Tag Archives: skidders

L-series II skidders

New John Deere L-Series II Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers provide simplified, reliable machines for loggers

Uncategorised, ,

Continuously evolving to better its machines and exceed customer expectations, John Deere is excited to introduce the new L-Series II Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers. The new L-Series II machines feature a simplified design, providing a reliable, powerful solution, while still maintaining the productivity-boosting features of the original line, including an increase in hydraulic speed, large grapples and an improvement in weight distribution.

“With the new L-Series II machines, we wanted to build upon the best features of the original machines, while also simplifying the design to increase reliability,” said Brandon O’Neal, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction and Forestry. “Listening to our customers, we reworked the machines, making significant improvements under the hood. The new L-Series II machines offer decreased downtime without any changes to power and productivity.”

The new, simpler L-Series II models enhance customer experience by reducing maintenance and increasing uptime due to a number of part changes. Other changes to the machines include a reduction to the complexities of the electrical and hydraulic systems and improvements to component placements. “They [John Deere] rerouted it so the wires wouldn’t be so bunched up in the machine,” noted Wayne Sugg of Sugg Logging, who was one of the first loggers to test the new machines. “Since we’ve had the L-Series II 843 we’ve put 300 hours on it and haven’t had any downtime whatsoever. Uptime is important, because if the wood’s not going out getting on the trucks I’m not making any money.”

The L-Series II machines also include changes to boost productivity. The new skidder models offer increased grapple squeeze force of up to 10 percent. Articulation steering sensors improve the operator experience, ultimately increasing productivity. A new two-speed 4000 winch replaces the previous single-speed winch. “The machine is better, stronger and faster than the original. These machines – on a daily basis – they just they take a beating. The more you beef it up, the stronger it’s going to be, and the better it’ll be for us.” said Zane Winfield of Southern Logging, who also got a chance to experience the new machines.

In addition to the new changes, the L-Series II Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers retain the productivity-boosting features that loggers loved in the original models. From a comfortable operator station to durable axles and rugged, large grapples, the L-Series II models offer loggers the features they need to tackle tough jobs. “We’ve spent countless hours collecting customer feedback to ensure our new machines met their needs, understanding the demands they face daily,” said O’Neal.

The cabs on all skidders and wheeled feller bunchers are equipped with features designed to maximize comfort, ultimately increasing productivity. Amenities like the efficient HVAC system, improved ergonomic controls and storage space offer the creature comforts loggers desire. Joystick steering and an optional rotating seat reduces strain on the operator’s body.

The L-Series II Skidder models feature the powerful Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which combines the smoothness of a hydrostatic transmission with the fuel efficiency of a lockup torque converter. This combination enables the skidders to boast excellent fuel efficiency, longer engine life and enhanced operator comfort.

Offering a one-button Quick Dump feature, the wheeled feller bunchers improves efficiency with the push of one button to release trees in a single, smooth motion. Additionally, the head-tilt and arm functions are combined to help minimize fatigue while improving productivity.

Another industry-changing feature on our skidders that carried over from the previous models are the durable axles – particularly the Outboard-Extreme™ axles. The models feature a pressurized continuous-lube system and independent axle filters that extend wear life. The rugged Outboard-Extreme axles – standard on the 848 and 948 models, and optional on the 748 machines – feature larger components, delivering maximum jobsite durability and a heavier weight for boosted machine stability.

These new models retain the impressive weight distribution, tire options and increased hydraulic speed that current machine-owners commend.

To learn more about the L- Series II Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers, visit www.johndeere.com

Contact
Justin McDermott
Forestry Sales Manager – U.S. & Canada
JustinMcDermott@JohnDeere.com

purpose-built

Caterpillar Announces Plan to Sell the Purpose-Built Forestry Business

Uncategorised, , ,

Caterpillar, Inc. (NYSE: CAT) has announced  that it has entered into a preliminary agreement with Weiler, Inc. to sell the Cat® purpose-built forestry business. The sale is subject to negotiation of a final agreement, the closing of which is expected by early 2019.

“We remain committed to supporting our forestry customers and the forestry industry,” said Tom Pellette, Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President. “The sale of the purpose-built forestry business enables Caterpillar and Weiler, through the dealer network, to serve the complete forestry industry while providing customers with the same outstanding sales and service support they’ve come to expect.”

Caterpillar will continue to provide forestry excavators designed for log loading, processing and other forestry applications, in addition to supplying core Caterpillar equipment to the forestry industry. Weiler will design and manufacture purpose-built forestry products, which will be available through the Cat and Prentice dealer networks.

The proposed sale includes the purpose-built forestry product line consisting of wheel skidders, track feller bunchers, wheel feller bunchers, knuckleboom loaders, and related operations facilities including the manufacturing plant and warehouse in LaGrange, Georgia, the demonstration and training center in Auburn, Alabama, and the legacy Prentice parts distribution center in Smithfield, North Carolina.

Founded in 2000, Weiler has a long-standing history of successfully manufacturing purpose-built equipment distributed through the Cat dealer network. Weiler currently produces an extensive portfolio of products and is a recognized manufacturer within paving, while also expanding into other industries.

“We believe that the purpose-built forestry product line is the ideal addition to our current product portfolio,” commented Pat Weiler, owner and founder of Weiler, Inc. “We have a proven track record of working with Cat dealers all over the world to respond rapidly to customers with specialized product needs. We are confident that our existing product line, our flexible design and manufacturing strategy, and our unrivaled customer focus will differentiate us within the forestry segment.”

It is anticipated that approximately 270 employees supporting the purpose-built forestry business will retain employment with Weiler. A small number of Caterpillar employees will continue to support forestry excavators and the existing forest products field population.

warranty

John Deere announces equipment, warranty additions to the forestry certified used program

Uncategorised, ,

To better support customers, John Deere recently announced new equipment and warranty additions to its forestry certified used program.

The program, which ensures the value and reliability of used forestry equipment, will now include L-Series skidders and wheeled feller bunchers. Additionally, the warranty choices for all certified used skidders and wheeled feller bunchers now include an option to extend up to 12 months, in addition to the existing six-month offering.

“Our certified used program is designed to give customers a sense of security when purchasing used equipment,” said Kent Stickler, manager, Product Training and Information, John Deere. “Through this program, whether a machine has 5,000 hours or 8,000 hours, we are able to stand behind the quality of our equipment and provide our customers with the support they need to keep machines up and running.”

The most notable change to the program is the inclusion of the L-Series skidders and wheeled feller bunchers, providing customers with more certified used models. The new 12-month warranty option guarantees that customers are covered if any issues do occur with used skidders or wheeled feller bunchers. Forwarders, wheeled harvesters, and tracked feller bunchers and harvesters are still eligible for a six-month warranty.

The forestry certified used program provides loggers with reassurance when purchasing John Deere used equipment, including skidders, wheeled feller bunchers and harvesters, tracked feller bunchers and harvesters, and forwarders. Each used machine must pass a strict 100-plus point inspection in order to be certified. When using a certified machine, owners and operators can be confident in the quality of their machine, as John Deere and its world-class dealers back each piece of equipment.

Click here to learn more about the forestry certified used program.

Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division
Mailing:  P.O. Box 8806
Moline, IL 61266-8806

For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Amy Jones
imre
Phone: 410-821-8220
E-mail: amyj@imre.com

Photo: L-Series skidders and feller bunchers now included in program.