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Develon is helping logging professionals take on tough forestry and timber processing jobs with its new, next-generation -7 Series log loaders and road builders. Source: Timberbiz The new lineup features enhanced safety features, heavy-duty components and easy serviceability to help logging companies move more timber and build access roads to the harvesting and log loading areas. “We took learnings and incorporated features from our previous products to directly shape the design and function of the new -7 Series log loaders and road builders,” said Morgan Stallings, senior director, product management and marketing. “Equipped with reliable performance, and comfort and visibility enhancements, they are designed to help those working in challenging conditions. Feedback from a longtime log loader customer operating a DX225LL-7 prototype in the Pacific Northwest confirms that our design and enhancements are paying off.” The -7 Series log loaders and road builders are ready to take on high-demand tasks. They have increased horsepower, faster cycle times and more lifting capacity to complete timber harvesting and log loading faster. An increased swing torque helps the machines swing heavy loads more efficiently, even when moving the load uphill. The fine swing function reduces the amount of shaking when lifting heavy objects, resulting in greater control, more accuracy and safer operation. When higher lifting capacity is needed, operators can use a convenient one-touch power boost button on the right-hand joystick to provide a momentary hydraulic boost. Operators can also choose from four selectable power modes to best match the application they’re working in to increase efficiency and minimize fuel consumption. Develon’s 7 Series log loaders and road builders are built with heavy-duty construction for harsh forestry conditions. The machines feature heavy-duty side doors, with guards over the hydraulic pump and cooling system door, along with quarter-inch side panels. A robust front guard protects components against debris and obstacles. A fully guarded, heavy-duty, high and wide undercarriage helps improve ground clearance over stumps and other debris on logging sites. The Develon DX225LL-7 log loader cab is designed with a 4-foot riser and robust front and top guards, providing protection without sacrificing operator visibility. The log loader cab also features hydraulic 90-degree tilting for ease of transport on a trailer. All Develon 7 Series log loaders and road builders feature a large, all-weather steel cab that has superior comfort, excellent operator visibility, low noise levels and more room to work. The heated air-suspension seat adjusts to operators’ height and weight and features adjustable headrests and armrests and an optional 4-point seat belt. Joystick controls move up and down with the seat for more ergonomic operation to reduce operator fatigue. Front and rear LED lights enhance operator visibility, especially during low-light situations in early morning and at night. A multi-function colour LCD monitor shows a variety of machine diagnostic information. It also displays video from the standard rearview or side-mounted camera. Operators can use the hybrid screen mode to see machine information and the camera at the same time. The optional around view monitor (AVM) camera system is equipped with its own dedicated display monitor, which shows a full view of the machine’s surroundings. The AVM system is available for new -7 Series road builders. It gives operators greater confidence when operating or positioning the machine in tight areas. Optional on 7 Series log loaders and road builders is a side-entry forestry cab. The forestry cab is built with guarded polycarbonate front, side and rear windows, as well as a rear secondary exit. For added protection, optional 32-mm polycarbonate glass is available. Additional options for the new road builders include a boom and arm lock valve. A straight travel pedal feature, which allows the operator to travel in a straight line more easily, is standard on all log loader models and optional for road builders. Both log loaders and road builders have the option for an air compressor and fuel filler pump. Daily maintenance is simple with easy component access and centralized grease banks on the base of the boom. This allows operators to grease multiple points from one location. Engine filters, hydraulic filters and the hydraulic tank are centrally located in a protected area, simplifying service and filter changes. The radiator with reverse fan automatically helps prevent debris buildup and keeps the cooling system clean. An optional air compressor located in the cab makes it easy for operators to keep the interior clean of dirt and debris, creating a more comfortable working environment.

