VERMEER S450TX MINI SKID STEER Vermeer has announced the completion of its family of mini skid steers with the addition of the S450TX. A 226.8-kilogram SAE-rated operating capacity with a 648.6-kilogram tipping capacity gives the S450TX a lot of muscle for its size. Vermeer has incorporated a four-pump hydraulic system, which provides performance and efficiency when powering attachments. A single pilot-operated joystick is now integrated into the S450TX platform, which makes the machine easy to manoeuvre and operate in comparison to manual control systems. The operator can also experience a smooth range of operation without having to balance the engagement of two separate controls. The S450TX offers the customer the ability to customize the machine with the choice of engine and track options. The Kubota 24.8-horsepower diesel engine and Kohler EFI 27-horsepower gas engine both provide excellent torque performance and are designed for those who use attachments requiring greater engine torque. The narrow seven-inch track provides a smaller machine footprint for tight work areas, while the standard nine-inch track offers reduced ground pressure for increased flotation and stability. TP PARTNERS WITH PELLET MANUFACTURERS Timber Products Inspection (TP) has entered into agreements with three pellet fuel manufacturers to begin implementation of the PFI/ALSC Pellet Fuel Standards Program. TP will provide third party testing and inspection services in accordance with the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI)/American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) Pellet Fuel Standards program to American Wood Fibers (Marion, Virginia and Circleville, Ohio), Curran Renewable Energy (Massena, New York) and Marth Wood Shavings & Supply (Marathon and Peshtigo, Wisconsin). Each of these manufacturers is currently working on setting up their internal quality management programs with the intent of complying with the PFI/ALSC Pellet Fuel Standards Program. Once each facility is ready, TP will conduct an initial inspection to verify compliance, followed by on going auditing and testing to assure continued compliance. By achieving compliance with the PFI/ALSC Pellet Fuel Standards Program, each of these manufacturers will be able to display a Quality Mark on their bags indicating that they are producing pellets that are compliant with the fuel grade listed on their bag. TP, accredited by ALSC as an auditing agency and as a testing laboratory for the PFI/ALSC Pellet Fuel Standards Program, will play a key role in ensuring the pellets produced are consistent in quality. Through regular testing and plant audits, TP will help oversee the quality process, and provide necessary guidance to ensure consistent quality. M-E-C APPOINTS NEW VP, SALES M-E-C Company, a worldwide supplier of industrial dryer systems, recently announced that Stephen D. Rice has joined the company as vicepresident of sales. Rice has spent the last 30 years of his career in various senior management positions, including an extensive background in the wood products industry. Rice’s most recent experience in the forest products industry was with Kilntek, Inc., where he served as president of the company. Rice was responsible for establishing a business for manufacturing and installation of equipment for drying lumber and various combustion systems. Prior to that, Rice served as managing director of four engineering divisions throughout the U.S. and Canada for Moore International with complete responsibility for the product lines of lumber dry kilns, wood-fired combustion systems, veneer, and gypsum board dryers. BANDIT 200UC UTILITY CHIPPER The Model 200UC Utility Chipper brings low cost with reliable performance and production to the popular 12-inch capacity disc chipper segment. It’s similar to Bandit’s popular Model 200XP, but features a lightened frame and chipping disc along with a plastic fuel tank. These changes allow the Model 200UC to ride comfortably on a smaller 6000-pound axle with 15-inch wheels, making this machine easier to tow and manoeuvre. It shares the same 14 x 17-inch chipper throat opening and feed system with the Model 200XP, and it can be equipped with engines from 48 to 97 horsepower. The end result is a manoeuvrable chipper that delivers the production and capability of a 12-inch machine, but with a lighter weight and a lower price point compared to many other machines in this segment. This is an ideal fleet chipper, and the Model 200UC is especially well suited for utility clearing thanks to its combination of weight, size and large throat opening. It’s an inexpensive, no-nonsense 12-inch disc chipper with the ability to compress and chip large, limby branches without sacrificing manoeuvrablity.