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Introduction to Dave Mills Contracting
Dave Mills Contracting is a name etched into the rugged logging history of Sarita, a remote region on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Known for operating vintage Pacific trucks and Hayes HDX units, the company has long embodied the spirit of independent logging—where mechanical grit, local knowledge, and a deep respect for the forest converge. Though small in scale, the operation has drawn admiration for its fleet, its resilience, and the stories that surround its machines.
Terminology Clarification
Sarita is part of the Alberni-Clayoquot region, historically dominated by forestry and First Nations stewardship. Logging operations here are shaped by steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and limited infrastructure. Companies like Dave Mills Contracting operate with a blend of tradition and improvisation, often maintaining older equipment due to its proven reliability and ease of repair.
Though the future of Dave Mills Contracting remains uncertain, its impact on regional logging culture is undeniable. The continued operation of vintage trucks in Sarita serves as a living archive of Pacific Northwest forestry.
Dave Mills Contracting is more than a business—it’s a chapter in the story of Canadian logging. Through its fleet of Pacific and Hayes trucks, it reflects the enduring spirit of independent operators who navigate the forest with grit, grace, and a deep respect for the land. In Sarita’s misty backcountry, the rumble of a P16 or HDX is not just noise—it’s heritage in motion.
Dave Mills Contracting is a name etched into the rugged logging history of Sarita, a remote region on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Known for operating vintage Pacific trucks and Hayes HDX units, the company has long embodied the spirit of independent logging—where mechanical grit, local knowledge, and a deep respect for the forest converge. Though small in scale, the operation has drawn admiration for its fleet, its resilience, and the stories that surround its machines.
Terminology Clarification
- Pacific P16 / P500PF: Heavy-duty logging trucks built by Pacific Truck & Trailer Ltd., designed for hauling massive timber loads in mountainous terrain.
- Hayes HDX: A robust logging truck manufactured by Hayes Manufacturing, known for its durability and high ground clearance.
- Unit Numbering: Logging outfits often assign unit numbers to trucks for tracking and maintenance purposes.
- 6 & 4 Sticks: Refers to a dual-range transmission setup with six main gears and four auxiliary gears, requiring skillful coordination to operate.
- Pacific P16 (Unit #3 / #107)
Originally an ex-Forshner truck, this 1973 model featured a rounded upper radiator tank and hinged side panels. It was once designated #111 and driven by Bob Bonnato in the mid-1980s. The truck had a 6 & 4 transmission and was known for its smooth ride and torque on steep grades.
- Pacific P500PF (Unit #5)
A highway-style truck adapted for logging, this unit represented a later generation of Pacific design after International Harvester ceased ownership. It retained the classic Pacific cab but incorporated newer drivetrain elements.
- Hayes HDX (Unit #6)
This truck was formerly part of the Trousdell fleet and later repainted and refurbished under Dave Mills. It was seen hauling trailers in Sarita as late as 2012 and 2007, showcasing the longevity of Hayes engineering.
- Other Units (#7, #8, #9)
These trucks were documented in Sarita between 2010 and 2012, each with unique configurations and histories. Unit #8 was photographed in the shop, while Unit #9 was actively hauling during the summer season.
- In 1984, a driver recalled the thrill of operating Unit #107 with its 6 & 4 transmission. The coordination required to shift gears while descending logging roads was a rite of passage for seasoned operators.
- A local mechanic noted that Dave’s P16 was still working in Sarita as of 2018, though the cab was nearly rusted through. Despite its condition, the truck remained operational—a testament to the durability of Pacific engineering and the resourcefulness of its owner.
- Unit #6 was seen freshly painted and leaving the Sarita shop, only to return minutes later hooked to a trailer. The rapid turnaround reflected the efficiency and rhythm of logging operations in remote camps.
Sarita is part of the Alberni-Clayoquot region, historically dominated by forestry and First Nations stewardship. Logging operations here are shaped by steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and limited infrastructure. Companies like Dave Mills Contracting operate with a blend of tradition and improvisation, often maintaining older equipment due to its proven reliability and ease of repair.
- Pacific and Hayes trucks were favored in British Columbia for their ability to handle steep grades and heavy loads. Their legacy continues in small outfits that value mechanical simplicity over electronic complexity.
- The use of unit numbers and personalized modifications reflects a culture of pride and identity among logging crews. Each truck carries stories of terrain conquered, loads hauled, and winters survived.
Though the future of Dave Mills Contracting remains uncertain, its impact on regional logging culture is undeniable. The continued operation of vintage trucks in Sarita serves as a living archive of Pacific Northwest forestry.
- Enthusiasts and historians have begun documenting these machines through photography and oral history, preserving their stories for future generations.
- The trucks themselves, even in rusted condition, are revered as symbols of resilience and craftsmanship. Their presence on logging roads is a reminder of an era when mechanical skill and local ingenuity defined success.
Dave Mills Contracting is more than a business—it’s a chapter in the story of Canadian logging. Through its fleet of Pacific and Hayes trucks, it reflects the enduring spirit of independent operators who navigate the forest with grit, grace, and a deep respect for the land. In Sarita’s misty backcountry, the rumble of a P16 or HDX is not just noise—it’s heritage in motion.
