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"If It's New, It's Here," proclaims the Association of Equipment Manufacturers of the CONEXPO/CON-AGG trade show, and Morbark® does not disappoint on that score. Morbark, Inc., a leading manufacturer of durable, high-performance wood waste reduction equipment for more than 50 years, will debut an exciting new product at this year's CONEXPO show. Morbark partnered with its European dealer, OBMtec, to produce the Barracuda, a single-rotor, slow-speed shredder for markets outside of Europe. The Barracuda, developed by OBMtec and manufactured at Morbark's Winn, Mich., factory, offers a universal solution for industrial, C&D, wood and other waste streams, providing a high-quality end product with low operating, maintenance and fuel costs. "Adding the Barracuda shredder to our industrial product line allows our customers to easily expand their capabilities in C&D and industrial waste reduction," said John Foote, Morbark VP of Sales and Marketing. "Our ultimate goal is to make our customers successful, so the machine was designed for versatility and ease of maintenance. With high fuel efficiency and low operating and maintenance costs, combined with the versatility to process a wide variety of materials, the Barracuda provides exceptional value to our recycling customers." Key benefits of the Barracuda include: • Ease of maintenance: The Barracuda is designed with serviceability in mind. All daily maintenance, such as cleaning the air filter, and checking and changing fluids, can be done while standing at ground level. • Versatility: The Barracuda's ground-level adjustment door allows you to adjust grates in as little as 2 minutes, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. The counter knives can be repositioned to 5 different heights-higher for waste wood or lower for industrial waste-to give you the best end product for whatever you run through it. Available setup options from 20 to 40 hammers and counter knives give you multiple alternatives to find the right mix of speed, fuel economy, and output quality to best fit your needs. • Low operating costs: The Barracuda's single rotor and bolt-on hammer inserts for reduced maintenance times, the internal rotor gearbox with high torque for greater fuel efficiency and large hydraulic reservoir for lower operating temperatures all play a part with the many other key features to reduce operating costs in this new design - all to increase your bottom line! To get the first look at the Barracuda, visit Morbark in the Silver Lot at CONEXPO in booth #3491. About Morbark: Morbark, Inc., based in Winn, Mich., builds equipment that creates opportunities in the forestry, recycling, sawmill, bio-energy and tree care markets. Innovating and manufacturing durable, high-performance equipment for more than 50 years, Morbark offers a full line of whole tree and waste wood chippers, flails, brush chippers, horizontal and tub grinders, sawmill equipment, material handling systems and more. Morbark equipment helps customers harvest, process and convert wood and organic waste materials into valuable, useful and environmentally sound products.

