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A Hatton-Brown Publication HATTON-BROWN PUBLISHERS, INC. 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 Publisher David H. Ramsey Chief Operating Officer Dianne C. Sullivan

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Editor-in-Chief Rich Donnell Managing Editor Dan Shell Senior Associate Editor David Abbott Senior Associate Editor Jessica Johnson Associate Editor Patrick Dunning

Vol. 68, No. 6: Issue 683

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Publisher/Editor Emeritus David (DK) Knight Art Director/Prod. Mgr. Cindy Segrest Ad Production Coord Patti Campbell Circulation Director Rhonda Thomas Online Content/Marketing Jacqlyn Kirkland ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES SOUTHERN USA Randy Reagor (904) 393-7968 • Fax: (334) 834-4525 E-mail: reagor@bellsouth.net

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OurFeatures

With thousands of acres at risk of wildfire, critical steep slope salvage and bug killed timber removal project near high visibility ski resort in Colorado requires winch-assist technology. Report begins on PAGE 12. (Dan Shell photo, design by Shelley Smith)

MIDWEST USA, EASTERN CANADA John Simmons (905) 666-0258 • Fax: (905) 666-0778 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com WESTERN USA, WESTERN CANADA Tim Shaddick (604) 910-1826 • Fax: (604) 264-1367 E-mail: tootall1@shaw.ca

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Dueling Disasters Hurricane, Fires Hit Hard

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14 Wet Ground Logging Soft Footprint Strategies

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Bridget DeVane 334-699-7837 bdevane7@hotmail.com Timber Harvesting & Forest Operations (ISSN 2154-2333) is published 6 times annually (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/ December issues are combined) by Hatton-Brown 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.

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16 Extreme Logging Conditions Machines That Perform

23 Innovation Way New Logging Equipment

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MyTake DAVID ABBOTT

ALC Virtually Holds Annual Meeting INTERNET, U.S. American Loggers Council (ALC) had planned to hold its 26th Annual Meeting this year on the last weekend of September, as per tradition, in the home state of the current/outgoing President—in this case, Missouri’s Shannon Jarvis. As reported in the September/October issue of Timber Harvesting, those plans were shelved due to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, the ALC Executive Board conducted a virtual board meeting on Saturday morning, September 26. Attending the Zoom video conference call from phones and laptops at home offices were 50 members and supporters.

The three-hour meeting included the election of officers and regional delegates to lead ALC executive board Zooms in. the organization during the 2020-2021 period. The Board of Directors elected Tim Christopherson, co-owner of DABCO, Inc. from Kamiah, Id., to serve as President; and Andy Irish, owner of Irish Family Logging from Peru, Me. to serve as the 1st Vice-President. Other officers elected included Mike Albrecht with Sierra Resource Management in Sonora, Cal. as 2nd Vice President and Josh McAllister with McManus Timber in Winnfield, La. as Secretary/Treasurer. Regional delegates elected include David Cupp with Walsh Timber out of Zwolle, La.; Chuck Ames with SDR Logging out of Sebec, Me.; and Bruce Zuber with Zuber & Sons Logging from Wetterburn, Ore. While officers and delegates usually serve a one-year term, given the unusual circumstances of this year, the Board made an exception and passed a motion for this group to serve twoyear terms. This extended term allows the organization to make up for this year’s cancelled Branson meeting by holding its 28th Annual Meeting there in 2022. As the 27th Annual Meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho has already been booked for fall 2021, rescheduling this year’s cancelled meeting for two years from now helps prevent ALC from incurring any potential financial penalties from the Branson Convention Center, where the 2020 event would have been held.

Another aim of the two-year term was to make for a seamless transition over the next two years as ALC anticipates the arrival of a new Executive Director in 2021. Danny Dructor, who has served as Executive Vice President of ALC since 2001, plans to retire next year. Unsurprisingly, much of the discussion at this year’s meeting surrounded plans for this transition and for the selection of Dructor’s replacement. President Jarvis appointed committee members to serve on the Executive Director Search Committee and the Bylaws Com4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

mittee to review and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.

A related topic of much discussion was strategic planning for ALC’s future. Retired John Deere man Tom Trone detailed plans to revise ALC’s purpose, mission, strategic goals and priorities. Strategies to represent logger interest on critical issues include more direct engagement with members of Congress, leveraging communication of the real life impact of policies on loggers, as opposed to third party filtering and spin.

The plan is to use lobbyists sparingly, on a per-issue basis, and not to retain a dedicated lobbyist. To help advocate for changes to transportation regulations, ALC intends to collaborate with other forest industry associations and state and regional affiliates. To build greater logger awareness and attract more workers to logging jobs, ALC will, among other things, engage the services of a professional PR firm, expand distribution of press releases, contribute to education and outreach programs, and work to improve the image of logging via social media.

In other business, the Governmental Affairs Committee reported on the status of logger relief funding, which ALC and its state and regional member organizations have been working on since mid-May. The goal has been to assist those logging and log hauling businesses that have seen a drop in revenue in 2020 as compared to 2019 due to loss of markets that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mississippi’s Ken Martin pointed out that it seems most of the commodities included in the relief package to get USDA funding—Christmas tree farming, for instance—are industries that are members of Farm Bureau. Forestry is part of Farm Bureau in some areas, but not at the national level. Congress failed to pass a second relief package before recessing in August; with election year politics doubtless a factor, compounded by the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, it seems unlikely anything will happen on this front yet. Still, ALC has continued to actively engage its contacts among the staffs of the White House, Congress and USDA, and this has been successful in increasing awareness of logger issues.

Reports on modernization of the National Environmental Policy Act, reform of the Endangered Species Act, the Safe Routes Act, Future Careers in Logging, and Federal Timber Sales Program were also submitted, as well as a proposed BLM rule change to streamline and speed up the process for selling forest products on BLM lands. Membership, Communications and Wood Energy committee reports were also discussed.

Incoming ALC President Christopherson wrapped up the meeting by expressing his thanks to his predecessor, Shannon Jarvis, for a job well done during his term and stated that he looks forward to leading the organization through the transition that will be taking place while continuing the ongoing TH work of the American Loggers Council.

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NewsLines Dadeville Pole Announces Facility Dadeville Pole Co. plans to construct a new $5 million facility to manufacture and distribute power poles at the William Thweatt Industrial Park in Tallapoosa County, Ala., according to the Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance.

Dadeville will initially create 12 direct jobs to operate the mill and dry kilns, as well as sustaining and promoting numerous indirect jobs with local wood suppliers and loggers. With construction on the new building beginning in late September, the facility will be in full operation by the end of 2020.

Alabama Timber Owners Receive Pandemic Relief Alabama forest and landowner groups welcomed news today of $10 million in state coronavirus relief to help forest owners impacted by the pandemic.

Alabama Farmers Federation Presi-

6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

dent Jimmy Parnell thanked Governor Kay Ivey and State Forester Rick Oates for working to provide relief for landowners who sold timber at reduced prices due to market disruption.

Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) will administer the Assisting Alabama Timber Owners Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic program. It will provide payments to landowners who harvested timber during the months of March through July 2020. The payment rate will be $1 per ton of timber sold.

Initial payments will be limited to not more than $10,000 per applicant, pending evaluation of program participation and available funding.

workers based in north Mississippi.

Mission Forest Products, which expects to be operational by 2022, will be capable of producing 250MMBF annually.

