Nesmith. The company specializes in first and second fifth-row thinnings, down to a 70 basal area, and works almost exclusively on 15-year-old pine plantations cutting pulpwood and some chip-n-saw. It mostly contracts with Molpus Timberlands Management out of Birmingham, working with Molpus forester John Manasco. Tidwell’s two crews currently
F&C Logging specializes in first and second fifth-row thinnings on 15-20 year old pine plantations.
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a ride-along with Tidwell or another experienced driver. The company also has a formal written policy covering safety standards and expectations that all drivers must sign. When asked about increasingly restrictive truck insurance policies and related issues, Tidwell comments, “We’ve seen a steady rise in payments and emissions policies on the trucks are becoming a headache.” Tidwell’s daughter, Amanda, is the company’s safety coordinator responsible for maintaining compliance with Alabama Dept. of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and OSHA standards. “We do everything by the book,” Tidwell says. F&C Logging follows SFI guidelines on all job sites and strictly adheres to PLM standards, something that Tidwell takes very seriously. Audits, including safety, environmental quality and DOT, FMCSA and OSHA compliance, are used to maintain and certify high performance. Both Molpus and LP regularly pay for and conduct third party SFI audits on job sites.
Equipment, Trucks Tidwell is most definitely a loyal Caterpillar man. He has a good longstanding relationship with Thompson
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Tidwell separated his trucking in 2009 when he started ForesTree Transport, LLC.
Tractor Co. and his sales rep Ross Sisty out of Muscle Shoals. Tidwell’s equipment lineup includes 2014 Cat 573C feller-buncher, ’11 Cat 573C feller-buncher, ’04 Timber King TK350 feller-buncher, ’10 Cat 525C skidder, ‘’08 Cat 525C skidder, ’02 Cat 525B skidder, ’14 Cat 559C loader, ’06 Cat 559C loader, ’98 Barko 225 loader and ’09 Cat D6KXL dozer. He has a delimber with each of his three loaders, a Hudson 470 on his Barko and a CTR 426 with both Cats. “Maintenance costs are increasing all the time, but we’re able to run our older equipment because of our strict
maintenance schedule,” Tidwell says. In his 80x120 shop, mechanic Micah Brewer works daily doing routine maintenance and repairs. Out of 12 trailers that Tidwell owns, 10 are custom log trailers built in his shop. The other two are a Pitts and a Big D. He also builds his own custom delimbing gates and currently has three that he uses in the woods. Tidwell has plans to begin building custom delimbing gates to sell out of his shop, something that he hopes to get started in 2017. ForesTree Transport’s truck inventory includes two ’09 Freightliner Columbia 112’s, ’07 Freightliner
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Columbia 112, ’99 Freightliner FLD120, ’04 Volvo VNM64T200, ’95 Volvo WG42T and a 1975 International dump truck. Tidwell works with Johnny Wolf from Neely Coble Co. in Decatur for any trucking needs. He changes the oil in his trucks and has them serviced every 20,000 miles, and all trucks come through the shop every two weeks for a full inspection. Older equipment undergoes an oil change and gets new filters every 250 hours. Newer equipment gets oil changes every 500 hours and new filters every 250 hours. Fluids are changed on all equipment every 500 hours. Tidwell follows all manufacturer specifications on equipment maintenance. Tidwell calls in Thompson Tractor for help with equipment when needed, mostly with electrical work. F&C Logging gets all of its fuel and oil from Hager Oil Co. in Jasper. They have their own tanks for both fuel and oil at their shop and Hager delivers there directly. Tidwell uses Chevron 15W-40 motor oil, AW-68 hydraulic oil and Chevron Ultra-Duty grease. He provides oil samples to Thompson Tractor on new machines in order to meet Cat’s warranty requirements. Tires come from Southern Tire Mart in Tupelo, Miss. The company’s insurance provider is
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BITCO, administered by Hawkins & Rawlinson out of Auburn, Ala. for the past 16 years. Downs & Associates out of Jasper handles the company’s accounting needs.
Family Matters Tidwell’s interactions with his crew members and truck drivers make it very clear that he doesn’t just consider them employees, he considers them family. “All of our employees, no matter how long they’ve been here, are like family,” he says. When it comes to his relationship with everyone he works with, Tidwell strives to live by his personal philosophy to “treat my employees how I’d want to be treated. I won’t ask anybody to do anything I wouldn’t do,” he comments. “I let employees take off for their family. Family comes first,” Tidwell believes. The company also pays overtime, pays for major holidays off and gives employees end-of-year bonuses around Thanksgiving. F&C Logging currently has 10 employees, not including Tidwell’s family who works in the office. Joe McGrew, Randy Baggett, Joel Gray, David Butler, Dillon Atkins and Justin Tidwell all work in the woods. Tommy Townsend, Mark Norris and Phillip Johnson are truck drivers, and
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(From left to right) Amanda, Cyndi, Freddy and Grant Tidwell
Micah Brewer works in the shop, operates the dozer and drives a truck when needed. Tidwell’s wife Cyndi is the company’s office manager. His daughter Amanda graduated with a marketing degree from the University Of Alabama in August 2016. His son Grant, a junior at Winston County High School, wants to attend Auburn University and study forestry after graduating in 2018. Tidwell says his son definitely wants to continue the family business and has plans to set Grant up with his own crew after he graduates from college.
Tidwell is an active member of the Alabama Forestry Assn., the Alabama Loggers Council and the American Loggers Council. He served as the Vulcan District Director in 2010 and currently teaches BMP classes and a class on logging cost analysis for the Alabama Loggers Council. He also works in partnership with LP and his local FFA chapter, giving tours in the woods and providing educational opportunities for students. “We’ve got to get younger people involved in logging,” he says. “The bad part is, my generation is the youngest in the logging workforce.”
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Aside from industry involvement, Tidwell is also active in his community. He and his wife volunteer and assist with fundraisers for the Winston County High School band, and F&C Logging currently sponsors FFA, the local community basketball league, and the Panorama Study Club, where Cyndi is actively involved, a non-profit organization that gives 100% of their proceeds back to the local community. Tidwell and his family are members of First Baptist Church in Double Springs. F&C Logging has about 1,800 acres scheduled to log for Molpus before July 2017. He has a positive outlook for the future of his business and the logging industry. “There’s always going to be logging,” he believes. “I plan on staying in it and I hope it’ll grow and stabilize. I’m very hopeful about the future.” When asked about keys to his success, Tidwell says, “First and foremost, giving thanks to Whom it belongs. Through Him all things come. All things come through Jesus Christ.” He says that a strong work ethic, staying dedicated to what he loves, making the right impression and taking pride in his work are all things that got him to where he is SLT today. Contact Freddy Tidwell by email: fandc_logging@hughes.net
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Staying The Course ■ H.L. Williams and Son Logging keeps on trucking despite tough markets.
By Jay Donnell KING GEORGE, Va. hen Roger ★ Williams’ father, H.L., retired 14 years ago, he knew he had to continue his father’s legacy to the best of his ability. H.L. was a well known logger in Virginia and worked countless long days to ensure that his business did everything the right way and provided steady, well paying jobs to its employees. H.L. Williams and Son Logging (HLWSL) incorporated 30 years ago and continues to be one of the better logging operations in the northern part of Virginia.
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Investing in new equipment has been a big key for H.L. Williams and Son Logging.
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Roger has worked with many mills over the years, but Flippo Land and Timber, the logging and procurement arm of Flippo Lumber Corp., continues to be his primary market. Norman Long, timber procurement manager for Flippo and himself once a long-time logger for Flippo, doesn’t hold back in his evaluation of Williams. “He’s one of the most accommodating loggers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” Long says. That’s high praise from a man who logged for 32 years and has been around the industry for more than half a century. In other words, he knows a good logger when he sees one. H.L. Williams passed away three years ago, but his name lives on in Virginia and Roger works daily to ensure that the company his father built runs strong for many years to come. The company has several pieces of John Deere Equipment.
Operations HLWSL’s single crew of 11 employees produces about 60 loads a week, occasionally as many as 80 loads, on usually flat to rolling terrain. Most of that is pine with Williams buying a lot of timber himself in addition to working with Long and Flippo. When Southern Loggin’ Times visited HLWSL’s operation they were clear-cutting on a 238-acre tract. Chip-n-saw and sawlogs were going to Flippo Lumber in Doswell, Va., pine pulpwood to Verso Corp. in Luke, Md., and fuel chips to West Point Chips in Culpeper, Va. “Chips aren’t doing great now,” Williams says. “Everybody is telling me that the price of natural gas has gone down so low so now most of these places that were using fuel chips are using more natural gas.” For many years Williams, 58, and his crew were working on mostly thinning jobs, but these days they are clear-cutting about 80% of the time. “I was doing about 80% thinning and 20% clear-cuts before I started working with Norman,” Williams explains. “The men prefer clear-cuts.” HLWSL ran two crews for years, but when William’s father retired Williams decided that running one crew would be best for business. He also assumed a lot of old equipment because his dad hadn’t bought any in several years. Williams upgraded some equipment and sold older pieces. “We run two loaders so it feels like we have two crews, but we’re just in one spot,” he says. Roads are usually already in place for HLWSL when they’re clear-cutting following a thinning so all they have to do is dress it up a little bit or put some gravel down. Williams does all of the BMP work
H.L. Williams and Son produces 60-80 loads per week.
The trucking arm of the business has always been reliable.
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himself. The company installs water bars when they’re needed. Williams noted that this particular tract, which was pretty sandy, was one of the flatter he had cut and wouldn’t require as much water bar work. Williams will often call the Dept. of Forestry before he leaves a tract and they’ll do a final inspection with him. “If there’s something else they want done it’s not a big deal,” he says. He doesn’t like to work a tract below 40 acres due to having to take so much time to set up his operation. Employees arrive on site at 6 a.m. or shortly thereafter and leave at 3:30 p.m. They generally take a half day on Friday. Williams has not had to deal with any major safety concerns and he understands that safety is always the number one priority. Workers receive two weeks of paid vacation, and almost all of the government holidays, except Columbus Day. They also receive a bonus at the end of the year if business was good. “Our employees get paid pretty well,” Williams says Employees must fill out a formal application in order to be considered for hiring. HLWSL conducts a background check on each person and obviously prefers someone with woods awareness. Williams just
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Left to right, front row: Jack Rakes, Frankie Shelton, Michael Shelton; back, Norman Long, Roger Williams, David Shelton, Corrania (Tom Cat) Wills, Mike Shelton
hired a new skidder driver, only 18 years old, whose grandfather is a truck driver for Williams and whose father works for another logging company. Three employees have been with Williams for 30 years. Williams’ wife, Michelle, is treasurer and secretary for the company. “I don’t know how how some people juggle being in the woods all day and then go home and do paperwork,” Williams says. “You need some help and I get that
from her, my best friend and business partner.”
Equipment Lineup Recently, Williams purchased a 2016 Tigercat 620E skidder. The company owns a variety of equipment brands including several John Deere pieces. JD equipment consists of 2011 and 2014 643K feller-bunchers, 2013 437D loader, 2015 843K
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feller-buncher and a 2012 648H skidder. Other equipment includes a 2014 Caterpillar 579C loader, 2015 Tigercat 620E skidder and the new Tigercat 620E skidder. “The Tigercat skidder is a good machine,” Williams says. “They’re not as complicated as some of the other ones because there are a few less computers in it. On some other machines if there’s any little loose wire, the computer goes off and shuts the machine down.” A 2006 Morbark model 23 Chiparvester is also used on the job, feeding into a Pearson chip van. Williams’ main equipment dealers are James River Equipment in Ashland, Va. and Forest Pro, also in Ashland. Williams prefers Firestone tires. Machines get greased every day right after lunch. Williams prefers to do it at that time because employees don’t like to hop back in the equipment right after they eat. HLWSL has minimal equipment breakdowns. Investing in newer machines has been the key. “You’ve got to keep on investing because you wear stuff out,” Williams emphasizes. “It’s not like a lot of businesses where you can buy it one time and then you’re good. If you can get five or six years out of a piece of equip-
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ment you’re doing well and you’ve gotten the best out of it.” He adds, “I like running newer equipment. It’s a little bit easier to make a payment on it. If you’re running older equipment and it breaks down you’ve got a big payment to make.” The skidder drivers are David Shelton, Jack Rakes and Robert Robertson while Mike Shelton and Frankie Shelton run the feller-bunchers. Michael Shelton runs a loader and he can run every piece of equip-
ment on the job. He’s also the crew foreman when Williams isn’t on the jobsite. Truck drivers are Corrania (Tom Cat) Wills, Allan Chenault, Brian Brooks and Jimmy Barker.
Trucking The company runs five Western Star trucks including 2015 and 2016 models. “I started running Western Stars in 2004,” Williams says. “They are a little bit heavier framed trucks and they sit higher off the ground.”
