LUMBERMENOnline.com’s Latest Industry News & Articles

Woodland Equipment of Iron River, MI has long been one of the preferred dealers for Risley Equipment’s forestry line, including the popular Rolly harvesting heads. Innovating together has always been a foundational element to the long relationship between Risley and Woodland, and the building of the Risley FB220 is a direct result of that bond. Collaborating, the two teams saw and heard the need for a versatile carrier that would use today’s technology and innovation to give loggers the option of an efficient carrier that’ll still handle full sized heads (6,000 lb). The Risley FB220 offers many of the industry carrier must-haves: Stability, Attachment Versatility, Excellent Visibility, Fuel Efficiency, and Serviceability, without the Weight (40,000lbs) and Size (9’ 10” wide) of most carriers. Without sacrificing power or production from the undercarriage to the hydraulics, the FB220 hits all the metrics and proves it with production. “We wanted a carrier to handle any head we sell that was sized well for this market,” says Ron Beauchamp, Jr. of Woodland Equipment. It’s not an improvement to a previous machine, it’s THE NEW Risley FB220, designed and built for today’s logging demands. For more information on the NEW Risley FB220, contact Woodland Equipment by calling 800-825-9904, visit www.WoodlandEquipment.com or call Risley Equipment at 866-783-7243 or visit www.RisleyEquipment.com.

Woodland Equipment, Inc is pleased to announce that Nick Wiegand has joined our team as the Michigan UP Territory Manager. Nick joins us from Miller-Bradford and has an extensive background in heavy equipment. Nick’s responsibility is working with customers in the UP to understand their requirements, help them find the right solutions, and build genuine relationships with our customers. Nick is an Iron River native, growing up on the family farm working for his father’s construction company. During this time, he learned to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment. After graduating high school, Nick went on to study Business Management and then on to heavy equipment sales. Nick has a true passion for equipment - he won’t hesitate to jump in the seat. Often you can find him behind the shop testing equipment and learning the features and benefits of our product lines. “Nick has genuine interest for equipment that is obvious when you spend time with him. He’s sincere and easy to be around,” says Ron Beauchamp, General Manager. “We want our customers to have someone who will be here long term and build relationships. Nick is a great fit for the UP.” During his off time in the winter, Nick enjoys snowmobiling and trail grooming for the local snowmobile club. In the summer, he enjoys spending time being on the lake, camping, and working his family farm. Nick genuinely enjoys being in this industry and looks forward to assisting you with your new and used equipment needs.

Wood-Mizer introduces the WR series of zero turn mowers engineered for homeowners looking for a reliable mower with premium cut quality. The heavy-duty WR series joins the Wood-Mizer product range recognized throughout the world for first-class manufacturing, top-quality components, and exceptional customer service. Built in the USA, the WR series mowers are available in 52” or 61” mowing decks and powered by a 26HP Kohler gas vertical shaftengine. Featuring fully welded-steel decks, heavy-duty fabricated frame, and a durable powder-coat paint finish, Wood-Mizer mowers ensure a durable, dependable zero turn mower that is engineered to last for years of heavy-use. Optimal control and comfort is accomplished by the ergonomically-designed adjustable operator control seat, large diameter control handles, easy height of cut adjustment, and large 22” diameter rear tires. Premium components including Kevlar belts and commercial-grade drive motors increase run times and require minimal maintenance. WR Series Mower Specifications Introductory Price • Starting at $5,199 USD Features • Built in the USA • 26HP Kohler vertical engine • 52” or 61” inch decks available • Dual integrated hydrostatic transaxle Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transmission • 1” to 4.5” adjustable cut height • Three 18” blades for 52” deck or three 21” blades for 61” deck • Kevlar belts • 22” diameter rear drive tires • 3-year or 300 hour warranty “Designing and selling premium mowers for high end golf courses for more than 25 years, Wood-Mizer owned company, Lastec, has successfully engineered a high-quality, zero turn mower that we can confidently offer to the market,” said Darryl Floyd, Wood-Mizer COO. “The addition of the WR series gives Wood-Mizer a new product range that is centered on our long-standing foundation of premium quality manufacturing and world-class customer service.” The WR series lawn mowers come with a 3-year or 300 hour warranty and are backed by the same legendary service, quality and safety features shared by the rest of the family of Wood-Mizer equipment. The WR series lawn mower is now available to order in North America. Visit www.woodmizer.com/mowers or call 800.553.0182 for more information. About Wood-Mizer Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a world-leading forestry equipment manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative wood processing products. Today, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of forestry and now landscaping equipment for residential and business professionals all over the world. For more information visit woodmizer.com.

