“We compared other brands before we bought the excavators, but we really like what Komatsu offers in terms of productivity,” Kevin commented. “They’re topnotch machines across the board. We especially like the smoothness in the hydraulics. The other big plus is fuel efficiency. The machines save us quite a bit on fuel in the long run, so that ups our profitability. Plus, Komatsu is an impressive company.”
Longtime operator Ron Hill likes the new 53,500-pound PC220LC-7 for several reasons.
“It’s an extremely reliable machine,” Hill said. “It’s easy to maintain and easy to change the oil. From an operator’s standpoint, the cab is very comfortable, so it reduces fatigue. When you put everything together, it’s a more productive machine.”
The company also runs a Timbco 425EXL and a 425D feller buncher purchased from RMS. The 425EXL machine features a two-cylinder, four-way cab-leveling system that allows easy
A Knaeble Timber operator
uses a Komatsu PC200LC-6
with a Pro Pack delimber to
remove limbs from trees.
Knaeble relies on Komatsu
equipment from Road
Machinery and Supplies for a
variety of applications.
Kevin Knaeble (left)
works with RMS sales
representative Ryan
Milette to meet his
equipment needs.
operation on the steepest slopes as well as flat ground. It also offers efficient night operation and a 300-horsepower engine, making it a perfect fit for Knaeble Timber.
“Timbco has been around a long time,” Kevin said. “It’s the premier machine up in this area, and that’s because of speed. It’s fast and agile and that’s important in the conditions we’re in. We’ve got a long history with Timbco machines, too. Dad actually bought the first one in Minnesota back in the mid-’80s. We’ve never had anything different. They’re powerful. That machine increases our productivity.”
While Kevin and his employees handle routine maintenance on the machines, they turn to RMS’ branch in Grand Rapids for issues they can’t resolve themselves. Kevin is impressed with the service he’s received from RMS and Milette.
“One of the biggest sales points with us is service, and Ryan and RMS have certainly delivered,” Kevin claimed. “Any time we’ve needed something, they’ve been right there to make sure we have it. They either come out or we can take the machine to their shop in Grand Rapids. Either way, they’ve been great to work with.”
Continued growth
With good employees and reliable equipment, Knaeble Timber has grown steadily during its nearly 35-year history. The company has ventured into new areas and continues to try different things. Kevin and Khris don’t see that changing anytime soon.
“I think we’ll put another complete crew on in the next couple of years,” Kevin predicted. “We’ve been a two-crew operation for a long time now, but it’s time we grew. I can see us doing 60,000 cords next year and I don’t see that number going down in the future. The demand for logs is there, so we have to be willing to meet it.”
Continuing to meet the demand by consistently providing customers with outstanding service and timber is what has kept Knaeble Timber one of the most respected companies in the logging industry.
“We know that we have to continue to give our customers the best service available,” Kevin concluded. “Knaeble Timber has done that for a long time, and we’ll continue the tradition.”