The Western Stars pull Evans trailers. “Evans are a little bit heavier than some of the other brands, and they don’t break up as much,” Williams says. The newer Western Stars have scales on the trucks and Williams also has a set of portable MaxiLoad scales. Williams says they are pretty close to being exact. “I’ve got the 90,000 pound permit too that the state put into law on July 1,” Williams notes. “That helps out quite a bit. I can’t remember the last
time one of our drivers got a ticket.” Specifically the law allows 90,000 lbs. on five axles, 24,000 lbs. on a single axle, 40, 000 lbs. on tandems and 50,000 lbs. on tri axle groupings. An extensive background check is conducted before a new driver is hired. Hiring younger drivers remains an issue because insurance companies prefer drivers with more experience. Williams has had some turnover in drivers, mainly because of retirement, but was very steady on truck drivers for many years. Williams has a good safety record when it comes to his truck drivers. His insurance costs aren’t too bad, though they went up this year some. The last accident one of his drivers was involved in was a year ago and it was minor fender bender where both parties were able to drive away unscathed. The farthest HLWSL drivers have to go is about 80 miles. Drivers report that lines at mills haven’t been too bad and one reason Williams hauls to Verso is because of the quick turnaround time there. Williams’ drivers are expected to keep their trucks clean. They’re paid by the load.
State Of Business Williams estimates that he’s invested $2.5 million in equipment and spends more than $150,000 per year on parts and supplies. Although he only runs one crew currently, he would be willing to expand if timber markets in the area start to improve. “That’s one reason why I haven’t gotten any bigger,” Williams says. “I’m on quota now so why start another crew up? What am I going to do with it?” He says there are fewer loggers in his area now, but they’re all producing more with increased mechanization and newer equipment. “It’s give and take,” he says. When Williams’ father was still with the business they used to cut a lot more hardwood, but Williams likes to stay in pine because it’s steadier, compared to the ups and downs of the hardwood market. “You might not make as much per load, but you know what you can get per load,” he says. “Hardwood is tough during the winter because you can’t cut enough of it. Pine is safer. If I’m doing pine I’m 100% mechanized. I haven’t bought a saw in five years.” Williams is a member and on the board of the Virginia Loggers Assn. and the Virginia Forestry SLT Assn. Contact Roger Williams by email: michelle@williamslogging.com
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Concentrated Crew ■ Young gun Will Fortner’s Arkansas crew is small, but production conscious.
After dealing with a few too many unreliable independent contract haulers, Fortner has settled on just one regular contractor and two trucks of his own.
By Jessica Johnson COVE, Ark. ill Fortner is the first to admit he’s a ★ relatively young guy in the logging business, and he’s still got plenty to learn—after all, he only just started running his own crew in 2014. “My dad wasn’t a logger,” he says, “I went to a logging job when I was about 17, I just fell in love with it.”
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He started out running a skidder with his cousin, and the love grew from there. “Of course as soon as I started logging, I wanted to have my own job,” he laughs. For the 32 year old, it’s taken a lot of hard work and long days (and long nights) to get his company where it is today. Granted, that doesn’t mean that hindsight isn’t 20/20. He says he’s not sure if he would do it all over again, starting out on his own at such a young age, but right now, he
wouldn’t trade his job for the world. He and his wife Carlee struggled the first year of Will Fortner Logging, he says. It paid off though, as they weathered storms, low rates and high fuel costs with “old, woreout junk.” Now, Will Fortner Logging is successful contract cutting for Domtar in Ashdown, Ark., producing between 35-40 loads per five-day period with some newer John Deere equipment. At one time Fortner had a five-
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man crew, with a full-time chain saw hand, trying to keep skid trails short. After a few months, that didn’t work out. He says one of the challenges with owning, and running, your own business is being able to reassess and change as time goes on. “There’s more money in it when it’s just me and two other guys,” he adds. “I like it small out here, it’s drama free. Everyone does their job and goes home.” The crew of three has been togeth-
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Though he normally identifies himself as a John Deere man, Fortner's cutter operator convinced him to buy a Tigercat last time. Tires are 28 in., set up for first thinnings.
er basically their whole lives, as the skidder driver is Fortner’s cousin, Ethan, and the cutter man, Kyle Ashcraft, is a close family friend whose father used to operate a logging crew. Kyle is a big part of the crew’s recent success, Fortner says, having started with Fortner basically in the beginning. As a father of three, Fortner prefers his crew set up this way, where everyone needs to work to support their own, like he does. The tight-knit crew watches out for each other, which helps keep the job as safe as possible. As a teenager Ashcraft was in an accident and lost part of his foot, so he’s one of the first to speak up if he’s sees something that could cause an issue, Fortner says. Each month Fortner will go over the Safety Focus feature of Southern Loggin’ Times as well as anything he might have seen that needed extra attention. “These guys have been around it their whole lives; they know what is going on. They know to stop and look. Most accidents can be avoided by stopping, thinking and assessing the situation,” Fortner believes. Will Fortner Logging has never had an accident. “And I hope to keep it that way,” he says. Fortner’s father Bill does some “parts chasing” as he calls it, and does help out with mechanic work when needed; trimming trucks and coordinating anything that might need it, so Fortner can focus on running the loader. “That loader is where I want to be. I don’t care about the boss aspect of it, chasing parts and chasing trucks. Having my dad out here has worked out well,” he explains. From time to time, Fortner will purchase his own timber and work it, usually when family needs something cut or a neighbor asks, but it’s not something he goes out looking
He buys his Deere machines from Stribling Equipment in Texarkana.
From left: Kyle Ashcroft, Will Fortner, Bill Fortner, John Watkins
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for. He adds, “I don’t really feel strongly one way or another, some jobs just fall in my lap.” On the occasion that Fortner has purchased stumpage and needs some paperwork to be filed or taken for someone to sign, his father Bill will help his wife Carlee. Carlee Fortner runs all of the company’s books—handling load tickets, DOT paperwork, insurance forms and payroll from their home.
Equipment Lineup As with most, when Will Fortner Logging first got started, the equipment wasn’t shiny new. It did what it needed to do, but it wasn’t the best. Thankfully, things started to settle a bit for Fortner and as the company became more and more established, and secured a contract with Domtar, he was able to upgrade. Fortner began working with Domtar in April 2015—that was the best move he has ever made, he says. “It’s pulpwood, but they keep me in good wood, good roads, don’t miss a whole lot of work; that’s why I started getting bigger and upgrading.” With the steady tracts from Domtar, supplemented by the small jobs he buys, Fortner saw a need to get rid of the stuff that was breaking down and slowing his crew down.
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Last year Fortner secured a contract with Domtar in Ashdown, where he sends most of his pulpwood.
“I’m a John Deere man,” he says. “Stribling in Texarkana [Ark.] has been good to me. I’ve got really nice equipment, and I am really proud of it.” He says the John Deere financing really helped him move into newer pieces—though he does have bank financing on one Tigercat piece. “I wanted a Deere cutter,” Fortner explains. “But we demoed a K series cutter, before the Ls came out and Kyle, my cutter hand, wanted the Tigercat. I paid more on interest
than if I would have went through John Deere, but he got what he wanted and I like the machine, it’s a good machine.” Fortner’s iron line up includes a 2014 John Deere 437D loader, a 2010 John Deere 648H and the Tigercat 724D. The 437D loader is outfitted with a CSI 264 Ultra, and no buck saw though Fortner has considered adding one. “With having to do so many sorts, I could eliminate a bunch of work on myself the way we’re
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doing it right now,” he says. “The ties have to be measured in 9 ft. 6 in. increments—we bring the whole tree to the set and then I get out with the chain saw and measure them. It would speed things up so much with a buck saw.” However, most of the time Fortner finds himself in first thins, so the number of sorts is relatively low and as of yet, has not justified the buck saw’s expense. Fortner’s main markets are for pine and hardwood pulp: Domtar in Ashdown, Ark.,
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Weyerhaeuser in Dierks, Ark., and Huber in Broken Bow, Okla. So, understandably, he isn’t sure he wants to take on the added expense of a buck saw or any new equipment right now, combined with the fact he’s getting close to paying off his skidder. The skidder has gotten plenty of attention in recent months with a new motor and both rear ends being rebuilt. “Everything I’ve got is in real good shape. I think I am going to run it a while,” he says. “I’m not real im-
pressed with all the warranty stuff I’ve had. It is nice that it gets paid for, but even new stuff breaks down and you still miss time. I want to see how having some stuff that’s paid for works.” In-woods equipment is greased every other day. Machines are serviced at the 300-hour mark. It is all done in the woods by the crew unless it’s something “huge”—two pieces are under warranty—but Fortner says he handles pretty much everything himself.
Fortner does not have a shop, so everything is handled in the woods. “I said I was going to build a shop when I built a house. And we just got our house finished last winter and I didn’t do it. It’s not something I have to have, so I haven’t done it yet,” he explains.
Trucking Arm When Fortner first went out on his own, he purchased a log truck and contract hauled. Once he made the
leap to in-woods equipment, he sold the truck he had been driving, opting for a contractor while he ran the loader. Unfortunately, as can happen with contract truckers, one day Fortner was left with wood piled up and no way to get it hauled to the mill. Fortner then purchased another truck, this time a 2006 Freightliner, and took on two more contractors, hoping to make it all work. That didn’t work out as well as he had hoped, either. Instead, he purchased another truck, a brand new Western Star, and says now he as long as he is logging the majority of the trucking power will be his. “They feel like they own you. It’s not like they are working for you, it’s like you are working for them. As a contractor, the company I work for sets the rates. We moved to a job and my contract trucker decided it wasn’t paying enough and he’s going to start getting a load of someone else in the mornings instead of coming to my job,” Fortner says. “I need someone I can depend on. They are too independent.” Between the one contractor and his two trucks, with a pole trailer and four bunk Pitts trailer, Fortner is able to keep his wood moved. He says he tries to keep up with who has gotten what load, however, once the wheels hit the dirt, “it’s go time.” Fortner and his crew are never more than 100 miles from their home base of Cove, and typically stay in a 40-50 mile radius, so hauls are traditionally manageable. All truck maintenance is done on the weekends. Each rig is greased by either Fortner or skidder driver Ethan on alternating weekends— that way neither of them has to spend too much time away from their families. Oils are changed every 10,000 miles. For most truck maintenance needs, Fortner leans on J&J Tire in Cove. “You can have a full time job working on trucks if you want to,” he says emphatically. In the list of typical logger complaints relating to trucking, Fortner feels like the DOT has his number and is always writing him up for something, and that it’s hard to find log haulers, but he’s grateful that neither his trucks nor his in-woods equipment run DEF. The only thing he has that needs DEF is the crew truck, and he reports not a minute’s trouble out of it. It’s outfitted with a 150 gal. fuel tank, Miller welder, air compressor and assorted air and hand tools. All petroleum products are purchased from Quality Petroleum Products in Texarkana, Ark., delivered to Fortner’s house weekly. Fuel is purchased in bulk from Watkins Station SLT in Vandervoort, Ark. Contact Will Fortner by email: carlee_fortner@yahoo.com
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Historical Series…
Finkbine Lumber ■ Company’s second Mississippi sawmill, at D’Lo, eventually had unique California connection. any lumber companies operconstructing its own rail lines, often ated in Mississippi in the called dummy lines, into its timberearly 19th century, among lands. One logging railroad extendthem the larger examples of R.M. ed 24 miles southeast from WigCarrier at Sardis; Eastman-Gardiner gins. The company used one or and Gilchrist-Fordney at Laurel; J.J. more Clyde Iron Works four-line Newman at Hattiesburg and Sumsteam skidders, which could pull in rall; Mason at Gandsi; Foster Creek all merchantable logs on four acres at Stephenson (Crosby); Goodyear at one setting, and each pull could at Picayune; E.L. Bruce at Bruce; bring in 5 to 15 logs to the dummy and Finkbine at Wiggins and D’Lo. rail line for loading. These skidders Finkbine Lumber Co. was created were as destructive to young trees when two millionaire businessmen as they were efficient in reeling in from Iowa, brothers W.O. and E.C. logs. At peak production, Finkbine Finkbine, recognized wealth in the operated five locomotives out of form of timber, minerals, sand, and Wiggins and D’Lo. gravel in coastal Stone County. Such natural wealth was enticing to Unorthodox Plan the entrepreneurs, who already As their timberlands were being owned a string of lumberyards The McGiffert steam loader handled large, heavy longleaf logs with ease. exhausted, Finkbine principals came throughout Iowa and a 17,000-acre up with an ambitious, unorthodox wheat farm in south-central Canada. plan to keep its newest Mississippi town served workers through 1920, The main attraction in south Missis- The mill cut longleaf, producing mill operating: it would convert the when it was moved to a location sippi was the vast acreage of virgin mostly dimension material, along southeast of Johns to be closer to the D’Lo mill to a remanufacturing-fintimber, much of it longleaf pine. with a small percentage of timbers. ishing plant and feed it with redcompany’s operations. In 1901 Finkbine Lumber purBusiness was both domestic and wood cants originating in California. In 1915 Finkbine Lumber began chased two sawmills belonging to export, with export being handled Also, Finkbine Lumber construction of an all-electric the Niles City Lumber Co. at Wigthrough facilities at Gulfport. changed its name to sawmill—a double band gins. The Niles principals were J.H. A large company store, which Finkbine-Guild Lumber unit with gang saw and and S.O Gary. As part of this agree- operated under the name of Kew Co. resaw—at the town of ment the Garys became sole logMercantile Co., was built in WigIn 1925 Finkbine-Guild D’Lo (pronounced deeging contractors for the Finkbine gins to serve Finkbine Lumber’s bought the remnants of low) in Simpson County. mills in an area extending 36 miles employees and the community at Cottoneva Lumber Co., When operations began in east and west and 12 miles north large. which had operated a 1916, the sawmill had a and south of the town. Officers of D’Lo sawmill at Rockport, Calif., cutting capacity of Finkbine Lumber were E. C. ★ Mill Number 2 located on the Pacific coast 200,000 board feet Finkbine, president; W. O. In ensuing years the company about halfway between San every 10 hours. The Finkbine, vice president; and W. E. Wiggins ★ Francisco and the Oregon timber supply for that Guild, treasurer. In 1903 Guild took invested in additional timberland in Rankin and Simpson counties, some state line. Because of the mill extended over parts of over as general manager of the 110 miles to the northwest. In 1914 remote location, FinkbineSimpson, Rankin, Smith, and operations. In that same year all it established the town of Finkbine Guild built modern family Scott counties. In 1918 corporate timberlands owned by Niles City west of the village of Johns in south- offices were moved from Wiggins dwellings, a company store, mess Lumber were transferred to ern Rankin County. Complete with a to Jackson. hall, hotel, barber shop, hospital, Finkbine Lumber. In Stone County school, church, YMCA, barber shop, To facilitate harvesting, Finkbine and school. It erected an all-electric alone, Finkbine Lumber owned post office, and doctor’s office, the sawmill, installed logging railroads, followed the custom of the day by approximately 25,000 acres. and built loading faciliIn January 1903 a new ties equipped with a steam-powered sawmill steam-powered cable that featured a double system to sling logs from band setup with a cutting shore to a small ‘rock capacity of 125,000 feet island’ nearby and thence per day was completed at to ships. Wiggins. All sawing In addition to borrowmachinery was provided ing money to purchase by the Allis-Chalmers some 29,000 acres of Co., a leading supplier of timberland, Finkbinethe day. Other features Guild invested heavily in included five dry kilns, a a dock and loading facililarge planer mill and a Clyde skidder was effective but destructive to young Railroads were vital to the logging effort. ties at San Francisco Bay shed for dressed lumber. trees.