Wood-Mizer introduces the EG100 twin blade board edger designed for sawyers looking for a low cost, highly durable edger to improve overall production and efficiency by edging sideboards and slabs. The EG100 twin blade edger joins the Wood-Mizer range of professional edgers that includes the EG50 manual feed single blade and EG200 twin blade power feed edgers as well as industrial and TITAN industrial edgers. Available in 14HP gas or 10HP (7.5kW) electric power, the EG100 edger is generally operated by two people, one to feed the edger and the other to remove the finished boards. With one adjustable and one fixed 10” (254mm) diameter carbide-tipped circular blades, the EG100 can edge up to 20 ½” (520mm) wide flitches into a 12” (300mm) wide finished board with a maximum thickness of 2” (50mm). EG100 Edger Specifications Introductory Price · Starting at $5,995 USD Features · 14HP Gas or 10HP (7.5kW) Electric · 30 fpm (9m/min) belt driven feed rate (Gas) or variable 0-46 fpm (14m/min) feed rate (Electric) · One fixed and one adjustable 10” (254mm) diameter carbide circular blades · 20 ½” (520mm) max material width and 2” (50mm) max thickness · 12” (300mm) max finished board width · Removable board fence "The EG100 is a cost effective solution and a valuable addition to small to medium sized sawmill operations,” said Dave Mann, Wood-Mizer Sales Manager. "Using an edger is one of the easiest ways to enhance material flow and boost productivity. With the EG100 this can be achieved on an affordable budget.” The EG100 twin-blade board edger comes with a 2-year warranty, ships on a single pallet, and is backed by the same legendary service, quality and safety features shared by the rest of the family of Wood-Mizer wood processing equipment. The EG100 edger is now available to order in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. About Wood-Mizer Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a leading wood processing equipment manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative sawmilling products. From forest to final form, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, resaws, edgers, kilns, moulders/planers, firewood processing equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades, and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals all over the world.

In my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s most influential people of the last two generations. Men who have built, shaped and molded the forest products industry. Bob Hege was just such a man. Where some accomplished great things by force of will, Bob did it with grace, patience and planning. In nearly thirty years of marketing work with Bob on behalf of Meadows Mills, Miner Edger and Andrus Sharpeners, I never recall a cross word. Bob always insisted on honest, straight forward ads that took the high road and never assailed his competition. Like most influential people, Bob’s life was one of service to others. He gave himself to much more than just business, but to his family, country and community. He served in the US Army, attaining the rank of captain and received an Association of American States Commendation Medal. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Bob was an avid Wolfpack fan and served as president of the NCSU Alumni Association. In May 2017, Bob was honored to be inducted into the Wilkes County Hall of Fame where he held numerous service and leadership positions, including director of the Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce, North Wilkesboro Kiwanis Club, Wilkes United Way, Wilkes ADAP and Wells Fargo Wilkes County Advisory Board. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in North Wilkesboro. Supporting educational efforts in the community was a passion that included support for the College of Arts and Science Advancement Council at Appalachian State University and Wilkes Community College. The one thing that mattered more than career and community involvement was family and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 29 years, June Hege, of North Wilkesboro; his son Brian and spouse Alison, of Wilkesboro, and their children Luke Evan Hege and Lila Rose Hege; step-son Mark Adams and spouse Carolyn of Chapel Hill, and their children Wyatt and Silas. He is also survived by his brothers and their families: Dan Hege and spouse Libby; Thom Hege and spouse Harriet; Ben Hege and spouse Johnsie; Len Hege and spouse Lynne, all of Arcadia, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Hege Jr and Diana DeLapp Hege, and his granddaughter Makayla Sue Hege.

