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A Hatton-Brown Publication Co-Publisher David H. Ramsey Co-Publisher David (DK) Knight Chief Operating Officer Dianne C. Sullivan PUBLISHING OFFICE Street Address: 225 Hanrick Street Montgomery, AL 36104-3317 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Telephone (334) 834-1170 Fax 334-834-4525

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers Browse, subscribe or renew: www.timberharvesting.com Vol. 62, No. 3: Issue 644

Executive Editor David (DK) Knight Editor-in-Chief Rich Donnell Western Editor Dan Shell Senior Associate Editor David Abbott Associate Editor Jessica Johnson Associate Editor Jay Donnell Art Director/Prod. Mgr. Cindy Sparks Ad Production Coord Patti Campbell Circulation Director Rhonda Thomas CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Bridget DeVane 1-800-669-5613 ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

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OurCover A logging force on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula since 1958, Hermann Bros. Logging & Construction has changed significantly over the years as it adapted different methods and applied new technology. Today, while it carries on limited logging, its forte is a suite of finely tuned trucking services complemented by two out front biomass operations. Story begins on PAGE 12. (Photo by Dan Shell)

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SOUTHERN USA Randy Reagor • P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 (904) 393-7968 • Fax: (904) 393-7979 E-mail: randy@hattonbrown.com

MIDWEST USA, EASTERN CANADA John Simmons • 32 Foster Cres. Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1R 1W1 (905) 666-0258 • Fax: (905) 666-0778 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com WESTERN USA, WESTERN CANADA Tim Shaddick • 4056 West 10th Avenue Vancouver, BC, Canada V6L 1Z1 (778) 822-1826 • Fax: (604) 264-1367 E-mail: tootall1@shaw.ca

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INTERNATIONAL Murray Brett Aldea de las Cuevas 66, Buzon 60 03759 Benidoleig (Alicante), Spain +34 96 640 4165 • Fax: +34 96 640 4022 E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations (ISSN 21542333) is published 6 times annually (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December issues are combined) by HattonBrown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscriptions are free to U.S. logging, pulpwood and chipping contractors and their supervisors; managers and supervisors of corporate-owned harvesting operations; wood suppliers; timber buyers; businesses involved in land grooming and/or land clearing, wood refuse grinding and right-of-way maintenance; wood procurement and land management officials; industrial forestry purchasing agents; wholesale and retail forest equipment representatives and forest/logging association personnel. All non-qualified U.S. subscriptions are $50 annually; $60 in Canada; $95 (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.timberharvesting.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Timber Harvesting 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 Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations. Copyright ® 2014. 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.

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MyTake CHRIS DIXON

Let’s Strengthen The Safety Culture Over the years I have worked with many professionals in different industries, including residential and heavy construction, oilfield, trucking, mining, rigging, maritime, logging, mill operations and heavy equipment. I have learned one very valuable lesson: as a business owner, co-worker, or employee, it is your responsibility to live and breathe safety at work, home and elsewhere. Accidents happen every day. These events, almost all of which can be prevented, occur because we as humans are “foulable.” We are not perfect and we don’t always think about safety before we act. We can all do more, especially in our daily operating arenas. It is time to strengthen the Safety Culture. Your “mod rate” is not the most important reason you should promote the Safety Culture. Any disabling injury, or accidents that kill, can have far-reaching effects that we often do not consider until they occur and we have to deal with the consequences. When you live and breathe safety, you take those potential consequences into consideration. Every person should have the reasonable expectation that they will arrive at work, perform their duties, and return home to their families safe and sound. Have you demonstrated to your team that you care about them and their families? It goes beyond a paycheck and steady employment. They must understand that you care about their welfare, and their ability to provide for themselves and their families—something they cannot do if they are injured, disabled or dead. Have the conversation often, and reinforce what the negative consequences are. Safety is a responsibility, not a toolbox talk to satisfy the insurance company. Make the time to consider the safety aspects of a task. Discuss it with others on the job; move down the safe path even if it takes a little extra time and effort. Be a leader and keep others out of harm’s way. Step up and set an example when you see something occurring that is unsafe, or a potentially unsafe situation that might develop. I see examples of unsafe situations every time I am in the woods. Examples include loads that are not strapped down properly; debris hanging off a trailer; people walking too close to an operating loader; dull chain saws; no personal protection whatsoever; machinery leaking flammable fluids; operators who have never been trained or who operate machinery unsafely. It is your duty to stop it, even if the guilty party is not your employee. It might be embarrassing to the supervisor of that employee, or to the business owner. It doesn’t matter. The consequences are what matter. Have a frank conversation with your employees and subcontractors about what you expect them to do as it relates to safety and then follow through. I once attended a skidder demo, where I watched the operator bring a drag to the landing, pull the machine up near the road and, while the machine was still rolling, jump off from the operator platform, land well, take off in a run, grab a pole saw and start trimming a load. I stopped the young, tall, muscular operator and we had a talk. I asked him why he was jumping and running around like a chicken with its head cut off. He said he was a new hire and wanted to make sure he was the hardest worker on the job. I told him he wouldn’t be part of the crew long because he would be in the hospital! He obviously was not properly trained to run the skidder. He did not set the park brake prior to dismounting, and did not safely dismount using the ladder and three points of contact. He ran instead of walking and did not look down to avoid trip hazards. He started using the pole saw before he had put on his PPE. He and I talked about the consequences of those unsafe acts, and the difference between working hard and working hard safely. A supervisor or owner must stop such acts and have the discussion. I think of “loaded gun moments” as situations that will almost always result in an accident. These situations are akin to running around with a loaded gun, safety off, and among numerous obstacles. They are the most avoidable of all unsafe conditions. The list consists of those the young operator was guilty of, plus others, including texting or dialing a number while driving; operating a vehicle of any 4

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type that is not safely ready for the road; operating machinery around people without establishing designated work zones for the equipment and “no personnel zones” for people on the ground; and not having an Emergency Plan in place for events that require emergency first aid or evacuation.

Emergency Plan It is the responsibility of everyone on the job to make sure there is an Emergency Plan in place. Everyone, including truck drivers, should have a copy of it. At a minimum it should contain the names and positions of employees that have had emergency first aid training, including CPR. It should also have a list of emergency contact numbers for those in charge of reacting to emergency situations. It should include local emergency numbers for medical help, fire, police, etc. Most importantly, it should provide accurate directions from the nearest emergency facilities to the job site. Conduct an emergency action plan briefing each time you move to a new location. Caring about your co-workers is as important a safety tool as any you can obtain or use. Make it a daily routine to make sure everyone made it out of the woods safely and back to where they started. Ask them to report in at the end of the day that they made it back OK. This is also a great time to discuss any safety issues that have arisen during the day and put a plan of action in place for events the following day. Make it a point to live and breathe a Safety Culture, to nourish and strengthen it. Instill a responsible safety mindset in those around you at work and at home. A strong Safety Culture will drive down accidents, restrict costly consequences and make our industry more professional and accountable. TH Dixon is the outgoing Forestry Products Div. Operations Manager for Ring Power Equipment, a Caterpillar dealer that serves north and central Florida. Until around June 15 he can be reached at chris.dixon@ringpower.com. He is leaving Ring Power to join the business of his family. His post June 15 email address will be skeeterdixon@aol.com.

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NewsLines Forest Industry Rallies Around Oso Victims At the foot of the Cascade Mountains, the city of Darrington, Wash. and the forestry industry are so intertwined that they are practically one and the same. The mascot for the Darrington Middle and High School is the Loggers. Signs around town say, “Logger Power/Git Er Done.” The largest employer in the town of 1,300 people is the Hampton sawmill, which has 130 employees. Even Darrington Mayor Dan Rankin is a logger and sawmiller. So it is no surprise that the timber community has banded tightly together in the wake of the March 22 landslide in nearby Oso that killed more than 40 people. For weeks loggers searched the slide, bringing their shovel loaders and excavators to clear the

mud and debris, opening their homes to the affected families, working long hours to help their own. “I lived here my whole life. I’m just doing everything and anything I can to help,” said Forrest Thompson, an 18-year-old sawhand. Local logger Bob DeYoung said the government emergency personnel weren’t prepared to deal with the physical challenges of the search and cleanup. “But the local loggers are,” DeYoung said. “We have the equipment to deal with this.” DeYoung said the loggers were turned away from recovery efforts initially, “but we went in anyway. That’s our family and friends buried out there. All the equipment you see, the big shovels and excavators, are from local logging companies and even small guys like myself. The FEMA people are helpful and professional,

Former H-B Publisher Cline Remembered Charles E. (Charlie) Cline, former president of Hatton-Brown Publishers, the parent company of Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations and other publications, was memorialized March 31 in Montgomery, Ala. Cline, 92, died March 27 at his Montgomery residence after a brief illness. Charlie retired in 1981 after a 28-year career as editor and publisher that began in 1953 with the launch of Pulpwood Production, a regional journal that evolved nationally as Timber Harvesting in the mid ’70s. He helped clear the forest industry trade publication path Charlie Cline that Hatton-Brown successfully followed and subsequently widened. Although he had no knowledge of the timber business, he loved the outdoors and had an engaging manner, and filled a vital role in successfully promoting the usefulness of a pulpwood magazine as an information tool. Charlie logged untold miles digging up stories about innovative people, intriguing machines/devices and interesting ideas. He pioneered the column Wood Tick Trail, where he recounted the “who, what, when and where” of his travels. For many years he was the “face” of the magazine, carrying its good will nationwide. Charlie would go on to help launch two additional publications for the company: Southern Loggin’ Times in 1972 and Timber Processing Industry in 1975. Eventually Charlie relinquished his editorial duties, shifting to more of a management role some 10 years before he retired. In his post retirement years he enjoyed fishing with close buddies, visiting with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and immersing himself in projects connected with the Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, where he served as an Elder for more than 40 years. He was an avid reader and had a passion for Creek Indian history, often sharing his passion by addressing various groups on the subject. Born in Bay Minette, Ala., he served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and later earned a BS in journalism at the University of Oklahoma. Survivors include his devoted wife of 70 years, Irma Beth; one daughter; one son; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

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but the loggers take control and do the heavy lifting.” Addressing the body recoveries, DeYoung said, “It’s tough, but you try and deal with that later and push on. Right now, we’re trying to get these families some closure.” DeYoung, a former policeman, added that some of the workers, once the recovery and cleanup ends, will need to receive support as they digest the horrific nature of what they’ve witnessed. Hampton Affiliates had one former employee die in the slide, and a current employee lost his house. Several employees lost relatives. Hampton CEO Steve Zika noted that damaged road infrastructure might hamper mill operations, but emphasized, “I think people should be optimistic that we’re going to run that operation. Short term, we’re going to have some problems, but long term we’re optimistic.” Though they were doing everything they could and more, local people still feel helpless at times. “I want my town to be whole and well and I want them to stop hurting and I want them to have the things that we need,” Mayor Rankin said. “I feel so humbled, because I don’t feel like I’m doing enough.” President Obama visited the site of the landslide in mid April. He gave his remarks in the Oso firehouse, standing under a banner that read “Oso Strong,” next to a red Snohomish County fire truck. “We’ll be here as long as it takes because while very few Americans had heard of Oso before the disaster struck, we’ve all been inspired by the incredible way that the community has come together and shown the love and support that they have for each other in ways large and small,” he said. Several geologists have also weighed in on the causes of the landslide. The investigation is ongoing. Lynn Highland, who heads the landslide program at the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colo., said the catalyst for the slide was an unprecedented amount of rain. When the hill finally gave way on March 22, the resulting slide was one of the largest to hit a developed community in recent history. Mud, soil and rock debris left a trail 1,500 feet long, 4,400 feet wide, and 30 to 40 feet deep, flattening two

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NewsLines dozen homes along Steelhead Drive. Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Assn. researchers will be studying the causes of the landslide. They’ll be looking at the roles of soil erosion at the toe of the landslide, heavy rainfall in the area, and the topography within the disaster zone. Precipitation in March doubled the historical averages. Once the models are completed and validated, the

research team can then alter variables to examine the roles of various factors in the tragedy. Some national reports have attempted to bring previous logging activities as a factor in the slide, but data hasn’t been forthcoming to support those claims. (This article was partially written by Ashley Bach for the Everett Herald newspaper and also borrows from an interview conducted by CBC radio.)