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near the city of Sausalito. From there, logs were transferred to one of the company’s five oil-burning ships: the Abron, Dochet, Manhattan Island, Sabatowan, and Dio. Together the ships were called The Redwood Line and steamed from San Francisco Bay through the Panama Canal to Gulfport, Miss. Cants were transferred from ships to railroad flatcars for the trip to D’Lo, where they were processed into finished goods. Persistent problems, among them broken cables, bad weather, blocked roads, difficulties in obtaining materials and groceries, and labor issues, plagued the remote Rockport facility, which could not produce the cant volume originally anticipated. By 1927 nothing, including a top-level personnel shakeup, could stop the corporate bleeding at FinkbineGuild. Within two years of establishing operations in California, FinkbineGuild was broke. In 1928 all California lands acquired by FinkbineGuild were deeded to Southern Redwood Co. Despite the fact that FinkbineGuild was the first electric-powered sawmill in Mendocino County—the most technologically innovative sawmill on the Redwood Coast—it has been referred to as a “magnificent failure.” With the supply of virgin pine in Mississippi depleted, and no more redwood cants in the pipeline for processing, the company sold its Mississippi sawmills and timberlands to the Wilbe Lumber Co. The extent to which Wilbe Lumber operated the mills, if indeed it did, is unclear. Many lumber companies went under during the Great Depression.
How Did D’Lo Get Its Name? There are several interesting stories about the origin of the name D’Lo (pronounced dee-low), the place in northeastern Simpson County where Finkbine Lumber built its second sawmill a century ago. One that has floated around for years, and is perhaps the one most told by locals, is that it stands for “de low place in the road,” or that the name was given because the area tended to flood because it was “too damn low.” Then there’s a story about a mix-up when the village applied for a name for the post office, and someone misread the proposed name as “D’Lo” when it should have been something else, perhaps Delo. The most likely origin, however, based on research done by the University of Southern Mississippi, comes from a French map of the area marked with “De l’eau sans potable” (bad drinking water) at the confluence of the Strong River and Sellers Creek. (The Strong River, as an aside, comes from a translation of a Choctaw name for the river meaning “bitter creek,” and does not refer to the strength of the river’s current.) Regardless, the curiously-named D’Lo is today just another small, rural town. At one time, though, D’Lo was the centerpiece of a thriving business with links to both Iowa and California. A hundred years ago D’Lo’s population had exploded to about 5,000. It had a movie theater, grocery stores and gas stations, a furniture store, seven butcher markets, five cafes, three pharmacies, a three-story hospital, two YMCA buildings, lighted basketball courts, basketball and baseball teams, and a newspaper called The D’Lo Herald. For a time, D’Lo was said to have been among the second largest mill towns in the country and the largest town between Jackson and Hattiesburg. After Finkbine Lumber’s sold its local sawmill, the town’s population quickly drained away, settling at around 400 in the 1940s and remaining near this level today. Aside from its name, D’Lo is known for another oddity. The story goes that in proportion to its population, D’Lo sent more males to World War II duty than any other American city. This caught the attention of Life magazine, which carried a feature story on the town in its July 6, 1942 issue. A monument at D’Lo’s community center lists the names of SLT all who served during the war.
Later Developments In an attempt to market its cutover timberland in south Mississippi, Finkbine-Guild organized the Mississippi Farms Co., which advertised the land for sale to entice Slavs and Poles from the northern U.S. to move to Mississippi and buy
land along the Finkbine-Guild logging railroads. However, clearing the land of stumps and attempting to grow farm crops in the thin soils was hard, challenging work, causing the plan to fail. One successful venture of Finkbine-Guild and Mississippi Farms Co. was the construction of a
factory in Wiggins for processing farm produce. The American Pickle and Canning Co. was formed to operate what became known as the ‘pickle factory.’ At first the plant processed pickles, tomatoes, beans, and sweet potatoes, but within a few years, pickles became its sole product. At one point it was considered the largest pickle processing plant in the world. Over time, the pickle factory changed ownership, becoming a part of Brown-Miller Co., then Beatrice Foods. Those larger food-processing companies consolidated their production at locations in other states, and the Wiggins pickle factory closed in 1983, ending the Finkbine-Guild connection.
Many, Many More D’Lo is only one of many offbeat or tongue-twisting names given to counties, towns and rivers in Mississippi. Several can be traced to various Indian tribes that once roamed the territory, including Choctaw, Chickasaw, Natchez, Yazoo, Choula, Algonquin, Tunica, Biloxi, and Pasgagoula. Other names are Indian words, or derived from them. Examples include Attala, Bogue Chitto, Buckatunna, Byhalia, Coahoma, Grenada, Issaquena, Itawamba, Itta Bena, Iuka, Kosciusko, Neshoba, Noxubee, Okibbeha, Osyka, Panola, Pontotoc, Senatobia, Tallahatchie, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tupelo, Winona, Yalobusha and Yockanookany. Some offbeat names for towns or communities include Soso in Jones County; Whynot in Lauderdale County; Sebastopol in Scott County; Midnight and Hard Cash in Humphries County; and Darling in SLT Quitman County.
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Christmas Gift ■ Dashboard cameras in log trucks can prove a vital tool in establishing driver innocence in accidents. By Chris Brown Communications Director NC Forestry Assn. FRANKLINTON, NC hen Alton ★ Griffin asked his wife, Sarah, for a dashboard camera for his truck cab for Christmas, he had little idea how important those captured moments in time would be to his professional driving career. “I was telling my wife about all the crazy stuff that I see,” Griffin states. “I told her I just wish I had a camera so I could show it to her.” Griffin drives for Katesville Pallet Mill, Inc., which is owned and operated by David Kemp in Franklinton, NC. The company was started by David’s father, T.T. Kemp, in the 1970s. David added the logging component of the company in the early ’80s. After receiving his Christmas gift, Griffin installed the video dash camera that provided a clear view of the front end of his truck, starting well before the wheel wells. In addition, the unit included a smaller camera that Griffin mounted on his left rear view mirror that provided a clear view of the back end of his truck. “He is always telling stories about what’s going on out on the roads,” David Kemp explains as to how the idea got started of putting cameras in the Katesville-owned trucks. “I guess now he can just show you the stories.” Stories can be funny and produce lighthearted entertainment. Accident reports, however, are no laughing matter. After two on-the-road accidents in 2016 that involved Katesville trucks equipped with dash video cameras, Kemp is a firm believer in the value of capturing video evidence. In both instances, the video provided the investigating officer enough information to exonerate Kemp’s drivers from any wrong doing. “Stories can change,” Kemp says. “The camera doesn’t change. It’s been really beneficial for our company. If we hadn’t had them installed, we would be going on somebody’s word.” Three of Kemp’s trucks have
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David Kemp values video evidence captured by dash cams installed in his log trucks and plans to invest more related funds.
dash video cameras presently, but he plans very soon to have all six of his trucks furnished with dash cameras that include a rear shot camera as well. The cost of the initial cameras was about $150 a unit. Based on his company’s experience, Kemp is considering upgrading to a more elaborate model, somewhere in the $450 range. “We are talking about going to one that’s a little bit more expensive, but it includes more features such as GPS tracking,” he says. “That way you can tell what the truck is doing.” When asked if he has received any objections from his drivers when he informs him about the installation of dash cameras, Kemp just smiles and shakes his head, no. “It is good for the driver,” he replies. “It can save him a lot of hassle.”
timing of the incident. In this case, the officer determined that Griffin was not at fault for the accident. “It’s really cut and dry,” Kemp argues. “That’s what I like about it. You don’t have to go on anybody’s word.” In terms of maintenance, Griffin insists that it is not much effort to keep the camera ready to roll each day. He upgraded his memory card from the outset to 32 GB so he could capture a complete day on one card. If he needs to save anything from the day, he can download the footage to a computer in the evening. Kemp, who has built his company on fresh ideas, plans on recommending to his contract loggers that they consider installing dash cameras with the front and rear end cameras as well.
Experience
No Regrets About Logging
Kemp makes this claim based on his company’s firsthand experience. When Griffin was involved in an accident, he recounted that the trooper asked about the video camera on the dash and then asked to see the memory card. The trooper then went back to his vehicle, inserted the card into his computer, and from the video footage the trooper was able to witness the accident. He was able to determine the speed of Griffin’s truck and see the
After graduating from East Carolina University in 1983 with an Industrial Technology and Business Administration Degree, Kemp returned home to Katesville Pallet to inform his dad that he wanted to start a logging company. Dad was not too happy. “I was in the dog house,” Kemp recalls with a chuckle. “My dad said he spent too much money on the education for me to go into the logging business.” In what David would later see as
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Driver Alton Griffin, left, and Katesville Pallet Mill owner David Kemp
an effort to discourage him from the logging world, T.T. Kemp took David to an auction and bought him a skidder with a shear on the front and a grapple on the back, an old wheel loader and a truck and a trailer for the grand total of $17,000. “My dad thought that would be enough,” Kemp remembers. “That I would say the heck with it and do something else. I brought all the stuff back to the shop, rebuilt it, and then I went to work. That’s how I started.” Some 33 years later, Kemp coordinates three logging crews and one thinning operation. He has 22 employees, a number which includes shop help. His equipment lineup includes five skidders, four knuckleboom loaders, three fellerbunchers, two bulldozers and one excavator.
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“I really don’t have any regrets,” Kemp states. “I mean, I understand this can be a tough business, but no regrets.” Kemp started his career working closely with Champion International Corp. and harvesting timber on company land. “Nobody wanted hardwood at the time, and we had the hardwood sawmill,” Kemp recounts. “So, when Katesville Pallet Mill runs three logging crews and employs 22. we logged their tracts, all they wanted was the pine. They ferent type of timber than I am so “I basically try to figure out each would virtually give me the hardwe really work well on that end.” day where we might have the most wood to get it off the tract so they Kemp utilizes a shop at his need for me to be at in cases of could replant. So, that basically sawmill, but he shut the mill down problems,” Kemp says. “Like, for solved my problem of having in 2008 when the economy reached instance here, we got this cell phone enough wood to cut.” its low point. “Everything at the tower that we are cutting close to, Today, coordinating a harvest mill is paid for,” Kemp says. “But so I like to be close by for stuff like schedule is a top challenge since we weren’t making money so we that. If we are on a wet tract, I am Kemp purchases his own timber as decided to shut it down. It’s still trying to help make it flow a little well as working locally with differready to run, but at this point, logbit better.” ent mills in the area. “You have a ging is all I can handle.” Kemp does not maintain set prolot of competition for timber,” In his role, Kemp is a rover duction goals on his crews because Kemp admits. “I work really well among his crews, providing overof the amount of specialty projects with Toney Lumber (in Louisburg, sight on complicated harvesting his company contracts on a regular NC) because we are basically five operations or just filling a seat in a basis. Instead, he formulates promiles apart—my shop and their piece of equipment in case of an duction expectations based on each sawmill. They are after a totally dif- absent crew member. job, and he rewards his crew mem-
bers for meeting those goals. In terms of trucking and the recent issues with truck safety, Kemp believes the improvements in truck performance have been lost on the public. “I don’t think people realize that these trucks are a lot faster on the take off than they used to be and they keep their speed going up a hill a whole lot better than they used to,” Kemp says. “They are thinking, well, I am going to get stuck behind a slow truck, and it’s going to go up a hill at 25 miles per hour. Whereas now they go up a hill at the speed limit, pretty much. People don’t take that into consideration when they are making their driving decisions.” As for Kemp’s driver, Alton Griffin, he sees this reality every day. While Griffin is not willing to rank his dash camera as his best-ever Christmas gift, he is willing to put it in his top five. “I will say this,” Griffin smiles. “I will never drive another truck SLT without one.”