Wood-Mizer introduces the FS350 skid steer log splitter engineered for farming and ranching operations that already have a skid steer loader or front loader. By connecting two hydraulic hoses, the FS350SS is powered by the skid steer’s existing power plant which lowers the initial cost of investment. Built in the USA, the FS350SS log splitter expands the Wood-Mizer firewood processing equipment range that already includes three trailer-mounted log splitters. By combining the standard bi-directional push block with 29 tons of splitting force, the FS350SS splits hardwoods up to 2 cords per hour from logs up to 24” long. The ergonomically designed deck level is 12” higher than comparable splitters to provide a comfortable working height for the operator and the convenient operator panel features simple, intuitive left/right controls for the log splitter and up/down controls for the optional log lift. FS350SS Log Splitter Specifications Introductory Price Starting at $6,600 USD Features 29 tons splitting force Bi-directional splitting Up to 2 cords/hour firewood production Two 3-way wedges standard Skid steer plate and hose hookup Once a log is loaded for splitting, the bi-directional push block is engaged by pushing the hydraulic lever to the right or left to push the log through one of two standard 3-way wedges (4-way, 5-way, and 5-way bundle wedges optional). With the first pass, the lower portion of the log is split into rectangular firewood, while the upper portion of the log is moved on the opposite side of the push block to finish splitting. Split material is automatically moved and sorted through one of two slotted wing trays on either side of the operator. The FS350 skid steer log splitter comes with a 1-year warranty, ships fully assembled on a single pallet, and is backed by the same legendary service, quality and safety features shared by the rest of the family of Wood-Mizer wood processing equipment. The FS350SS log splitter is now available to order in North America, South America, Asia and Oceania. About Wood-Mizer Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a leading wood processing equipment manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative sawmilling products. From forest to final form, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, resaws, edgers, kilns, molders/planers, firewood processing equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades, and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals all over the world.

Indianapolis, IN – Wood-Mizer introduces the LT15START sawmill engineered specifically for sawyers looking for an American-made sawmill that is low cost, highly durable, and saws accurately. The compact, economical LT15START joins the popular LT15 sawmill series known throughout the world for its quality, versatility, and affordability. The LT15START sawmill offers many of the same robust features of the LT15 sawmill including a 2” x 6” box steel frame, adjustable side supports, log clamp, and the ability to upgrade with a trailer package or bed extensions as sawmilling needs grow. Featuring a Kohler 14 HP recoil start gas engine, push bar feed system, and 11’ standard log length capacity, the LT15START offers a 28” log diameter capacity with a 26” width of cut. Longer logs can be sawn with optional bed extensions which can extend the sawmill to any required cutting length in 6’ 8” increments. LT15START Sawmill Specifications: Introductory Price • Starting at $5,995 USD Power • 14 HP Kohler Gas Recoil Start Cutting Capacity • Up to 28” (70 cm) diameter and 26” (66 cm) max width of cut • 11’ (3.3 m) length - additional 6’ 8” (2 m) bed extensions available “Wood-Mizer is committed to providing a comprehensive range of high quality wood processing equipment for anyone who wants to process their own timber into valuable products,” said Darryl Floyd, Wood-Mizer COO. “The LT15START gives sawyers the capacity and functionality they need to start sawing at an affordable price with a high-quality American-made machine and exceptional customer service.” The LT15START sawmill ships on a single pallet, comes with one Wood-Mizer bandsaw blade, and requires minimal assembly time. With a 30-day money back guarantee and a 2-year sawmill warranty, the LT15START is backed by the same legendary service, quality and safety features shared by the rest of the family of Wood-Mizer sawmills. The LT15START sawmill is now available to order online. Visit woodmizer.com/lt15start or call 800.553.0182 for more information. About Wood-Mizer Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as the world’s largest manufacturer of portable band sawmills with tens of thousands of bandmills sold around the globe. Today, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of wood processing equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, resaws, edgers, kilns, log splitters, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking hobbyists and forestry professionals all over the world. For more than 35 years, Wood-Mizer has provided top quality wood processing equipment and exceptional customer service for people who want the freedom of sawing their own lumber for projects or production. For more information about Wood-Mizer, call 800.553.0182 or visit www.woodmizer.com.

