Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Post on forums that focus on forest equipment

Although it may be difficult to digest all the information available on forestry logging equipment, you should do your best to stay informed about any changes in the industry. Check out industry forum leaders for daily updates if possible.

I recommend: Look to The Forestry Forum to answer any questions you may have. Search through its category list to find the subject you want, and read through previous posts or start a new thread. With many subcategories to search through on the Heavy Equipment Forums, pay particular attention to the section devoted to forestry.

Read publications based on changes to forest products equipment

Forestry-based publications are a reputable source of information for those in the lumber business. Take responsibility and familiarize yourself with changes to lumber supplies and equipment. Such changes may relate to new and improved machinery or changes in the state or national requirements.

I recommend: Crow's Market & Price Service offers lumber information and pricing for the wood products market. The report is sent weekly, analyzing many reports and compiling them for subscribers. Providing information on forestry supplies, Lumbermen's Equipment Digest offers a free subscription for those located in the United States. You can even view the entire issue online. Check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its U.S. Forest Service where you can receive subscription updates to any changes in regulations.

Maintain contact with national-based organizations that deal with logging equipment

Leaders in the lumber industry are an ideal place to check for any changes in forestry equipment and supplies. Maintained by a professional staff, these organizations receive the latest updates, which they pass along to members. Stay in touch with these informational associations to ensure you're in compliance with any changes.

I recommend: Join the Forest Products Society, where you gain access to trade-based publications and conferences. Networking at these conferences keeps you abreast to any changes within the industry. The Society of American Foresters provides information on the lumber industry as well as access to the career center, where you can network with others in hopes of finding a job.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do a search online to read columns posted by forestry-industry leaders. Such information is a valuable resource, as these columnists give an unbiased opinion regarding lumber equipment and supplies.

Action Steps
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Find forestry equipment and supplies for sale

Purchasing forestry equipment and supplies can be a time-consuming task with so many options available. Find forestry equipment for sale in stores and through auctions.

I recommend: Hud-Son Forest Equipment, Inc. offers high-quality equipment and supplies including portable sawmills and bandmills. They have short videos on their website showing the equipment in action. If you prefer to shop by category or manufacturer, you might want to look into My Little Salesman, which gives you these choices, in addition to information on auctions.

Purchase used logging equipment to save money

While it's tempting to purchase used forestry equipment and supplies based on the best pricing online, you might end up with more trouble than bargain. Purchasing used equipment from qualified retailers offers a better chance of a getting the reliable equipment your business needs.

I recommend: Caterpillar offers a wide variety in heavy equipment, parts, engines and attachments. Known for their premium products, Caterpillar dealers offer top-notch used equipment. If you are looking to purchase used logging and forestry equipment, consider acquiring equipment from the Global Machinery Network, Inc. They offer apparatus ranging from forestry to tree service and landscaping.

Consult with forestry equipment dealers

In order to find the perfect equipment for your business and its specified projects, consult with a dealer who can steer you in the right direction in regards to necessary equipment at the best cost.

I recommend: When looking for forestry equipment and supplies, consider Franklin TreeFarmer whose dealers demonstrate the many positive attributes of their purpose-built, rubber-tied timber harvesting and industrial tractors. If you are considering previously used equipment, talk with a dealer from Equipment & Parts, Inc. They offer a grand selection of reconditioned pre-owned logging equipment and update their inventory daily.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consult with forestry equipment dealers about safety issues for the drivers, and get proper training in vehicle use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose courses that focus on forestry equipment and education

Secure a job in the forestry industry or update your training skills and choose courses that support your forestry education needs. Take accreditation courses to showcase your areas of expertise in forestry.

I recommend: The Society for American Foresters offers listings of recognized programs across the nation. State listings for technical forestry programs and forestry degree programs are offered with links to individual course curriculum. The Penn Foster Career School offers online courses for forestry students that focus on field forestry equipment and safety.

Enroll in hands-on training programs to enrich your understanding of forestry equipment and supplies

A hands-on education is essential to master the use of forestry equipment and logging equipment and to understand the effective use of forestry supplies.

I recommend: The Oregon Department of Forestry offers an internship program with positions for qualified candidates. Interns would assist foresters with all aspects of forestry. The Student Conservation Association offers links to internship opportunities for forestry students in programs across the nation. Learn about proper forest equipment operation in national forests such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Mt. Hood National Forest.

Attend seminars and conferences focused on forestry equipment and supplies

Seminars and conferences with a focus on forestry equipment and supplies education and training offer up-to-date techniques in forestry and the opportunity to network with others in the industry.

I recommend: Atterbury Consultants host annual training seminars focused on updates in forestry equipment and software. Attend the annual Oregon Logging Conference for first-hand experience with the newest forestry equipment and supplies. Washington State University offers free streaming footage of the 2005 Fall Forestry Seminar that focuses on small-scale forestry equipment.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Become a member in the Society of American Foresters to reap the benefits of national conventions and continuing education courses and resources for learning more about forestry equipment and supplies.

Action Steps
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Log skidders

A log skidder is a diesel-driven tractor that uses a cable to pull logs out of a forest. Log skidders are essential machines when selective logging is necessary to spare surrounding trees.

I recommend: Learn more about log skidder types and styles at the official John Deere website.

Grapple loaders

Grapple loaders are steel crane mechanisms used on logging trucks to grab and move bunches of logs. Grapple loaders can be mounted on heavy-duty trucks.

I recommend: The Tree Care Industry Association offers more in-depth information on grapple loaders.

Feller bunchers

Feller bunchers are machines used in the forestry industry to clear areas of dense trees. With sharp blades, a feller buncher can cleanly cut and remove trees with minimal damage to the surrounding area.

I recommend: WiseGeek.com offers extensive information on the uses of feller bunchers.

Wood or log splitters

Wood splitters, also called 'log' splitters, are motor-driven machines that cut logs into predetermined sizes. Wood splitters are available in different sizes and styles appropriate for personal or professional use.

I recommend: American CLS offers information on wood splitters and descriptions of the types and styles of wood splitters available.

Tree harvesters

Tree harvesters are tractors that cut trees to specific sizes, remove the branches from the tree and stack the trees in piles. Tree harvesters can remove single trees or clear an area of trees at one time.

I recommend: TheTreeHarvester.com offers information on tree harvester uses and pictures of tree harvesters in action.

Portable sawmill

A portable sawmill is a small-scale sawmill used on a forestry job site to cut logs into lumber. There are different types of sawmills based on the type of blade used in the saw.

I recommend: TruthAboutAx.com offers extensive information on portable sawmills and compares the different types and styles of portable sawmills available.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to buy used forestry equipment and supplies, test the equipment before you commit to purchase to ensure the equipment works properly.