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The Other ALC ■ Alabama Loggers Council recognized the state’s Outstanding Logger of the Year at its annual meeting. By David Abbott PRATTVILLE, Ala. he Alabama Loggers Council held its annual meeting at ★ the Marriot Prattville Hotel and Conference Center in Prattville, Ala. on Saturday, October 29. Chairman of the board Chris Potts and executive director Joel Moon welcomed more than 130 loggers from around the state to the meeting, where attendees earned six hours of continuing education credit as part of the state’s professional logging manager program. In addition, attendees at the meeting raised $1,353 in donations for Log A Load for Kids. During a lunch buffet of fried chicken, pork roast and greens, Keith Plott, procurement manager for Louisiana-Pacific’s Hanceville plant, presented the 2016 Outstanding Logger of the Year award to Freddy Tidwell. A second-generation logger who grew up in the woods and worked on his father’s crew before branching out on his own, Tidwell and his wife Cyndi started their company, F&C Logging, LLC, based in Double Springs, in 1993. The recognition was given in part for Tidwell’s outstanding commitment to safety— his company has had no accidents in the woods, ever—and to his standard of excellence for the quality of his work. For instance, upon attending his first PLM training in 1997, Tidwell realized that his crew was already doing most of what was taught. According to Plott, Tidwell is devoted to state BMPs and SFI protocols, often carrying a prism to check basal areas, and has served as a mentor to younger loggers, hiring them as
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Alabama Loggers Council executive director Joel Moon
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LP Hanceville procurement manager Keith Plott, left, introduced Alabama Outstanding Logger of the Year award winner Freddy Tidwell and his wife Cyndi.
subcontractors and even using his own trucks to help them gain experience. In his emotional acceptance speech, Tidwell described himself as “destined to be a logger, from the beginning.” The meeting included several education seminars and presentations on a variety of topics, including an overview of the state’s forest industry, BMPs, trucking regulations and compliance, insurance, safety, endangered species and the American tree farm system. Among the highlights: Chris Isaacson, the executive vice president of the Alabama Forestry Assn., gave an insightful and detailed look into the state of Alabama forestry. The forest products sector continues to play a pivotal role in the state’s economy, Isaacson reported, accounting for 10% of all jobs. Still, after a recession that cost the industry 40% of its sawmill capacity and 35% of its log-
ging force, forestry has fallen behind auto manufacturing in Alabama, but is still in the top spot in terms of capital investment ($400 million a year) and jobs created (1,000 annually). “I’ll argue no other industry does a better job of supporting rural communities and recycling dollars through the community,” Isaacson said. Analysts predict that housing starts will not return to their 2006 peak for another three years, according to Isaacson, but demand for packaging grade pulp continues to grow along with the overall economy—good news for Alabama, where most pulp plants make liner board. Ray Clifton, BMP coordinator and hardwood specialist for the Alabama Forestry Commission, spoke on environmental issues in forestry, results of a statewide BMP audit and areas of concern regarding BMPs. Kenny Price, Alabama division administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, discussed regulation and compliance in trucking. Jean Wisdom, a safety consultant with the University of Alabama, presented the Alabama Safe State program. Logger’s son Tony McDaniel of USI Insurance Services talked about insurance concerns for loggers and log truck drivers. Shannon Holbrooke, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, informed attendees about threatened and endangered species in the state. Finally, Leigh Peters, director of landowner programs at the Alabama Forestry Assn., presented on the American tree farm system. Moon closed out the day’s events with an admonition for the assembled loggers to “tell their story,” echoing calls issued at the American Loggers Council’s annual meeting in September for loggers to be proactive in determining their own public image SLT in the wider culture.
ALC Chairman of the board Chris Potts
Alabama Forestry Assn. executive vice president Chris Isaacson
Leigh Peters, AFA director of landowner programs
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Earl Nightingale’s Story About Sparky
SLT Wants To Honor Standout Truck Drivers
The late Earl Nightingale, writer and publisher of inspirational and motivational material, once told a story about a boy named Sparky. For Sparky, school was all but impossible. He failed every subject in the eighth grade. He flunked physics in high school, getting a grade of zero. Sparky also flunked Latin, algebra, and English. He didn’t do much better in sports. Although he did manage to make the school’s golf team, he promptly lost the only important match of the season. There was a consolation match, but he lost that too. Throughout his youth, Sparky was awkward socially. He was not actually disliked by the other students but he was astonished if a classmate ever said hello to him outside of school hours. There’s no way to tell how he might have done at dating. Sparky never once asked a girl to go out in high school. He was too afraid of being turned down. Sparky was a loser. Everyone knew it. So he rolled with it. Sparky had made up his mind early in life that if things were meant to work out, they would. Otherwise he would content himself with what appeared to be his inevitable mediocrity. However, one thing was important to Sparky—drawing. He was proud of his art talent. Of course, no one else appreciated it. In his senior year of high school, he submitted some cartoons to the editors of the yearbook. The cartoons were turned down. Despite this particular rejection, Sparky decided to become a professional artist. After completing high school, he wrote a letter to Walt Disney Studios. He was told to send some samples of his artwork, and the subject for a cartoon was suggested. Sparky drew the proposed cartoon. He spent a great deal of time on it and on all the other drawings he submitted. Finally, the reply came from Disney Studios. He had been rejected once again. So Sparky decided to write his own autobiography in cartoons. He described his childhood self—a little boy loser and chronic underachiever. The cartoon character would soon become famous worldwide. For Sparky, the boy who had such lack of success in school and whose work was rejected again and again, was Charles Schulz. He created the “Peanuts” comic strip and the little cartoon character whose kite would never fly and who never succeeded in kicking a football—Charlie Brown. 36
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While finding and retaining quality truck drivers is a thorny challenge in the U.S., many loggers and log truckers are fortunate to have dependable, conscientious drivers at their service. With that in mind, SLT editors want to recognize some of these individuals in future issues. Send driver photos, along with a brief amount of info that includes name, age, years of truck driving experience overall, years of service with your company, hobbies, and any other interesting characteristics that set your special drivers apart. Email dk@hattonbrown.com or send via snail mail to Truck Driver Spotlight, DK-SLT, P.O. Box 2268, Montgomery, AL 36102-2268.
Bert’s New Cowboy Boots Bert, 80, had always wanted a pair of fancy cowboy boots, so seeing some on sale, he bought them and wore them home. He sauntered into the kitchen and said to his wife, “Notice anything different about me?” Margaret, 77, looked him over and replied, “Nope.” Frustrated as all get-out, Bert stormed off into the bathroom, undressed and walked back into the kitchen completely naked except for the boots. Again he asked Margaret, a little louder this time, “Notice anything different NOW?” Margaret looked up and said in her best deadpan response, “Bert, what’s different? It was hanging down yesterday, is hanging down today, and it’ll be hanging down again tomorrow.” Furious, Bert yelled, “And do you know why it’s hanging down, Margaret?” She replied, “Nope. Not a clue.” Bert boomed, “It’s hanging down because it’s looking at my new boots!” Without missing a beat, Margaret replied, “Shoulda bought a hat, Bert. Shoulda bought a hat.”
An Aspiring Gunslinger An aspiring gunslinger, sitting in a saloon one Saturday night, recognized an elderly man standing at the bar who, in his day, had the reputation of being the fastest gun in the West. The youth took a place next to the old-timer, bought him a drink and told him the story of his great ambition and asked for some tips to quicken his draw. The old man looked him up and down and
said, “Well, for one thing, you’re wearing your gun too high. Tie the holster a little lower on your leg.” “Will that make me a better gunfighter?” asked the young man. “Sure will,” replied the old-timer. The young man did as he was told, stood up, whipped out his .44 and shot the bow tie off the piano player. “That’s terriffic!” exclaimed the hot shot. “Got any more tips for me?” “Yep,” replied the old man. “Cut a notch out of your holster where the hammer hits it, that’ll give you a smoother draw.” “Will that make me a better gunfighter?” asked the younger man. “You bet it will,” said the sage adviser. The young man took out his knife, cut the notch, stood up, drew his pistol in a blur, and then shot a cuff link off the piano player. “Wow!” shouted the cowboy. “I’m impressed. Keep going.” The old man pointed to a large can in a corner of the saloon. “See that axle grease over there? Coat your gun with it.” The young man went over to the can and smeared some of the grease on the barrel of his gun. “No,” said the old-timer. “I mean smear it all over the gun, handle and all.” “How will that help my talent with a gun?” asked the young man. “It won’t,” the elder replied, “but when Wyatt Earp gets up from that piano stool and rams that pistol where the sun don’t shine, it won’t hurt nearly as much.”
Persistence, Determination “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” —Calvin Coolidge, 30th U.S. President
Food For Thought —If a man says something in the woods, and his wife is not there to hear it, will he still be wrong? —Laughter won’t cure ugly, but it will help keep it from spreading. —Whatever hits the fan will not be distributed evenly. —Follow your dreams, except the one where you’re naked in church. —A bartender is merely a pharmacist with a limited inventory. —Money isn’t everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch. —Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should just relax and get used to the idea.
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INDUSTRY NEWS ROUNDUP MY CHRISTMAS WISH FOR AMERICA Deborah Smith has been married to Rome, Ga. logger Travis Smith for 34 years. They have 10 children: seven by birth, three adopted from Africa, and two granddaughters. A college English major, she began home-schooling their children in 1991. Says Smith: “I love my fami- Travis and Deborah Smith ly; I am passionate about encouraging others to keep the faith, to keep taking the next right step, no matter how hard life gets.” Visit her blog: buttercupsbloomhere.blogspot.com ome hard things have happened over the past year or two, and quite
Shonestly, the thoughts of decorating for Christmas and doing all the
Christmas things just made me tired. I manipulatively came up with a plan: I would ask my kids if they wanted a destination Christmas. We could go away to a big cabin, play games, and perhaps fish or hunt or whatever, enjoy food and just be together. The gift would be the vacation. You know what? They didn’t want it. From the adult children living on their own to the 11-year-old, nobody wanted to go away for Christmas. Really, I couldn’t believe it. OK. So it was time to back up and punt. I smiled on the inside, knowing that having nine kids who want to be home for Christmas is a super great gift, in and of itself. I went to each child, privately, and asked them what was it about Christmas at home that was so special. They each gave me the SAME answer. I was humbled, and any other woman would have cried. We call it “Sibling Christmas.” It started when the kids were older, and each sibling buying gifts for each sibling was getting too expensive and really hard and complicated. So, a tradition was born. Sometime in October, siblings draw names from the sibling pool. Believe me, it’s a HUGE deal, this name drawing. This super-serious, no nonsense occasion always has folks with new ideas about how to do it, lots of rules, no exceptions, and more secrecy than any secret ever got in this household. In the end, each child ends up with the name of another child. We then, each year, decide on what the spending limit is, which is another big decision. Everyone has to agree, and each child spends their own money on these gifts. The typical limit is around $85. Yes. I said this is their favorite part of Christmas. We then start to make the ever famous lists. You put your name at the top of a loose leaf page. You then write down different items you would like to have. (One of the kids needs two pages.) One of the kids will have to be reminded, over and over, to write SOMETHING on his blank page. These precious lists are tied together with a bread bag twisty tie and hung on a nail on the pantry door. That way, anyone can causally look at anyone’s lists, and you never really know whose list they are really looking at for gift ideas.