Introduced by Terramac® LLC, a manufacturer of innovative rubber track crawler carriers, the Terramac RT9 multi-purpose crawler carrier is designed for customization and versatility to tackle a wide variety of asphalt, aggregates, concrete, construction, earthmoving, lifting, mining and utility applications. The largest mid-sized rubber track carrier that does not require special oversize permitting to transport the machine, the Terramac RT9 will be on display at the company’s exhibit (Booth 70028, Gold Lot) at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014, March 4-8 in Las Vegas. Manufactured in North America, the CE-certified Terramac RT9 carrier can be customized with an array of equipment, such as bark blowers, cranes, drills, flatbeds, generators and tanks. With an operating weight of 26,000 pounds (11,794 kg) and a maximum carrying capacity of 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg), the RT9 crawler carrier eliminates the need for additional equipment and minimizes environmental impact and restoration costs associated with jobsite ground damage. “No matter what business you’re in – from aggregates, construction or earthmoving, to mining, oil and gas or utility – the Terramac RT9 crawler carrier can help you tackle any jobsite challenge that comes along,” said Mike Crimaldi, CEO of Terramac LLC. “We can customize electrical power sources, frame adjustments and hydraulics on the RT9 to suit any configuration.” Terramac RT9 Crawler Carrier Tackles Variety of Construction Industry Applications When fully loaded, the ground pressure on the RT9 is only 5.1 psi (0.36 kg/c2). Featuring a 10-ft (3-m) turning radius, the rubber track crawler carrier has an overall length of 20 ft (6 m), a width of 8 ft 5 in (2.6 m), a height of 9 ft 3 in (2.8 m) and a minimum ground clearance of 20 in (0.51 m). The unit can travel at speeds up to 6 mph (10 kph). Mining applications The standard RT9 features a dump bed, but for mining applications, it can be configured with a flat bed, water tank and hydraulic crane to handle drill sections. Power for the crane comes from the gear pump powering the dump bed. The Terramac RT9 can be mounted with a spray boom for dust control on mine roads. The machine’s low ground pressure makes it ideal for loose and wet ground conditions where heavy, wheeled trucks are likely to get stuck. An RT9 equipped with a spray boom can also be used in agriculture applications requiring wet ground conditions. Pipeline applications “On the pipeline right of way, there’s just dirt, no road,” Crimaldi said. “When it rains, access for wheeled vehicles is terrible, but not for the RT9 track carrier.” In addition to carrying mats onto pipeline sites to create more stable working environments for larger construction equipment, the RT9 crawler carrier is also used for drilling, material handling and site investigation applications on oil and gas construction projects. The crawler carrier can be easily outfitted with a variety of tools and equipment, such as bark blowers, cranes, sandblasters and vacuum excavators to assist with pipeline construction. “A welding machine attached to the bed of an RT9 crawler carrier can be removed in less than an hour,” Crimaldi said. “Within a couple hours, one RT9 can be used for a variety of applications, which also makes our crawler carrier ideal for rental companies with customers looking to use the machines for multiple jobs. They can switch out the bed to match the customer’s specific needs.” Utility applications A digger derrick can be installed on the RT9 for digging holes and setting poles in remote, hard-to-reach locations. The RT9 can also be outfitted with a boom lift for lifting materials. Terramac RT9 Crawler Carrier Tackles Variety of Construction Industry Applications Geotechnical and environmental drilling applications For drilling jobs where access is challenging due to ground conditions, grade or working angles, the RT9 can be mounted with drilling rigs for a variety of environmental and geotechnical drilling applications, including soil boring, sampling and testing, monitoring and soil and groundwater remediation. Because of the flotation from the RT9’s rubber tracks, contractors can keep working in all types of adverse ground and weather conditions, and can complete projects faster. The rubber tracks also allow for faster climbing on hills and reduced slippage in wet conditions. “Unlike steel-track crawler carriers, the RT9 rubber-track crawler carrier won’t tear up the ground or road surface – a significant advantage for preventing costly jobsite ground damage,” Crimaldi said. The RT9 is equipped with a 230-hp (172-kW) Cummins diesel engine. Rollover protective structure (ROPS) and falling object protective structure (FOPS) are standard. Open- and closed-cab options are available. Ideal for carrying supplies and materials, the bed on the RT9 elevates to a 48-degree angle for dumping gravel, sand, dirt and other materials. The bed can fold down, allowing the operator to side-load materials or equipment for carriage across rough terrain, delicate soil conditions and remote areas. Designed with ease of maintenance in mind, the RT9 features a tilt hood providing easy access to key service areas. Terramac provides parts and service support – as well as custom fabrication and mounting services to install a wide range of equipment and configurations on the RT9. Available for sale or rent, the Terramac RT9 crawler carrier can be ordered from the factory with the correct body configuration to accept custom accessories. For more information on the Terramac RT9, or to schedule a demonstration, please visit www.terramac.com.

The NHLA strategic planning task force, under the chairmanship of past president Jim Howard, recently brought several motions to the full NHLA board of managers for a vote. In a special meeting called on February 17 the NHLA board voted and approved all of the changes that the strategic planning task force put forth including a new Vision, Mission and Goals for the Association.The approved changes further support the path that NHLA began several years ago with the adoption of the tagline: "Strong Roots. Global Reach." The new vision statement, "To be the global standard for hardwood trade and commerce," is confirmation of the extensive global presence that NHLA has maintained since 2008. The new mission statement follows the same theme, "To serve NHLA members engaged in the commerce of North American hardwood lumber by: maintaining order, structure and ethics in the changing global hardwood marketplace; providing unique member services; promoting North American hardwood lumber and advocating the interest of the hardwood community in public private policy issues; and providing a platform for networking opportunities." The board also approved 6 strategic goals in order to fulfill the new Vision and Mission. They are as follows: 1. Maintain a uniform system of grading Rules for the inspection and measurement of hardwood lumber. 2. Foster integrity within the hardwood community by assisting with dispute resolution and providing a meaningful Sales Code. 3. Continually train lumber inspectors for the industry. 4. Provide forums for individuals to meet and learn. 5. Explore organizations with whom NHLA can partner or collaborate. 6. Maintain inspection services to support dispute resolution. The most significant of the goals listed above is number six. The adoption of goal number six is to assure the hardwood industry that NHLA is committed to maintaining its Inspection Field Services both in North America and around the globe. Questions regarding the new vision, mission and goals of the Association? Contact Mark Barford, CAE, Executive Director at 901-377-1082 or by email at [email protected].

