Full-tree or not full-tree? That is the question for many loggers in the Lake State region who are considering making the leap to cut-to-length (CTL) logging. Many are switching to CTL and not looking back. Harvesters such as the popular John Deere 1270D have helped many loggers become more productive and profitable. “In the hands of a well-trained operator, a harvester can get the job done faster with fewer laborers than tree-length systems,” says Bill Britt, salesman, JDE Equipment, Traverse City, Michigan.

Requiring only a harvester and forwarder, CTL requires fewer machines, operators, and fuel, so it’s cost-effective. It is also environmentally friendly - selective cutting minimizes soil disturbance and damage to residual trees. In fact, many logging customers in the region are requiring CTL because of its environmental impact.

Other loggers are sticking to tried-and-true tree-length logging methods, which are effective on regeneration harvests. The method requires more equipment - feller buncher, delimber/slasher, and log loader - but the machines are not as complex to run. This makes it easier to find and train operators - although John Deere simulators are helping harvester operators get up to speed more quickly.

You can have it both ways
Of course, there’s no law that says you may run only one logging configuration. Some larger loggers in central Michigan, such as Chris Muma Forest Products in Gladwin, use both CTL and full-tree methods.

“Our area has markets for both round wood and chips, so logging customers have diverse needs,” says Bill Britt. “Bigger loggers like Muma find themselves doing everything from selective thinning to regeneration harvesting.”

Chris Muma grew up in the logging business, helping both of his grandfathers, and has been in business on his own since 1980. Muma started doing CTL ten years ago, as many jobs on federal, state, and private lands began requiring it.

“Offering CTL has given us access to many more job opportunities,” explains Chris Muma. “Some of our customers require CTL, and we also use it on jobs where it is more efficient, such as thinning pine. But on jobs that don’t require CTL, such as chipping operations and regeneration harvests in open spaces, we still primarily use full-tree.”

For full-tree operations, Muma runs eight John Deere 748G-III Skidders, a delimber, a John Deere 850 Dozer, a slasher, and a feller buncher. John Deere 648G-III Skidders are popular in the region, but the 748G-III is the machine of choice for loggers like Muma who run large chip operations. With more horsepower and a larger grapple, the 748G-III has the muscle they need to quickly pull larger drags of full trees to the landing.

Muma has used Deere skidders since 1984. “All I’ve ever used are John Deere grapple skidders,” says Muma. “They’re simply a superior machine, and our experience has always been very good. Excellent performance. Roomy and comfortable cabs. Trouble-free engines and cooling systems.” Muma pauses to reflect, then adds slowly for emphasis, “And they pull a…really…big…load.”

Muma likes the G-III Grapple. “Two hydraulic cylinders adjust to each load, so the grapple holds the wood more securely when you’re skidding,” he says. Closed-center, load-sensing hydraulics maintain constant pressure on the tongs. The exposed edges on the inside surface of the tongs are rough, giving operators a more tenacious grip on the timber.

Pulling wood, stretching daily operating costs
Productivity is important to Muma, but uptime and low daily operating costs are equally essential. “You can’t be very productive when you’re working on equipment,” says Muma. “We’re in the logging business, not the repair business. Fortunately for us, John Deere equipment is just really dependable.”

Transmissions on the 748G-III are built specifically for the rigors of logging operations and long life. Heavy-duty Deere engines are very durable, too, with hardened, replaceable wet-cylinder liners. Heavy-duty axles feature wet-disc brakes, which are virtually maintenance-free for reliable, long-term stopping power.

Servicing is quick and painless. Daily servicing points are easy to get at, making routine maintenance less of a chore. Extended service intervals and longer-life components keep costs under control. “Deere machines are extremely low maintenance and don’t cost a lot to run,” says Muma.

“John Deere has been really good to us as far as uptime and excellent service,” he continues. “Make a call and everything gets worked out right away - quite often the same day. The John Deere skidders pull a big load, they’re extremely reliable, and low-cost to run. We couldn’t be happier.”

Chris Muma Forest Products is serviced by JDE Equipment, Traverse City.

The Forestry Review, August 2007

Back to Stories from the Woods