Buying a house is becoming increasingly difficult for millions of people with rising house prices and soaring cost of living. Source: The US Sun But a growing number of Americans are opting out of traditional home ownership all together and purchasing a tiny home instead. Tiny homes are becoming increasingly popular, offering a low-cost, minimalist solution. Tiny homes typically range from 100 to 400 square feet and are beloved by homeowners seeking to downsize, add extra space, or create a cozy holiday home. One great option is Amazon’s outdoor wooden tiny home selling for just US$10,650. The home is fully customizable, meaning you can tailor it to your needs. It can be bought with either two or three bedrooms and comes fully equipped with a bathroom. Also, it’s “double winged” structure gives it a unique appearance. According to the listing, it is an environmentally friendly house meaning you won’t break the bank with energy costs. “Environmental protection and energy saving, suitable for long-term living: Folding houses are usually built with environmentally friendly materials, have good heat insulation and sound insulation, and can effectively reduce energy consumption,” the listing said. Also, it is made with high quality materials and is sturdy in all types of weather. Another bonus is it is a “folding” house meaning it is flexible and can be moved on a whim. Tiny homes have become a global phenomenon, sweeping the world with the promise of a low carbon and simple lifestyle. Technically, a tiny home is any house measuring under 400 square feet. Many tiny homes are built on trailers so they can be towed anywhere, and some are converted from old school buses or vans. Each state has its own rules about tiny homes, but, generally, they are not subject to the same taxes as regular homes. However, Alaska, Iowa, Louisiana, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, and West Virginia have made tiny homes illegal as permanent dwellings. But experts say there are a number of things to think about before committing to the major purchase. The US Sun has previously spoken to tiny home enthusiast Erin Hybart who shared her top tips for consumers to consider before buying a tiny home. According to Hybart, who is a realtor in Louisiana and has sold smaller homes less than 600 feet squared, rules and regulations for tiny homes vary between each state so shoppers should do their research before buying one. Check regulations to see whether you need a permit as this varies from state to state Think carefully about how much storage you need Plan ahead and get organized by talking to other tiny home owners Be careful of scams by researching the builder to make sure they are legitimate. The rules governing tiny homes also vary depending on whether the tiny home is on a permanent foundation or on wheels. Hybart said to “always check local regulations to make sure they comply.” View the Amazon tiny home here.  

As the Trump administration cuts the US Forest Service and creates rampant uncertainty ahead of peak wildfire season, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state is continuing to ramp up its efforts to reduce wildfire risk and increase forest health. Source: Timberbiz CAL FIRE is awarding US$72 million to projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk across California. Governor Newsom also announced 13 vegetation management projects spanning nearly 7,000 acres have already been approved for fast-tracking under his emergency proclamation. This is to support large-scale, regionally based land management projects aimed at restoring forest health and resilience throughout California, while enhancing long-term carbon storage. Additionally, Governor Newsom announced that under his wildfire prevention emergency proclamation, which became operational on 17 April, the state has already fast-tracked approval for 13 projects totalling nearly 7,000 acres, on top of the two million acres treated in recent years. These projects involve tribes and other partners, natural resource managers and fire districts. This is part of statewide efforts to advance projects in key locations to help protect communities from catastrophic wildfires. One week after applications opened to fast-track critical wildfire safety projects in mid-April, the state began issuing fast-track approvals for wildfire safety projects. While 57% of California’s forests are federally managed, the state government manages only 3% of the forestland. The other 40% is privately owned and this work relies on partnership with private forestland owners. More than 2,200 vegetation management projects are complete or underway, and in recent years, California has treated nearly two million acres – made possible by scaling up investments to 10 times the amount from when the Governor took office in 2019. California has funded more than US$350 million worth of projects on federal lands in the same time. CAL FIRE estimates that 83% of all tree mortality in California, which poses a significant wildfire risk, is on national forest lands. Through its Forest Health Program, CAL FIRE is awarding 12 grants to local and regional partners carrying out projects on state, local, tribal, federal, and private lands. Designed to address critical forest health needs, these initiatives will reduce wildfire risk, improve ecosystem resilience, and enhance carbon sequestration across California’s diverse landscapes. Forest health grant projects focus on large, landscape-scale forestlands – no less than 800 acres in size – that are composed of one or more landowners and may cover multiple jurisdictions. The projects will employ a wide array of forest management strategies, with goals of wildfire resilience, watershed protection, habitat conservation for endangered species, recovery of fire-scarred and drought-impacted forests, and the reintroduction of fire as a natural ecological process. The majority of CAL FIRE’s Forest Health grants are funded through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund (TRFRF), with additional support provided by California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide initiative that directs billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars toward achieving the state’s climate goals.