Amark Lumber Markers, is proud to announce a completely redesigned e-commerce website, created by LumbermenOnline.com, the sister company of LUMBERMEN’S Equipment Digest. The new website features quick and easy order placement as well as full information to assist customers in determining which size, color or hardness will work best for their application. In addition to fast and easy ordering with several payment options the new site includes details about Amark’s exclusive Stub Recycling Program, related products such as crayon holders and the new no obligation contact form to assist in your research. If your operation needs bright, high quality, versatile markers visit www.amarkers.com and see just how quick and easy ordering your next shipment can be.

Lyme, NH- Lock and Lube LLC recently introduced the Lock N Lube grease coupler to the North American market. Invented and manufactured in South Africa by Gurtech PTY Ltd. The inventor Dick Gurney, a sugar cane farmer, had grown tired of the short comings associated with the standard grease coupler. Fortunately, Dick has a skilled and creative mind and produced a better grease coupler. With its patented external jaws and sliding locking sleeve, he achieved a coupler that not only locked on and stayed on but also came off when you wanted it off. The internal long wearing Nitrile sliding seal achieved not only excellent sealing for S.A.E. and metric fittings but also a greater tolerance for worn and out of spec. fittings. The result is a robust tool that takes the common hassles out of greasing, saves grease, and gets the machines the grease they so desperately need. To purchase the Lock N Lube coupler call Russell Barnes at 603-795-2298 or Search eBay or Amazon for" Lock N Lube"

The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) Board of Directors has appointed Tami Kessler to serve as Executive Director. Tami has most recently served the association as Corporate Secretary and Director of Administration. Since she joined the staff in 1976, Tami has served in multiple capacities including accounting, 28 years as Director of Administration, plus two terms as director of SFPA’s Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition. “Tami brings a comprehensive set of skills set to the management of SFPA operations at our headquarters, and the Board congratulates her on this well-deserved promotion,” stated SFPA Chairman Joe Kusar after making the announcement at a recent Board of Directors meeting in Atlanta. “Knowing what she does about our daily operations, she is well prepared to manage the future progress of our association,” he added. “Working with SFPA’s staff of dedicated professionals, I am looking forward to continuing to serve all SFPA members and further enhance the value of their membership,” Tami said. She can be reached by phone at 504/443-4464 ext. 222, or by e-mail to [email protected].

Hutto Wood Products is proud to announce a completely redesigned interactive website, created by LumbermenOnline.com, the sister company of LUMBERMEN'S Equipment Digest. The new website features a complete layout of Shaving Mills, and Material Handling equipment offered by HWP, along with Trade-Ins, complete company information, and an updated map to show the reach of HWP's mills and elated customers. Showing the customization options, total value, complete in and outs, and knowledge behind each piece of equipment was the main focus of Patrick Hutto, owner of Hutto Wood Products. If you're looking to add shavings production to your mill or simply are tired of paying for bagged shavings for your barn, HWP offers a full line of Shaving Mills, check them out at www.HWPShavers.com, or call 803-564-7173.

Abneyco Equipment LLC of Chelsea, Alabama is pleased to unveil their new website, designed and hosted by LumbermenOnline.com, the sister company of LUMBERMEN'S Equipment Digest. The new website allows customers to easily and quickly find equipment through drill-down search fields or to simply browse Abneyco's updated inventory. However, as shown on their custom services page, Abneyco is much more than used equipment. They offer a long line of services focused on getting your mill started and/or continuing smooth operation. Find out more by using the simple, no obligation "Contact Form" to see what Abneyco can do for you. Abneyco has been helping customers find used sawmill, pallet, and woodworking machinery as well as providing other services; Engineering/Design, Machine Installation, Repo/Storage and Salvage/Recycling since 1989. Whether you're looking for equipment, want a complete mill set up, need equipment removed, or any other offered service, call 706-590-3624 or visit www.Abneyco.com today!