Terex Finalizes Branding Strategy Terex has continued to advance its business strategy in the wood processing and recycling industries through the acquisitions of Continental Biomass Industries (CBI) and Neuson Ecotec Environmental Technology, combined with the introduction of new recycling products from its Northern Ireland facility. Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, Terex has determined it will proceed with a strong two-brand market strategy—CBI and Terex Ecotec. The extensive CBI product line includes stationary and portable horizontal grinders, drum chippers, flail debarkers, disc chippers and screens. Additionally, customized 38
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stationary recycling systems can be configured using CBI equipment to meet specific processing needs. The full Terex Ecotec product line now includes slow and medium speed shredders, biomass chippers, horizontal grinders, trommel and recycling screens, waste handlers, and windrow turners. “This brand strategy gives Terex two strong brands of well-known and reliable equipment to meet virtually any environmental processing need,” comments Elaine Donaghy, Marketing Manager. “Depending on the market and how to best serve the customer, we will employ a mixed sales channel strategy that includes both distributors and direct sales.” The global Terex Ecotec organization is headquartered in Dungannon, Northern Ireland with CBI
The air becomes filled with joy as the UPS truck makes weekly and then daily appearances, and boxes are immediately taken to their rooms, unopened. Secret shopping trips are planned, and bags are brought into the house with lots of fanfare and yelling at folks to go away or not look or turn their heads. But you just never truly know who has your name. I’m amazed at the secrecy of it all. The morning of Christmas is so magic, and if I could bottle and share any part of our life with the world, it would be these moments. Sibling Christmas is my favorite part of Christmas, too. All of us get comfortable in the living room, and one place is designated “The Gift Chair.” Daddy randomly selects who will go first, and from there in what order we will go for the handing out of gifts. For this one morning, it is plain to see that giving just might be more fun than getting. One by one, the gifts are opened as we all watch the one child delightfully tearing into gifts that were found and made and purchased with hard earned money of a sibling. As I was thinking of how to share our Christmas joy at a time in America when there are so many hurting people, I wondered how it would make sense. I had to ask myself a hard question: how can sharing something so personal help your friends, your country? Because I honestly believe that being yourself, and this gift giving, this putting your heart into something special, is what we need in America right now. You see, my kids don’t have fast and hard rules about gift wrapping, or what stores to use, or the number of gifts that should be in the pile. All that is up to the giver. One kid will spend the limit on one super cool gift, and will probably give it to you in a gift wrapped, unopened Amazon box that it came in. One will make by hand several things that you will cherish, and lots of things to open from the Dollar Tree, and several “big” things from a secret shopping trip. One kid has a gift radar and gives spoton perfect personal gifts, neatly wrapped and packaged. One knows what you love, and it’s not on the list, and delights in giving those gifts. One always blows the budget sky high. One listens all year and gives gifts that cause an uproar because we all forgot what that person REALLY wanted, and they even forgot themselves. I could go on. Each child gives good gifts, in their unique way. Each child is loved in her or his uniqueness. Each pile of gifts is appreciated. The understanding is that each of them wants to make another one very, very happy. So they put their best into getting special things for someone that they love. The gifts are received with joy and thankful hearts. And that’s it. That’s my Christmas wish for you, for my America. I wish we would live our lives in the way that God created us to be, with no judgement towards others. I wish we would all give our gifts to our brothers and sisters, that the gifts be received with joy and thankful hearts. If we each lived our unique life, and if we each could give our unique gift, and that life and that gift would be received with joy and thankfulness, I think our country would be given a chance to heal like never before. Merry Christmas, my friends. Live your life. Don’t quit. Don’t hide. SLT Your life is your gift to the world. Global headquarters in Newton, NH in the U.S. and another branch in Nijverdal, Netherlands.
Bankrupt Pellets Plants Are Up For Sale Production continues at two Southern U.S. pellet plants in Woodville, Tex., and Urania, La. that were formerly owned by German Pellets GmbH of Wismar, Germany, with both currently in bankruptcy as the plants’ largest creditors seek buyers or new investors. German Pellets, formerly a major producer of industrial pellets in Europe and parent company of Texas Pellets and Louisiana Pellets, filed for bankruptcy in February 2016 after the company was unable to meet debt obligations.
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Louisiana Pellets filed for bankruptcy a week after the parent company, unable to make a $4.2 million payment. Texas Pellets filed for bankruptcy in May 2016, citing creditors’ claims and liens. The Texas plant had started up in 2013; the company built an accompanying pellet shipping facility in Port Arthur, Tex., and the mill was running well at its 500,000 metric ton annual capacity until the bankruptcy. The Louisiana plant, meanwhile, also a 500,000 metric tons facility, is currently running despite suffering from construction and startup problems in mid 2015 that slowed its production ramp up. Officials with investment firm Invesco, Ltd., which is the largest debt holder for the Louisiana plant ($89 million) and Texas facility ($39 million), did not respond to an
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e-mail about current ownership structure, operations or any future plans for the facilities. Sources say the Louisiana plant is paying up front for its raw material purchases, and the Texas plant remains an active member of the Texas Forestry Assn. News reports note both facilities are relatively new plants in good locations, and investment analysts with Invesco and the private equity industry have cited future projected pellet demand.
Biggs Receives Safety Award In NC
In a celebration with community leaders, Georgia-Pacific recently marked the completion of a $40 million expansion at its Gurdon, Ark. lumber operations. The investment expands the production capacity of the sawmill by 60%. Georgia-Pacific has eight facilities in Arkansas, five of which are part of the building products division. It employs 2,700 directly in the state, with more than 665 located at the Gurdon lumber and plywood operations.
New Biomass Energy Buys Out Solvay New Biomass Energy has acquired Solvay’s interest in the Mississippi torrefaction plant and plans to continue the production of torrefied biomass. Initial production at the Quitman plant will supply 2,000 to 3,000 tons of torrefied wood for a test burn at Portland General Electric’s plant in Boardman, Ore. New Biomass Energy is looking for opportunities to expand the business with a current focus on development in the United States. The company is also exploring additional uses for the torrefied material in alternative markets such as compos-
GP Completes Gurdon Upgrade
In October the entire family of North Carolina logger Wade Biggs was on hand to celebrate when Forestry Mutual Ins. Co. honored Wade T. Biggs & Sons Logging for its commitment to safety at the annual meeting of the NC Forestry Assn. Biggs’ company received Forestry Mutual’s 2016 E.K. Pittman Safety Award from FM rep Brian Macanka, far right. The Biggs family members included, first row, from left, Shane, Seth, Jack and Katie; second row; Thomas and Tracy Biggs, Travis and Angela Biggs, and Wade and Carolyn Biggs.
ite materials and agriculture. “Torrefied pellets offer an extremely compelling renewable energy solution for existing coalfired facilities looking to reduce their CO2 emissions,” says Neal
Smaler, President of New Biomass Energy. “We also look forward to working with interested partners on the alternative uses of the material, which offer substantial potential for growth.”
Conifex Moves Ahead On El Dorado Sawmill Work appears to be going forward on a new sawmill being constructed by Conifex Timber-Union County Lumber at the site of the former GP sawmill that Canadabased Conifex purchased in 2015. Conifex-Union Lumber anticipates hiring 140 employees, with some employees already brought on and working at the site. The new operation reportedly
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Bob Weisert’s Equipment Love Affair Bob Weisert, a retired heavy equipment operator who settled in the northern Minnesota town of Squaw Lake, does amazing things with wood, as confirmed by the accompanying photos. His acute interest in equipment and his advanced woodworking talent enable him to build extremely detailed logging and construction machine replicas that border on functioning works of art. The wooden components are actually functioning systems. They include hydraulic rams and cylinders, self-leveling cab, sawhead, swiveling seat, grapWeisert ple, oscillating axles and rotating tracks and slasher blade. Even the mirrors are adjustable! Weisert doesn’t replicate these works from scaled plans purchased at a hobby store; he builds everything from photos he takes or those appearing in brochures or calendars. He handcrafts every single component, and each machine takes hundreds of hours to build. His replicas include track and wheel-type feller-bunchers, knuckleboom loaders, skidders, slashers, harvesters, forwarders, bulldozers and more. At the American Loggers Council’s annual meeting in late September, the Associated Contract Loggers and Truckers of Minnesota (ACLT) donated a Weisert six-wheel drive bogie skidder, complete with 12 tires, for the ALC’s fund raising auction. It went for a cool $2,200. Every part is moving and functional. Earlier, ACLT asked Weis-
Weisert hand-crafts each component based on photos of the equipment.
ert to craft a six-axle log truck and presented it to Minnesota Cong. Rick Nolan in recognition of Nolan’s successful leadership in sponsoring the Transportation Bill amendment that allows six-axle log trucks to access an interstate highway between Duluth and Cloquet, Minn. (Thanks to ACLT’s Scott Dane for providing information and photos for this item.)
One piece sold for $2,200 at a recent auction.
issued several purchase orders in recent weeks. The city of El Dorado is contributing $600,000 from the El Dorado Forward economic development sales tax to install a natural gas supply line to the Union Lumber facility.
West Fraser Will Pump Up Newberry West Fraser is expanding its Newberry County, South Carolina sawmill operations with a $33 million investment and an increase in production by more than 37%. “Building a strong business supports our mill’s competitiveness so we can continue to be an active employer and a positive contributor to Newberry County,” comments West Fraser Newberry Lumber Mill General Manager DJ Russell.
Huber Plans To Reopen Tennessee OSB Plant Huber Engineered Woods LLC will reopen its oriented strandboard (OSB) plant in Spring City, Tenn. in 40
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2018 pending completion of various state and local incentives processes. “The reopening of our Spring City mill is an indication of the strength and resiliency of our ZIP System and AdvanTech branded products,” says HEW President Brian Carlson. “This operational investment will increase our company’s production capacity and further enhance our product availability and highly regarded customer service.” The mill, located in the Ten-
nessee River Valley northeast of Chattanooga, is undergoing facility upgrades in preparation of manufacturing specialty panel products including AdvanTech subflooring and ZIP System sheathing beginning in April 2018. “The Spring City plant is in fullswing production preparation,” says Plant Manager Bryan Little. Little began his career at the Spring City mill in 1997 and cross-trained in multiple functions before landing
the plant manager position in 2016. Little says the number and types of positions to be filled will be announced in early 2017. The facility opened in 1997, but halted production during the housing market downturn in 2011. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Huber Engineered Woods has manufacturing operations in Maine, Georgia, Virginia and Oklahoma, as well as research and development facilities in Georgia.
Barko Names Talaga As Product Manager Steve Talaga has been appointed Product Manager for forestry equipment manufacturer Barko Hydraulics, LLC, part of the Pettibone Heavy Equipment Group. Talaga is responsible for product line development, market analysis, and general support and interaction with Barko dealers and customers. Prior to his new position, Talaga worked for sister company Pettibone/Traverse Lift, LLC for four and a half years, first as a service technician and then as a design engineer. Talaga has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering technology from Michigan Technological University.
Rotochopper Hosts Sixth Demo Day With more than 200 attendees, Rotochopper’s 6th annual Demo Day in St. Martin, Minn. was its largest event yet, bringing in guests from all over the world. The day began with tours of the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, giving attendees the opportunity to see Rotochopper grinders in every stage of manufacture, from cutting to final inspection and testing. The facility tours also allowed guests to meet the teams that design, build and support their Rotochopper equipment. Rotochopper President/CEO Art de St. Aubin welcomed attendees with opening remarks that focused on the benefits of working with a factory-direct manufacturer: “Today, you’re going to witness
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Wolfe & Parker Receives FRA Honor
Rotochopper hosted 200 guests at its 6th annual Demo Day in St. Martin, Minn.
what Rotochopper stands for: loyalty, community, commitment and service. This commitment allows us to create new products and equipment enhancements based on your feedback. We represent only one name, Rotochopper, and we’re proud of it.” The demonstrations began with Rotochopper’s 950 HP B-66 showing off the convenience of a Track & Dolly system, coming in the yard on tires, switching to tracks and ready to grind logs and whole trees within minutes. Through the course of the day, Rotochopper completed more than 20 demos with a variety of raw materials and end products, featuring 10 machines: 950 HP B66 Track & Dolly, 765 HP B-66, 540 HP TS-2 track shredder, 540 HP FP-66, 475 HP MC-266, 400 HP EC-366, 350 HP MP-2, 127 HP CP-118 wood chip processor, 75 HP RMT test mill and the certified factory refurbished 200 HP SB-24E. The day ended with Rotochop-
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per’s trademark: a grind and color finale with the 950 HP B-66, and 475 HP MC-266. Attendees got to watch the machines grind and color black and red mulch side-by-side. Customers and prospects spent the evening before and after Demo Day networking and comparing the ins and outs of various grinding operations and fiber commodity markets over drinks and dinner; as well as building friendships and business relationships that will prove fruitful for years to come. “Every year, Rotochopper Demo Day gets better and better,” comments Brad Bennett, owner of Novem Waste, Inc. “As a business owner, the experience is invaluable for me. I get to see the latest products and equipment that will provide new markets for my business and machine, and meet other Rotochopper owners and operators. The connections I’ve made at Demo Day are vital to the success of my business, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Wolfe & Parker Logging of Moorefield, W. Va. was honored by the Forest Resources Assn. (FRA) and Stihl Inc. as FRA’s 2016 Appalachian Region Outstanding Logger at an awards dinner on September 14. FRA Appalachian Region Chairman Jay Phaup presented the honorees with a wooden crosscut saw plaque, and Rick Bryan of Bryan Equipment, a regional Stihl distributor, provided a $250 check and a gift certificate for a chain saw. Co-owners Randall Wolfe, Donald Parker and Wayne Wolfe run a mechanized, highly productive operation, yet they take great care to conduct and close out harvesting operations in a careful, environmentally sound manner. They often harvest on George Washington National Forest and have excellent working relationships with West Virginia Div. of Forestry foresters. Jared Simpson, a forester for Allegheny Wood Products who has a working relationship with Wolfe & Parker, comments that Wolfe & Parker get many referrals and harvest job requests because they aim to please the landowners. Wolfe & Parker Logging is noted for being dependable, exhibiting professionalism, practicing good log utilization, and having a strong work ethic. Randall Wolfe comments that, “When we first started logging, people only gave us six months before they thought we would be out of business. But here we are 28 years later. All we do is work.” Wolfe & Parker belongs to the West Virginia Forestry Assn., and Parker is a founding member of the West Virginia Loggers Council and currently serves on its board. The company has received the West Virginia Div. of Forestry award for Loggers of Excellence every year since that program started. FRA’s Outstanding Logger Award program is designed to raise the visibility of professional logging contractors and to encourage other loggers to adopt the performance of the award winners. The Regional Award winner becomes a nominee for FRA’s National Outstanding Logger recognition.
