Franklin Equipment Co. is a manufacturer of logging equipment based in Franklin, Virgina. Its product line includes cable and grapple skidders, feller bunchers, forwarders, knuckleboom loaders and attachments such as saws and bunchers. It also produces special application machinery, namely hydrostatic brush cutters and utility tractors.
In addition, the company also operates a ferrous foundry called the Franklin Sweed Division. The foundry, based in Independence, Oregon, produces parts such as winches, transmissions, transfer cases, and axles, used in all of Franklin’s equipment.
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[edit] History
Franklin Equipment Co. was founded by Roger W. Drake during the mid-1950s. Drake worked at a service station repair shop called Cavalier Auto Service, situated on the banks of the Blackwater River in Franklin, Virginia. His services at the shop catered to the needs of logging contractors working in a logging camp located across the river. After doing business with the loggers, Franklin realized they needed a more efficient means of moving logs from the stump to a centralized loading area. This led him to develop a prototype of a rubber-tired, articulated skidder. His early prototype served as the forerunner of what would later be known as the "Franklin Logger."[1] Drake eventually purchased his own building next to Cavalier Auto Service and opened Franklin Auto Supply to sell automotive parts.
[edit] The Franklin Logger
Drake started production of the Franklin Logger and established a new Manufacturing and Equipment Division within his existing company, Franklin Auto Supply. The first incarnation of the machines to bear serial numbers was manufactured in 1962.[2] The Franklin Logger was well-received and Franklin became an assembly operation, building its own frames but using other manufacturer’s components. The very first units of the Franklin Logger were available in gasoline or diesel models. Each model came equipped with a torque converter.
One drawback of the development of the Franklin Logger was the lack of engineering consultation into the machine’s design. As a result, the machine underwent somewhat of a trial and error process with many improvements having to be made to it. Planetary axles replaced drop center axles. A gear-driven winch replaced a hydraulic version. A heavier torque converter and radiator with twice the capacity were used in place of the old ones. Prompted by customer demand, skidders also were being designed with blades.
[edit] Focusing on Forestry
By the 1960s Franklin had begun to focus its business on the manufacturing of forestry equipment. The company sold off its automotive division, Franklin Auto Supply, as management became more involved with Franklin Equipment Co. As the company expanded, it quickly outgrew its facilities and relocated to a new 34-acre (14-ha) site in 1967; the old facilities were sold. At the time, Franklin still existed as an assembly operation. The plant underwent many expansions over the years to accommodate the company’s growing business. Around the same time, Franklin started to produce its first grapple skidders. In 1965 Franklin became one of the first companies to develop a forwarder.[3]
[edit] Takeover of Holt
In 1968 Franklin Equipment Co. assumed controlling interest in the Holt Division of Jeddoloh Bros. Sweed Mills Inc. renaming the operation the Franklin Sweed Division. Holt was a job shop that eventually branched off into the manufacture of dozer blades. It operated a small foundry in the 1950s, starting casting operations. The company even developed a crawler tractor and a forklift. Holt was bought by the Jeddoloh Bros. in 1963. Franklin approached Holt in 1964 to purchase winches for its new skidders. The monthly orders for winches increased from 20 to 100 within a few months. In 1968 Franklin Equipment Co. bought out the majority of stock from the Jeddolah Bros. A separate subsidiary was set up in Independence, Oregon under the name of Franklin Sweed Inc. The two companies merged together in 1970. Franklin Sweed Inc. produced the castings, winches, transfer cases, and Models 170 through 195 skidders until 1971.[4] Eventually the primary purpose of Franklin Sweed Inc. was to operate as a foundry for pouring ductile iron castings for the Franklin Equipment Co. Production of the company’s skidders was transferred to its Virginia-based plant in Franklin.
[edit] Expansion of Product Line
Franklin Equipment Co. spent the next several years upgrading its equipment and adding more floor space to its plant in order to streamline operations. By the 1980s the company’s range of equipment had grown to be one of the most comprehensive timber harvesting equipment lines in the forestry sector, encompassing cable skidders, grapple skidders, forwarders, feller bunchers, site prepping machines, and some special application machines.[5]
[edit] Franklin Purchases Tree Farmer
In 1990 Franklin purchased the Tree Farmer Skidder Division from the multi-national conglomerate Hawker Siddley. The purchase of the line proved to be lucrative for Franklin and the Tree Farmer brands. As a result of the purchase, the dealer network for both brands virtually doubled, broadening the market reach of both product lines.[6]
[edit] The Company Today
Today Franklin Equipment Co. is a privately held company still owned by the Drake family. The company’s founder, Roger W. Drake, serves as the chairman of the board. His two sons Wilson and Randy manage the company’s marketing and production.
[edit] Equipment List
- Brush cutter
- Cable skidder
- Feller buncher
- Forwarder
- Grapple skidder
- Knuckleboom loader
- Log loader
- Saw
- Skidder
[edit] References
- ↑ The Realization of the American Dream. Franklin History. Franklin Corporate website. 26-02-2009.
- ↑ The Realization of the American Dream. Franklin History. Franklin Corporate website. 26-02-2009.
- ↑ The Realization of the American Dream. Franklin History. Franklin Corporate website. 26-02-2009.
- ↑ The Realization of the American Dream. Franklin History. Franklin Corporate website. 26-02-2009.
- ↑ The Realization of the American Dream. Franklin History. Franklin Corporate website. 26-02-2009.
- ↑ The Realization of the American Dream. Franklin History. Franklin Corporate website. 26-02-2009.