NHLA is happy to report that NHLA member company, Emporium Hardwoods has successfully shipped to the European Union solely with the NHLA Kiln Drying Certificate. Emporium Hardwoods, a division of Rossi Group, shipped containers of hardwood lumber to the United Kingdom on January 8 with no incident. On December 18, 2013 the EU implemented the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NHLA and the USDA APHIS as the NHLA KD Certificate replaces the need for a Phytosanitary Certificate. The current list of countries that accept the NHLA KD Certificate as an equivalent to the PHYTO are as follows: Australia, Brazil, European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Vlovenia, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom), Venezuela and Vietnam. China and Mexico are currently reviewing acceptance of the NHLA KD Certificate. Information will be released on additional country acceptance as NHLA is notified. The KD Certificate Program achieves the same goals as the APHIS PHYTO Certificate but at less cost to both APHIS and the U.S. hardwood industry. The Program involves regular inspections of subscribing hardwood facilities in the U.S. by both NHLA contracted inspectors and APHIS inspectors to ensure continuing performance to the Kiln Drying Sawn Hardwood Standard. If your company is interested in learning more about the NHLA KD Program or would like to join, contact NHLA Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert at [email protected] or by phone at 901-399-7551. Contributed by: National Hardwood Lumber Association

Stringer Industries became the owner and manufacturer of the Bark-King Debarker line in 2011. Bark-King is the longest lasting debarker head on the market today. The Bark-King offers four standard sizes; 12” dia. x 12” long x 33 teeth, 12” dia. x 15” long x 42 teeth, 15” dia. x 12” long x 33 teeth, 15” dia. x 16” long x 45 teeth to fit most popular debarkers. The carbide teeth on the Bark-King may be indexed up to 6 times before teeth require replacing, outlasting all standard rosser head designs. In addition, the Bark-King Depth Control bearing with guide shoes provides excellent control of the debarking process while saving you money by preserving wood fiber. It mounts using the same bolt holes as original bearings on most debarkers. If you're debarking operation hasn't installed the Bark-King yet, you're wasting money on wear parts and losing fiber!