Following a long and successful career in the sawmill and lumber business Tommy Piper has taken on a new challenge. Putting his lifetime of experience to work providing sawmill and pallet companies with a new option for used machinery. This new endeavor, named West Kentucky Sawmill Equipment, has one simple goal; to provide sawmills and pallet companies with quality, serviceable used equipment that is honestly represented. Tommy grew up in a family of sawmillers, two of his brothers are prominent members of the industry, Jimmy Piper, founder and owner of Piper’s Saw Shop and David Piper, Sales Consultant at Brewco, Inc. West Kentucky Sawmill equipment offers a wide selection of sawmill and pallet equipment from its large and expanding inventory, as well as solid advice based upon decades of real-world experience. To discuss your current needs, future expansion or production upgrades, call Tommy direct or visit his website. Tommy Piper 123 ½ South St Central City, KY 42330 270-820-8449 [email protected] www.wksawmillequipment.com

Morbark, LLC (Morbark) announced today it had completed the acquisition of Rayco Manufacturing, Inc. (Rayco) This transaction represents the first addition since affiliates of the private equity firm Stellex Capital Management LP (Stellex) acquired Morbark in 2016. The purchase of Rayco represents a significant move towards the Company’s strategic focus on broadening the range of tree care and industrial equipment, aftermarket parts, and service offered to their Customers. Rayco was founded in 1978 in Wooster, Ohio, by John M. Bowling, who as the owner of a tree care service identified the unique needs of the tree and landscape industry and began to build equipment to meet and surpass those needs. Today the company is dedicated to the design and production of an incredibly innovative line of environmental equipment. The current range of Rayco products includes: stump cutters, crawler trucks, forestry mulchers, multi-tool carriers, and attachments, brush chippers and the all-new AT71 aerial trimmer. John Bowling, Chief Executive Officer of Rayco, stated, “Our family is very proud of the legacy we have established and nurtured over the past 39 years. As a family-run and -owned business, we view today’s transaction as an opportunity to continue growing our business while joining an even larger family.” Dave Herr, Chief Executive Officer of Morbark, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Rayco to the Morbark portfolio of companies. Rayco is a company that our senior management team has admired for a long time. We value the long-standing success of Rayco and are committed to providing the Bowling family and their dedicated employees the resources they need to continue the success they have built.” Transaction Highlights: The transaction is a positive, strategic fit for both companies. Rayco brings a lineup of innovative equipment into the Morbark family across multiple product categories. In particular, Rayco stump cutters, aerial trimmers, forestry mulchers and crawler trucks will enhance and complement the existing Morbark family of products. Rayco founder, John Bowling, will continue his work with the team to develop new products and help improve the company’s existing product lines. He will continue to have an economic interest in the combined business and will be a member of Morbark’s Board of Directors. Morbark will operate Rayco as a new division maintaining its brand identity. Rayco’s experienced management team will continue to manage their operations. Teams from each company will work together to determine how to be more efficient and leverage each other’s strengths. Herr continued, “Rayco has a well-deserved reputation for providing customers with the equipment and service they demand and the value they deserve. That product innovation and dedication will continue without interruption. We are excited by what we can bring to Rayco in the way of our experiences, our dealer network and products to complement current Rayco equipment owners.” About Morbark, LLC Morbark, LLC, based in Winn, Mich., has been innovating and manufacturing durable, high-performance equipment for forestry, recycling, tree care, sawmill and biomass markets for more than 60 years. Morbark equipment helps customers harvest, process and convert wood and other organic waste materials into valuable, useful and profitable products. The Company produces a full line of whole tree and waste wood chippers, flails, brush chippers, horizontal and tub grinders, sawmill equipment, material handling systems and more. About Rayco Manufacturing, Inc. Since 1978, Rayco has been one of the most recognizable brands in environmental, forestry, landscaping, and construction equipment. Rayco’s line of stump cutters, horizontal grinders, brush chippers, forestry mulchers, and rubber crawler trucks feature innovative designs and a range of options to suit any-sized job and budget, from landscaping to major construction projects. Rayco equipment is engineered and manufactured in Wooster, Ohio, and sold through an international dealer network offering equipment sales, rentals, parts, and accessories, including warranty and technical support. For more information, please visit www.raycomfg.com About Stellex Capital Management LP Stellex is a private equity manager that invests in and oversees the US and European corporate assets. Stellex’s focus is on middle-market companies going through business or industry transitions, as well as special situation opportunities. Stellex seeks to identify and deploy capital in opportunities that have the potential to provide stability, improvement, and growth for its portfolio companies.