TIR decided to locate the mill in Corinth due to the rail and road access it offers to growing population centers like Memphis, Nashville, Birmingham and the lower Midwest, In addition, the area surrounding Corinth is a prime timber-growing region currently underserved by sawmilling capacity despite the plentiful inventory.

TIMO Subsidiary Plans Corinth, MS Sawmill

Michigan’s Dept of Agriculture recently implemented a Mountain Pine Beetle Exterior State Quarantine that regulates the movement into Michigan of pine forest products with bark including logs, stumps, branches, lumber and firewood originating from a number of beetle-affected states.

“The mountain pine beetle hasn’t been detected in Michigan yet, but

Mission Forest Products, a subsidiary of Timberland Investment Resources LLC (TIR), plans to build a sawmill in Corinth, Miss., costing $160 million and creating 130 jobs at the mill and providing economic and employment opportunities for forest products firms and

Michigan Implements New Forest Product Quarantine

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NewsLines we’re taking the necessary, proactive steps to ensure our pine resources are here for generations to come,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell.

States affected by the quarantine include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Neiman Purchases Gilchrist Mill Interfor Corp. is selling its sawmill in Gilchrist, Ore. to Neiman Enterprises Inc. The Gilchrist sawmill, which specializes in ponderosa and lodgepole pine boards, has been curtailed since midJune of this year due to COVID-19 related economic factors. Prior to its curtailment, the mill produced approximately 80MMBF per year and employed 150.

Family-owned Neiman, based in

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

Hulett, Wyo., operates pine board sawmills in Wyoming and South Dakota and a stud mill in Colorado. Neiman intends to restart the mill in the near future and rehire a substantial number of the furloughed employees. Neiman will also consider future capital investment opportunities for the facility.

ning in the first quarter of 2022. The Renewable Biomass Group web site indicates the company wants to develop 2 million metric tons per year of industrial wood pellets projects over a seven-year period. The RBG air permit application indicates the plant will procure 1.1 million tons of softwood annually.

Adel Moves Ahead With Pellet Mill

President’s Export Council Appoints Dane

A proposed 450,000 metric tons per year industrial wood pellet mill to be built in Adel, Ga. is gaining steam. On September 21 the Adel City Council annexed and rezoned a 171 acre industrial park area in Cook County into the city of Adel. Meanwhile the wood pellet plant project owner, Renewable Biomass Group (RBG), has applied for air construction permitting for the plant, which would export its wood pellets to overseas markets as fuel for electricity generation.

The company hopes to commence construction in the fourth quarter of this year with commercial production begin-

Scott Dane, Executive Director, Associated Contract Loggers & Truckers of Minnesota, has been selected for an appointment to the President’s Export Council. The council serves as the principle national advisory committee on international trade and advises the President on government policies and programs that affect U.S. trade performance; promotes export expansion; and provides a forum for discussing and resolving trade-related problems among the business, industrial, agriculture, labor and government sectors.

“It is a distinct honor and privilege to have been selected,” Dane said.

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NewsLines

Hurricane Laura Packs Big Louisiana Punch

More than 39 million tons of lost timber inventory included 1.8 billion BF of sawtimber.

L

oggers and landowners in Louisiana experienced a year’s worth of timber harvests overnight as more than 758,000 acres of timberland were badly damaged

by Hurricane Laura in late August. That includes more than 3.5 billion BF of sawtimber (2.8 billion BF pine and 740 billion BF of hardwood) alone. According to a report by Jeff Zeringue in the Louisiana Logging Council’s Louisiana Logger publication, more than 39 million tons of wood came crashing down as the storm blew through.

The storm came ashore near Cameron, La., on August 27 as a Category 4 hurricane, packing 160 MPH winds and maintained hurricane status (80+ MPH winds) all the way to the Arkansas state line. The last time the region experienced a weather event with wind speeds this strong was when the Last Island Hurricane struck in 1856. Before Laura, that storm was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana history, and fifth-strongest continental U.S. landfall hurricane on record.

Afterward, 20 parishes reported heavy timber damage. In an economic impact report on the storm that cited reports from the LSU AgCenter, industry analysts Forest2Market noted the storm’s $1.1 billion impact on timber inventories was almost twice as much as 2005 hurricanes Rita and Katrina combined.

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ture damage that occurred and the losses associated with timber, the total economic impact to the food and fiber sector from Hurricane Laura will be as large as or larger than any storm that I have developed estimates for since my time with the AgCenter,” said LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry.

On the ground, loggers are looking to salvage what they can, but over-saturated timber markets and log purchasers mean a big drop in timber prices. Plus, the slow and dangerous pace of salvaging wind-blown timber makes safety the top consideration. Standard piney woods mechanized logging equipment is not designed to handle horizontal stems.

Robbie Hutchins, extension forester for the LSU AgCenter Extension Service, says it’s not just a matter of bringing in chain saw crews. The unsafe nature of the work means insurance costs will balloon. The way the timber is twisted after such a storm, “It becomes a safety nightmare,” Hutchins says. A report from the AgCenter also determined that only 10% of the downed pine trees can be salvaged and that none of the damaged hardwood trees are salvageable.

Some of the worst damage is in recently thinned stands, where remaining trees have less canopy to buffer each other during high winds. Logs that can be salvaged are also degraded by wind damage from twisting and stress The

same dynamics came into play two years ago after Hurricane Michael hit northwest Florida and southwest Georgia: Huge amounts of timber in barely salvageable condition, with overall market conditions making it barely worthwhile to cut and haul any of it. Noting that the parishes hit hardest contain the most productive timberlands in Louisiana, Louisiana Forestry Assn. and Louisiana Logging Council Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says “Unfortunately, most of this will be unsalvageable. Making matters worse is most mills are already carrying a full wood inventory.”

According to the Forest2Market report, Hurricane Laura will include a near-term impact driving stumpage prices down as too much wood, much of it low grade, chases too few market outlets. The report states that longer-term “Stumpage prices will become more volatile and likely trend higher thereafter—once the market works through the usable salvaged timber—and the regional supply chain adapts to new operating conditions that reflect the loss of over $1 billion in timber resources.”

Seeking Relief Vandersteen reported in his Louisiana Logger column that loggers should look into the federal Small Business Administration disaster loan program that offers low-interest loans up to $2 million for businesses impacted by the hurricane. The Louisiana Treasurer’s Office also administers a small business grant program directed at for businesses affected by the coronavirus that could also be helpful, he added. Additional relief programs include USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Louisiana accepting applications in eligible parishes for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).

The ECP helps to restore damaged farmland to pre-disaster conditions and may provide up to 75-90% of cost-sharing. The EFRP provides payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster.

Local FSA County Committees determine land eligibility using information provided and if applicable, an on-site damage inspection to assess the type and extent of damage.

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NewsLines

Western Loggers Hammered by Fire Conflagrations across the West— many still burning as this report is compiled in late October—have incinerated millions of acres of timberland and forest products infrastructure, including more than 100 of pieces of equipment destroyed or damaged in Oregon alone.

Meanwhile, California had a record fire season of more than 7 million (and growing) acres burned, and still in other states fires have diverted resources, caused evacuations and added to economic costs.

Oregon has unfortunately garnered many of the headlines for its hellish, wind-driven fires in early September that completely overwhelmed firefighting authorities and broke into well-populated areas east of EugeneSpringfield and Salem and in southern Oregon, completely obliterating several small towns and thousands of structures as tens of thousands were forced to evacuate.

