BC Regional auction loaded with top-quality logging companies

Our upcoming BC Regional Event happening in Chilliwack on March 15-16 is going to be a big opportunity for buyers to get high-quality logging equipment. Three different consignors with long, respected histories of doing business in British Columbia have signed up to sell assets in the auction. Here’s a look at three consignors making this a special event.

Wadlegger Logging and Construction welcomes next phase  

Hans Wadlegger leads Wadlegger Logging and Construction, a second generation family business that hails from Clearwater, BC. He and his brother Sepp built the business in part by getting equipment pieces from auctions over the years. A lot of the equipment had been purchased through Ritchie Bros. auctions until they started to purchase newer equipment through dealers.

“We trust Ritchie Bros to get us the best used price,” said Hans. “The guarantee from Ritchie Bros. gives us assurance and the potential for upside gives us the best opportunity. There is no question that Ritchie Bros. has a respectable position in the industry. There is a trust factor that we are very comfortable with.”

Hans’ future plans are to invest in the residential construction side of the business. Their main brand, Tigercat, is featured in the BC Regional Event. It has an excellent maintenance and service program. Every one of these pieces are go-to-work machines.

Feature piece: 2016 Tigercat H855D Processor

WeLog Contracting comes ready to sell its best gear

Angelo Silva of WeLog Contracting started in transportation 30 years ago and slowly began transitioning into logging. He made the change so that “everyone could be home at the end of the night.” He has always been focused on maintaining relationships with employees and even today gets into the bush with his logging truck to stay connected with employees.

He also maintained a relationship with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers – buying and selling equipment over the last 15 years.

“Over the years, I feel that I have a good friendship with my territory manager (Guido) and I have based my business on friendships like these,” said Angelo. “I had other offers, but Ritchie Bros. and the relationship with Guido was the best for me.” 

Among WeLog’s assets selling in the BC Regional Event is a 2018 Tractionline TLSAV2 Winch Asset – a unique piece of equipment that in the future could be a mandatory piece of equipment in the industry.

“The timber is higher and steeper to bring down from the mountain. I think it could be part of the work-safe program in the future,” said Angelo.

He also points to a 2022 Tigercat 635H 6×6 Skidder, praising Tigercat as a trusted brand in the industry.

“I built my business on this brand. This is a new machine that you wouldn’t have to wait to purchase and is ready for work.”

Featured pieces: 2022 Tigercat 635H 6×6 Skidder and 2018 Tractionline TLSAV2 Winch Assist System Mounted on 2014 Link-Belt 350X2FHW Roadbuilder Tracked Excavator

Lusted Logging looks back on a prosperous career  

David Lusted of Lusted Logging got into forestry by accident. After taking over the family farm, David was doing some mining exploration work when he was asked to do some pine beetle remediation work under a provincial program. The rest is history.

The forestry group he worked under wrote the code on forestry practice, which put David in a good position to understand best forestry practices. David’s company worked with John Deere to test the limits of new forestry pieces, such as a steep slope buncher.

He started going to Ritchie Bros. auctions as a young farmer to get equipment for his land. Times have changed and now he is watching the global auctions online. 

“I get a kick out of watching your auctions online and I love to see how many people are doing the same,” said David. “You see someone from Peru or Chile or someplace … and they bid on something and then someone from the United States sees it and starts bidding. Ritchie Bros. brings the world to your doorstep.”

At 72 years young, David has been a volunteer firefighter in his local area for the past 26 years. He helped battle the Keremeos Creek fire in Aug 2022, using his equipment to provide assistance. He’s looking forward to continuing that volunteer work.

Featured piece: 2020 John Deere 2156G Short Wood Log loader

See also

A farmer’s checklist for preparing equipment for resale