WASHINGTON - American Wood Council (AWC) President and CEO Robert Glowinski has issued the following statement regarding the release of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to repeal the Clean Power Plan. “Despite claims of flexibility, the Clean Power Plan would have actually limited the types of renewable energy states could use, including our industry’s production and use of biomass energy. “Our industry’s products, and the manner in which we produce and use biomass energy, are all part of the sustainable carbon cycle. By using biomass residuals as fuel, the wood products industry is harnessing energy that would have been lost to the atmosphere anyway and also displacing the use of more carbon-intensive fuels. “AWC urges EPA to take the additional steps to fully recognize biomass energy produced from biomass residuals in the wood products industry is carbon neutral.” ### The American Wood Council (AWC) is the voice of North American wood products manufacturing, representing over 75 percent of an industry that provides approximately 400,000 men and women in the United States with family-wage jobs. AWC members make products that are essential to everyday life from a renewable resource that absorbs and sequesters carbon. Staff experts develop state-of-the-art engineering data, technology, and standards for wood products to assure their safe and efficient design, as well as provide information on wood design, green building, and environmental regulations. AWC also advocates for balanced government policies that affect wood products. www.awc.org | @woodcouncil

Stack boards at up to 20 layers per minute with Pendu’s new 4700B High Speed Bottom-Up Stacker! The bottom-up feed design is lower to the ground than an over the top stacker for easier access to the stick placer and the infeed. The 4700B can handle material from 24 inches to 72 inches long, 1 1/2 inches to 5 1/2 inches wide, and 3/8 inches to 2 inches thick. The stacker can be used with or without an optional pit. Call us at 717-354-4348 or visit our website at www.Pendu.com today to find out how our 4700B High Speed Bottom-Up Stacker can speed up your production!

Woodland Equipment of Iron River, Michigan, is proud to release its new website, created by LumbermenOnline.com, the sister company of Lumbermen’s Equipment Digset. The new website is built to accommodate today’s audience with a clean, mobile first design that adjusts to your device. So now, whether you’re at a desktop, on a tablet, or using your phone – our website will adjust to you. With the recent additions of the Tigercat and Kelsa product lines, our portfolio of forestry solutions has expanded. Our website is refreshed with a look and navigation that helps make it easier for you to get to the information you want as quickly as possible. Visit WoodlandEquipment.com, to browse our forestry product lines, shop our used inventory, learn more about our 43 year history of innovation and customer focus, and discover why we’re the preferred cut-to-length experts. Our goal is to help you find solutions that maximize your productivity and minimize your downtime.