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

According to a mid-October Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) report, 2020 has seen 2,027 fires across all jurisdictions in Oregon and 1,221,324 acres burned. That includes 912 fires on 551,000 acres of ODF-protected lands so far this year, more than 10 times the annual average of state land acres burned. Another factor is that much more private land was affected than average—more than 40%. Private timber supplies play a critical role in the region, where public timber is plentiful but access is almost always uncertain.

Forester Mike Dubrasich of Lebanon, Ore., notes that some of the most impressive and well-stocked forests in the world were incinerated: The Willamette and Mt. Hood national forests, the top two across the national forest system in terms of standing timber volume, lost a combined 700,000 acres; the Umpqua NF lost 175,000 acres.

Many of those areas are in old-

growth, with volumes of 150MBF/acre and above. Dubrasich estimates at least 50 billion BF overall burned in a week.

To put that into perspective, annual harvests in Oregon have averaged around 4 billion BF annually the past 20 years.

All segments of Oregon’s forest industry are going to be impacted by the loss of such a huge amount of inventory.

And it’s not just the standing sawlogs: A huge loss is thousands upon thousands of acres of submerchantable timberlands, from recently planted to 25-30 years old, that will create timber supply gaps years into the future.

Landowners, log purchasers and all involved in timber management across all ownerships are shifting priorities to focus on restoring lost timberlands.

This will be a major priority in the near future to salvage what’s possible, treat some areas and re-establish growing stock, especially on the 400,000+ acres of damaged private

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NewsLines timberlands where such activities can commence immediately.

Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL) Executive Director Rex Storm says the timber losses alone are “business altering” events, and the losses to contract logging capacity will have both immediate and long term effects on timber operations in the state. He notes that significant amounts of Oregon logging capacity was “burned, idled, displaced, closed, and at best deprived of the income necessary to sustain small business equity investment.”

Following the fires, to gauge the impact on state loggers, AOL in October completed a membership survey that yielded remarkable results concerning the depth and severity of this fire season’s impact on loggers and logging capacity: An estimated 360 million BF of annual timber harvest capacity in the state is currently displaced or disrupted. (Representing around 9% of annual timber harvest, the impact of this number can’t be overstated.) This includes contractors who have lost

10 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

some and all of their harvesting assets.

Well over 100 pieces of equipment were completely destroyed. More was damaged and some of that will also have to be replaced.

Somewhere between 100 to 200 million BF in additional annual logging capacity is likely to exit the supply chain in the next six months, with loggers either completely leaving the industry or remaining at a lower capacity.

Of the burned assets reported— more than $100 million—only a third or so were fully insured.

During the next 18 months, Oregon loggers who’ve suffered economic losses will be making lots of decisions. Some will come back 100% or more, some will walk away and others will remain in a reduced role. It’s a safe bet that August 2022 will see less logging capacity in the state than prefire capacity in August ’20.

Storm says the urgency of the situation requires a clear-eyed look at how to maintain viable and sustainable logging capacity. With many logging and re-

lated contract activities commanding premium prices after the fires, loggers need to ensure they receive adequate compensation to not only reinvest in their businesses but also ensure business sustainability in the future, Storm adds.

Logger Don Meng, whose home and shop are located in the Cascade foothills near the entrance to a large Weyerhaeuser and Port Blakely timber farm on the south side of Mollala, says he’s lucky despite sustaining a major hit: The fires came within three miles of his home, which survived, but his logging equipment wasn’t as fortunate.

His shovel-logging side that included an f-b, shovel, processor and loader, was a complete loss, and his other crew, a hybrid winch-assist shovel logging side, had some damage.

As of mid October Meng had replaced some equipment and had some new machines on order and was back to work. Looking forward to a couple years of gritty salvage work, Meng, an optimist by nature, said, “There’s no use crying over spilled milk; we’re happy to be back working.”

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Steep Solution Critical headwaters salvage project succeeds with cut-to-length logging bolstered by winch-assist systems to handle high elevation steep slopes.

DANShell

MONARCH PASS, Colo. leven hundred and thirty five miles of travel—much of it closely following the waterway—fill the distance between Monarch Pass at the Continental Divide and a muddy bank near Rosedale, Miss., where the Arkansas River spills into the mighty Mississippi. At each mile of passage along the way, water quality is critical for the thousands of stakeholders who enjoy and utilize the river’s resources.

Quality begins at the source, and along the Arkansas River headwaters at Monarch Pass (Elev. 11,000 ft.) that quality is challenged by severe spruce beetle timber damage that has affected many high elevation timberlands in the state. Thousands of acres of standing dead timber are a major fire danger, and the soil instability and siltation following fire events are big risks to water quality.

At Monarch Pass, the use of winch assist cut-to-length logging systems

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are providing a solution for reducing fire risks on the steepest slopes as the larger dead timber is thinned in hardto-reach areas.

Following additional research that identified 20,000 acres of acres of steep slope terrain in the Arkansas River’s mountainous areas, the U.S. Forest Ser-

ARWC forester Andy Lerch

vice (FS) is moving ahead with a fuels mitigation project to treat 3,000 acres affected by beetle kill. FS silviculturist Alex Rudney noted roughly 90% mortality of spruce trees 5 in. diameter and larger in the project area. A key part of that is a 600 acre steep slope component in a high visibility area near a popular ski resort and campground that also encompasses sensitive headwaters habitat.

Conceived four years ago, the project is a joint partnership with the FS and the Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative (ARWC) and its many stakeholders.

Experienced cut-to-length specialists Miller Timber Services of Philomath, Ore. is the contractor on the job, running a Ponsse Bear harvester and Elephant King forwarder—both fitted with Olofsfors ECO-Tracks. The machines are also using Ponsse’s Synchrowinch tethering system for better traction and stability on steep slopes.

“We’re really thrilled with the level of professionalism from Miller Timber Services,” says Andy Lerch, lead forTIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

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ester with ARWC. “We’re right across from the ski area, and this winter everyone is going to be looking at it so it was a priority for us to find good people who were experienced.”

Lerch notes that Miller Timber Services’ Matt Mattioda, Vice President CTL Systems-Chief Forester, spent a couple of weeks in Colorado getting the project started. The high-profile project has drawn public interest: In a local news report, Mattioda said that Miller Timber Services is honored to work with the ARWC and the FS to be a big part of the solution to protecting water quality and restoring forests.

A key part of the success of the Monarch Pass Forest and Watershed Health Project is the way the ARWC brought additional sources of funding together to make the project happen and do the most good. In addition to FS funding, the ARWC brought in more than $600,000 in matching funds from groups as varied as the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, Chaffee County, the city of Salida and towns Poncha Springs and Buena Vista, water and utilities groups with Pueblo and Colorado Springs, Colo.— and Trout Unlimited.

Lerch says ARWC officials found lots of interest among river stakeholders. “They realize that if you have a big fire up here you’re going to have sedimentation, erosion and impacts to water quality all the way downstream,” he adds. “There are a variety of users and we wanted to protect them.”

Cut-to-length systems routinely tackle slopes at 70%, increasing the thinnable project area

ft. swaths up and down the hillside.

The forwarder was following in the harvester’s trail and bringing logs to a road roughly a quarter-mile below the top. A local contractor operating a self-loader and short log truck was loading and hauling logs.

Most of the log output from the project is going to Montrose Forest Products, the area’s only large production sawmill and log processing facility that can handle a large volume of salvage material.

