Lumbermen's Equipment Digest

The 79th Annual Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo will roll into Escanaba, Michigan September 4-6, bringing more than 5,000 people to the area. The Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo is the largest Cut-to-Length Forest Products trade show in the Midwest, drawing internationally from Canada, and across the U.S. We are honored that Fabick Cat will once again be the major sponsor of the Expo. The show will be located at the U.P. State Fairgrounds, and we are thrilled to back in Michigan for 2025!
Henry Schienebeck, GLTPA Executive Director, explains that the Expo provides the opportunity for everyone to learn about new technologies in forestry and heavy equipment while networking with fellow members and colleagues. Exhibitors can showcase their products and services to a variety of interests including professional loggers, truckers, firewood cutters, landowners, students, and families.
This year the Expo is excited to welcome the Wisconsin & U.P. Chainsaw Racing Association to the show. They will run a chainsaw racing contest on Saturday morning, September 6th from 8am – noon. Another new addition to this year’s show will be a Logger’s Breakfast, offered by the Gladstone Knights of Columbus on Saturday morning beginning at 8am.
In addition to viewing the exhibits, attendees and families can enjoy their time together by participating in all the activities that the Expo has to offer. The Komatsu and Roland Machinery Forwarder Operator Challenge demonstrates the skills of experienced operators through a challenging course while competing side by side. The BARKO Loader Contests will once again time the skill and accuracy of log construction by the participants. Favorites including the tug-of war and bowling pin toss will also welcome willing participants during the Expo. And let’s not forget about the annual Kickoff Event on Thursday evening beginning at 6pm in the Miracle of Life Building, offering dinner, drinks, and raffles to raise funds for CMN Hospitals through Log A Load for Kids.
The Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. The Expo officially opens at noon on Thursday, September 4th, and ends at 1p.m. on Saturday September 6th. Admission is $20 and is good for all 3 days. Children under 18 are free!
For more information contact Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association at 715-304-2681 or find us on the web at www.gltpa.org.