FRA Appalachian Region Chairman Jay Phaup, right, and Bryan Equipment’s Rick Bryan, left, congratulate Donald Parker, left center, and Randall Wolfe.
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AT THE MARGINS Reflecting On 2016, Looking Ahead By Jari Mennala, Director Forestry Sales & Marketing U.S., Canada, Latin America et’s reflect on the past 12 months and consider how to prepare for the year ahead. Loggers are facing more challenges than ever, from dealing with increasing market pressures to managing employee recruitment and retention. The multitude of challenges requires loggers to be smart and to adapt to constant changes. The modern logger doesn’t ignore the past—it helped shape who they are as a business owner—but combines years of experience with new innovations and business strategies to prepare for a successful future. Cultivate Employees—It is widely known that one of the biggest challenges loggers face is finding good, reliable operators. As more loggers age out of the profession, there are not enough young employees willing and prepared to take over. Loggers need to take action to
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recruit new employees. Consider getting involved with local organizations and trade schools to help educate students who may have not considered a career in logging. When new employees are hired, focus on cultivating them. Clearly define your expectations and invest in educational opportunities to ensure your workers are prepped for the job and growing on a professional level. Become An Effective Manager—Loggers are being asked to wear many hats as business owners. One of the more important jobs is the management of employees. It is important to hold employees to predetermined standards and guidelines and address employee concerns and help them grow as professionals. Outline rules, processes and standards for your employees to follow and abide by. When new employees are on board, clearly outline your expectations and set standards. This eliminates confusion and sets the bar from the first day they step onto the job. It is important to develop employ-
ees by exposing them to various parts of the business. Discuss potential areas of interest and find ways to help them get involved. With a broader understanding, employees may feel more connected to the business and be more forthcoming with ideas. There may be a new way of doing things that could ultimately increase your profitability. Adapt To New Technology— Manufacturers are evolving, introducing new technology to increase the profitability of operators and to streamline business operations. While a wealth of knowledge is available, many loggers are resisting change and not taking advantage of the opportunities right at their fingertips. While new technology solutions may seem intimidating and complex, they have simplified business management and equipment maintenance. Loggers who adapt and take advantage of resources will thrive and rise above the competition. As mills continue to ask more of loggers, the margin for error continues to narrow, requiring loggers to work with better efficiency and accuracy. Anticipate The Future—As a
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business owner, it is important to constantly look to the future, identifying what’s next for the industry. The market is constantly fluctuating and loggers should be keeping track of trends and plan for increases or decreases in work. To make it easier, it is important to align with supportive partners to ensure that your operation can keep up with the ever-changing industry. Your equipment dealer can be a great resource for new machine purchases, trade-ins, and financing. By having partners that not only understand your business, but also the complexity of the logging industry, you can help set up your business for success. There will always be challenges in the logging industry, but that doesn’t limit the amount of opportunities. A new year presents an opportunity to adjust your business strategy and adopt new processes that will help ensure long-term success. Reflect on the past and analyze what has worked and what needs to be changed. Speak with your trusted partners, including your dealer and financial advisor, to get a full view of your business and ways you can improve your operation.
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MACHINES-SUPPLIES-TECHNOLOGY Tigercat D-Series Carrier
ductivity. The D-series has been upgraded to the Tigercat FPT N67 engine outputting 308 HP at 2,000 RPM. The engine is available in Tier 2 and Tier 4f configurations. The swing bearing diameter has increased from 54" to 62". The larger bearing provides increased capacity and swing torque. The twin swing drive system reduces gear tooth loads. A massive singlepiece, forged pedestal strengthens the undercarriage and improves durability. The 880D logger now shares the modular main hydraulic valve with all other Tigercat 800 series carriers for improved parts commonality. With the ability to easily swap out a valve section, the modular design simplifies maintenance. Another advantage of the 880D logger is Tigercat’s forest duty undercarriage. Long frames and a wide stance carbody provide excellent stability. Track components are co-designed with Berco to provide maximum durability in forestry applications. The 880D has plenty of cooling capacity with an automatic variable speed fan for improved fuel efficiency and an automatic reversing cycle to clean the heat exchangers. Another fuel saving feature is the energy recovery swing system. A closed loop drive feeds power back
The Tigercat 880D supersedes the Tigercat 880—a heavy duty, purpose-built forestry carrier that can be configured for loading, shovel logging or processing. The 880 stands out against converted excavators with higher horsepower, more robust construction and pro-
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to the engine when swing decelerates, reducing fuel consumption and recovering energy for other machine functions. Service access is outstanding with the power operated side engine door and overhead roof enclosure. Shields separate the engine from the hydraulic pumps and valves. The entire upper assembly is designed for extreme duty. Heavy wall side bumpers and a solid cast counterweight protect the upper assembly from impacts when swinging. Convenient walk-up access to the rear entry door leads to a generous interior cab space. The cabin is quiet and comfortable with excellent visibility. The full-length front window and additional floor windows provide clear sightlines. Visit tigercat.com.
Dorsey Aluminum Giant
Dorsey Trailer now offers the weight saving “Aluminum Giant” all-aluminum platform trailer series. Designed and engineered for significant weight savings, outstanding payload capacity and corrosion resistance, the all-aluminum has a capacity of 80,000 lbs. evenly distributed and an available 52,000 lbs. capacity in 4'. The Dorsey Aluminum Giant series boasts a one piece welded Ibeam design. The pre-cambered, no bolt construction is stronger, lasts longer and lowers end user operating cost. Aluminum Giant trailers come standard with 5" extruded channel cross members on 15" centers and a coil package while maintaining a starting tare weight under 8,900 lbs. The 11⁄2" hollow core box extruded aluminum floor combined with custom pipe spool design allows the aluminum giant to withstand rigorous fleet conditions and the most demanding owner operator usage. Standard features such as 6061 T-6 aluminum construction, fully galvanized suspension, aluminum landing gear and fully sealed wiring harness ensure years of corrosion free work even in the harshest northern conditions. The Aluminum Giant Drop Deck shares the same fabrication materials, procedures and components, while featuring an all-aluminum drop neck design, which allows the end user to haul tall loads while maintaining higher payload capaci-
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MACHINES-SUPPLIES-TECHNOLOGY ty and superior corrosion resistance. All Aluminum Giant series trailers are available with multiple beam packages and multiple axle configurations to meet all legal requirements and hauling needs. Visit dorseytrailer.net.
Deere Swing Machines
Tigercat Big Skidder The new Tigercat 632E skidder is powered by the Tigercat FPT N67 engine, which provides full emissions compliance for Tier 2 and Tier 4f along with excellent fuel economy. The Tier 4f engine delivers 285 HP at 2,200 rpm, and the Tier 2 option delivers 288 HP at 2,100 rpm.
Tigercat reports that the 632E can be equipped with the largest grapple offered on any four-wheel
skidder on the market. The larger 2,1 m2 (23 ft2) option has a tip-totip opening of 152 in. Complementing the higher horsepower and larger grapple, the hydraulic system and driveline have been extensively upgraded. Several components and structures have been upsized for improved durability. The 632E uses a larger main hydraulic pump and valves for
John Deere’s new 2154G/2156G and 2654G/2656G forestry swing machines are designed to increase operator efficiency and performance, maneuvering through the toughest of jobs, from loading to processing big wood. The 2156G and 2656G log loaders are distinguished by the 56 model number, while the forestry excavators retain the 54 model number. All four models are equipped with a PowerTech Plus 6.8L engine. On the 2154G and 2156G models, the new engine reduces fuel usage by 5-8%. The G-Series includes a climatecontrolled, redesigned operator cab that is much larger and quieter than the predecessors, and is equipped with ergonomic controls and excellent window clarity. The forestry excavator models feature a standard 25% larger side-entry cab, while the log loaders/processors have a standard elevated rear entry cab. “We wanted to develop a machine that not only responds to the needs of our customers, but goes above and beyond the industry standards to provide operators with the comfort and productivity they need to get through long days,” says Dave McFarlane, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. The design on the G-Series features significant undercarriage improvements. The 2154G and 2156G models have been updated with larger rollers, while the 2654G and 2656G are available with an optional longer track. Improvements to the boom, arm, mainframe and undercarriage increase the life of the structures. The new models feature a 35% reduction in electrical components. The machines are equipped with a larger cooling system with hydraulically reversing fans to increase airflow and lower operating temperature. Visit johndeere.com. Southern Loggin’ Times
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MACHINES-SUPPLIES-TECHNOLOGY faster operation and better multifunctioning. The hydraulic cylinders are larger allowing the machine to run pressures that are 10% lower while increasing performance by 10% on average. Cylinder rod sizes have been increased by 25%. A newly enhanced EHS transmission produces 11% more torque— with the same top speed as the previous generation of EHS. The new OB20 rear axle—specially designed for the 632E—provides 47% more torque capacity and nearly twice the life on all bearings. The axle mounting has
been redesigned to use four highstrength 30 mm (1.18") bolts and two 30 mm studs on each side mounted to a massive 77 mm (3") thick steel frame. The new design transfers the force to the skidder chassis and can better handle the higher torque load of the new axle and uprated EHS drive. Operators will see additional improvements in the cab starting with the new air-ride seat. A new instrument panel layout improves placement of electrical outlets and the electronic control system display. Visit tigercat.com.
Log Max ProCut Processor Optimized for LogMate 500, the ProCut 2330 from Log Max is simply designed for optimal processing of 23" diameter timber. Extended front knives make it easier for handling large timbers and processing operations. Precise high-speed feeding and high traction increases consistency in length measuring. Three drive feed rollers provide high traction to firmly feed the tree through the head. The triple grip also limits slipping, and prevents bark from clogging the
measuring wheel. The compact LogMate 500 stateof-the-art control system is built from high quality components. The computer is IP65 standard compliant and has a solid state drive. One module is mounted on the head, two in the cabin to transfer and receive data and power to the harvesting head. Visit logmax.com.
Cooper Mixed Service Line
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has added a new size to its Roadmaster RM332 WB commercial tire line, which is a premium, wide-base steer tire for mixed service applications. The RM332 is now available in size 385/65R22.5 in load range L, in addition to size 425/65R22.5 in load range L introduced in April. The RM332 WB tire has a deep 23/32nds of tread depth to provide extended tread life in severe, high scrub applications, and a cut and chip resistant compound specially formulated to meet the diverse performance requirements of mixed service applications. In addition, the tire features a specially designed rib-type tread pattern to withstand the rigors of heavy-haul driving, onand off-road, while also providing long tread life and even wear. The design of the RM332 WB tire includes a protective curb bar on both sidewalls and stone protector ledges in all four circumferential grooves to help resist stone penetrations. These features help preserve the casing for retreading. To promote durability for heavy-haul fleets, the RM332 WB has four heavy-duty, full-width steel belts. The new RM332 WB is backed by a Roadmaster warranty that offers two retreads within six years. Visit coopertire.com. All products presented here were submitted by manufacturers, who are responsible for any and all claims made. SLT reserves the right to edit for style and space considerations.