One factor with working at such a high elevation is a short operating window: Logging isn’t allowed until July 1, and the operation can go until snow begins, usually by late October. Mattioda noted in mid October that a foot of snow had already fallen, and the crew would

Prescription In addition to the salvage and stand improvement benefits, goals of the project are to reduce fuel loading, protect infrastructure around the ski area and adjacent campground and improve aquatic ecosystem health and overall watershed health.

On the ground, Miller Timber Services’s crew is taking all dead trees, predominantly Engelmann spruce with a small amount (less than 5%) of subalpine fir. In addition, all of the live spruce over 8 in. is being taken, since much of it is already affected by the beetle or soon will be.

Working off one of the highest ridges at Monarch Pass, harvester and forwarder operators are using anchor trees at the top and operating on the hillside below. On the unit TH visited, the harvester was working roughly 60 Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

Beetle kill in high-visibility area

likely be done the first of November.

The project began near the campground in July and has treated almost 200 acres. Lerch says the groups are hoping to have all 600 acres completed by next year.

“I think the community will really like the final product–you can already see the difference in the areas that have been treated and the other areas with the sea of dead trees,” Lerch says.

The forester adds that he had seen CTL equipment operating at a demo in New Mexico several years back (on another project Miller Timber Services was working), and he thought it was a great system to use for the Monarch Pass project. Regulations on the San Isabel National Forest prohibit “conventional” logging operations from working slopes steeper than 60%.

The eight-wheel Ponsse harvester and forwarder routinely handle slopes up to 70% with winch-assist technology, and a waiver was granted to allow the CTL system for project.

“In this area steeper slopes aren’t commonly treated, over 60% is generally left alone,” Lerch says.

The forester says he generally acts as a go-between the FS and contractor on such a project. In this case, the process as gone quite smoothly, he says.

“Miller Timber has made this project a priority, and they’ve done a fantastic job working with the mill on what they are able to take,” Lerch says, adding that he’s been impressed with Miller Timber’s approach.

“They care about what goes to the mill and producting the right material,” he adds. “They are doing a great job and we’re seeing really good utilization.” TH NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 13

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Rain Or Shine Wet and low ground loggers have a few tricks when it comes to harvesting wood in the Southeast’s hardwood bottoms.

PATRICKDunning

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here’s a small percentage of loggers equipped to harvest hardwood timber in wet ground bottomland. It requires specificed machinery to avoid ruts that can affect soil quality and future growth, and an emphasis on leaving a smaller footprint while remaining productive.

The handful of men who have found a niche in swamp logging are utilizing mats, track machines, dual tires and in some cases track chains for extra grip in low spots. Regardless of a machine’s capabilities, productivity depends on the performance of the overall traction system.

Timmy Dopson, owner of Dopson Timber LLC., Valdosta, Ga., has a six-wheel Tigercat 632 skidder geared up with dual Firestone tires, running 35x5x32s on the inside and 24x5x32s Timmy Dopson on the outside. The three-axle skidder has 23 sq. ft. of grapple capable of dragging close to half a load of wood in a single turn. Dopson runs exclusively Tigercat equipment including: two 860 track feller-bunchers, two S860 shovel loggers, 250D track loader, 630E and 630C grapple skidder.

Dopson’s Tidewater equipment dealer, Jimmy Watkins, Hazlehurst, Ga., says the three-axle bogie skidder distributes weight better than the heavier two-axle and works well in wetter topography.

“In a swamp the main thing a logger wants is something to bring out the most wood at a time. Every stem you leave behind could be another grapple full,” Watkins says. “Keep in mind the bogie wheels turn just like a two-wheel skidder but the bogie is like a motor grader moving up and down so not only is it pulling, it’s climbing with the terrain up and down. That’s how you get extra force.”

Dopson says sound access roads are 14 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Dopson’s bogie skidder (since sold) is capable of dragging close to half a load in a single turn.

vital for haul trucks to be able to get from the woods to mills. His crew typically works backwards when conducting clear-cut prescriptions and builds shovel roads from the back to the front.

“The way we do it is find the high ground and access it with the loader, then we start in the back of the swamp with a shovel road and work our way toward to the landing,” Dopson explains. “That’s what were accustomed to doing.” When it’s wet they mat to stay above the mud to avoid disturbing the ground.

The Dopsons’ family business started 104 years ago cutting highground hardwood pine and was initially exposed to track machines and excavators doing construction and land clearing projects.

Sawmills were constructed in the area and along with those came more dealers and loggers. This forced Dopson to expand his reach and separate himself from the pack. He runs three crews: a three-piece pine crew, roadside operation and his specialty swamp logging crew.

“It got so competitive, we decided to do swamp logging because there wasn’t anyone doing it,” Dopson says.

“You have to go hunt something nobody else is doing.”

Watkins says Dopson’s Tigercat 860 track cutter equipped with a 5702 head will go places you can’t walk. Tidewater’s standard Berco 36 in. triple grouser pad is ideal for the area and aggressive enough to maneuver over submerged stumps. One uncanny trick often used by swamp loggers is utilizing the machine’s boom to keep wood under the tracks for additional traction.

“You can flip the head around, take a tree and stick it underneath the tracks and walk around out there with it while cutting wood,” Watkins explains.

The wider the track shoes, the higher the pressure on the links between the pins and bushings. Track shoes have to be adjusted to the terrain the machine is working in to minimize the wear process and reduce the chance of chain breakage, Watkins says. The wider the track shoe, the lower the ground pressure which results in less soil disturbance.

Dopson previously ran double grouser track shoes for extra holding power on hills but couldn’t avoid catching debris and stumps in bottoms and TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

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repeatedly broke pins. Triple grouser ers with 36 in. grouser pads. pads give when necessary, and Watkins The 635 model runs with a dual says the cleats are thick enough to Goodyear tire setup: 35x5s and 24 in. tackle Georgia’s timber bottoms near dimensions on the front tires and the Ocmulgee River where Dopson’s 30x24s in the back. When they first swamp crew is currently doing a lowstarted mat logging, they were running ground pressure harvest.

30.5s on the outside and continuously Watkins oversees almost 150 cusbroke axles and wheels, Norman says. tomers at Tidewater’s Hazlehurst locaHis equipment dealer at Pattion and out of the 20 swamp loggers he rick-Miller Tractor Company, Inc., assists, none of them run track chains Many, La., Glenn Campbell, suggested on their woods equipment. he move his back, outside tires to 24 in.

“In the swamps you have stumps and and they haven’t had any trouble since. places where if that chain grabs some“We aren’t having any issues since thing it’s going to give, pop an axle, pop we switched to 24s,” Norman says. a drive shaft, so we don’t sell chains,” The 635 bogie pulls 95% of their he says. wood and up to 7-8 MPH with a good The 860C model has a 75 in. tail access road. swing and is the biggest machine WatNorman says his crew spends most kins’ Tidewater location offers. Each of its time doing mat logging for Louitime the tail swing is increased the masiana Timber Procurement in the West chine’s swing radius is reduced but it’s Bay Wildlife Management Area, a smoother to operate. Watkins says, nearly 60,000-acre tract of protected “Timmy’s 860 is like riding in a car.” and sensitive land near Elizabeth in The 5702 Tigercat single-tower proAllen Parish, La. While they do dabble cessing head on Dopson’s track fellin some natural stands, he prefers er-buncher has less accumulating cathick and wet parcels. pacity than the 5500 or 5600 model “We have to be on a pretty decent but its centered pocket is more stable plantation,” he says. “The company we which is pertinent to have in a swamp work for takes care of our roads which instead of transferring weight from makes it easier for us.” one side to another.