Bioenergy Conference Focuses On Pellets Forty-one speakers, 75 exhibitor companies and 325 bioenergy enthusiasts participated in the Bioenergy Fuels & Products Conference & Expo held March 18-19 in the Grand Ballroom North of the Omni Hotel at CNN Center in downtown Atlanta. Held every other year, the event is hosted by Wood Bioenergy magazine, an affiliate of Timber Harvesting. Wood pellets, biomass power generation and woody feedstock dominated the discussion.

Rick Holley, president and CEO of Plum Creek Timber, led off the first morning keynote general session describing how one of the nation’s largest timberland owners continues to step up as a participant in the fiber supply chain for new bioenergy markets. Plum Creek owns almost 7 million acres across 28 states that produce up to 18 million tons of wood fiber through around 3,000 loads of logs each day. Holley said wood pellet markets provide an immediate opportunity and that by 2020, worldwide industrial wood pellet demand could reach 38 million tons. In a global market environment, Holley noted, U.S. producers, especially in the South, are in good position to take advantage. Plum Creek has holdings of 3.8 million acres in the South. “The U.S. South is the lowest cost fiber producer in the world on a delivered basis,” he said, noting that timberland in the region is sustainably managed in a stable business and political climate. Holley said the influx of bioenergy will not disrupt the current fiber marketplace. Instead, it is replacing demand that has disappeared as pulp and paper mills have closed. He said that since 1998 in the Southern U.S., 8

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NewsLines 23 pulp and paper plants have closed accompanied by a demand reduction of more than 24 million tons. However, the volume of timber in the U.S. South has increased by 28%. Total current pulpwood consumption in the U.S. South is 140 million tons, Holley said, and new pellet production will increase pulpwood consumption 15%, or more than 20 million tons, by 2020. Holley addressed the biogenic carbon debate, noting “If we are going to win on policy, we have to win on carbon messaging. The science is clear. Trees and forests are part of the natural carbon cycle, absorbing carbon dioxide as they grow, and releasing it back to the atmosphere as they decay. As long as total U.S. forest stocks are healthy and growing, the use of forest products is carbon beneficial. This means that the carbon balance in forests will be maintained when forest biomass is used for energy.” Dean McCraw of McCraw Energy spoke on the future of Southeastern wood supplies and fired a warning shot that southern seedling planting is underdoing a dramatic reduction accompanied by an increase in the number of closed or curtailed seedling nurseries. “Industrial landowners (TIMOs & REITs) are not helping the situation as most have lowered planting densities,” said McCraw, who is a forester. “Some have lowered densities to 218 stems/ acre. Many are now planting high priced, low density seedlings for the sawtimber market.” Noting that the pulp and paper industry in the South is alive and well, McCraw said the race is on for 10 in. timber between pulpwood and sawtimber interests. If 10 in. goes to sawmills, the sawtimber volume increases to more than 70% of pine volume, he said. “We need to start planting trees now,” McCraw said, pointing to his slides of aerial views of cutover lands being converted to crop farming. “We need to bring back the landowner assistant programs that existed in the nineties.” John Campbell, managing director of Rollcast Energy, spoke about biomass power generation projects. His company developed the new 55 MW biomass power plant known as Piedmont Green Power in Barnesville, Ga. that consumes 500,000 tons of fuel per

year. It procures a combination of urban wood waste from the Atlanta area and logging residue in the region. Campbell confirmed that Rollcast is developing a similar sized biomass plant in LaGrange, Ga., called Greenway Renewable Power. Bill Gaston of Gaston’s Tree Service and Wood Resource Recovery in Gainesville, Fla. spoke from the raw material supplier point of view. A par-

ticipant in the tree service and debris disposal business since 1971, Gaston entered the renewable energy field and became a primary supplier to the new Gainesville Renewable Energy Center biomass power plant. Gaston operates numerous wood recycling and grinding yards and delivered the first load of fuel to the Gainesville plant. In addition, Gaston’s business manufactures chips, which his trucking

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NewsLines arm moves to the Jacksonville port for export shipment to China. Show organizers announced that the next Bioenergy Conference will be held April 5-6, 2016 in Atlanta.

Loggers Converge On Capitol Hill On April 3-7 members of the American Loggers Council gathered

in Washington to present issues important to the timber harvesting industry to lawmakers. More than 60 members attended, including representatives from Caterpillar Forest Products, John Deere and the Southern Loggers Cooperative. More than 100 hill visits were made. They included discussions on issues such as youth careers in logging; truck weight reform; National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform; implementation by the U.S .Forest Service of new authorities in the 2014 Farm Bill to help the agency achieve its allowable timber sale quantities; and biogenic carbon accounting methods that are being looked at by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that could impact expanding woody biomass markets. On the first day ALC members were briefed on these issues by the ALC staff and heard a presentation from Dan Sakura with the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) on tax issues that could impact reestablishing and managing private forestlands. Following all day Thursday and Friday morning visits to the capitol, members gathered at a Friday afternoon briefing session where presentations were made from the Forest Service on 2014 Farm Bill provisions and the 2014 and proposed 2015 budget; Dept. of Transportation on CSA and freight issues; the Federal Forest Resource Coalition on Forest Service Timber Sale issues; USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture on grants that might be availâ&#x17E;¤ 38 able for forestry research

Future Logging Careers Act Introduced In U.S. House In early May Congressman Raul Labrador (R-ID) introduced H.R. 4590, the Future Logging Careers Act. The bill would legally allow sons and daughters of family-owned timber harvesting businesses to work in those businesses by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act. It would only apply to 16-17 year olds who work under the direct supervision of their parents or by another designated person in an entity owned or operated by such parent or person. The bill would prohibit such youth from operating chain saws and cable skidders. The 16-17 year old children of farmers and ranchers currently are allowed to work on farms and ranches, learning to operate heavy equipment, also an essential skill in timber harvesting operations. The American Loggers Council supports the bill as a means to ensure the long-term health of the logging industry.

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Innovation Boosts Biomass Efficiency Major fiber producer adopts innovative trucking, hauling technology. DanShell

volving from a major regional logging contractor into a fiber production and handling operation, Hermann Bros. Logging & Construction plays a major role in chip and biomass output on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula. Since 1984, the company’s Evergreen Fibre subsidiary has held contracts to supply chips to several regional mills, including Port Townsend Paper and Nippon Industries. Under leadership of brothers Fred (President) and Bill (Treasurer) and Bill’s son Mike (Vice President) Hermann, the company operates a large log yard and chip mill operation and also contract operates a debarking line and small log export yard for Monroe LLC at the Port of Port Angeles. Hermann Bros. also tends to a set of chip bins at the Interfor sawmill and Port Angeles Hardwoods in town, where Hermann trucks make sure the bins are regularly emptied. Evergreen Fibre has held a major contract to supply Port Townsend Paper’s chips since 1984, and also works closely with Nippon Paper in Port Angeles, which is ramping up a new cogen plant. Based in Port Angeles, the company dates to 1958 and the brothers’ firewooding efforts, with full-time logging beginning in 1968. Always known as an early adopter of technology, Hermann Bros. has spanned the era of large log tall tower cable logging, early mechanization with a Drott shearhead fellerbuncher in 1978, taking on cutto-length systems in the late 12

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’80s and operating as many as six different logging crews at one time. As the industry has changed during the past decades, Hermann Bros. has changed with it. Today the company has only one logging crew, plus two inwoods biomass grinding crews. What it does run is a lot of trucks: More than 40 in all, including 23 chip and fiber hauling rigs, five specialized inwoods biomass haulers, five lumber-hauling trucks, three log trucks, two dump trucks and two heavy haulers with low-boy trailers—plus four

Bill Hermann

Hermann Bros. is a major Olympic Peninsula chip and biomass producer.

fully-outfitted service trucks. Such an extensive trucking fleet requires a major commitment and investment to keep the rigs rolling in good shape. Hermann Bros. starts with a 90x100 ft., five-bay shop building staffed by eight full-time mechanics (including an inwoods service tech) who run two shifts. All rigs come into the shop for a weekly inspection that looks closely at wear parts and for any signs of cracks or stress in frames and trailers. Oil is sampled at 10,000 miles and

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changed at 20,000 miles. Making the process much easier, safer and less time consuming are the shop’s two Ari-Hetra mobile lift systems that engage truck tires and lift the truck and trailer combinations straight up. The lifts allow mechanics more access to the underside of the rigs, more ease of movement and much better working conditions that are also safer than working from their backs on a creeper. “Servicing the trucks and keeping them safe is so important,” says Bill Hermann. “It’s much easier to just lift the trucks and walk under them to see what needs fixing.” Hermann is especially proud of one of the newer service trucks that not only has a crane installed but also has a manlift installed on the other rear corner. The service truck features also mean more safety and ease of work, Hermann says. “So now if he goes to fix a hose on the side of a boom he doesn’t have to climb; he just lifts himself up. And if he needs a part lifted up to him the crane is remote-controlled. It’s a really nice service truck.” Most of the newer hauling trucks are “kit trucks” assembled by Hermann Bros., a mixture of mostly Kenworth, Peterbilt and Freightliner trucks running Cummins, Caterpillar and Detroit engines. The company buys the chassis and engines and puts them together at the shop. Two of the Kenworth rigs run with ultrashift transmissions. The trucks roll on various brands of tires. Such a large fleet would require a major in-house tire support effort, so Hermann Bros. outsources tires and tire services to the Les Schwab chain. “Since we travel primarily all over western Washington, we can always find a Les Schwab dealership,” Hermann says. “It’s easier for us to just call a local dealer instead of having an in-house tire guy who’d have to make the trip.”

Hauling Smarter The Hermanns are always looking to do the job better and more efficiently, and two good examples are the technology they’ve adopted to service the chip bins at the Interfor sawmill in town, plus the GPS systems they’ve installed in their trucks that have generated multiple benefits. According to Hermann, the chip bins at the mill fill up at irregular intervals, which means a truck would be sent to check the bins only to return with no chips or a small load, requir-

Safe, Efficient Service Hermann Bros. turned to Nelson Truck Equipment for this innovative service truck that features both a crane and an aerial lift on the two rear corners. Starting with a 54,000 GVW tandem axle Kenworth, Nelson added a Dakota Body 216 in. service body with ball bearing slide drawers and capacities up to 300 lbs. To accommodate the crane and lift, Nelson added a torque box to the rear of the frame that’s integrated with the hydraulic stabilizers and keeps operating forces well distributed. The 10006 Auto Crane service crane is operated by wireless remote control and features up to 10,000 lbs. max lift and 370° rotation, working off a 60 CFM compressor. The 39 ft. Dur-A-Lift telescopic boom operates off its own self-contained hydraulic system and features a non-insulated operator’s cage that can accommodate two people, plus 180° rotation. Company President Roy Nelson says the beauty of the truck is a technician can be completely set up and safely working within minutes of entering a job site. He adds that any loggers looking to configure such a machine should first check with their state’s regulations on aerial lifts and cranes: Many states regulate them closely, with inspections and operator training requirements. For more information, call Nelson Truck Equipment at 800-877-0338; visit nelsontruck.com.

ing a return trip when the bin filled. With up to 50 loads picked up on a daily basis, such inefficiency was wasting time and money. The project to optimize bin service was headed up by Bill and Mike, who handles dispatching duties. The Hermanns decided to go with an industrial bin information system from GLC Controls that uses a variety of sensors to determine actual bin levels in any weather. The bin level and weight data is transmitted to GLC Controls, which instantly relays it to Hermann Bros.’ office. The bin level indicator system solved part of the problem, but Mike Hermann still needed to know the closest truck to the Interfor mill to make the most efficient dispatch order. To do so, the company installed Teletrac GPS two-way wireless communication systems on all the haul trucks. The GPS system features automatic vehicle location, mapping, messaging, driver and maintenance status, plus routing and scheduling, driver logs and fuel tax calculation features. Now, Mike knows exactly when the bins are full and where the nearest truck is in real-time. The GPS system employs a “virtual perimeter” feature that notifies dispatchers any time a Hermann Bros. rig gets within a certain distance of the sawmill. According to Bill Hermann, the technology paid for itself quickly and continues to help the company save through better route planning and driver performance data that enable the company to cultivate better, more efficient driving habits that optimize fuel economy. In addition, the GPS system earned the Hermanns a nice discount on their truck insurance.

