Smarter, Safer Lumber Handling with Wireless Remotes
The Challenges of Lumber Operations
Every sawmill and lumber yard faces the same reality: moving massive loads, running fast-paced equipment, and keeping people safe in high-hazard areas. From overhead cranes lifting logs, to conveyors feeding chippers, to forklifts moving product across the yard — there’s little room for error. A single accident or equipment stoppage can mean costly downtime, lost productivity, and serious safety risks.
Why Traditional Wired Systems Slow Things Down
For decades, lumber operations relied on wired pendant controls or fixed panels. While functional, they come with drawbacks:
- Limited mobility: Operators are tethered to a single spot, often without a clear line of sight.
- Higher risk: Workers must get close to moving equipment, crush zones, or high-heat areas to operate controls.
- Lost time: Walking back and forth between panels or doors interrupts workflow and slows production.
Wireless remote technology eliminates those bottlenecks, giving operators freedom, visibility, and safety.
How Wireless Remotes Transform Lumber Operations
At Control Chief, our wireless remotes are built specifically for rugged industrial environments like sawmills. By replacing cords and panels with handheld, mobile control, lumber facilities see:
- Improved safety: Operators stay clear of danger zones, ladders, and high-heat kilns while maintaining full control.
- Better efficiency: No more back-and-forth trips to a control station — production keeps moving.
- Faster workflows: From opening bay doors to running conveyors to lifting logs, operators can control it all from wherever they need to be.
Our Remote Control Solutions for the Lumber Industry
Control Chief offers a complete lineup of remote control products designed for the unique demands of lumber operations:
Crane Remote Controls
Our Advantage Series systems give operators the ability to run bridge cranes, log loaders, and kiln loading cranes with precision and safety. Operators can position themselves for the best visibility while keeping personnel out of high-risk areas.
Handheld Remote Controls
Our TeleChief® and Summit Series handheld units are versatile tools for sawmills and lumber yards. From controlling conveyors and chipper systems to operating diverter gates and triggering emergency stops, handheld remotes keep production flowing smoothly without wasted steps.
Access 1000™ Door and Gate Control
Large lumber facilities often have dozens — sometimes hundreds — of overhead doors, kiln doors, and yard gates. The Access 1000™ puts them all under control with a single handset. Forklift operators can open doors without leaving the cab, saving time and reducing exposure to weather or high-heat conditions.
Together, these solutions give lumber operations a safer, smarter way to handle materials and keep production moving.
Reach Out to Us to Find Out How
Wireless remote control isn’t just a convenience — it’s a safety and productivity solution built for the real challenges of lumber handling. With Control Chief, you’ll reduce risks, minimize downtime, and keep your yard or mill running at full speed.
Talk to Our Team of Experts
Every lumber operation is unique — and so are the challenges you face. Our sales team has worked with mills and yards across North America, helping them boost safety, cut downtime, and keep production moving.
👉 If you’re ready to see what Control Chief can do for your facility, reach out to one of our sales experts today. We’ll help you find the right solution for your cranes, handheld systems, or yard doors.
Contact Us Today
Mark Childs
Mark’s greatest joy is helping the customers find solutions to complex problems. With an engineering background and 28 years with Control Chief, if a customer can dream it up, Mark can help them achieve it!
Rebekah Waters
Rebekah specializes in helping customers find just the right solution—whether it’s a standard setup or something custom to fit unique needs. Known for her friendly approach and attention to detail, she’s committed to making the buying process simple and stress-free. Outside the office, Rebekah enjoys relaxing with her trio of dogs—a Great Dane and two Doodles.
Christian Maynard
Dave Tenney
Dave is our Locomotive Remote Control Guru. Passionate about his job and always ready to help. If Dave’s not “on the road” supporting our customers you’ll find him working with local youth through the Boy Scouts as a Shooting Sports Director.
Dan Sipko
Dan has been in the rail industry forever! He is a traveling man and will be happy to visit your site and talk anything and everything locomotive. When Dan’s not traveling you can find him wetting a line from his boat.
Jim Hanson
We keep Jim locked up (at the main headquarters that is)! Jim is our search engine, so to speak, and keeps our locomotive guys well stocked with information for their travels. You will always find Jim with his nose in a book.
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