When the Ratzloffs move onto a The 5702 model is best suited for tract, they’ll prepare a gravel road, larger diameter trees and intended for sometimes to the corner of a tract and drive-to-tree track cutters with a sinskid up to ¾ mile on mats. At ¾ mile, gle-cut capacity of 23 in. their bogie skidder can pull close to 20 Tigercat’s smaller heads are designed loads a day. Norman says the last tract to accumulate more trees with its pocket his crew was working on they skidded holding trees 20 in. and smaller to the 140 acres to the backside of the propside. But what loggers often find in boterty and constructed a road with their toms is a 20 in. diameter tree at breast bogie skidder. height with a 30 in. swelled butt, requirRed Williamson, store manager at ing a couple approaches to fell.

B&G Equipment, Magnolia, Miss., has “Everyone I know in the swamps been working with Olofsfors and outfituses the 5702 head because it can cut a ted a 635 Tigercat with Olofsfors’ new bigger stump up to 23 in.,” Watkins CoverX track for optimal flotation and says. “It’s remarkable how it performs.” traction for Randall Sibley, Sibley’s Norman Ratzloff, partner in Ratzloff Logging Inc. with his brother Glenn, run Tigercat machines for their swamp crew as well and operate out of southwestern Louisiana in Deridder.

The brothers are outfitted with a six-wheel Tigercat 635 bogie skidder, 822 and 845 model track cutters with 5702 processing heads, H250D Processor, and 234 and 250 Tigercat Traction systems and applications vary depending on topography. knuckleboom track loadForemost Authority For Professional Loggers

Logging Inc., Walker, La. Sibley’s 630E skidder features dual F2 Nokian 35x5s matched with 24x5s while the 635 bogie has 35x5s on the front and 780x50x28.5s in the back complemented by CoverX track chains.

When Sibley originally made the deal with Williamson he went with the 26mm CoverX pads but they didn’t last 4,000 hours in the woods so Sibley switched to a wider 30mm.

“It’s a taller tire setup and the ground was so abrasive to the pins,” Williamson says. “So, they bought another set that had ribs in the tires. That way they have traction and don’t have to run the tracks until it’s wet enough.”

The F2’s tread pattern offers an increased straight section of the ribs and grooves on the center point. This newer pattern keeps the track crossbars straight on the surface of the tire and reduces stress on the tires and bogies.

Though still in an experimental phase, Williamson believes they’ll have success with their combo of Nokian tires and CoverX tracked traction systems.

“We might see some chaffing on them but lower PSI on the bogie skidder’s weight is distributed a lot better than your regular skidder,” he says.

“When it’s dry you’re fine, and when it gets wet just lay the tops or brush down to help get a bite and any stumps that are there it will stick to.”

Olofsfors’ track chains are installed on the bogie’s back tires when needed and help with flotation in wet spots with minimal ground disruption and steep inclines.

“The top side of the tire rolls a little bit so your tracks follow it really good,” Williamson says. “This tread has a different design to it.”

CoverXs and tracked systems are a fairly new market for Williamson.

They’ve sold similar brands but Williamson says CoverX offers a wider pad that hopefully leads to longer life. B&G has sold two Olofsfors track systems so far.

Sibley’s Logging Inc. also uses a single grouser padded LX830D Tigercat feller-buncher with a 5702 Tigercat saw and a 340° wrist, 2156G John Deere track loader with a Waratah 623 processing head, and a T2654 TigerTH cat track loader.

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SteepSlope Deere Shovel Logger Hits Slopes

Utilizing invaluable customer feedback, John Deere built its 959ML Shove Logger specifically for steep slope applications. Designed to help loggers be more effective when felling and log handling in steep terrain, the John Deere 959ML machine boosts productivity and delivers excellent stability in even the toughest environments. A notable feature of the 959ML machine is its boom, which is availThe new 959ML is able in three reaches including available in two 9.21 meters (30'), 10.34 meters (34') and 11 meters (36'). All three configurations: boom reaches are equipped with shovel logger or downhill reach ability, allowing directional feller. for high performance in steep slope applications. The boom, arm, and heel configuration can effectively reach the downhill side of the ground at full tilt. Additionally, the 11-meter boom includes a strong live heel, helping to provide better machine flexibility.

The new 959ML is available in two configurations – shovel logger or directional feller. The machine has built upon key features from the John Deere M- and MH-Series models, including the best-in-class leveling control system.

The machine’s patented leveling control system incorporates sensor technology to maximize the forward title angle (26° forward), while electronically preventing any possible mechanical interference when tilting to the side.

The cab on the 959ML was deliberately designed to improve operator experience in steep slope applications. The cab is extremely spacious and features an overhead skylight and downward viewing window for significantly improved visibility, optimizing awareness in challenging terrain.

Equipped with a powerful and fuel-efficient John Deere 9.0-liter diesel engine, the 959ML maintains peak performance while minimizing total fluid consumption. The reliable John Deere engine combined with the industry-leading, patented leveling system expands the 959ML’s overall working capability for tackling a wide range of jobsite challenges.

The 959ML offers convenient access to service components, allowing for quick and frequent maintenance checks. Additionally, the machine comes with a variety of optional features including a weld-on, tether-ready hitch field kit, slope monitoring system, and four-point seat harness. Visit deere.com 16

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New Doosan Road Builders

Doosan Infracore North America, LLC, has extended its log loader product offering with two new road builders. The new Doosan DX300LL-5 and DX380LL-5 road builders complement the current DX225LL-5 road builder in offering comfort, power and durability. The DX300LL-5 and DX380LL-5 road builders are designed for use in forestry and logging applications. Within the forestry industry, they are operated in access road development, timber harvesting, log loading and mill work. The road builders are often the first machines on a site, used to build access roads or clear a

Customers can monitor their equipment with DoosanCONNECT Telematics. path for other forestry equipment. Customers can also find uses for them in construction demolition or crushing tasks.

The road builders also feature design elements to enhance machine durability and reliability. The DX300LL-5 and DX380LL-5 road builders’ undercarriages can forge across rough terrain. The high, wide undercarriage travels across exposed stumps, brush and forest foliage. Heavy-duty track links and full-length track guiding guards increase undercarriage durability. Due to the nature of work that the DX300LL-5 and DX380LL-5 perform, they offer exceptional power and operator comfort.

The road builders pair parts of Doosan log loaders and excavators for maximum efficiency and power. The models combine a log loader mainframe with an excavator boom and arm front configuration. Traditional excavator attachments are available to pair with the new road builders. Road builders and attachments can remove tree stumps and logs, and clear paths for access roads to the harvesting sites.

Customers can monitor their equipment with DoosanCONNECT Telematics, so even in remote locations the Doosan equipment’s location and health are accounted for with satellite device communication. In addition, Doosan dealers can monitor their customers’ machines and respond to parts and service needs in a timely manner.

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SteepSlope Komatsu Steep Slope Machines

Komatsu America Corp. offers a complete line of tracked feller bunchers and wheeled harvesters to meet the demands of steep-slope loggers. The new Komatsu XT-5 Series of tracked feller bunchers includes the XT445L-5 and XT465L-5 (cab-leveling) models. The new 331 HP engine provides more horsepower and torque with lower fuel consumption. A gullwing style engine hood folds down to provide an elevated service work platform. Four other service doors swing open wide to provide excellent overall service access. The rear-mounted cooling system features a larger radiator, charge air cooler and a single hydraulic cooler.