Biomass Another business area where Hermann Bros.’ innovation and hard work have elevated efficiency and profitability is biomass hog fuel production. In recent years, as regional biomass proposals made news with potential planned new plants and expansions, it launched an initiative to make biomass output more productive, efficient and profitable. “We had been doing hog fuel since the 1980s, and both paper mills had proposed cogen plants,” says Bill Hermann, adding that both mills asked the company to investigate the feasibility of producing forest-based hog fuel. Port Townsend Paper ended up completing a major boiler and related fuel handling systems upgrade that will double the facility’s hog fuel consumption. Meanwhile, Nippon Paper is ramping up biomass consumption at its new 20 MW cogen plant. According to Hermann, the company had tried several different systems and configurations, starting with trailermounted tub grinders. “They were too slow and would take too long to fill a truck,” he remembers. “We tried grinding onto the ground and loading from the pile, but the process was still slow and you had more problems contaminating the material with dirt.”

Better Grinding Four years ago Hermann Bros. purchased its first tracked Peterson 5710 horizontal grinder (it now has two). “That really turned things around. Those machines are efficient, mobile and just plain produce, day in and day out,” Hermann says. While Hermann says the Peterson

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Port Townsend Paper and Nippon Paper are top two biomass destinations.

Innovative trailer steering system enables total slash pile access. Note turned axles.

machines are durable and easy to maintain, the key is they must be maintained and kept in good condition. “What people need to understand is that wood grinders are just like rock crushers: They are both self-destruct mechanisms, and if you don’t take the time to maintain them and keep up with the wear parts they’ll eat themselves up,” Hermann says. “Wood is just as abrasive as sand and rocks, and if you don’t keep up the maintenance you’re kidding yourself.” The company operates an extensive trucking shop and service fleet, and Hermann Bros. operators make a point of bringing in each grinder at every 1,000 hours of service for a thorough preventive maintenance check. “We bring them in for regular service, but when it comes to wear parts we pay extra close attention,” Hermann says. And no matter the time since the last preventive service, any signs of wear in the grates or infeed or grinding mechanisms mean a quick trip to the shop to fix the problem. A full-time woods equipment mechanic with fully stocked service truck means diligent maintenance is a priority. “That’s a big part of his job, keeping the grinders running, 14

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and he’s very dedicated to it,” he adds. The company stays close in tune with machine operations: Working with slash containing lots of cedar one time and having a problem with small sticks and not bark getting pulled through the grate, Hermann Bros. operators and mechanics added cutting edge (sharp knife) bits. The move fixed the sticks in the final product problem right off the bat, but the new bits had 50% less run time than the old ones. However, the new bits also reduced loading time by more than 10%, from 15 minutes to 13 minutes per load. In addition, the new bits used four gallons less fuel per load. “So even though the new bits cost twice as much in terms of wear time, in the end it was actually cheaper to use them to make a higher quality product with less loading time and fuel used,” Hermann says. “We find that with a lot of things. Issues aren’t what they appear from the first, and problems aren’t unsurpassable.”

Slash Solution While the company was settling on a grinding machine, it was also tackling the issue of slash pile access. “Anyone

can grind slash and burn it in a boiler, but moving it from here to there is the big issue,” Hermann says. The company sought a solution to access and process a higher percentage of slash to satisfy landowners who didn’t want to burn it but needed it removed. “Studies have shown that brush piles can cover up 2%-3% of ground, and leaving them is like giving away 2% to 3% interest on a tree farm investment,” Hermann exclaims. The Hermanns started with a highway truck and short chip vans (32 ft.), going up and down the logging roads with limited success. “We tried all sorts of things,” Hermann remembers. “We filled in ditches with gravel, we covered culverts with plywood and filled with biomass and came back and cleaned it out and reworked the road, and finally we decided we had to truly solve the problem.” After much spinning, bouncing, running off the road and cleaning up later, the first major tractor modification was converting some of the trucks to 6WD, which required putting in a raised frame to get over the front axle, a “stepped” design that leaves the 5th wheel the same height as the tractor, while the front is high enough over the axle to accommodate a transfer case. “It turned out mighty convenient that’s where to fit the transfer case, right where they step the frame,” Hermann says, adding that mechanics also figured out if they turned the drop axle around and pushed it instead of pulled it, there’d be room to fit the suspension, and the frame would also clear the drive lines and transfer case. Working with Tulsa Truck, which modified the frames, the Hermanns take a 260 in. wheel base truck and cut it in half about 3 ft. behind the cab. “Then they set the cab part on the rear axle, make a nice steel splice there, and in effect make a Z-frame,” Hermann says. He notes that the company has operated the vehicles almost five years and has had no frame problems during that time. “The design works great, and the trucks are an important part of our transportation setup,” Hermann adds. “Those things will take our chip trailers anywhere a log truck will go.” Yet the trailers provided another challenge, many times tracking incorrectly in tough conditions or coming off the road in tight corners. Working with Western Trailers and Ride Well Corp., Hermann Bros. helped develop a trailer steering mechanism that would enable

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drivers to maneuver the chip vans through switchbacks, tight corners and other tough logging road conditions. Initially a mechanical, cabletype system was explored but it proved unworkable. Instead, Ride Well came up with a radio-controlled steering system that features a hydraulic smart cylinder as the tie rod. The smart cylinder has a piston sensor inside and a read-out device outside that translates All trucks and trailers receive a weekly inspection. piston position into steering location. There’s a joystick in the cab with limit the 6WD truck hauls to 50 miles or steering readout on it, and the driver less since the rigs aren’t as light as they steers. The steering system is installed could be, and in several instances Heron the two front trailer axles, and a lift mann Bros. has made short-term consystem picks the third (back) axle up, centration yard arrangements and shortening the trailer’s wheelbase. reloaded material onto better suited “There was a lot of trial and error, highway trucks for a longer haul to the and our guys were really patient workmill. That way, the specialized 6WD ing with it,” Hermann says. “And it just rigs shuttle back and forth to in-woods plain works, unbelievably well, in fact, job sites and spend more time doing and very reliable.” what they’re designed to do. The company operates five of the Hermann Bros. works closely with 6WD rigs with steerable trailers, each large timberland owners in the region operating reliably with thousands of who share harvest plans, allowing the miles on them. The company tries to Hermann grinding crews to in turn plan

their operations. Standard procedure is to first send in an excavator machine with brush grapple several weeks ahead to consolidate piles and also “fluff” the piles so they’ll air dry a bit before the grinders show up. “It makes a big difference if we can take just a few percent of moisture content off the material,” Hermann says. He adds that the treelength logging systems prevalent in the region tend to concentrate slash around the landings, and one of the best places to pile and dry slash is on highlead landings that tend to be at the top of a hill on the end of a spur road. “We feel pretty good about where we are with this,” Hermann says after detailing his company’s efforts to boost efficiency in grinding and accessing biomass, and he believes the future bodes well. “There are lots of things coming out with alternative uses for wood resources, like biofuels,” he says. “I think over the next few years we’ll see new demand come up for wood TH fiber to use in new products.

New technology heralds new era in truck troubleshooting.

Mobile lift systems make service easier, safer.

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Service Trucks: Cut No Corners To head off potential problems, systematically approach the specification process.

CurtBennink

service truck is among the most useful tools in a logger’s arsenal, but it needs to be set up correctly to enhance productivity rather than hinder it. A common mistake is cutting corners to save on acquisition cost. “Many people under spec the engine horsepower. They may under spec the interior,” says Tim Davison, product manager, bodies and cranes, for Stellar Industries. “They think, ‘As long as it gets down the road to the next job, I’m okay.’ But when you pull maximum torque out of your engine day in and day out, that truck engine is not going to last as long.” And the mechanic probably won’t be happy with the truck. “If they don’t like the truck, they are not going to service it very well,” says Davison. “That is human nature.” When spec’ing the vehicle, start with the work to be performed. “Determine what loads need to be lifted/transported, and what tools need to be stored on the service truck,” says Nathan Schiermeyer, engineering manager, Maintainer. “After that, the size of crane and body need to be determined, along with what type of chassis (GVWR, CA, length, etc.).” Starting with the truck chassis can be a costly mistake. “Sometimes, customers have already selected or purchased the favorite chassis,” says Tom Wibben, sales and service manager at Maintainer. “We do our best to give them a great product, but sometimes the equipment that can be installed is limited by the chassis selection.” In some cases, owners purchase a chassis with the goal of staying under the CDL limit (26,000 lbs.). This can make it difficult to install additional equipment. Conversely, if you size the truck for the maximum lift you may ever do, it will likely be oversized. “The truck needs to be sized to handle all the required jobs, but oversizing results in 16

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Crane Considerations

wasted investment, additional fuel consumption and higher ongoing licensing fees,” says Schiermeyer.

Total Requirements A thorough understanding of tool requirements will help you select the right-sized truck. “Not every truck may require a welder or have the same air system requirements,” says Terry Cook, product manager of commercial products, Iowa Mold Tooling Co. (IMT). “Some buyers may need fewer hand tools but utilize heavier items such as a welder. The need for a lot of tools may drive a contractor to a larger body even though a smaller crane is required. Analysis of utilization and operation/maintenance costs should help in this decision.” He advises, “One overarching point to remember is that mechanics truck specifications are highly interdependent. Lifting needs dictate crane size, which governs the size of the body. Crane size, body size and required payload combine to decide the size of the chassis. The required tools included on the truck, combined with other air needs, will determine whether a rotary screw or reciprocating air compressor is added.” Also consider the weight of components and products you intend to carry in the bed. “Technicians usually will not hit that overload stage until they start hauling components,” says Davison. “This is especially true now that many trucks are starting to carry lube skids to perform preventive maintenance. The engine or lube skid may occasionally push the truck to or above its maximum GVWR.” Load balance is also an important consideration. “Load distribution front-to-back and side-to-side is often overlooked and can impact drivability of the truck,” says Davison.

Cranes often dictate the sizing criteria. “If a crane is going to be utilized on the truck, then it all starts with the capacity and reach of the crane,” says Craig Bonham, vice president of sales, Reading Truck Body Mfg. “That drives the size of the body necessary, in addition to the minimum GVWR and GAWR requirements and strength capacities that need to be in the chassis frame.” Closely examine your crane needs. “The crane should be sized to accommodate the largest required lift,” says Schiermeyer. Don’t consider just the maximum load that will be picked, but what loads will be lifted at what required distance from the crane. He adds, “Load charts and footpound ratings of the crane need to be carefully considered before selecting the appropriate crane and truck. It is the job of the crane operator to make sure the loads being lifted don’t exceed the load chart maximums, although all Maintainer cranes come with automatic overload protection devices that prevent unintentional overloading.”

Know Component Weights “Understanding what you lift in your normal course of business is crucial,” says Davison. Most grossly underestimate what components actually weigh. Davison cites a customer who claimed his crane couldn’t lift a 4,000 lb. engine that was within the crane’s capacity rating. “I scheduled a visit and I brought an electronic scale with me,” he recalls. The engine weighed close to 5,500 lbs., almost 1,500 lbs. more than the customer believed. The weight the customer was using was for a short block. “It didn’t include the manifolds, the bell housing, or oil.” Constantly running a crane at maxi-

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larger the RBM that the chassis will mum capacity can shorten life. “If you require,” says Schiermeyer. “Maintainconstantly use it close to its maximum er designs its service bodies and subcapacity, things are just going to wear frames to support the crane loads of all out faster,” says Davison. “The wear of the most common chassis frames.” pads wear out faster because you have If you’re looking at a used chassis, more weight on them on a normal make sure the frame has not been basis. You may have to change out the altered. “We always go back to fully seals on the cylinders faster because understand what the factory specificathey are always running close to that maximum pressure.” To address this issue, Stellar offers Crane Dynamics Technology (CDT), which provides feedback to the operator when the crane approaches 80%, 90% and 100% of rated capacity. Three LEDs on the handset and vibration in the handle indicate the percent of rated capacity achieved. CDT also helps to educate customers about a component’s actual weight. Such systems can be helpful to avoid overloading the crane. However, Cook comments, “While all IMT telescopic cranes incorporate an Excessive Load Limit System to protect the structural components of the crane, longer life can be achieved by choosing a crane that will not be Lighted cabinets and work operating at its maxilights increase efficiency in mum capacity for the work done after sunset. majority of your lift.” tions are in relation to RBM without any alteration to that chassis,” says Bonham. Frame Capability “We cannot certify something with any The chassis frame must be capable alteration or reinforcement because we of handling the loads placed on it don’t know what temper has been put through the mechanics body. “The into the steel of the reinforcement. minimum RBM frame requirements “There are a lot of things that come are always listed in the crane body into play when you add reinforcemanufacturer’s literature,” says Bonments,” he continues. “Typically, Readham. “Depending upon the crane ing Truck Body would prefer to install being installed, it will tell you the a service body that fits a crane on a minimum RBM that is necessary to chassis that has a certifiable RBM, support that crane with the reach and manufactured with continuous and preradius it intends to work in.” dictable RBM from head to toe.” “The minimum frame requirements will be determined by the body and Verify Clean Back Of Cab crane combination selected,” states Cook. “Frame RBM and section modA clean back of cab and clean frame ulus must both be considered when rails continue to be important, with making this selection.” different items to consider depending “Typically, the larger the crane, the upon chassis size.