CENTRAL CITY, Kentucky – For almost 40 years, Brewer Machine & Parts, LLC has accomplished many successful transformations. However, Brewer’s greatest feat has just occurred as the company pays tribute to its customers for setting a record year in 2013. Thank You for a Record Year Paul Avery, the owner and president of Brewer, said, “I want to personally thank each of our customers for the faith that they placed in our company. Whether you were one of the many repeat customers or a first timer, we know that we owe our success to you.” He continued, “I couldn’t be more proud of the Brewer team and how they supported our customer base in 2013. Production is moving orders through the plant at historic pace - meeting or exceeding deadlines. Also, our pursuit of unmatched innovation and quality assures customers receive the best business solutions and not just equipment. This is why so many customers have entrusted their investment with us.” Customer Focused Brewer’s most recent success stems from a comprehensive customer-centered growth strategy. Having a strong base of employees with many years of experience allows Brewer to offer expert insight to meet a wide variety of customer challenges. Whether you need fewer employees, cant shortage management, reduced downtime or valued business advisors, Brewer knows its success only comes after helping customers solve their problems. “Our process begins with the extraordinary experience that our company possesses,” said Avery. Brewer employs four individuals with greater than 30 years of experience, four with more than 20 years and five with over 10 years. They combine this experience with modern engineering and automation technology to drive innovation that truly solves customer headaches. Recent additions to the team have furthered the quality control department that was implemented two years ago. With a team review of control points throughout the entire production process, Brewer’s culture of continuous improvement is active on a daily basis. Customer service has been upgraded with the sole purpose of minimizing customer downtime. Significant funds have been invested into stock inventory for reducing lead-time. Additionally, technology enhancements allow Brewer’s staff to dial into customer equipment for troubleshooting. This provides the possibility of correcting problems before a traditional service call technician could be dispatched. Operations Investment Fabricating complex automated machinery unfortunately takes more than a few welders. Brewer has invested a substantial amount of money to ensure its extremely accurate manufacturing facility is available to produce the highest quality machinery while minimizing expensive labor and overhead hours. Brewer’s HD Gemini Plasma Cutter has drastically increased its capacity and quality assurance for customers. Continued investments in CNC machining technology, planning procedures, process engineering and additional floor space are being executed to sustain its growing business volume without hindering lead times. Management Changes There is nothing more effective than an owner being accessible to customers. This is why Paul Avery has focused his attention on directly supporting customers and their needs. Paul Avery stated that his involvement with hundreds of customers across the industry provides unsurpassed proficiency in solving problems for any size of operation. Avery commented that he has enjoyed travelling and meeting many customers over the past year with the goal to make their plants more efficient and profitable. He said that the greatest pleasure of his job is “selling solutions – not just saws.” “I receive great satisfaction in a customer not simply being pleased with our equipment; but sleeping better because their business has fewer headaches,” said Avery. During these travels, he found that customers really want a free consultant and not just a “sales guy.” As a result, Avery will continue this time investment allowing Brewer to witness up close- not just hear about over the phone - market demands, changing trends and custom solutions. To gain additional insight for marketplace needs, Brewer has created a product development position that enables a veteran engineer to spend technical time with mill operators. This has led to many improvements where its products can better serve customers. This technically detailed research balances Avery’s broader business view for a complete customer solution. Also, a new general manager, Paul Kirtley has been hired to facilitate the interaction between these senior employees and customers. New managerial controls and reporting systems are being implemented to assure customers and investors that production will not diminish during increased travel time. These internal processes will be lean six sigma concepts for providing quality products which maximize customer return on investments. Great pains are being taken to ensure every customer receives the best plan that is executed in the most effective manner. Upcoming Innovations One of the top issues pallet manufacturers face today is raw material supply. To help customers with this problem, Brewer has engineered a scragg saw system that is “second to none.” It has the ability to take a log and turn it into finished pallet stock with one pass through the system. Additionally, its distinctive automation program ensures every log is optimized minimizing scrap of these scarce logs. Brewer’s Scragg Saw will allow pallet stock to be processed from low-grade logs, hardwood or softwood, empowering customers to become independent of cant and cut stock suppliers. Avery stated that one other major production problem he saw visiting many plants was the need to change saw lines over many times a day. As a result, considerable product development hours have been spent on a new concept that will revolutionize gang saws according to Avery. Due to the patent process, Brewer cannot elaborate on any more details except for the fact that it will significantly reduce changeover times. Brewer is working hard to unveil the prototype at this year’s EXPO Richmond Show in May 2014. Please stop by Brewer’s booth to see how this innovative technology can transform your operation. Exciting Future Emphasizing a proactive strategic approach, Brewer’s future is brighter than ever. But even more inspiring is the belief in its customers’ futures. With the expected new pallet demands and impending product advancements, profitability should be strong for all parties involved. Avery concluded, “I believe in this industry, its producers and our company. Exciting times lie ahead as we are positioned to support customers in obtaining their security and prosperity for many years to come.” Make sure that your future is full of these opportunities and not headaches by contacting Brewer at 800-345-6516 or visiting its website at www.brewerinc.com. Courtesy of Pallet Enterprise Written by Ed Brindley, Ph.D.

The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) has revised the dates for its 33rd Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – Expo 2015. The show will now be held June 10-12, 2015 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, with the theme: “Your Show. Your Business. Your Success”. “SFPA cooperated with the center to resolve a scheduling situation that arose, still meeting the objectives to keep the show in Building A and during June of next year,” notes Eric Gee, SFPA’s exposition director. “Interest in Expo 2015 remains very strong, with many exhibitors from the last show already planning larger exhibits spaces to showcase more equipment and products for our industry,” he adds. Plans call for a more spacious floor plan, an outdoor live demonstration area and several other refinements for the show. Exhibit sales will begin in a few months. Sponsored and conducted by SFPA since 1950, this event includes many of the biggest names in the forest products industry, displaying everything from sawmill machinery to materials handling equipment, attracting key representatives from the nation’s largest wood products manufacturers. For more information about Expo 2015, contact Eric at 504/443-4464, ext. 214, or e-mail him at [email protected]. Visit the show’s website: www.SFPAexpo.com.