The XT-5 leveling models have powerful lift capacities at full reach, and a full range of Quadco high-speed disc saws are offered, including 24" diameter models for the XT465L-5. The modern forestry cab has been relocated to the left side of the boom and cab design changes provide superior lines-of-sight to each track. New and more rugged undercarriages provide significantly longer service life with improved track chain links, track roller/idler bushings and final drives. Komatsu’s exclusive Komtrax remote equipment monitoring and management telematics system transmits valuable machine information such as location, utilization, and maintenance records to a PC via an internet website. The Komatsu Care complementary maintenance program is standard.

The market-leading Komatsu 901XC, 931 and 931XC wheeled harvester models feature powerful fuel-efficient engines, modern cabs, ±180º cab/crane rotaThe XT-5 leveling models tion, 4-way cab/crane have powerful lift capaci- leveling, and the innovative 3PS hydraulic ties at full reach. system that allows the operator to simultaneously slew, feed and maneuver with confidence. The 901XC and 931XC (eXtreme Conditions) models feature the revolutionary double Komatsu Comfort Bogie Axle 8WD System in which both axles have high left/right and uphill/downhill oscillation. This allows the machine to follow rough terrain with an exceptionally low center of gravity and low ground pressure. Harvesting head options include the high-performance C124, C144 and S132 models that accommodate a broad range of harvesting applications. All wheeled harvester models feature the market leading MaxiXplorer/MaxiXT control system with a full suite of software which provides for easier operation and increased productivity. Visit KomatsuForest.us 18

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Ponsse: Steep Slope Technology

Harvesting on steep slopes is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and Ponsse forest machines have opened up a completely new range of possibilities. By making it possible to work on steep slopes and in similarly demanding conditions, Ponsse forest machines make it possible to harvest timber on previously inaccessible land. For steep An eight-wheel machine is slope operations, the productive in steep slopes cut-to-length method have proven to be very because of its stability, efficient way to do loglower ground pressure, ging in slopes as it enand better tractive effort. ables all harvesting types from selective thinning to final cutting with low ground impact. Ponsse has developed solutions, which are enabling usage of the machines in very steep slopes yet doing it in an environmentally sustainable way.

It all starts from an eight-wheel machine. An eight-wheel machine is productive in steep slopes because of its stability, lower ground pressure, and better tractive effort compared to traditional six-wheel machines. The structure of the eight-wheel Ponsse machines are optimal for the steep slopes as the crane is located on a separate frame from the operator’s cabin.

Today, over 90% of total Ponsse production consists of eight-wheel forest machines that feature excellent usability on steep slopes and soft soils. As the eight-wheel machines have gained more stability and traction to access more and more difficult harvesting terrains, the requirements for other components of the machines have also grown higher.

Designed especially for regeneration and sloping sites with large trees, Ponsse telescopic harvester cranes C5 and C6 are offering low center of gravity combined with strong slewing and long reach making them an optimal solution for steep slope harvesting.

The new K121 forwarder crane further improves the forwarding performance on steep slopes, by providing high lifting but especially high slewing power that is essential for steep conditions.

An eight-wheel machine complemented with Ponsse’s reliable Synchrowinch traction winch enables harvesting in most challenging slopes yet causing low ground impact.

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SteepSlope Olofsfors Bogie, Wheel Tracks

Olofsfors Inc. specializes in attachments and accessories for the cut-to-length machinery. The two main product lines are ECO-Tracks and Iggesund Forest. Olofsfors is the market leader in bogie tracks for CTL machinery and wheel tracks for skidders and wheeled feller bunchers. Under ECO-Tracks, Olofsfors offers a wide range of track models and linkage systems for various machine configurations and ground conditions. Most track models are now available in the next generation of Olofsfors has 9 families curved cross members for increased flotation, less of track models. ground disturbance and easier machine turning.

The track assortment ranges from traction only, flotation only and all around. Along with 5 different link systems, Olofsfors has the most track options available on the market today.

Olofsfors has 9 families of track models. The All Around tracks are ECO-Track and KovaX. Both of these models provide good traction along with good flotation. The Traction tracks include EX, OF and EVO with EX providing the most traction. The Flotation tracks consist of Baltic, U and CoverX. CoverX is the newest addition, featuring exceptional flotation along with good traction. The cross member sits higher on the tire and has raised ridges on the leading edges to increase traction. Call 519-754-2190; visit olofsfors.com

Forest Chain Ring Features Forest Chain’s wide range of ring skidder chains, are available in fixed ring, multi ring, and studded with 9⁄16 in., ⅝ in., or ¾ in. tag chains to fit all popular tire sizes. Designed to give as much as 60% more traction to your skidder, Forest Chain Skidder Chains provide quicker skid times, more production and increased bottom line profits. Forest Chain premium

Forest Chain premium chains offer superior traction.

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Multi-Ring heavy duty chains offer superior traction putting steel in strategic points, providing protection from rocks, stumps and site debris, protecting your expensive rubber tires

and are available in 9⁄16, ⅝, ¾, ⅞ and 1 inch. The DoubleDiamond configured chains equipped with U-shaped studs are especially effective in the worst conditions like mud and snow, the deep biting lugs dig deeply into the terrain to keep production moving. Call 800-288-0887; email forestchain@gmail.com

Tigercat Steep Slope Innovations Tigercat continues to lead the industry in steep slope technology in both track and rubber tire machines.

With continued focus on safety when logging on steep terrain, Tigercat machines are proving to be stable and powerful, yet efficient and comfortable.

Tigercat’s leveling track machines are used in a wide range of applications for steep slopes such as shovel logging, felling and harvesting and use innovative technologies optimized for steep slope work. Tigercat’s new improved leveling undercarriage is longer, wider and provides exceptional stability on steep slopes. It uses two massive hydraulic cylinders and heavy steel sections for a solution that is simple, robust and reliable. Unlike competing systems, the Tigercat leveling system leans into the hill when leveling to the side which further improves machine stability and operator comfort.

Tigercat’s new improved leveling undercarriage is longer, wider and provides exceptional stability To further enhance the ability of Tigercat’s track machines to work on slopes, an optional cable assist mount has been developed. The tether anchor bolts firmly to the main carbody structure of the undercarriage and allows either single or double cable tethers to be attached to the track machine. The tether can then be connected to a variety of different third party winch systems that can assist the track machine up or down slopes.

Tigercat also produces skidders, harvesters, and forwarders with unique innovations to enhance productivity on steep or soft terrain. The drivetrain components including the pump drive, transmission and the hydraulically balanced bogie axles are engineered and built by Tigercat for extreme forest duty, long life and high uptime. Wide stance bogies and proper weight distribution makes Tigercat machines stable on steep terrain.

Tigercat wheel harvesters feature leveling upper turntables provide strong swing torque for working onslopes and the centre oscillation joints used on both harvesters and forwarders provide exceptional stability while travelling. All machines have heavy duty lugs incorporated into their frames to accommodate tethering systems. Visit tigercat.com TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

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SteepSlope Veriga Skidder Tracks

With today’s highest capacity skidders, which utilize six-wheel drive and a large grapple, tracks are commonly used to improve traction and performance.

