New ECO-Track Available for Soft Ground Conditions

        A new ECO-SOFT track has been developed by Olofsfors AB.

        It is based on the proven ECO-Track model but with a different shaped cross member for soft ground applications.

        Cross members are 36 inches wide for improved flotation and shaped to result in less ground disturbance when turning.

        The result is a smooth-running, ground-friendly track with good traction.

        For more information, contact Hultdins at (519) 754-0044 or fax (519) 754-1569.

Better Built Has Package, Track-Loaded Dry Kilns

        Better Built Dry Kilns Inc. supplies a selection of package and track-loaded dry kilns that can be high or low pressure steam fired in direct or indirect format. The product selection also includes dehumidifiers in various sizes.

        The company’s best known and most popular dry kilns are side loading or forklift-loaded package models. They are custom designed by Better Built for output requirements, space availability and investment cost.

        Heating options include hot water, hot oil, and high or low pressure steam, and the dry kilns can be direct or indirect fired using various fossil fuels. Door carriers and beams are made of ‘hot dipped’ galvanized steel. All kilns are offered with proven corrosion fighters: thick 304 stainless steel interiors and an anodized aluminum structure.    

        Better Built also offers track kilns designed for drying large quantities of lumber normally associated with softwood producers. Large volume hardwood track kilns are available with a center fan wall design.

        Better Built has received testimonials from many customers, including Frank E. Wilson Lumber Company, Comins Lumber Sales and Wayne Lumber Company.

        Graf Brothers Flooring, with ten 80,000 board foot kilns and a 30,000 board foot steamer in operation, attributes its Better Built equipment as playing a major role in the company’s success.

        Better Built Dry Kilns specializes in the sale and installation of dry kilns, predryers, walnut/cherry steamers and pallet sanitizers.

        For more information, contact Better Built Dry Kilns Inc. at (866) 710-2235, e-mail  sales@betterbuiltdrykilns.com, or visit the Web site at www.betterbuiltdrykilns.com.

FECON Bull HogReduces Wildfire Risk

        FECON Bull Hog® grinders are suitable for applications to reduce forest fuel loads that normally spread wildfires. Shredding ‘ladder fuel’ into mulch reduces the incidence of crown fires — making it easier, faster and safer to contain wildfires.

        The Bull Hog is a carrier-mounted grinding attachment that may be paired with skid steer loaders, excavators, tracked or wheeled feller-buchers, tractor PTO and more.

        The Bull Hog quickly cuts brush, trees and stumps down to ground level to create fire breaks, fire lines, safety zones, and reduce fuel and slash. The mulch produced by the machine prevents soil erosion, which benefits forest rehabilitation.

        Another benefit of lowering fuel loads in the forest is that it reduces competition among trees for nutrients, water and sunlight so that remaining, mature trees have more optimal conditions for growth.

        For more information, contact FECON at (800) 528-3113, e-mail sales@fecon.com, or visit the Web site at www.fecon.com.

Oregon Cutting Systems Publishes 2004 Catalog

        Oregon Cutting Systems Group of Blount Inc. has published its complete catalog and application guide for 2004. It is available through Oregon® distributors.

        The catalog comes in several editions, including forestry products, outdoor equipment parts, and a combination of both major product lines. In addition, for the first time, Oregon has published a version specifically for commercial landscape professionals.

        The Oregon application guide helps customers match the correct Oregon brand spare part or cutting accessory with their power equipment.

        Oregon saw chain and guide bars are used as original equipment by 90% of the world’s chainsaw manufacturers, according to the company. It recently extended its cutting technology and manufacturing expertise to blades for commercial lawnmowers.

        For more information or to contact an Oregon dealer, call (503) 653-8881 or visit the Web site at www.oregonchain.com.

Log Max to Acquire Cat Cut-to-Length Machines

        Log Max will acquire Caterpillar’s line of cut-to-length harvesters and forwarders. The move will not affect Caterpillar’s other forest product machinery offerings.

        Caterpillar assembles three models of forwarders and four models of harvesters at a plant in Sweden. Log Max, which is also based in Sweden, will buy the plant and other assets and continue to build the machines, which will be marketed in Europe through the Log Max distribution network.

        “We are very excited about this opportunity,” said Log Max president Stig Linderholm. “The products we are acquiring are an excellent addition to our current line of harvesting heads. It will allow us to offer customers a complete system.”

        “The cut-to-length business is highly specialized and requires dedicated focus,” said Gerald Palmer, vice president of Caterpillar’s wheel loader and excavator division, which includes forestry machines. “We approached Log Max to buy the two product lines because their strong industry credentials and current operations make them an excellent choice to continue providing customers with quality machines and a high level of product support.”