“Class 6 and above chassis can have vertical exhaust, oversized fuel tanks or DEF tanks that extend behind the cab and create mechanics body interference,” says Cook. “The position of the DEF tank sometimes makes installation on chassis below Class 6 a challenge and will need to be considered.”

“Nearly all of the Class 6 and above trucks still can have issues with clean back of cab,” says Schiermeyer. “Special care must be taken when ordering chassis to make sure a clean CA is maintained, or a gap is accommodated for with the wheelbase.” Installations on low-cab forward trucks can be a challenge. “They have automatic transmission coolers that often come into interference,” notes Bonham. They have DEF tanks, airto-air heat exchangers, exhaust systems and snorkels to help control the engine’s air management system and battery boxes that commonly interfere. This can make the installation quite cumbersome. The low-cab forward configuration allows very little additional room to place these products. However, they can be advanta-

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geous in congested areas, given the tight turning radius. Used trucks can also prove challenging. “That is where the problems happen most often,” says Davison. “A guy finds a great deal on a truck and wants you to put a mechanics body on it.” For example, the exhaust, batteries and DEF tank are in the way and an extralarge fuel tank hangs 18 in. behind the cab. “He got a great deal on a chassis that was meant for a van box.” Inspect the chassis and make sure the fuel tank is under the front steps, not in the rear, and the DEF tank and fill location are not going to interfere. “It is always best never to assume,” says Bonham. “A body builder’s guide is a great tool to determine any interference.” There are many opinions about what type of suspension system works best on a service truck. Many prefer the reliability of a mechanical suspension, while others tout the shock-absorbing ability of air suspension systems to prolong component life. Therefore, deciding between these systems is a choice best left to you and the provider of the mechanics truck body. “Both air and mechanical spring suspension systems work well with mechanics trucks if the correct configuration is chosen when selecting your chassis,” advises Cook. “When choosing mechanical suspension systems, it is often necessary to install additional leaf springs or spacer blocks to level the unit due to the additional weight of the crane on one side.” He adds, “With an air suspension system, this is accomplished using dual leveling valves. This is an option that must be added, as most chassis only have a single leveling valve to raise or lower the rear suspension to accommodate loading. A chassis air system dump valve is also required so that the air bags can be de-pressurized during crane operation to ensure proper unit stability.”

Past History/Future Needs Consider your past mechanics truck experience along with future needs when spec’ing a new vehicle. “The biggest question you need to answer is: what would you like on your next generation product that you don’t have on your current generation product?” says Bonham. “When I look back at features that customers wish they had or want to add later, a few things come to mind,” 18

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Benefits Of Multiplex Wiring

he advent of multiplex wiring has impacted the spec’ing process for mechanics truck bodies. “A multiplex system reduces the total amount of wire required to perform the same functions as a conventional system,” says Terry Cook, Iowa Mold Tooling. “The multiplex wiring system’s electronic control modules send information back and forth to interpret messages transmitted through the wires. Because the modules are remotely controlled by signals rather than by separate wires, fewer relays and connectors are required, reducing possible failure points. “IMT Dominator mechanics trucks feature a multiplex electrical system with programmable logic for increased reliability and electrical control,” he continues. “An example of improved electrical control capability is stabilizer sensors to prevent the crane power from being turned on until the stabilizers are properly deployed.” Stellar Industries uses multiplex wiring to better control the amperage draw from some of its accessories. For example, some customers utilize highoutput lighting. “Many of these lights are high-intensity discharge Xenon with ballasts,” notes Tim Davison. “They take a surge of amperage at startup. Once they start up, the amp levels come down. With a multiplex system we are able to sequence the lights to come on one at a time.” This means no amperage rush through the electrical system. “Once all of the lights are up and running, the amp load drops to a manageable level.” “Multiplex wiring systems offer benefits to users by reducing wiring, connection points and terminations,” says Maintainer’s Nathan Schiermeyer. “However, in the rugged world of service trucks, there is a large portion of mechanics that like to be able to trace a dedicated wire when they are troubleshooting components. Simple circuits like floodlights, compartment lights and even warning/indicator lights are very conducive to traditional wiring harnesses. “The more electrical components added to a system often brings more potential areas for failure—especially given the harsh environment of a service truck,” he continues. “However, many sophisticated systems such as pressure transducers make a great fit for a CAN-based, multiplex wiring system.” But multiplex systems can also make it easier to chase down problems. “Multiplex wiring has been well received because it is easy to determine where problems exist rather than having a spider-webbed mess of wires TH through the entire product,” says Craig Bonham, Reading Truck Body.

says Wibben. “Exterior lighting is one consideration, especially if a mechanic mostly does day service now but encounters more night service work down the road. Safety features are another component we promote. Safety lighting, backup cameras and alarms and three-point climbing apparatus are all becoming more popular.” Another feature sometimes overlooked is rollout tray and drawer storage. These systems can help keep your ‘shop on wheels’ organized and efficient. The design of the drawers is important. For example, Maintainer offers DuaLock drawers that lock in the closed and open position in case you can’t park on level ground. “An air system that is properly sized is another consideration,” says Wibben. “The customer must know their business so they can anticipate current and future needs.”

Look at where your requirements are now and where they will be one, two or three years down the road. Service bodies often last a long time and are moved onto one or more chassis over the years. “The longer the life of the service body/crane, the lower the overall cost of ownership becomes, even if it starts out at a slightly higher initial purchase price,” says Schiermeyer. “The customer must have a vision as to where their business may grow over the years and make a selection accordingly,” says Wibben. “The trend in the industry is still toward larger and larger equipment, so a contractor needs to have a service truck that can handle that equipment.” TH Bennink is Senior Field Editor for Equipment Today, where this article, lightly edited for Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations, was originally published.

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Truck Bodies, Service Trailers Products to help reduce downtime, increase productivity, enhance efficiency Iowa Mold Tooling Co.

LMC-AG Diesel Tanks

The Dominator family of mechanics trucks from Iowa Mold Tooling Co. (IMT) meets the field-service needs of forestry applications with the Dominator I, II, III and IV bodies. Designed with enhanced strength and stability for higher crane loads, they reduce equipment downtime, helping increase productivity and profitability. These Dominator bodies offer ratings ranging from 52,000 to 95,000 ft-lb and seamless integration with IMT hydraulic telescopic cranes, from the 6000 model (6,000 lb. maximum lift capacity, 22 ft. horizontal reach) to the 14000 model (14,000 lb. maximum lift capacity, 30 ft. reach). IMT cranes provide the strength, reach and control to maximize productivity. Standard features of the Dominator truck bodies include a multiplex electrical system with programmable logic for increased reliability and an enhanced workbench. Options include: ● Manual and hydraulic stabilizers ● High-intensity LED light package for enhanced visibility in compartments ● Drawers and drawer sets ● Adjustable shelves ● Workbench vises and vise plates ● Incandescent work lights and compartment lights ● Compartment pressurization system ● IMT compressed air systems The IMT distributor network consists of locations across North America and around the world. IMT distributors are staffed with factory-trained personnel who can provide expert assessment of application needs and responsive, knowledgeable service after the sale. Visit imt.com or call 800-247-5958. IMT is on Facebook at facebook.com/iowamoldtooling and YouTube at you tube.com/iowamoldtooling.

LMG-AG is trying to fulfill a need in the logging and ag market with its new development in diesel hauling trailers. We offer 315, 630, and 945-gallon units either as individual tanks or on running gears for towing. Pumps that dispense 20 and 25 gallons per minute are also available with the units. Running gears are made from mild steel channel (8” on 630 and 945, 6” on 315) with heavy-duty torflex axles with eight lug hubs. Each trailer comes with one axle with brakes and emergency brake box. Trailer lights are provided via a 7-way plug. Various hitches range from drop-pin, pintle-eye, and 2-5⁄16" ball hitch. Tires are a highway-rated trailer type (ST 235/80 R16 Load Range E DOT approved). Tread plate fender wells cover the tires and a front basket is included for hauling various items such as chain. DEF tanks will also be offered on units for use with tractors and other heavy equipment. Our tanks are in compliance with 49-CFR 173.150 (f) which allows users to haul fuel over 119 gallons combined total without having CDL and HAZMAT endorsement, which means a class C drivers license and medical card are the only things required. Contact LMG-AG at 1715 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany, Ga. 31701 229-639-1775.

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Jomac Ltd. For over 30 years, Jomac Ltd. has manufactured mechanics bodies and cranes in Carrollton, Oh. Jomac’s products have a reputation of superior strength, durability and customer profitability. Jomac’s commitment to quality starts with a careful choice of material and ends with meticulous attention to detail during the fabrication and manufacturing processes. TIMBER HARVESTING & WO OD FIBER OPERATIONS

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Jomac fabricates mechanics bodies from aluminum for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. A truck body constructed from aluminum is strong, yet light enough to measurably reduce wear and tear on the truck’s drive train. The lighter weight aluminum body also reduces overall fuel consumption. Beyond material advantages, Jomac’s mechanics bodies boast superior craftsmanship. Mounted to the truck’s chassis is a high-strength, steel frame. The steel frame integrates the truck’s crane, outriggers and work bench. This protects the body from forces generated during crane operation. Mounted to the steel frame is an aluminum substructure fully gusseted with aluminum cross members on 8” centers. Jomac’s service bodies are backed by a 10-Year Return to Factory Warranty. A full-range of options is available so that you may customize your mechanics body to match your needs and optimize productivity. Jomac manufactures a full line of telescopic and knuckleboom (articulating) cranes that are used worldwide in military and industrial applications. Jomac’s telescopic cranes range from 6,000 lbs. to 14,000 lbs. lifting capacity. The 14,000 lb. crane has the longest reach and lifting capacity in the industry. Jomac telescopic cranes up to 70,000-foot pounds have a true, continuous, 360° rotation. This is unlike any telescopic crane in the industry. American made, Jomac knucklebooms range in lifting capacity from 18,000-ft. lbs. to 80,000-ft. lbs. Jomac knucklebooms can be customized to your specifications and are perfect for jobs that require fast loading.

with keeping 400 pieces of equipment running smoothly, especially Homer’s heavy-duty mulching and clearing equipment. In 2013 the company took delivery of a new Maintainer Combo truck body mounted on a Peterbilt chassis. “This is our 4th Maintainer truck we have purchased,” said Hoffman. “The best part of the Maintainer is knowing that it will perform once we get to the job site. Plus it provides the space to carry all the tools we need.” The Homer Combo truck sports a Maintainer H10025 hydraulic crane with 10,000-lb. lift capacity and 25’ reach. All Maintainer hydraulic cranes come with wireless remote control, overload protection, anti-two block, and swivel safety hook as standard equipment. Maintainer uses an efficient closed center load sensing system on standard service bodies with cranes. “We use that crane all the time—everything from simply lifting access panels to replacing cylinders and engines,” said Hoffman. “We end up doing 90-95% of all fleet maintenance ‘in-house’ using our service trucks.” The combo trucks use top-quality reels and nozzles and are packed with safety features like emergency shut-off valves. Maintainer’s 3⁄16" thick aluminum doors are light and strong. Maintainer’s DuaLock aluminum drawer sets and patented Pressurized Storage System protect and organize tools and equipment. Poly and steel tanks are available for various oils and fluids. Hoffman noted, “We added a hot water system that ran through the hydraulic tank, which came in handy working up by Lake Superior in 22-below temperatures. The system still allowed us to be fully functional despite the harsh conditions.” Visit maintainer.com.