This is particularly true on soft or wet terrain, if minimal impact on the forest floor is needed, and to minimize fuel consumption. Tracks have a much larger contact area with the ground compared to tires alone or tires with chains, which enhances the stability of the machine with greater loads. There is greater force transmission, making the machine more efficient. Tracks also prolong the life of the tires regardless of what ground are working on.

Veriga produces a track that is well suited for this applica- The GreenTRACK Groove has a thick plate with a tion. The GreenTRACK Groove has a double-grouzer profile thick plate with a double-grouzer profile that comes standard with an aggressive double spike pattern. It also comes standard as an extended bogie track, required by most 6-wheeled grapple skidders. Veriga’s link system for this track is a 30mm x 35mm oblong design that reduces surface wear and extends service life, as well as a twist inhibiting side rail.

Veriga GreenTRACK plates utilize a rolled profile, not castings, ensuring even and adequate hardness throughout the entire profile constructed from a boron alloy steel. All GreenTRACK tracks are put through a specialized heat treatment process to get an optimized ratio of hardness and toughness. Hardness for abrasion resistance and toughness ensures the material is not fragile and won’t crack under higher loads. Visit wallingfords.com

Nokian Intuitu Smart Tires When Nokian Tyres released its Nokian Tyres Intuitu smart tire solution, it was immediately praised for its plug and play simplicity: all you need is sensor-equipped smart tires and an app on your smartphone to get your tire pressure and temperature Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

data on your phone.

In its current phase, Nokian Tyres Intuitu consists of sensor-equipped smart tires and a mobile application. Loggers simply order the smart tires and download the app to get going. The smart tires are registered in the Intuitu application, which shows the Intuitu registration extire position and pressure as well as temperature data for tends the tire warranty. all vehicles with smart tires.

In the app, the fleet owner can invite as many drivers and vehicles as needed. This means the driver can stay up to date and get alerts on the currently used vehicle, while the fleet manager can look at the big picture and get the most out of tires and machinery.

Also, machine manufacturers will benefit from a plug and play smart tire solution and the increased customer commitment it brings. What’s more, the Intuitu registration extends the tire warranty.

The Nokian Tyres Intuitu is available first in Finland with the four flagship Nokian Tyres tractor tires—Nokian Ground King, Nokian TRI 2, Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI and Nokian Tractor King.

Visit nokiantyres.com

TimberMax Traction-Winch The TimberMax Traction-Winch T10– T14–T20 Series is robust, powerful and reliable. The Timbermax traction-winch package consists of the winch unit, hydraulic components and the iWinch Control System. The winch is compact and features a built-in spooling device— making it compatible with a wide range of carriers. Through field experience and continuous product improvement, Timbermax believes that there is a machine configuration that will work for you.

The TimberMax Traction-Winch has several configuration solutions. The TimberMax Traction-Winch offers several With the One Machine System, the winch is in- configuration solutions. stalled on the steep slope machine. The cable is attached to a stump of suitable anchoring point. For the Two Machine System, the winch is mounted on a carrier (excavator, dozer, or TimberMax Elevator) or suitable anchoring machine.

The TimberMax Drive is powerful, reliable and efficient. It is powered by a variable displacement hydraulic motor, which allows high torque or high speed under low load conditions. The winch drum transmits power through the three stage planetary gear drive. A multi-disc, spring applied brake secures the drum. TimberMax has remote controls available to match your installation and options.

Visit timbermax.ca NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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EquipmentWorld Tamtron Upgrades Timber Scale Tamtron has launched a new generation timber scale, the One Timber. This new technology includes a completely redesigned display and weighing link.

One Timber scale features the new-generation Tamtron One touch

One Timber scale aroused interest at FinnMETKO 2020 trade fair.

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screen display and an innovative strain gauge weighing link. The weighing link is based on strain gauge technology so there are no moving parts or hydraulics that cause friction to affect the weighing result. This eliminates the possibility of irregularities in the weighing results. “The One Timber scale is extremely accurate and enables optimized load performance in all conditions,” says Harri Pentinniemi, Product Manager at Tamtron., who adds they have done a complete overhaul of the timber scale. “We cooperated with a design agency to create a new user-interface for the scale and special attention was paid to its simplicity. The display’s durability in different environmental conditions was also increased.”

The scale transmits data 24 hours a day wirelessly to the One Cloud, which can be integrated into a customer’s own record-keeping software. With the Tamtron One cloud service and real-time data transfer, weighing results are immediately transmitted to the customer, and orders can also be sent di-

rectly to the scales, locate the scale’s activity and view work done on a PC. According to Tamtron Sales Manager Juhana Ruupansalo, this new technology will increase the transparency between all parties involved. At the same time, the possibility of human error is eliminated and the work is more flexible when loaded amounts are not recorded manually.

The One Timber scale has been in use by test customers for over a year now. According to Ruupansalo, customers have given very good feedback, especially on the durability, quality and usability of the scale.

“Tamtron has the advantage of decades of know-how in the production of weighing solutions, which has allowed for our scales to be extremely reliable.

The One Timber’s development sought to actively search for the variations in the user experience of the scale in different situations and users over a long period of time. This is now reflected in the successful outcome of the scale.”

E-mail: markus.ritala@tamtron.fi and visit tamtrongroup.com.

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InnovationWay New Nokian Sizes

HTH623C loader processor (LP) features a wide delimb opening for increased productivity while its short tilt frame improves reach for higher deck piles, making it more maneuverable and ideal for tight spaces.

One of the biggest differences from the HTH623C harvester head is the large delimb opening on the HTH623C LP, which allows for multiple logs. The maximum delimb open-

Since its introduction some five years ago, the block-patterned Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tractor tire has gained a reputation for being a true all-season tire with superior winter capabilities. The size range has been gradually expanded to fill the needs of different kinds of contractors. The latest addition to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI range are six new sizes made specially for compact tractors and other compact machinery.

Nordic all-season tires must face a truly wide range of temperatures and driving conditions through the course of a year. From hot tarmac to icy roads, Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI offers a superior all-season performance with unsurpassed winter properties.

This versatility has made it a favorite among contractors that have varying jobs in different seasons.

Thanks to a block pattern and radial structure, Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI offers outstanding speed and comfort on the road transports. This makes modern, versatile contracting work smoother and faster.

The proof of any tractor tire are the real challenges of everyday contracting work. This is where Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI boosts the working efficiency as well as brings savings.

In addition to 20 sizes already in production, Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI is now available in sizes 360/70R20, 480/80R30, 340/80R24, 440/80R30, 300/80R24 and 360/80R28. These sizes make the superior all-season capabilities available to compact tractors operating in varying weather conditions. Visit nokiantyres.com

Waratah Loader Processor Waratah Forestry Equipment offers a new model configuration of the HTH623C harvester head. The new Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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InnovationWay ing on the new configuration is 37 in., which is 9 in. larger than the HTH623C’s opening. The new short tilt frame allows for better log control along with more flexibility working on high decks or sloped piles, and with the advantage of grabbing multiple logs operators can clear the yarder chute or shovel more efficiently.