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6 ➤ chance that I might make something. It’s hard if (you) just work for one person. If you put all your eggs in one basket, a snake might get in and take it all.”—Edwin Taylor, Duck Hill, Miss. Page 17, August issue “It takes a special breed of person to do this. Some people do it out of desperation; if you’re going to stay in it for the long haul, you have to have it in your blood.”—Mac Rosencrantz, Cairo, Ga. Page 22, August issue “Our biggest issue is the DOT. It just seems like every day we work, we get stopped by the DOT. It’s getting to the point that they’re sitting outside our job waiting for us, trying to catch us overweight.”—Adam Denton, Helena, Ark. Page 12, September issue “The computerized equipment makes it so easy, it tells you what to do. All you have to do is pay attention.”—Britt McDonald, Texarkana, Tex. Page 18, September issue “If conditions are bad on one tract, they’re often not as bad on the other tract because they’re usually about 60 miles or more away from each other. We’ve probably gotten to work more than most loggers in the area on account of the two crews.”—Randy Maggard, London, Ky. Page 40, September issue “It is so much easier now than it was when I was
growing up with my dad. He had five guys on the ground with a chain saw, and we have none. We don’t even get a chain saw out anymore.”—Charlie Dopson, McRae, Ga. Page 8, October issue “I would love to see more young loggers around here. But the cost of equipment is so high that it makes things very difficult.”—Butch Lewis, Chester, SC. Page 24, October issue “Daddy always told us whatever you get into, whatever you do, in any industry there will be givers and there will be takers. You make sure you are a giver and that you leave your industry better than when you found it. If you keep that mindset, you not only do well but the people around you do better, too.”—Tim Southerland, Southport, Fla. Page 8, November issue “We’re able to move a lot of wood with zero contract trucks. I want to haul my own wood. I don’t want to be at the mercy of someone else.”— Heith Harper, Joaquin, Tex. Page 16, November issue “I just fell in love with it. I love logging and still do to this day. I love every aspect of it, from getting out and walking the tract to running the machinery, until we finish a job. I love every bit of it. I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I once asked an elderly gentleman how to be successful in business and he said ‘Find out what you love and stick with it.’ I love what I do and I strive to be the best logger that
I can be.”—Freddy Tidwell, Double Springs, Ala. Page 8, December issue “You’ve got to keep on investing because you wear stuff out. It’s not like a lot of businesses where you can buy it one time and then you’re good. If you can get five or six years out of a piece of equipment you’re doing well and you’ve gotten the best out of it.”—Roger Williams, King George, Va. Pages 16-18, December issue “Stories can change. The camera doesn’t change. It’s been really beneficial for our company. If we hadn’t had them installed, we would be going on somebody’s word.”—David Kemp, Franklinton, NC, Page 30, December issue
One Last Thing… Are you going to the Elmia forestry equipment show in Sweden next summer? Check out the ad on page 12, or look up the web site (www. elmia.se). I went in 2013 and plan to go back in 2017. It’s a great show, and if you have any questions please contact me. I’ve heard from one gentleman in Arkansas who plans to attend. One word of advice: if you think you might want to go, book your flights and hotels early, like in January. With that, I bid you a very merry Christmas, happy New Year, and…as I am writing this the day after the 2016 Iron Bowl looking ahead to the SEC Championship game and the third College Football SLT Playoffs…ROLL TIDE!
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2016 Editorial Index JANUARY
Southern Stumpin’ One Fine Day. Page 6.
On Down The Line RC Timber Co., Oxford, Ala. The Camp crew keeps going strong with three generations now working together. Page 8. Small Scale Charm Moretz Bros. Logging, Deep Gap, NC The mountains of North Carolina provide the perfect setting for this young brother duo. Page 12. Back To The Basics Tim Cox Logging, Iuka, Miss. Tim Cox goes from big to small and that is fine by him. Page 18. Helpful Analysis When it comes to truck tires, you can get more than you pay for. Page 24.
FEBRUARY Southern Stumpin’ Perseverance Pays. Page 6. Pass It On Down Mid Star Timber Harvesting, Toxey, Ala. The Presley family has designed its ever-growing business to thrive from one generation to the next. Page 8.
Gladson Tackles Variety Gladson Logging, New Bern, NC NC logger leans on his own experience and that of the logging brotherhood. Page 46.
APRIL Southern Stumpin’ Change Of Plans. Page 6. Not Giving Up Kirkland’s Logging, Bryson City, NC Cancer couldn’t keep a good man down or out of the woods at Kirkland’s Logging. Page 8. Bigger Is Better King Logging, Selmer, Tenn. Tennessee’s Greg King, cutting on 450 acres, needs a bigger skidder for a bigger tract. Page 16. Overcoming Adversity Mark Lott Timber, Fitzgerald, Ga. Kason Lott had to step up quickly when his father passed away. Page 22. Family Strong Carter Bros. Logging, Florence, SC Faith and family help the Carters remain steady after losing one of their own. Page 28.
Stepping Up To The Plate Randolph Logging, Cuthbert, Ga. Harold Kleckley has his business rolling along in Randolph County. Page 26.
Steady Growth Big John Trailers follows a path of stability, dependability and loyalty. Page 36.
Mountain Steamer A Glance at southern West Virginia’s Meadow River Lumber Co. Page 36.
Two Million Tons Drax Biomass, Gloster, Miss. The two new Drax pellet mills in the Southeast require lots of wood fiber. Page 42.
MARCH Southern Stumpin’ Hog Wild. Page 6. On The Rise DG&E Logging, Jonesboro, La. David Greer has established himself as one of the area’s most promising young loggers. Page 8. Best Year Yet Burnie Dykes Logging Co., Richton, Miss. Lower fuel prices have things looking up for the Dykes family business. Page 14. Innovative Spirit North Carolina family continues the ‘built it right’ tradition of CTR/CSI founder. Page 22.
JUNE
says its SYP operation is right where they want it to be. Page 40.
MAY Southern Stumpin’ Take Action. Page 6. Fathers & Sons Inez Forest Industries, Inez, NC Glenn Coleman and his son Will have a direct lineage to a longstanding family logging heritage. Page 8. 40 Years Ago In Richmond Page 24. Mister Reliable Church Hill Logging, Preston, Ga. Jimmy Bearden has a strong reputation in Georgia and has the accolades to prove it. Page 28.
Southern Stumpin’ Be Kind, Rewind. Page 6. Pulling Double Duty North Bay Timber, Southport, Fla. The Richardson brothers run a logging crew and a commercial shrimping boat in the Florida Panhandle. Page 8. Two For The Money Richland Creek Timber, Logging and Excavating, Lake Toxaway, NC Brothers Josh and Jeremy Whitesides are laying the foundation to build a growing company. Page 14. Getting Ahead Jeff Drake Logging, Jackson, Tenn. Jeff Drake sets himself apart by buying new equipment and keeping landowners happy. Page 20. Showtime! Expo Richmond 2016 continued the show’s long tradition with strong crowds and (mostly) good weather. Page 26.
JULY Southern Stumpin’ A New Service. Page 6.
Promising Display Exhibitor participation in MidSouth Forestry Equipment Show a record; strong turnout expected. Page 34.
SEPTEMBER Southern Stumpin’ Stepping Up. Page 6. In With The New Baron Creek Timber, Helena, Ark. Young transplant Adam Denton had a plan to grow his company, and it worked. Page 8. Staying Focused Steitler Timber, Texarkana, Tex. Steitler Land & Timber uses one crew to merchandise tracts to their full potential. Page 16.
Ahead Of The Curve Pitts Trailers marks 40 years of pioneering innovation and success. Page 14.
Historical Series: Foster Crosby Lbr. L.O. Crosby purchased Mississippi’s Foster Creek Lbr.; town of Stephenson renamed for new owner. Page 30.
Built To Last Fly Timber Co., Grenada, Miss. Ricky Fly has built an impressive hardwood lumber sawmill with leading edge equipment in Mississippi. Page 20. Building A Brand Kip Smith Forest Services, Haddock, Ga. After just a few years in logging, Kip Smith is quickly making a name for himself. Page 27. SWPA Meeting/Expo Is Crowd Pleaser. Page 38.
AUGUST Southern Stumpin’ A Powerful Tool. Page 6.
Trucking Issues Dominate SCTPA Meeting Page 32 Right On Course Ray White Lumber Co., Sparkman, Ark. The Ray White Lumber family
Chip Chip Hooray! Wood Bioenergy Conference & Expo looks at in-woods operations. Page 44.
Steady Rolling Edwin Taylor And Son Logging, Duck Hill, Miss. After 30 years, Edwin Taylor
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Historical Review: Foster Creek Lbr. Southwest Mississippi sawmill hummed until the early 1930s; L.O. Crosby purchased remnants. Page 28.
Blazing Turnout! Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show, Starkville, Miss. Page 24.
Game Changer Pat Brister Timber, Kinder, La. Pat Brister Timber gets high production with lots of shiny new machines. Page 8.
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Age Brings Wisdom Mac Rosencrantz Logging, Cairo, Ga. Georgia-Florida line logger Mac Rosencrantz has been in logging over 40 years. Page 22.
Living The Dream Williams Tree Harvesters, Chester, Va. Young Virginia logger Hunter Williams attained his childhood aspiration. Page 8.
Still Going Strong Dunivan Logging, Columbia, Va. The Dunivan family’s footprint in Virginia keeps growing wider and deeper. Page 38.
Clearing The Way For Remote Control? Page 28.
likes to keep his crews spread out and his eggs in several baskets. Page 14.
Chippers Take Center Stage Bandit Industries Dealer Meeting, Remus, Mich. Page 28.
Making Moves Randy Maggard Logging, London, Ky. Randy Maggard Logging navigates the hillsides in Kentucky and Tennessee. Page 36.
OCTOBER Southern Stumpin’ Legends Of The Fall. Page 6. Going The Distance Dopson Timber, McRae, Ga. Family team Charlie and Timmy Dopson spread out three crews from the swamps to the hills. Page 8.
TruckWorx Rolls On Birmingham-based Kenworth dealer focuses on growth, customers and building relationships. Page 28.
NOVEMBER Southern Stumpin’ Wounded Warriors. Page 6. Positive Impact K&B Land and Timber, Southport, Fla. Tim Southerland practices what he preaches when it comes to giving back to the industry he loves. Page 8. On The Road HLH Timber, Joaquin, Tex. Heith Harper knows his business and knows how to make each piece work for him. Page 16. Plan In Action The American Loggers Council got down to business at its annual meeting last month. Page 20. 35 Years Strong Marking an anniversary this year, Peterson continues looking to the future. Page 26.
DECEMBER Southern Stumpin’ That’s What They Said. Page 6. Love Your Work F&C Logging, Double Springs, Ala. Alabama Logger Of The Year Freddy Tidwell is passionate about safety, quality and the job. Page 8. Staying The Course H.L. Williams and Son Logging, King George, Va. H.L. Williams and Son Logging keeps on trucking despite tough markets. Page 14. Concentrated Crew Will Fortner Logging, Cove, Ark. Young gun Will Fortner’s Arkansas crew is small, but production conscious. Page 20. Historical Series: Finkbine Lumber Company’s second Mississippi sawmill, at D’Lo, eventually had unique California connection. Page 28.
Chipping Away Millwood Brothers Logging, Forsyth, Ga. Millwood Brothers Logging carries on a 40 plus year family tradition of chipping. Page 14.
Christmas Gift Katesville Pallet Co., Franklinton, NC Dashboard cameras in log trucks can prove a vital tool in establishing driver innocence in accidents. Page 30.
The Big Orange Lewis Logging, Chester, SC Lewis Logging has expanded to two crews in South Carolina. Page 22.
The Other ALC Alabama Loggers Council recognized the state’s Outstanding Logger Of The Year at its annual meeting. Page 34.
