Manufacturer’s Perspective

Larry Burkholder and Milan “Lucky”Robinson, Morbark Industries, Winn, MI

Brief history of Morbark

Founded in 1957 in Winn, Michigan by Norval Morey, a local sawmill owner/operator. First product was a portable pulpwood debarker. Success of debarker led to the development of other products for the forest products industry, including log debarkers, pole peelers, chippers, etc. In early 1970s invented the first portable whole tree chipper, the Total Chipharvestor. Morbark has been the number one manufacturer of in-woods chipping systems for nearly 25 years. Today, Morbark has diversified into several distinct markets, including flail debarkers and in-woods chipping systems, timber harvesting equipment, sawmill equipment, solid waste and recycling equipment, land clearing equipment and tree care equipment. Morbark manufactures more than 60 different equipment models. (Refer to your Morbark Product Guide for more details.) Our plant in Winn, Michigan has been steadily expanded to 1.5 million square feet, and our workforce now includes nearly 700 employees.

Morbark involvement in SRWC

Because a healthy fiber supply is important to our success as an equipment designer/manufacturer. Although we do not see SRWC as replacing current fiber sources, we do see it as one potential alternative for supplementing the existing supply of hardwood fiber. Because we currently manufacture equipment systems, which are capable of economically harvesting and processing the type of small diameter, multiple stems generated by SRWC. Because SRWC can help in creating a more positive public image for the forest products industry and counter negative publicity generated by the "green" movement.

Equipment development

Morbark Flail Chipharvestors. In-woods flail/chipping systems are becoming a larger part of the pulp & paper industry. As flail technology advances, the role of in-woods chipping continues to grow in size and significance. Many design improvements have been made in Morbark flails since 1990. High production, low bark content and excellent chip quality are documented in dozens of Morbark equipped chipping operations across North America. Morbark Total Fiber Utilization System. We have designed a specially equipped Forestry Tub Grinder to process the waste from the flail's debris conveyor. As much as 30 percent of a tree's mass is removed during the flailing process in the form of bark, small limbs and foliage. This material can be processed into hog fuel where there is a market. The tub is positioned to receive debris directly and a hydraulic blower fills 40 foot vans. One operator controls all flail, chipper and tub functions.

Morbark Wolverine Tractors. Morbark has been a leader in the development of quick, agile three-wheel feller buncher tractors. Our new Wolverine 6300ET has many innovative features such as an extended boom, tilt cab, 360 degree visibility and more. It is ideal for the type of harvesting required by SRWC applications. Please refer to our video for more detailed information on all the above mentioned equipment.

Research and development

Morbark's style is to conduct R&D in the field. We have built a long standing reputation for listening to customer feedback in developing new equipment technology. Morbark has always been known for rapid response in designing and manufacturing to meet the challenges of industry. To best meet the needs of the SRWC industry, it would be best to install a field chipping system, collect data and, if necessary, make adjustments in the equipment Something to consider in terms of flail debris: if there is no market for boiler fuel, the ground up waste can be spread back over the land as a fertilizer and soil amendment.

Conclusion

As a manufacturer, we see SRWC as an opportunity to continue developing equipment designs for use in meeting the fiber demands of industry. In order for this type of harvesting to be economically feasible, we believe plantation fiber will probably need to be supplemented with natural thinnings of hardwood and pine stands. We welcome two way communication with principles in the SRWC field, and as always, we invite interested parties to visit our manufacturing facility and demonstration site in Michigan for a close look at Morbark operations.

File posted on March 17, 1998; Date Modified: February 21, 1999