The exterior paint on Morbark equipment is changing, the company announced last week. The company recently converted to Morthane, a two-component urethane industrial topcoat with a two-component urethane primer, for a complete chemically cured coating system.

Morthane, exclusively developed for Morbark, has a gloss finish with color retention, more durability, chip resistance and corrosion protection, as well as chemical resistance to antifreeze, diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid. All of these components result in a machine that is more attractive looking and retains its value longer.

NCP Coatings, of Niles, Mich., Morbark’s exclusive paint supplier, worked closely with key members of the Morbark team to specifically formulate a coating to precisely fit Morbark’s customer needs. Morthane was customized to Morbark by taking into account the size and drying times of the different pieces of machinery. In addition, it includes a resin developed for use by the military for resistance to chemical agents. Throughout development, paint tests included accelerated weathering, gravelometer, corrosion/salt spray, and adhesion and hardness tests.

Morbark Inc., based in Winn, Mich., manufactures equipment for the forestry, recycling, tree care, sawmill and biomass markets. The company produces a full line of whole tree and waste wood chippers, flails, brush chippers, horizontal and tub grinders, sawmill equipment and material handling systems.