The larger delimb opening can also manipulate larger single logs. This increased efficiency helps operators quickly clear the chute and load trucks. As a stand-alone option, the wide opening delimb arms can also help improve log deck picking. Visit waratah.com

John Deere TimberMatic Maps Increasing job site visibility and visualization, John Deere expands its TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager software to seamlessly incorporate data from the Waratah H-16 Measuring System. With the new capability, the TimberMatic Maps system collects production data from harvesting heads equipped with the Waratah H-16 system, providing real-time production data of processed timber linked to location through the in-cab monitor and synched to the cloud-based TimberManager. Job site progress data is then accessible to off-site managers or employees through a phone, tablet or computer using the TimberManager software.

The software pairing is available for John Deere tracked harvesters or forestry swing machines equipped with harvest-

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ing heads using the Waratah H-16 Measuring System. Additionally, the TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager are included in-base on new machines ordered with a factory H-16 Measuring System. A retrofit option can be downloaded and installed at no additional charge on existing machines utilizing the H-16 system. Machines must be equipped with 4G MTG and an active JDLink Telematics subscription.

Launched in 2018, TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager enhance machine connectivity and communication. The TimberMatic Maps solution features mapping software for use in the field, leveraging a mobile network to share real-time production data between operators and office managers in the office. Data is collected through sensors on the equipment, while production location is gathered through GPS technology. Visit johndeere.com

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InnovationWay Maxam MS930 Logxtra Tire A tire engineered to provide the efficiency and strength of the Logxtra series while providing exceptional value to every site, the Maxam MS930 is a formidable solution for the forestry industry thanks to a deep and wide tread that is reinforced with a steel breaker belt package for maximum strength.

Manufactured with an extra-wide footprint that delivers exceptional flotation in muddy and wet ground conditions, the MS930 increases efficiency in all terrains, while a heavyduty shoulder and sidewall integrate advanced compounding into the tire and enhance the overall features. To prevent common bead winding defects, the MS930 is manufactured with nylon-wrapped beads that outlast alternative options. Available now, the MS930 comes in a variety of ply ratings and sizes and delivers maximum performance and extreme traction at an exceptional value. Visit maxamtire.com

while the two-roller geometry design provides excellent handling of variable diameters and challenging tree forms up to 29.5 in. diameter.

Available configuration options promote productivity in processing applications. These include longer upper-delimb arms, top saw and find-end sensor, which are available for faster processing of logs from the ground. Furthermore, the new length measuring unit

has improved geometry and consistency for more precise measurements .

Additionally, the H219 and H219X are equipped with the new SuperCut 100S saw unit which features new improvements to usability and serviceability. One highlight of the SuperCut 100S is the improved chain tensioning system, which extends saw bar and tip life while reducing chain jump-off.

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Waratah Harvester Heads Waratah Forestry Equipment offers two new models to its 200 Series line: the H219 and H219X harvester heads. Primarily built for late thinning or final felling, the new models have a variety of features for added uptime in harvesting, processing and debarking applications.

The H219, weighing in at 4,343 lbs., or the H219X, at 4,519 lbs., can efficiently handle large-size wood in final felling or late thinning applications, including hardwood or softwood and eucalyptus debarking. The narrow head design lends itself to improved visibility in thinning applications, Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

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SelectCuts As We (ALC) See It

Serious Hints TIM CHRISTOPHERSON 2020...Who knew this is where we would be as a nation when the year started? The American Loggers Council has had to adjust to the many distancing requirements, meeting rules and so forth. There are some big changes in the works at the ALC and

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COVID 19 is putting tank traps in our road but we will work around them.

As the incoming President of the American Loggers Council, the first thing I’d like to do is to thank Shannon Jarvis for a great job along with Danny Dructor for steering the ALC through this mess and keeping things working without any face-to-face meetings in 2020. Thank you to Shannon and Danny.

I started working at Dabco Inc., the

family’s logging business, when I was 15½ years old, you know, before the Fair Labor Standards Act said we couldn’t do that (hint—help us get the Future Careers in Logging Act passed in Congress).

During summers and school breaks I could be found sweeping the shop, Christopherson greasing the log trucks, busting tires (fixin’ flats) and helping the mechanics work on equipment. In 1985 my cousin Rick and I bought out our parents and logged until we downsized in 2018. Now I primarily focus on log hauling at a time when it is getting more difficult to find qualified drivers (hint—help us get the Safe Routes Act passed through Congress).

The ALC continues to work on timber and timber related issues in Washington, DC, including the Logger Relief bill, which is at the top of the list at this moment to try and financially assist those loggers impacted by the COVID19 pandemic (hint—help us get the Logger Relief Act passed in Congress).

This being an election year, who knows where this bill will end up and the challenges our industry will face in 2021.

In 2021 the ALC will be looking at trying to replace Danny Dructor as our long time Executive Director. The Executive Board has been working on the ➤ 30 transition plan to make this

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SelectCuts 26 ➤ transition as smooth as possible in the next year and I plan on continuing those efforts with the committee to make the transition as seamless as possible.

As members, if you have any input on this subject, do not keep it a secret, let the Executive Committee know. Danny and Doris are ready to go fishing!

Along with this transition, there have been a lot of other changes in my almost 50 years working in timber. Why just yesterday I fixed a log truck tire, greased said log truck and other maintenance items. In this industry you never stop learning new stuff...and you don’t forget the old stuff you learned 50 years ago!

I have thrown a few hints at you as to what our agenda will look like in 2021 and look forward to serving you as your 27th President.

I am honored to be representing you through the American Loggers Council. Loggers working for loggers, that’s who we are.

Loggers Council advocating for issues that would benefit the logging and log trucking profession.

TH Logging Business of the Year

WeyCo Makes Major Fire Relief Donation

Officials with Weyerhaeuser announced a $150,000 donation to the Red Cross to support emergency response efforts in communities affected by wildfires in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon.

The early September fires brought devastation to many communities where Weyerhaeuser employees live and work. Devin Stockfish, president and CEO, comments, “Our company has Tony McManus, left, and Josh McAllister, leaders of McMabeen operating in the Pacific nus Timber Co. in Winnfield, La., accept the 2020 Timber Northwest since 1900 and we’re Harvesting Logging Business of the Year award during a going to continue to stay engaged private event in Louisiana in late October that included McManus employees and family, local and state dignitaries, and make sure all these areas are fabulous food and some of the best live music around. able to recover and thrive again.”

(Grace Renois photo) Weyerhaeuser manages nearly 3 million acres of forests in Orecan Loggers Council and President of the gon and Washington and five mills.

Associated Logging Contractors, Inc. in Several of the fires reached the Idaho. For the past several years he has Tim Christopherson is co-owner of company’s timberlands, which are walked the halls of Congress in WashingDabco, Inc. based out of Kamiah, Idaho under evaluation. ton, DC with members of the American and serves as the President of the Ameri-

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

February 24-28, 2021—Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers annual meeting, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra, Fla. Call 336-885-8315; visit appalachianhardwood.org.

February 25-27, 2021—Oregon Logging Conference & Show, Lane County Convention Center, Eugene, Ore. Call 541-686-9191; visit oregonloggingconference.com.

March 24-26, 2021—Forestry Assn. of South Carolina annual meeting, Myrtle Beach Marriott at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, SC. Call 803-798-4170; visit scforestry.org.

April 6-8, 2021—American Forest Resource Council annual meeting, Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, Wash. Call 503222-9505; visit amforest.org.

April 16-18, 2021—Forst Live, Exhibition Center, Offenburg, Germany. Visit forst-live.de.

April 30-May 1, 2021—Mid-Atlantic Logging & Biomass Expo, near Laurinburg, NC. Call 919-271-9050; visit malbexpo.com.

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