RCT60 Field Service Truck

Maintainer Combo Trucks

Maintainer Corp. manufactures premium, custom service/lube combination trucks that allow timber operations to take their service garage to the field. Scott Hoffman is Fleet Service Manager for Homer Tree Service based in Lockport, Ill. Specializing in commercial clearing for construction, Homer Tree Service worked projects in 42 states in recent years. Hoffman is tasked

The new RCT60 Field Service Truck from Rayco is the solution for carrying tools, supplies, fuel, and service personnel over difficult terrain on off-road jobsites. It combines a custom-built Jomac Service Body with the RCT60 rubber track crawler chassis to provide in-field service capability, eliminating the need to bring machines to a landing or roadway. The RCT60 is powered by a 67 HP Kubota diesel and rides on 17.7” rubber tracks. Its service body can be outfitted to meet specific needs such as cranes, welders, air compressors, fuel tanks, and more. Visit raycomfg.com or call 800-392-2686.

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Reading Cranemaster CM3200

Thunder Creek Equipment

Reading Truck Body’s Cranemaster CM3200 was engineered and built to withstand the torsional stresses that crane bodies experience during operation on all sites and unimproved surfaces. Designed to maximize interior compartment storage volume, the CM3200 provides the structural integrity and security that customers come to expect from a Reading product. Corrosion is controlled by the extensive use of galvannealed steel throughout the body, including the floor and bumper. As with all Reading truck bodies, the CM3200 receives the company’s exclusive E-Coat priming process and a durable abrasion resistant polyester power coat finish inside and out. In addition, Reading’s Aluma-Fill fuel fill protects the body from accidental nicks and scratches that may result during fueling. Other features are Reading’s exclusive Dual-Pro® door seal system and patented hidden hinges, as well as a seamless wheelhouse panel, slam action tailgate and LED stop, tail, turn and clearance lights. Backed by a six year limited warranty, the CM3200 supports a 1,000 to 3,200 lb. capacity crane installation. Standard features exclusive to the CM3200 include: ● Easy mount understructure forward of rear axle 1 ● ⁄2" thick crane compartment top plate 3 ● ⁄8" wrap-around plate on three sides inside the rear vertical compartment ● Drip pan for hydraulic crane ● Inside door hook for remote crane pendant ● Reinforced mount area ● 12-gauge punched, galvannealed diamond plate on top of sidepack for boom support mounting ● Straight galvannealed step bumper with riser and standoff mounting design ● SW/DW crank down pull out outrigger Reading Truck Body is the premier manufacturer of vocational work truck bodies, creating the right solutions at the right time for its customers in order to make the strongest possible business impact. Visit readingbody.com.

Thunder Creek Equipment has a full line of fuel and service trailers for logging and other demanding applications to help you travel and service faster so you can get more done. Whether you need to transport fuel, diesel exhaust fluid, or lubricants, or you’re looking to service your equipment on site, we have a solution built to travel safely at highway speeds, handle DEF without contamination and withstand rugged off-road conditions. Three things hold true with every fuel trailer and optional DEF delivery system that carries the Thunder Creek logo: Convenience—Diesel fuel, DEF, and service solutions come in one well-designed and quality built package. Trailers are easy to tow at highway speeds and built for off-road use. Cut downtime by refilling with fuel and DEF simultaneously while having all the tools you need to service your equipment. Compliant—Our trailers are designed and built with transportation regulations in mind. They meet all requirements for transporting diesel fuel on all roads in the U.S. Contaminant-Free—The materials and processes used to build Thunder Creek’s DEF systems result in a clean, closed solution to maintain the purity of DEF and to protect the SCR system on high-horsepower equipment. Handling DEF has never been easier with our 2-in-1 pumping system, which allows you to fill and dispense DEF with just one pump. Because we expect our trailers to work just as hard as you do, Thunder Creek leads the industry with a full three-year warranty on our tank and trailers. If an issue develops with one of our products, you can be assured that we stand behind you with a warranty that mirrors the best-in-class spirit put into every product that bears the Thunder Creek name. Visit thundercreekequipment.com or call 866-535-7667. Other manufacturers include Knapheide, 217-223-1848, knapheide@knapheide.com; Stahl, 800-277-8245, info@stahl.com; Brand FX, 817-431-1131; Astoria, 641342-3456, info@astoriainc.com; Warner, 317-773-2100, warrenbodies.com; Palfinger, 800-567-1554, palfingerna.com; Stellar, 641-923-3741; MCB, 317-8948684; Bayer, 320-697-5671; Service Trucks, 712-722-1487; RKI, 713-688-4414, rkius.com; National, nationaltruck body.com; Venco, 513-772-8448, ventura.com; Auto Crane, 918-438-2760; Teamco, 605-498-0610, teamco-inc.com; Zierke, 507-893-3688; and Boyd Welding, 352-447-2405. TH

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Bumpy Road NC family encounters rough patch but endures; works to enhance logging’s image. DavidAbbott

t isn’t that there are a few bumps in the road, it’s that life is just a bumpy road, according to a favorite sermon of Anthony Andrews, owner of Anthony B. Andrews Logging, Inc., based in the eastern North Carolina community of Trenton, a few miles west of New Bern. It’s an idea close to his heart. As his company marked its 30th anniversary in March this year, the family at the controls celebrated overcoming challenges both in business and at home. Those challenges were never more difficult than those faced in the last year. From the start, 2013 brought with it mill quotas and ongoing high fuel

costs, but that’s not what made Andrews call it the toughest year he’s ever faced. The deeply devout Christian family found its faith tested as matriarch Betty, Anthony’s wife and mother of their two sons, was diagnosed with breast cancer (see companion article, page 26). The experience caused them to reevaluate their priorities and put things in perspective. “(It) was a tough year for me and my family,” Betty says. “But with the Lord’s help and family (support) we got through it. This experience has made me appreciate the little things in life that you take for granted. No one is assured of tomorrow, so every

morning when I get up, I just thank the Lord for the day.” Betty and Anthony, 56, with their sons Garrett, 27, and Tyler, 24, work as a team in running the business. They emphasize safety and a polished public image while averaging 100 loads a week. On each job site the family sets out signs that serve as safety reminders for workers and visitors—lights on, buckle up, think safety, etc. “If someone gets hurt, it stops everything, it affects everyone,” Anthony points out. Other signs on every tract read “Jesus Saves,” underscoring the deep religious faith that unites and drives

Echoing the sustainable forestry message, the Andrews landing is always neat, orderly and litter-free.

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the family. “The main thing in this life is to know the Lord as Savior,” Anthony believes. “Nothing else matters in the end—not the equipment, not the money. Life is so short, so we focus on the main thing.”

Plant-Grow-Harvest In a proactive effort to help educate the public and improve the image of their profession, the Andrews clan recently designed a “Plant-Grow-Harvest: America’s Renewable Resource” logo to emphasize the environmentally sustainable cycle of forest life. The logo graphically represents the circular cycle of the forest with images of a tree in three stages: a small seedling (plant) on the left, a medium tree on the right (grow) and in the center a large mature tree (harvest). The circle around it represents the life cycle, and the green color signifies that timber harvesting is a “green” sustainable industry. “Everyone wants to hear that now,” Anthony notes. “It’s a simple concept, but it gets the point across,” Betty says. It is meant to reflect everyone involved in the timber industry: site prep and tree nurseries (plant); fertilizer and landowners (grow); and of course loggers, truckers, mills, consumers, equipment makers (harvest). “It represents jobs, too,” Anthony adds. He included the line “America’s Renewable Resource” because, as he puts it, “it is something we have, and I still consider America to be the greatest nation on the planet. It’s renewable; it will be here for generations to come, for my children and grandchildren and yours, if we take care of it.” Anthony describes the origin of the idea: “Garrett, Tyler and I talked 14 months ago about how to improve the image of logging. The industry doesn’t look good to a lot of people,” Betty adds. “People go by a logging job and think they destroy trees, but they don’t realize it is just like a farm crop.” The Andrews have taken this message to both elementary school and college students and they reproduced it on cups, t-shirts, stickers and mud flaps—the latter two on their trailers— to advertise it to the public. “To start with we just did it for ourselves, but a lot of people are catching on to it,” Anthony says. He has given away logo-bearing cups at children’s camps and the North Carolina Assn. of Professional Loggers meetings. The com-

Some typical signs the family posts near the landing

Trailer mud flaps carry the plant, grow, harvest message.

From left, Joe Rodriguez, the Andrews trio (Tyler, Anthony and Garrett), Bryan Stroud, Billy Phillips, Antonio Vasquez

pany is in the process of copyrighting the image. It is doubtless one of the reasons the company was named the Forest Resource Assn.’s Southeastern Region Outstanding Logger for 2014. The company’s commitment to improving public perception extends to maintaining a clean job site that shows consideration for the public and the landowner. It goes deeper than using wooden mats at the landing to minimize rutting and keeping

the entire job site litter-free. The company and crew take some extra steps. They pick up any limbs, vines and other trimmings that may fall off a trailer and end up on the side of the road and pitch them into a homemade trailer. They keep a farm tractor equipped with a box blade and a small street sweeper on site to help keep mud off the pavement. As a precautionary measure they keep a trailer-mounted water tank and pump at

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When Cancer Comes Home

etty Andrews started realizing there was a problem in December 2012. She went for tests and her suspicions were confirmed: breast cancer. It wasn’t a total surprise; it was the same thing that had claimed the life of her mother at age 40. After undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery in February 2013, her oncologist recom-

Betty and Anthony Andrews

mended she take six chemo-therapy treatments followed by 36 radiation treatments. She handled it well and finished the treatments last November. In January 2014, just weeks after celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary, Betty and Anthony got the gift they’d been praying for: a good report from her oncologist. Looking back, she says, 2013 was a very hard year. “But with the Lord, the love and support of my husband, my two sons, family, friends, people I didn’t even really know, the best doctors, nurses, and staff, we made it through. During the whole time, it was amazing to me the outpouring of love, care, and support that I received. But my number one supporter was Anthony. No one could have done more for me, he was just amazing and words cannot express my love and admiration for him and my family. “I also thank the Lord for being with me through all this.” She references Proverbs 3: 5-6 as her life’s verse: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” TH

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the ready to deal with fires. They even go so far as to keep a cigarette butt can on the landing.

Equipment Equipment on the crew includes two loaders—Tigercat 244 and Prentice 410EX coupled with CSI slashers and delimbers—two Tigercat 724 cutters and John Deere 748G-III and 748H grapple skidders. The crew uses a Trelan chipper only sparingly of late, due to the kind of wood they’ve been cutting—mostly regeneration harvests on pine plantations. “It sometimes helps with keeping the land looking better, but on pine plantations, there’s not very much chipping material,” Anthony says. Dealers are Lassiter in Washington for Tigercat, Gregory Poole in Greenville for Cat and R.W. Moore in New Bern for Deere. Most of the crew’s equipment was bought used and has been well maintained. “The economy has been so bad the last seven or eight years, it’s been a struggle just to keep going,” Anthony says. Thus he has opted for maintenance and good used equipment

over buying new. He buys primarily from other loggers, and so far hasn’t come across any lemons… though he’s quick to “knock on wood.” His most recent acquisition, purchased a year ago, came from a logger who was going out of business, as many have been forced to do since 2008. When it comes to maintenance, Anthony has a shop near his house. Operators track machine hours and the crew handles routine maintenance and what repairs they can on their own, but for larger jobs they turn to an independent local mechanic for help, only taking repairs to a dealer when absolutely necessary. They also hire a man to wash trucks and trailers every weekend, again with an eye on bolstering public relations. Like many loggers, the Andrews family laments that pay has not kept pace with the cost of doing business, especially with fuel and equipment. “I can’t really say one thing is much higher than another, but trucking takes a big percentage,” Anthony says. One of his biggest concerns is finding, and keeping, reliable contract drivers, a lot of whom “have gone out of business.” Other products tend to bring better

John Deere and Tigercat machines cut, skid and load.