        The two companies will work closely to ensure that current machine owners will continue to have access to service parts and ongoing product support.

Morbark Issues Product Guide for Equipment

        Morbark has issued its 2004 product guide. It features the latest heavy-duty Morbark equipment.

        The Morbark product guide is a valuable equipment resource for the sawmill, forest products, waste processing, composing, tree care and construction industries.

        The colorful brochure contains specifications on the full line of Morbark machinery and equipment, including tub and horizontal grinders, trammel screens, mulch coloring systems and mulch hogs, chippers and much more. The product guide also contains information on product support, parts and service.

        For a free product guide, call (800) 831-0042.

Better Built Dry Kiln Offers 3 Pallet Sanitizers

        Better Built Dry Kilns Inc. offers three models of pallet sanitizers: a rooftop system that mounts on a customer-supplied shipping container, a standard field-assembled unit for truck-load quantities, and a self-propelled system for sanitizing multiple truck-load volumes.

        The Mobile HT 8000, called the Traveler, is a large-scale sanitizer that is capable of treating 8,000 pallets in eight hours and doubles as a lumber kiln. It is self-propelled, computer-controlled, and has all components installed in a mobile control room. The unit is made of all aluminum and stainless steel and is indirect fired by fossil fuels or steam.

        The 56-30 HT Pallet Sanitizer is a standard, field-assembled system that can treat a truck-load of pallets. It is designed to be installed on a 20-inch high concrete or block foundation. It is indirect fired by fossil fuels, steam or hot water and is constructed of all aluminum and stainless steel. The 56-30 HT Pallet Sanitizer comes standard with all computer hardware and a phone modem and has multiple wood and air temperature sensors to control the entire sanitizing cycle.

        For more information, contact Better Built Dry Kilns Inc. at (888) 710-2235, fax (859) 578-0870 or e-mail sales@betterbuiltdrykilns.com.

Rice Lake SURVIVOR Scale Portable, Electronic

        The Rice Lake Weighing Systems SURVIVOR® ATV portable scale provides fully electronic vehicle weighing anywhere.

        The SURVIVOR ATV is built from the ground up for years of trouble-free performance. It is designed for heavy-duty vehicle weighing in timber operations and similar applications, such as quarries, asphalt plants and road construction – where a permanent scale installation is impractical.

        The SURVIVOR ATV employs the patented G-Force™mounting system, which reduces stress and wear on mount assemblies and moving parts by controlling loading forces and eliminating unnecessary movement during weighing operations. It features a heavy-duty sub-frame for excellent flotation and stability to maximize performance in even the most rugged applications.

        The SURVIVOR ATV is equipped with convenient features that simplify maintenance and portability. Factory-wired, self-contained modules easily connect with a unique self-seating joint system to reduce installation time and labor. Once installed, electronic components are easily accessible through the scale deck, allowing for maintenance even when space is limited.

        For more information, contact Rice Lake Weighing Systems at (800) 472-6703 or visit the Web site at www.rlws.com.

Link-Belt Adds 2 Models to Complete LX Series

        LBX Company has completed the introduction of the full line of Link-Belt LX series forestry equipment.

        The first machines in the LX series were introduced in the fall of 2001 with the 210 LX and 240 LX loaders and road builders. The complete series now includes the 290 LX and 370 LX loaders and road builders.

        Machines in the LX series range in operating weight from 52,883 pounds to 108,587 pounds. They are custom-made for the rigorous working conditions of forests in the Pacific Northwest.

        The Link-Belt 290 LX and 370 LX loaders and road builders are suited for high-duty cycle work of log loading operations. Features include heavy-duty upper frame, ‘purpose-built’ lower, larger turntable bearings, and over-sized swing system.

        Both models are powered by electronically-controlled, Tier-II compliant Isuzu engines for quiet, fuel-efficient operation. The Inte-LX™computer control system monitors hydraulic output and pressures while regulating engine performance.

        For more information, contact LBX Company at (859) 245-3900 or visit the Web site at www.lbxco.com.

2 Western Mills Upgrade with Iggesund Tools

        Iggesund Tools Inc. announced upgrades at two Western mills that will utilize its disposable knife systems.

        Weyerhaeuser will upgrade its chipper at its mill in Toutle, Wash. with the Iggesund Tools TurnKnife System. The upgrade will be carried out under the Iggesund Tools PartnerChip® program, which delivers chipping technology for a fixed, monthly operating cost.

        Louisiana-Pacific is participating in the PartnerChip program to upgrade the chipper at its mill in Deer Lodge, Mont. with the Iggesund Tools TurnKnife System with helical face technology.

        For more information, contact Iggesund Tools at (800) 654-1479 or visit the Web site at www.iggesundtools.com.