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Cat 518 & Cat 518C skidders in TX, LA area Call Kent 936-699-4700 r_kentjones@yahoo.com
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CAT 559B (PR65147), 2011, 8,570 HRS., CAB, AC, 5055 TWR50 GRPL, 48’ EVANS TRLR, CTR 30 DELIMBER .....................................................$112,500
CAT 521B (0F7B00257), 2013, 3,110 HRS., CAB, AC, 35.5 TG PAD, HF201B CUTTER HEAD.........$328,000
CAT 559B (00PR65586), 2013, 6,500 HRS., CAB, AC, GRPL, PITTS H48 W/ HYD TRLR, DELIMBER .......................................................................$144,000 CAT 559C (CEKAS00329), 2013, 4,235 HRS., CAB, AC, 5505 PRENTICE GRPL, 11R22.5, DELIMBER .......................................................................$165,000
CAT 563C (0JCB00324), 2013, 5,705 HRS., CAB, AC, SAWHEAD .....................................................$165,000 CAT 563C (0JCB00268), 2014, 5,002 HRS., CAB, AC, 30.5X32, SAW .................................................$97,500 HYDRO-AX 470 (0HA18564), 2004, 9,968 HRS., CAB, AC, 28LX26......................................................$44,500
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SKIDDERS CAT 525C (052500540), 2013, 9,500 HRS., CAB, AC, 30.5X32 DUAL RING, 14.4SQFT GRPL, N BLD, HYD WINCH ............................................................$72,500 CAT 535C (052501634), 2013, 5,757 HRS., CAB, AC,
HYDRO-AX 470 (0HA18931), 2005, 11,942 HRS., CAB, AC, 28LX26, HC SH48 20 HEAD ....................$38,000
30.5-32 20PR FS, 14.4SQFT GRPL, DF WINCH,
CAT 559C (0KAS00258), 2013, 6,058 HRS., CPY, GRPL, H48 TRLR, DELIMBER ......................$153,000
PRENTICE 2470 (PB19355), 2007, 11,347 HRS., CAB, AC, SH50 SAWHEAD ......................................$77,500
CAT 545D (0KGP00120), 2015, 1,326 HRS., CAB, AC,
CAT 579B (PR65023), 2011, 9,270 HRS., CAB, AC, 1122.5 TRLR, GRPL, DELIMBER .....................$122,500
PRENTICE 2570 (PB19613), 2008, 10,457 HRS., CAB, AC, 28L-26, SH50 SAWHEAD.........................$77,500
CAT 559C (CEKAS00329), 2013, 4,235 HRS., CAB, AC, 5505 PRENTICE GRPL, 11R22.5, DELIMBER ...................$165,000
CAT 563C (0JCB00268), 2014, 5,002 HRS., CAB, AC, 30.5X32, SAW ..............$97,500
GRPL..............................................................$120,000
35.5L-32 24PR FS, ARCH BOOM, GRPL, DF WINCH .....................................................$294,500
PRENTICE 2470 (PB19355), 2007, 11,347 HRS., CAB, AC, SH50 SAWHEAD .......................................................$77,500
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CAT 545D (0KGP00120), 2015, 1,326 HRS., CAB, AC, 35.5L-32 24PR FS, ARCH BOOM, GRPL, DF WINCH..........$294,500
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Call or email: Charles Woolard
252-946-9264 office 252-945-0942 cell
Washington, NC Email: easterneq@earthlink.net
Go to www.eebinc.com for details and pictures plus other equipment for sale
2015 TC 234B, 1866 hrs., CSI 496 2005 Prentice 280 w/ CTR 450 2010 Volvo L150F w/ high tilt delimber, Kodiak Tr........$185,000 delimber, 6300 hrs......... $48,000 bucket, 4412 hrs ..........$139,000
2010 Volvo L180F w/ Log Clamp, 2015 Tigercat 724G w/ 5700 saw, 2008 Peterson 2400B grinder, CAT 11757 hrs.....................$100,000 duals, 1856 hrs...............$229,000 560HP, 3382 hrs ...............$90,000
2016 Morbark 2755 Flail/ Chipper, 2010 Peterson 4800E delimber/ 1992 Franklin 170 S/A grapple, re-con Cummins, 28's tires CAT 1050HP, 229 hrs ..........$ Call debarker CAT C9 350HP .......................................$95,000 .......................................$22,500
! 0 0 1 $2 LI
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FINAN C AVAILA ING BLE
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www.equipmentandparts.com
Office : 903-238-8700 • Jason Bruner: 903-452-5290 Bill Bruner: 903-235-2805 YEAR END SALE H REDUCED PRICES
SKIDDERS
2012 John Deere 748H Skidder – 7,950 hours, Good 30.5 x 32 tires, Cab with air, Winch, Ready to work!................$129,500
FELLER BUNCHERS
2012 John Deere 643K Feller Buncher – 5,410 hours, Good 28L tires, Waratah FD22B saw head, Cab with air, Ready to work! ..................Reduced to $119,500
MULCHERS
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2012 Cat 535C Dual Arch Skidder – 5,800 hours, 3 New, 1 very good - 35.5 x 32 tires, Cab with air, Winch. Ready to work! ..................Reduced to $119,500 2010 Prentice 2570 Mulcher – Brand new FAE 200U/225 mulching head, Brand new high pressure mulcher pump and hoses, 28L tires, 6.7 Cummins engine, Cab with air, Ready to work! 0 hours since conversion from a Feller Buncher ................................Reduced to $189,500
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LOADERS 2011 Cat 535C Dual Arch Skidder – 8,684 hours, 2 New, 2 very good 30.5 x 32 tires, Cab with air, Winch, Ready to work! ...................Reduced to $105,000
2014 Deere 753J Track Feller Buncher STK# LU256926; 1,983 hrs $298,000
2013 Deere 843K Feller Buncher STK# LU652805; 5,829 hrs $105,000
2012 Prentice 2384 Log Loader – 7,310 hours, Mounted on trailer with CTR 426 Delimber, Cab with air, Cummins engine. Ready to work! ...........................Reduced to $119,500
2014 Deere 848H Skidder STK# LU658557; 4,371 hrs $155,000
2010 Cat 525C Dual Arch Skidder – 8,000 hours, 2 New, 2 good 30.5 x 32 tires, Cab with air, Winch, Ready to work! .....................Reduced to $95,000
2013 Deere 437D Knuckleboom Loader STK# LU239287; 4,020 hrs $118,000
2011 Deere 437D Knuckleboom Loader STK# LV225560; 7,916 hrs $89,000
2012 Tigercat 234 Log Loader – 8,000 hours, Mounted on hydraulic leg trailer with Riley delimber, Cab with air, Cummins engine. Ready to work! ...$119,500
2013 Deere 748H Skidder STK# LU652927; 5,410 hrs $155,000
2006 John Deere 648G-III Skidder Dual arch, 7,100 hours, Good 30.5 x 32 tires, Cab with air, Ready to work! ...................................................$69,500 2007 Prentice 2470 Mulcher STK# LUVB1971; 3,992 hrs $155,000
2015 Morbark T8-240/3 Chipper STK# LU781158; $315,000
2013 Deere 843K Feller Buncher STK# LU653837; 4,141 hrs $139,000
Visa and Mastercard accepted
2005 Prentice 384 Log Loader - Trailer mounted with CTR Delimber, Cab with air, John Deere engine, Good running machine! ....................................$49,500
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POSITION – Sales Representative. LOCATION – Central MS River Ridge Equipment is seeking a Sales Representative to cover the state of MS. We are a fast growing company that sells, services, and remanufactures forestry equipment. We are seeking an individual with a solid work ethic who can work unsupervised throughout the territory. This position will be based from the selected candidate’s home and will call on the logging community. Experience selling in the forestry industry is a must. Salary + Commission + Phone & Truck Allowance. Send resume to: office@riverridgeequipment.com
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VISIT US ONLINE:
www.southernloggintimes.com
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Day or Night: 252-341-9891
WILL PAY FAIR PRICE
USED FORESTRY EQUIPMENT ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE
352-239-1549 IF YOU NEED
To buy or sell forestry, construction, utility or truck equipment, or if you just need an appraisal, contact me, Johnny Pynes with JM Wood Auction. Over 25 years experience.
-2006 timberking TK722. 6500hrs. Recent undercarriage. Tight and dry ......$130,000 -2005 tigercat 720D. 7000hrs. Recent engine. Good dry machine. 2 new 43" tires on front with chains. 2 on back are 20% ............................................$60,000 -2013 CSI DL-4400 bucksaw. Long frame. Good and straight ........................$10,500 -30.5/32 tires mounted on JD wheels. 20% 8 Converted in-woods Chip Vans tread..............................................$3,000 All in good condition ........$6,500 ea.
731-358-0844 13349
email: Tim.cavalierhose@yahoo.com
www.southernloggintimes.com
EUREKA! EUREKA! EUREKA! OWNERS HAVE OVER 30 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE!
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We can save you money on Saw Teeth. Hundreds of satisfied ACC OW EP customers. Rebuilt Exchange or New. We specialize in rebuild- CRE TING DIT ing Koehring 2000, Hurricana, Hydro Ax split teeth and all CARDS other brands. Call Jimmy or Niel Mitchell. Quantity Discounts!
EUREKA SAW TOOTH CO., INC.
4433
4275 Moores Ferry Rd. • Skippers, Virginia 23879 PH./FAX (day) 1-434-634-9836 or Night/Weekends • 1-434-634-9185
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804-586-7198
VISIT US ONLINE:
Day 334-312-4136 Night 334-271-1475 or Email: johnwpynes@knology.net
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If you own a Gates Crimper, Our truck with Hose and Fittings will come to your job site. Call to see how we can save you time and money.
SKIDDERS, LOG LOADERS, BUNCHERS AND BUCK SAWS
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GEORGIA LOGGERS!
FOR SALE FOR SALE
WANTED NOW
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I OFFER same day while you wait OR 2-day service on straightening and balancing all types of Feller Buncher sawdisks. Tooth holder repairs. Complex or severely bent sawdisks no problem, approx. 14years experience CALL CARLTON CARVER CARVER SAWDISK REPAIR Washington NC • (252) 945-2358
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RECONDITIONED DELIMBINATORS!! In addition to new machines, CHAMBERS DELIMBINATOR, INC. now has factory reconditioned DeLimbinators. These units have been inspected, repaired, and updated as needed. Call us and we will help you select a DeLimbinator for your need.
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2005 John Deere 650J Dozer 4,808 hours, fair condition ...........................$42,500
WE ALSO BUY USED DELIMBINATORS Call: 662-285-2777 day, 662-285-6832 eves Email: info@chambersdelimbinator.com
2012 Tigercat 724E Fellerbuncher
New Cummins QSB 6.7L Tier IV with 762 hrs, Encompass eng warranty exp. 1/8/18, 18 tooth 5600 Tigercat saw head and 28L tires
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.............$129,500
2005 John Deere 748GIII Skidder
...............$70,000
2010 John Deere 843K Excellent Condition ...................$85,000
FOR SALE 2004 Morbark, 30", a/c, 1000 HP, excellent, 7000 hrs 571
3,313 hours, fair condition, 50% tire tread
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TED SMITH
5840 Hwy 36, Russellville, AL Home: 256-766-8179 • Office: 256-766-6491 Fax: 256-766-6962 • Cell: 256-810-3190
KEVIN MONTGOMERY 256-366-1425
EDWARDS
Carl 216-244-4413 or 440-988-4477
www.facebook.com/SouthernLogginTimes
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Bulldozer Overturns And Kills Operator BACKGROUND: A bulldozer operator was working alone clearing a logging road on an early spring morning in the Appalachians. The ground was still frozen. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The 23-year-old bulldozer operator was co-owner of the construction company that had contracted for the job of clearing a logging road. His previous record of safety training, work experience and safety is unknown. UNSAFE ACT AND CONDITIONS: The 1970-model bulldozer was equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS), but it was not equipped with a seatbelt, safety harness or doors. The operator was working alone on a small hillside in frozen ground conditions, which reduced the stability and the traction of the bulldozer.
ACCIDENT: Although the accident was not witnessed, the bulldozer was discovered in an overturned position when the property owner saw that the operator’s truck was still at
the work site in the evening, but no equipment could be heard running. The landowner went to the site and discovered the operator trapped beneath the bulldozer. Investigation later attributed the accident to the machine flipping sideways on a small hill, due at least partially to the ground’s frozen condition. INJURY: The first responders who arrived at the scene believe that the operator died almost instantaneously, having been thrown from the equipment and then trapped beneath it. His death was attributed to blunt force trauma.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION: Operators of heavy equipment should wear a seatbelt to keep them within the protective zone of the ROPS in the event of a rollover. Operators should use extra caution when using heavy equipment on steep terrain—keeping the tracks positioned straight up and down the slope—and should not operate bulldozers where hazards such as frozen ground, stone outcroppings, or loose rock would cause the dozer to lose stability on hilly terrain. If available, a tracked excavator may be a better alternative to a dozer in some situations, because it can often reach ahead from a stable position and cut the slope/road. Recognize the safety hazards of operating very old equipment that does not have completely enclosed cabs and is not “purpose-built” to reduce exposure to in-woods hazards such as steep terrain, woody brush/spears, etc. (Do not remove seatbelts and doors installed on machines, and ensure they are maintained in working order.) Supplied by Forest Resources Assn.
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January 2017
May 2017
10—Missouri Forest Products Assn. 2016 winter meeting, Jefferson City, Mo. Call 573-634-3252; visit moforest.org.
3-7—Virginia Forestry Assn. Summit, Roanoke, Va. Call 804-2788733; visit vaforestry.org.
February 2017 10-12—South Carolina Timber Producers Assn. annual meeting, DoubleTree by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, Myrtle Beach, SC. Call 803-957-9919; visit scloggers.com. 24-25—Carolina Loggers Assn. annual meeting, Hilton Wilmington Riverside, Wilmington, NC. Call 828-421-8444; visit ncloggers.com.
March 2017 1-5—Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers annual meeting, The Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Fla. Call 336-885-8315; visit appalachianwood.org. 22-24—Hardwood Manufacturers Assn. National Conference & Expo, Francis Marion Hotel, Sundance Square, Charleston, SC. Call 412244-0440; visit hmamembers.org.
April 2017 4-6—Kentucky Forest Industries Association annual meeting, Embassy Suites, Lexington, Ky. Call 502-695-3979; visit kfia.org.
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June 2017 2-3—Southeastern Wood Producers Assn. Trade Show and annual meeting, Jekyll Island Conference Center, Jekyll Island, Ga. Call 904-8457133; visit swpa.ag. 14-16—Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Call 504-443-4464; visit sfpaexpo.com.
August 2017 12-13—Southwest Forest Products Expo 2017, Hot Springs, Ark. Call 501-224-2232; visit arkloggers.com. 25-26—Arkansas Timber Producers Assn. annual meeting, Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs, Ark. Call 501-224-2232; visit arkloggers.com. 29-31—Louisiana Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Hilton Riverside New Orleans, New Orleans, La. Call 318-443-2558; visit laforestry.com.
September 2017 15-16—Kentucky Wood Expo, Masterson Station Park, Lexington, Ky. Call 502-695-3979; visit kfia.org. 15-16—Mid-Atlantic Logging & Biomass Expo, Selma/Smithfield, NC. Call 919-271-9050; visit malbexpo.com. 28-30—American Loggers Council annual meeting, Natchez Grand Hotel, Natchez Convention Center, Natchez, Miss. Call 409-625-0206; visit amloggers.com.
October 2017 4-6—North Carolina Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Hilton Riverside, Wilmington, NC. Visit ncforestry.org. Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.
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