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haul rates; he mentions corn, beans and fertilizer as just a few local examples. “As soon as they get a chance to haul those other things, they jump to that,” he says. “We just don’t get paid as much as what others get, even though wood products are just as important.” In total the family runs 10 trucks. Anthony owns one International under the logging company, while Garrett and Tyler jointly own three Kenworths under their company Andrews Brothers Inc., and Garrett on his own has two Freightliners under his company G-Line Trucking, LLC. The other five are contractors. All trucks pull Big John trailers. Plylogs and chip-n-saw go to Georgia-Pacific in Dudley, while pulpwood goes to International Paper at Riegelwood. The company has been using MaxiLoad scales since 1990, relying on them to “stay on target,” again for safety reasons and in consideration of the motoring public. NC’s log truck weight limit, with tolerance, is 90,000 lbs., but to play it safe the crew shoots for around 85,000 lbs. The company has contracted primarily under GeorgiaPacific for the last 12 years, though with the extremely wet conditions of the past year, RMS (Resource Management Services) has also helped keep the crew busy. “They are both great companies to work with,” Anthony and Betty agree.

General Andrews’ maternal grandfather ran a small logging job, a sawmill, a farm, and a country store, and his four sons followed in his footsteps. When he was old enough Anthony went to work for one of his uncles in the woods for a few years before branching off to start his own company in 1984, two years after marrying Betty. Garrett and Tyler came on board right after completing college studies. “It was always in their blood,” their mother says, recalling that the boys grew up loving the woods and equipment. Though the next generation hasn’t quite arrived yet, it’s sure to come. Garrett married his wife Candace in 2012, while Tyler is engaged to marry Katie Moody in September. Equipment and workers’ comp insurance come by way of Forestry Mutual underwriter Seashore Insurance Agency of Jacksonville, NC. One of Betty’s many contributions to the company is conducting safety meetings once a month, using materials supplied by Forestry Mutual to focus on a different topic at each meeting. Employees sign a form to document that they were in attendance. Employees include Betty’s brother, Bryan Stroud, on a loader, Billy Phillips on a cutter and Joe Rodriguez and Antonio Vasquez on skidders. Garrett mans the other loader and Tyler drives the other skidder. Bill Sutton is the company truck driver. “We have a good crew that is dependable, reliable and knows what to do,” Betty says. “They have been with us a good while and we appreciate all their hard work.” Last year when Anthony needed time away from the job to carry Betty to her treatments, the crew stepped up to keep things running smoothly in his absence, with leadership from Garrett, Tyler, and Stroud. With 2013 behind them and Betty’s health improving, the family believes the road ahead might offer smoother traveling, if never completely bump-free. “I think things are looking better,” Andrews says of the state of the industry. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel, where there was none a year ago.” TH Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

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Questions&Answers

Danny Dructor Pulls Back The Curtain On The American Loggers Council As Executive Vice President of the American Loggers Council since 2001, Danny Dructor directs the group on a dayto-day basis. He represents the Danny Dructor ALC in Washington and elsewhere, often at trade shows and at annual meetings of the ALC member organizations. A 1979 forestry graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University, Dructor worked in various capacities for several companies in east Texas before venturing into logging in the late ’80s. He shut the business in 2001. He currently serves on the Sustainable Forestry Board Resources Committee and the USDA Forest Research Advisory Committee. When was the ALC organized and what crucial issues led to its formation? The American Loggers Council was formed in 1994 as a direct result of the introduction of the American Forest and Paper Assn. (AF&PA) Sustainable Forestry Initiatives™ rollout that same year at an FRA meeting in St. Louis. Loggers were being asked to participate in a program where their input was not considered, yet they were asked to absorb much of the cost, including on-the-ground practices and subsequent ongoing training.

logging associations, each of which sends one delegate who must be a full time logger, to serve on the ALC Board of Directors. With equal representation from all state and regional members, every Board vote carries the same weight. The Board meets three times a year: spring, summer and the annual membership meeting in the fall. The council also has an individual logger membership category open to all loggers in the U.S. Every year these members vote to select who will represent them on the ALC Board. We currently have seven committees that focus on specific issues and administrative functions. They include the Executive Committee, Legislative Committee, Transportation Committee, Biomass Committee, Master Logger Certification Committee, Communications Committee and Membership Committee. Each committee consists of a state or regional logging association executive and volunteers from the Board of Directors, ALC sponsors and any other loggers who wish to participate.

What is its purpose? The organization’s primary purpose is to have logging industry representation on national issues that impact the timber harvesting industry. Those issues are not confined to Washington, DC, but also wherever there are discussions that could have a negative impact on the industry, including but not limited to forest certification programs.

How is it supported financially? The ALC is supported by dues from each of its state and regional logging association members and through generous sponsorships from equipment manufacturers, insurance providers, Timberland Management Investment Organizations, and other suppliers of goods and technology to the timber harvesting industry. Current sponsors include: American Loggers Insurance, Bandit Industries, Barko Hydraulics, Bituminous Insurance, Caterpillar Forest Products, Fleetmatics, Forest Insurance Center Agency, Inc., Forestry Mutual Insurance, Hawkins and Rawlinson, Husqvarna, John Deere, Komatsu America, Log Max, Morbark, Peterbilt, Peterson, Ponsse, Rotochopper, Southern Loggers Cooperative, Stihl, The Lyme Timber Co., Tigercat Industries, and Vermeer.

Who are its members, how is it set up and how does it function? The ALC is a national trade association whose membership consists of representatives from state and regional

What are some of the greatest challenges facing the ALC and how is it dealing with them? One of the biggest is how to get more states involved with the organi-

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zation. With a large focus on policy in Washington, DC, as our member states grow in number, more doors are opened to members of Congress to go in and discuss issues impacting the industry and to secure support for issues we are working on. We currently represent 30 states but our goal is to represent every state that has a timber harvesting industry. What is the state of the ALC after 20 years? The fact that we are celebrating our 20th anniversary is a notable accomplishment in itself, but the facts are that we have seen significant growth in the support for the ALC over the past several years and have changed our focus from discussions about dues and SFI® to policies and recommendations that benefit the industry. The ALC is stronger today than ever, and we again give much credit to those who support us. What are some of its most significant gains? ● We went from no recognition by the SFI® program in 1994 to having one of our past presidents serve as the Chairman of the Sustainable Forestry Board. ● We went from little representation in Washington to conducting annual spring fly-ins, which a growing number of our members participate in. Senate and House members and their staffs now recognize many of us by name and often follow-up with telephone calls to the ALC office to request specific information on issues we have presented to them. ● We’ve had several opportunities to testify at committee hearings in Washington and in the field on federal issues such as the USFS Timber Sale Program and the National Environmental Policy Act, and most recently we were requested to submit written testimony on the Endangered Species Act and how it impacts harvesting operations. ● We worked with the Internal Revenue Service to clarify what is considered off-road equipment (the type not subject to heavy vehicle use tax) and worked to retain the discounted tax rate for log trucks under the same heavy vehicle use tax. ● We have established the ALC as “The National Voice for Timber Har-

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Questions&Answers vesting Professionals” in Washington. ● We have formed relationships with our sponsors and other like-minded organizations that enable us to work closely together to support legislation with positive outcomes for our industry. This included the Clean Water Act Amendment that clarified that EPA-issued NPDES permits are not required for forest roads used during logging operations. ● We have enacted a logging “Code of Ethics” and a Master Logger Certification program that help shed a positive light on the profession. ● We rebranded the organization in 2012 to heighten the logging community’s awareness of the ALC by creating a new logo, updated web site, and allowing sponsors to use the ALC logo in their advertising. ● We improved our communications efforts by publishing monthly editorials on current issues, joining the digital age with pages on Facebook and Twitter, circulating monthly Washington, DC reports and quarterly reports on ALC activities to our members. Is the group pressing for any specific national legislation? For 2014, we have identified four issues that our members have carried to the Hill. We continue to push Congress for truck weight reform, requesting that state-legal weight tolerances be recognized on the federal interstate highway system. We support Youth Careers in Logging, so that logging business owners can legally bring their 16 and 17 year-old sons and daughters into the workplace and begin teaching them the business—a benefit the agricultural community currently enjoys. In desperate need of revision is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a 44-year-old statute that has evolved into an onerous set of regulations that federal agencies are reeling under in trying to comply with. As a result, they are dealing with a continuous string of lawsuits that have a disastrous impact on rural economies and the forest industry. While this is a tough issue to tackle, it is one that is vitally important to our industry. Another critical area is carbon accounting. The EPA will set final rules for biogenic carbon dioxide accounting methods in the near future, and the final determination on the methodology it uses will have a huge

impact on emerging markets for woody biomass. What are the most crucial issues loggers nationwide are now grappling with? Thirteen years ago, when I was still logging, the answer was simple, profitability. I’m not certain that that has changed. The American Loggers Council has broached this issue in several venues, but it seems that more often than not it has fallen on deaf ears. Two recent reports published by the Wood Supply Research Institute (WSRI) indicate that there has been a significant loss in logging capacity, as well as significant needs in capital to fund the logging industry in what is expected to be a resurging demand for wood products going forward. Our hopes are that those reports are being taken seriously by both mills and landowners, and that changes are in the works in the entire procurement system that ensure there are sufficient investments in the supply chain to attain a reasonable level of profitability. Timber supply from federal forestlands is another crucial issue that loggers are facing in several regions. With no guarantee of an adequate, sustainable timber supply from federal forests, we will continue to see loss of infrastructure in both the harvesting and manufacturing sides of our industry.

Labor is also becoming an issue for many loggers. Competing with other industries for skilled equipment operators and truck drivers is a big challenge that may only grow worse. Financing continues to be an issue, especially for new entries into the profession. With short-term contracts, unpredictable timber supplies and low returns on investment, it is difficult to attract new investment and secure loans for necessary capital outlays. How do you see the ALC evolving? I think we’re on the right path and am optimistic that our steady growth will continue. As funding levels rise, that could enable us to retain more staff to enable us to thoroughly work on all important issues. I believe that we can do a better job of educating our members as to the technologies and business skills that will be necessary to help them remain competitive. We will continue our work in Washington with an emphasis of getting ahead of the game instead of playing defense to whatever new regulation might be thrown at us. There will continue to be new ideas to learn and act on and I see the ALC as being proactive to those changes. It has always been my philosophy, from day one, that as long as the association continues to take care of member needs, the organization itself will continue to thrive. TH

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DownTime Ulterior Motive A car salesman was walking down the street when he was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless man who asked him for a couple of dollars for dinner. He took out his wallet, extracted 10 dollars and asked, “If I give you this money, will you buy beer instead of dinner?” “No, I had to stop drinking years ago,” the homeless man replied. “Will you use it to go fishing instead of buying food?” asked the salesman. “No, I don’t waste time fishing,” the homeless man said. “I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.” The salesman persisted. “Will you spend this on hunting equipment?” he asked. “Are you NUTS!?” retorted the homeless man. “I haven’t gone hunting in 20 years!” “Well,” the salesman said, “I’m not going to give you money. Instead, I’m going to take you home for a terrific dinner cooked by my wife.” The homeless man was astounded. “Won’t your wife be furious with you for doing that? “Don’t worry about it,” the salesman replied. “It’s important for her to see what a man looks like after he has given up drinking, fishing and hunting.”

Truck Stop Bumper Stickers Whatever hits the fan will not be distributed evenly. I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it. Follow your dreams! Except that one where you’re naked in church. Sometimes too much to drink isn’t enough. Suicidal twin kills sister by mistake! Also, my short-term memory’s not as sharp as it used to be. Welcome to Utah: Set your watch back 20 years. In just two days from now, tomorrow will be yesterday. A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory. The statement below is true. The statement above is false. I may be schizophrenic, but at least I have each other. I am a nobody. Nobody is perfect. Therefore, I am perfect. I’m not your type; I’m not inflatable. I love cooking with wine—sometimes I even put it in the food. Money isn’t everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch. Reality is only an illusion that occurs due to lack of alcohol. Red meat isn’t bad for you—fuzzy green meat is bad for you. I am having an out-of-money experience. Don’t sweat the petty things. Don’t pet the sweaty things. Corduroy pillows are making headlines! I want to die while sleeping, like my grandfather, not screaming in terror, like the passengers in his car.

simply answer the question.” By this time, the judge was interested in the farmer’s answer and told the lawyer he wanted to hear it. “Well,” said the farmer, “as I was saying, I had just loaded Kate, my favorite mule, into the trailer and was driving her down the highway when this car ran a stop sign and smacked my truck right in the side. “I was thrown into one ditch and Kate was thrown into the other. I was hurting real bad and didn’t want to move, but I could hear ole Kate moaning and groaning. I knew she was in terrible shape. Soon a highway patrolman arrived. He could hear Kate taking on, so he went over to her. After he looked at her, he took out his pistol and shot her between the eyes. Then he came across the road with his gun in his hand and looked at me. He said, ‘Your mule was in such bad shape I had to shoot her. Are you OK?’ I answered real quick. I said I’m fine, just fine.”

Animal Crackers A farmer decided his injuries from a traffic accident were serious enough to take the other party involved to court. He took the stand and underwent questioning from the defendant’s lawyer. “Didn’t you say, at the scene of the accident, that you were fine?” the lawyer asked. “Well, I’ll tell you what happened. I’d just loaded my favorite mule Kate into the…” “I didn’t ask for any details,” the lawyer interrupted. “Just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, that you were fine?” “Well I’d just got Kate into the trailer and was driving down the road…” “Judge, I’m trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the highway patrolman that he was just fine. Now, several months after the accident, he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to 30

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Confessional A drunk staggered into a Catholic church, entered a confessional booth and sat down, but said nothing. The priest coughed a few times to get his attention, but the drunk continued to sit in silence. Finally, the priest pounded three times on the wall. The drunk mumbled, “Ain’t no use knockin’; there’s no paper on this side either!”

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Dust&Rust Readers are encouraged to send historical items.

Early 1960s Mulcher In 1961 Gurdon Machine and Supply Co., Gurdon, Ark., introduced what could have been a forerunner to the powerful mulching machines commonly deployed in land grooming applications today. According to an item in the July 1961 issue of Pulpwood Production, the “Tree Eater,” as developed by Gurdon owner C. B. Foshee, was labeled a significant advancement in land clearing operations. Fitted on/around a Case 800 crawler tractor, the Tree Eater featured a series of swinging knives mounted on an out-front rotating drum or cylinder, which was driven by a GMC diesel mounted at the rear of the frame enclosure. The entire apparatus was pinned to the carrier at the pivot point, with the cutting head and engine serving as counter weights. Adjustable skids underneath the cutter maintained it at a constant level above the ground; the head could be hydraulically lifted to a height of 27 inches. The machine cut a 6 ft. swath as it chewed through dense underbrush and small trees. The carrier, attachment and auxiliary engine sold for about $34,000. Gurdon placed several in service for outfits that cleared utility rights-of-way.

WM crawlers to harvest logs from a 4,000 acre tract he had purchased in the southwestern part of the state. Estes occasionally used the machines to help get trucks to high ground. SL also carried an item on Mississippi logger-lumberman F.J. Jacks of Tunica, who owned two International T-20 TracTracTors and four IH ‘motor trucks’ in his logging effort. At the time Jacks also operated three circle sawmills in northern Mississippi.

Bentley, Zimmerman: Louisiana Lumbermen

A Mac Of Another Type

Pennsylvania natives Joseph Bentley and E.W. Zimmerman arrived in central Louisiana around 1892, moving over from east Texas, where they had bought and operated a sawmill in Orange. They began buying timberland, eventually amassing 90,000 acres, and soon erected a large sawmill which did business as J.A. Bentley Lumber Co., near Boyce, a few miles northwest of Alexandria. Its specialty was large, long timbers (some 18x18 in. and 48 ft. long), many of which were exported. The town of Zimmerman was established to support the sawmill’s workers. The local population was about 600. In 1903 Bentley and Zimmerman and two other locals invested in a company called Enterprise Lumber Co., which operated a large sawmill in Alexandria. Bentley went on to become president of the First National Bank of Alexandria and to erect a grand hotel there. Bentley died in 1933; Zimmerman in 1938, but the mill continued to operate. Bentley Lumber’s 90,000 acres were stripped bare by 1962, when the sawmill was closed. Subsequently, the T.L. James Co. leased and reforested the property, which it still holds.

1940 Logging Scenes

Jacks’ T-20 TracTracTor at work

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The October 15, 1940 issue of Southern Lumberman included short items about loggers and lumbermen in Georgia and Mississippi. The magazine noted that L.P. Estes of Bainbridge, Ga., was using three 32 HP Allis-Chalmers Model

L.P. Estes at A-C crawler controls

In the late ’40s and early ’50s, McCulloch Motors Corp. was on a roll in the chain saw world, pumping out one-man and two-man units faster than a politician could make promises. Its 325 and 5-49 models weighed 25 and 49 lbs. respectively. This ad appeared in numerous forest industry trade journals.

Bruce Hardwood logo, circa 1940

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EquipmentWorld Exhibitors Pouring In For Mid-South Show Exhibitor interest in the 2014 MidSouth Forestry Equipment Show has been good since space was made available earlier this year, with new space bookings coming in regularly, according to Misty Booth, Show Manager. The biennial event, which is celebrating its 30-year history this year, is set for September 19-20 at the Burkhardt Pavilion and on the Starr Memorial Forest near Starkville, Miss. The familyfriendly event incorporates equipment technology; continuing education classes for loggers and foresters; forest management tips for landowners; the Caterpillar (Prentice) loader championship; Log-A-Load for Kids fundraisers; and special activities for kids. On-line preregistration ($15) will open June 23 at midsouthforestry.org; admission is $20 at the gate. “The show attracted 5,500 attendees, guests and exhibitors in 2012—a record turnout—and with an improving economy, we hope to set a new record this year,” says Booth. “I encourage potential exhibitors to lock in space soon, as the prime spaces are going fast.” Exhibitors as of April 15 included Hatton-Brown Publishers, Horizon Insurance Group, Thompson Machinery, Caterpillar, Nations Welding Service, Vermeer MidSouth, Bandit Industries, John Deere, Mississippi Loggers

Assn., MLA Insurance Services/Risk Management Partners, Stribling Equipment, Insurance & Risk Managers, Forestry Suppliers, Mississippi 811, GCR Tire Center, B&G Equipment, Tigercat Industries, Morbark, Waters International, Barko Hydraulics, Mississippi Forestry Assn., Puckett Machinery, Alliance Tire Americas, Peterbilt of McComb, Chambers DeLimbinator, MLA Log-A-Load for Kids, Peterson Pacific, Davis-Garvin Agency, Magnolia Trailers, Lumberman’s Exchange, Rotobec, Wood-Mizer Products, Truckworx-Kenworth of Alabama & Mississippi, MS Machinery Sales, Timber Clothing Co., Hawkins & Rawlinson, FAE USA, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneer; Kinder Morgan; Advanced Drainage Systems, Rayco Mfg., Tri-State Truck Center, Lumbermen’s Equipment Digest, and Taylor Machine Works.

Terex Environmental Expands Dealer Network Terex Environmental Equipment continues to experience growth in its arborist and forestry products due to the expanded product portfolio offering. This has led to an expansion of the dealer network in North America. “Ensuring that TEE delivers first class service and support to its expanding customer base is our primary concern,” says TEE Global Product Line Director, Martin Dummigan. “We have

a robust selection process for our dealers to ensure that they are committed to our products. This in turn means that our customers continue to get best possible service and support available.” New dealers include: ● Somerville Equipment, central New Jersey, somerville-equipment.com ● Key Equipment, Pennsylvania, keyquipmentinc.com ● J & B Tractor, central Georgia and South Carolina, m.jandbtractornet ● Buckeye Equipment, Ohio, cobb rental.com ● Latson Equipment, Texas, latson parts.com ● Mechanical Right of Way, Missouri, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, mrowec.com ● Metro Arborist Supply, Indianapolis, treestuff.com For more information on Terex Environmental Equipment products contact Philippa Fisher, Business Development and Marketing Director, Farwell, MI, 48622, 800-953-5532 or cell 989-7215232, terex.com/environmental-equipment

Is 10 Minutes Of Your Time Worth $100? Timber Harvesting is conducting a 2014 Reader Survey and we need your help. Please take the time to visit www.timberharvesting.com and click on the 2014 Reader Survey banner. Upon completing the survey and entering your contact information, you’ll automatically be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card!

HURRY! The deadline is Thursday, July 31st! Limit one entry per subscriber. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

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Hatton-Brown Partners With ATPA For In-Woods Expo 2015 Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. and the Arkansas Timber Producers Assn. (ATPA) have joined forces to sponsor the next In-Woods-Expo, a major demonstration/display of forestry equipment, supplies and services that ATPA launched in 2004 and held again in 2007 and 2011. In-Woods-Expo 2015 is scheduled June 18-20 on a rolling pine plantation site managed by Weyerhaeuser Co. outside of Hot Springs, Ark. ATPA partnered with the Forest Resources Assn. (FRA) in sponsoring the first three successful events, but FRA, which has undergone a change in leadership and focus in the last two years, chose not to partner again, opening the door for ATPA to consider other options, according to Larry Boccarossa, ATPA Executive Director. “Our board explored several partnership options to strengthen planning, publicity and execution strategies. We believe working in collaboration with Hatton-Brown will enhance the success In-Woods-Expo has experienced in prior years,” Boccarossa said. “Hatton-Brown will serve as the main conduit in promoting the show to its numerous connec10 ➤ (including timber harvesting); and Tom Trone with John Deere, who discussed the emerging technologies being provided by OEMs on telemetric systems that adapt to forestry equipment. One immediate opportunity as a result of these meetings was an invitation to testify before the House Natural Resources Committee supporting HR 4315, HR 4316, HR 4317 and HR 4318 regarding the Endangered Species Act (ESA). On Saturday morning, the ALC Board of Directors held its spring

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tions across the U.S. and internationally. In addition, this partnership will leverage the publicity resources in key renown Hatton-Brown publications, including Timber Harvesting, Southern Loggin’ Times, and Wood Bioenergy, to reach key audiences including exhibitors and attendees. In addition, this partnership will streamline registration through online avenues and payment collection, enhancing our capabilities to attract and encourage participation. We are very excited about this opportunity and our partnership, and believe In-Woods-Expo 2015 will be one of the best shows we’ve been a part of.” Speaking for Hatton-Brown, Co-Publisher DK Knight said, “We consider it a privilege for Hatton-Brown to join the ATPA team in helping plan, promote and implement InWoods-Expo 2015. By combining the live show experiences of both organizations, H-B and ATPA expect to present the best expo in the series.” The first expo planning committee meeting was held in late April. For emerging expo details, monitor www.arkloggers.com.

meeting where committee reports were given and strategies were discussed to pursue further action on legislative priorities. The National Woodland Owners Assn. was voted in to become an Organizational Associate Member of the ALC. ALC President Brian Nelson remarked, “Each year the fly-in continues to grow and members have become very comfortable with making their visits to the Hill and discussing our issues. What is more enlightening is the fact that now our sponsors are joining with us to add

their unique perspective to further our issues.”

Scheff Logging/Trucking Honored In Minnesota On April 15 the Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee named Scheff Logging and Trucking its 2014 Logger of the Year. Owned by James Scheff and based in Marcell, Minn., the business deploys six crews and 17 log and chip trucks. Founded in 1977, Scheff Logging and Trucking involves several family members.

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PeoplePower! WENDY FARRAND

The Mechanic’s Missing Thumb The most important PPE that you can provide for your crew is the protection of employee engagement. A disengaged employee is the most dangerous element on your job! Employee engagement does not happen by accident, and as a crew supervisor or contractor, if you are not thinking about employee engagement, you are not doing right by your crew. A couple of years ago when I was a Human Resources and Safety Manager, the company had a mechanic who had lost his thumb in an accident while working for a previous employer. Everyone knew the story of how he lost his thumb, but I was really interested in what led to the loss of the thumb. One day he came into my office to ask me a question and after a short discussion I said, “Bud, do you mind telling me the story of what happened the day you lost your thumb? Not the actual accident, but how your day started out, and what your day was like leading up to the accident?” The emotion that welled up in him was amazing, and he replied, “I remember it like it was yesterday.”

Target Of “Reaming” He went on to tell me how he reported for work and was immediately called into his supervisor’s office, along with a co-worker who was working on the same project as he was. I think it was an engine rebuild. They both sat down in front of the supervisor’s desk as he proceeded to “ream them a new one.” He went on to say that they did not have an opportunity to speak, defend, or explain their position. They left his office in an understandably high state of emotion. When emotion takes over your brain, it also takes over your body, and on the job that can be deadly. Have you ever been driving down the road while extremely upset? For whatever reason, you got into your pickup and drove while in a state of

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anger. I have, and all of a sudden, I looked up and wow, how did I get here? I couldn’t remember anything in between. My mind was a prisoner of the emotion that was sweeping through my veins at that time.

Always Ask Why That is exactly what can happen on the job when you don’t pause and ask, “why” before reacting. Asking “why” keeps the employee engaged, in the moment. If my friend the mechanic had the kind of supervisor who thought about employee engagement, and how his words carry enormous weight, perhaps the mechanic would still have his thumb. The two returned to the garage in that hyped-up emotional state to continue work on the project. As they were cussing and moaning, their attention was not in the moment, not on the dangerous movement of the engine, and something went wrong. The winch let go or the chain slipped. Whatever it was, it took his thumb and shred it into hundreds of irretrievable pieces. Not good for him, not good for his employer, and not good for the insurance company.

Disengagement Can Kill Now what if that supervisor was actively thinking about employee engagement and how to maintain it in his workplace? The day would have gone more like this: Upon arriving at the garage, the mechanics are called into the office. The supervisor asks them to sit down. He proceeds to ask questions about the issue at hand, gathering information and trying to understand why things were happening the way they were. Let’s say that the mechanics were not conducting themselves in a way expected of them by their supervisor and they were at fault. Then it was that moment when a decision needed to be made. Should

they have been asked to leave or should they have been asked to do things differently in a respectful manner? Or maybe they should have been asked if there was a way to handle things differently. We are all adults and there is never a need to ream anyone a new anything, for that only leads to disengagement and disengagement can kill on a logging job! Think about the power your words hold. Great leaders always think before they speak and those who give respect gain respect. Respect, trust, and strong communication on the job are the keys to higher production and safety. I know what it’s like to work in the woods and get caught up in the moment of stress. The stress of having machines down, foul weather conditions, employee conflicts, road postings—you name it—but all of these things are only made worse by a crew of unengaged or disengaged employees. Employee engagement does not happen in one day. Building engagement is a constant flow of energy, like the constant flow of hydraulic fluid through your machines. As a leader, thoughts of employee engagement should be woven through everything you do in the woods; it is the best PPE you can give your employees. A disengaged employee is like chain shot in that it can kill, maim and alter the state of your crew. Do right by your crew. Keep them safe and strong by taking the time to ask “why” before you react. It may save more than a thumb; it may save a life! Farrand is a forest industry consultant who emphasizes the value of strengthening the people side of a logging business and the impact it has on safety, production, efficiency and professionalism. Operating as WFarrand Consulting— wendyfarrand@gmail.com or 207-8384435—she brings her workshop series, The People Side of Timber Harvesting, to logging professionals around the country. Her most popular workshop, How to Build a Kick@$% Crew, has gained notoriety throughout the Northeast.

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Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations is accepting nominations for its 16th annual Logging Business of the Year Award, to be presented in September at the American Loggers Council annual meeting in Michigan. Seriously considered will be logging business owners in the industry’s upper percentile—those distinguished by solid business and operational performance, integrity, reputation, professionalism, leadership, and activity in community/industry affairs. Fill out and forward the form below to DK Knight, P.O. Box 2268, Montgomery, AL 26102-2268; fax 334-834-4525; or include requested info in an email: dk@hattonbrown.com. The more info you provide the better we can assess candidates.

Nominee___________________________________________ Company Name ____________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________ State _________ Zip _________ Phone _____________________________________________________ Here’s Why ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My name is ______________________________ Position ______________________________ Company ________________________________ Phone _______________________________ Email _________________________________________________________________________ Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers MAY/JUNE 2014 43

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SelectCuts As We (ALC) See It

The ALC In Washington: Gaining Traction BRIAN NELSON we were trying to convey to her. The American Loggers Council Thankfully over the years the visits (ALC) has been making trips have been much more proto Washington since practicalductive than that particular ly the beginning of the organiinstance. I would have to say zation. The ALC founders that our meetings this year decided to have the spring were of the positive and proboard of directors meeting in ductive variety. DC to give members the I believe we are making opportunity to visit with their progress with our visits in the elected officials and relevant sense that we are being asked Brian Nelson agency officials on issues by officials to testify before that impact their businesses. Congress on issues that affect Over the years, the meetings ALC the timber industry, we’re building relamembers have had with elected and tionships with agency officials, and agency officials have ranged from with elected officials and their staffs. It upbeat, positive, and productive to let’s is becoming apparent that when there is just say… “less than productive” and an issue that impacts the timber harvestmost anything in between. I remember ing profession the American Loggers a meeting we had one year with an Council is the “go to” organization to elected official’s staffer where we must get a logger’s perspective on the issue. have been keeping her from something This year’s meeting started off with since she spent more time looking at a brief update on timber tax issues her watch than paying attention to what from Dan Sakura of NAFO, followed

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by a briefing of the issues that ALC members would take with them on their Hill visits. Following the morning briefing ALC members made well over 100 visits to their elected and agency officials over the next day and a half. I would like to thank the sponsors that made the trip to attend and participate in Hill visits. I found it very beneficial to have representatives from two of the largest equipment manufacturers in the world to attend Hill visits with us. As loggers we tend to get “tunnel vision” on an issue and to get the perspective of the OEMs was very helpful not only for myself but for the staffers that we were talking with. It also gave these sponsors an opportunity to see first-hand what the ALC does on the political and legislative front for its members. Those sponsors with attendees were Caterpillar (Joe Allen, Chip Burroughs and Mike Duncan); John Deere (Kelly Granatier, Tom Trone, Craig McBeth and Collis Jones); and the Southern Loggers Cooperative (Bill Jones). In addition to Hill visits, the ALC

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SelectCuts held a session with numerous speakers to dicuss various topics of importance. Those speakers were Jim Pena, USFS, discussing the Farm Bill and timber sale program issues; Daniel Cassidy, USDA, discussing research and education in bio-based products; Bill Imbergamo, FFRC, discussing the federal timber sale program, NEPA reform, and wildfire funding; Luke Loy, USDOTFMCSA, discussing truck weight and CSA issues; Caitlin Rayman, USDOTFHA, discussing the Truck Size and Weight Study; and Tom Trone, John Deere, discussing telematics in today’s new forestry equipment. The ALC spring fly-in and board meeting was a great success, with a record number of members attending both components. In addition the ALC was asked to testify following the meeting on a package of four bills dealing with NEPA. We have also gained some traction on the Youth Careers in Logging issue. While the wheels of Congress often move at a snail’s pace compared to production on a logging job, it is impera-

tive that we keep pushing the process along to ensure that we in the timber harvesting industry do not become the latest species to be listed as endangered. If you or your state are not represented by the American Loggers Council at the national level, then perhaps it is time for you to consider joining the ranks. When we are all pulling together towards a common goal, there isn’t anything that cannot be accomplished. Nelson is the president of the American Loggers Council. He and his brother David and father Marvin own and operate Marvin Nelson Forest Products, Inc., Cornell, Mich. The American Loggers Council is a non-profit 501(c) (6) corporation representing professional timber harvesters in 30 states. Visit americanloggers.org or call 409-625-0206.

NCFA Appoints Gibson As Executive Vice President North Carolina Forestry Assn. has named former North Carolina legislator Pryor Gibson as Executive Vice President.

During his tenure in the NC General Assembly, Gibson chaired more than 20 committees and was a chief sponsor of numerous forestry, environment, natural resource, tax and regulatory legislation.

Changes Announced By NC Loggers’ Group North Carolina Assn. of Professional Loggers (NCAPL) is searching for a new Executive Director to replace Doug Duncan, who resigned effective May 1 to lead the Forestry Equipment Operator Training Program (FOROP). Largely through Duncan’s efforts, the association developed FOROP as a pilot program in 2011 and expanded its depth and reach. In conjunction with Duncan’s resignation, the program has been detached from NCAPL to operate as a standalone entity as a partner with Caterpillar Forest Products and NC Caterpillar dealer Gregory Poole Equipment. For details on the NCAPL position, contact Chip Capps at 252-432➤ 46 7209.

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SelectCuts John Martin Remembered At May 4 Service In Virginia Retired logging equipment sales personality John Martin was remembered May 4 at a celebration service in Midlothian, Va., where he had resided since 1994. Martin, 69, died at his residence on April 30. He was diagnosed with lung cancer last December. Martin, who moved with his family from Scotland to Canada at age 19, began his sales career in the late ’60s with Timberjack, which hired him in 1967. Over the years he worked in various sales and management roles in the Timberjack organization, calling on dealers, visiting with customers, and attending trade shows and dealer events. Passionate about his work, Martin transitioned from Timberjack to John Deere when Deere acquired Timberjack in 1999. He was a territory manager for Deere when he retired in 2010 after 40-plus years in logging equipment sales. Along the way, the outgoing Martin made countless enduring friendships. He was an avid and talented soccer player, competing professionally in Scotland and playing for 12 years for the Ingersoll Flyers in Ontario, where he was the president of the league for 10 of those years. He also was an accomplished golf player. Three of Martin’s former Timberjack-related associates, Dennis Vollmershausen, Doug Landers and Joe Parker, took part in the eulogy. A second memorial service, tentatively set for May 31, is planned in Woodstock, Ontario.

Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.

June 6-7—Southeastern Wood Producers Assn., Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll Island, Ga. Call 904-8457133; visit swpa.ag. June 22-25—Council on Forest Engineering annual meeting, Stoney Creek Inn, Moline, Ill. Call 304-206-1884; visit cofe.org. July 11-12—West Virginia Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Canaan Valley State Park, Davis, W.Va. Call 304-372-1955; visit wvfa.org. July 19-21—Georgia Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa, Hilton Head, SC. Call 478-992-8110; visit gfagrow.org. August 23-24—Arkansas Timber Producers Assn. annual meeting, Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs, Ark. Call 501-224-2232; visit arkloggers.com. August 26-28—Louisiana Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, Shreveport, La. Call 318-4432558; visit laforestry.com. MAY/JUNE 2014

SWPA Event To Include Logging/Outdoor Expo The annual meeting of the Southeastern Wood Producers Assn. (SWPA) will be radically different this year in that it will occur in conjunction with a logging/outdoor (recreational) exposition, with a focus on transportation. It will be staged at the Jekyll Island Convention Center in Jekyll Island, Ga. on June 6-7. Numerous manufacturers, equipment dealers and service providers will display harvesting machines, attachments, tires, trucks, trailers and other products. A different group of vendors will offer various outdoor gear, including boats, fishing tackle, hunting supplies, grills and ATVs. Admission for adults (18 and older) is $20 per day or $35 for two days. Admission for children 11-17 is $15 per day or $25 for two days. Children 10 and under will be admitted free. Tickets for the SWPA annual banquet are $50 each (adults and children 11 and older). Golf and skeet shooting events will benefit Log-A-Load for Kids. Admission fees for each are $100. For more information, contact SWPA at 904-845-7133, 478-952-2809, or 912-276-0657. (See ad on page 36.)

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Donations in Martin’s memory may be made to Massey Cancer Center, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298/804828-0450; the American Diabetes Assn. or to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at timberjack2010@gmail.com. Survivors include his widow, three children, three sisters, five grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Easy Access to current advertisers! http://www.timberharvesting.com/advertiser-index/ This issue of TIMBER HARVESTING is brought to you in part by the following companies, which will gladly supply additional information about their products. Alucar Cat Forest Products Cleanfix John Deere Forestry Duratech Industries Forest Chain Husqvarna Forest & Garden Interforst 2014 KMC Kootrac/Kootenay Tractor Log Max Manac Mid-South Forestry Equipment Morbark Olofsfors Peterson Pacific Pitts Trailers Prolenc Manufacturing Rotobec USA Southeastern Wood Producers Southstar Equipment Terex Environmental Equipment Tigercat Industries Wallingford’s Waratah Forestry Attachments Western Trailer

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