John Deere brings the new 2144G Tracked Harvester to Southern Africa

June 24, 2025

John Deere is introducing a lower-cost, purpose-built forestry harvester to the Southern African market.

Designed and manufactured in Brazil, the 2144G track-based purpose-built machine has been very successful in harvesting fast-growing, high-yield (FGHY) plantations, which are the backbone of Brazilian and South African forestry. It is around this culture that the 2144G was developed.

John Deere has designed the base machine to carry Waratah European attachments for harvesting eucalyptus and pine plantations. The Waratah heads include the two-roller H216E, H216, H219 options, and the four-roller H424, H425, H425HD models.

The 2144G is equipped with features designed for rugged forestry applications, delivering uptime, efficiency, and lower operating costs.

Operator comfort and safety

The top-of-the-line cab is equipped with features designed to enhance operator productivity. More importantly, it is fully ROPS/FOPS/OPS certified, ensuring the operator's protection.

It's built with fatigue-beating features, including superb window clarity, efficient climate control through a proven air-distribution system, air-ride suspension seats, and ergonomic controls. The monitor is easy to read and offers a wealth of machine data and functions, helping deliver the information operators need to optimise productivity.

Durable structures

Based on proven components, the robust and durable swing system and track, as well as the X-frame and mainframe structures, are designed to withstand the most rugged applications and deliver long-lasting performance.

The robust boom-to-mainframe interface and large-diameter boom pin extend boom life and lessen the possibility of unscheduled maintenance. The nine-roller track frame and optional heavy-duty track chain provide excellent stability and reduced wear on undercarriage components.

Solid engine reliability

The John Deere PowerTech Plus 6.8L EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA engine enhances uptime. It offers a strong balance of power and efficiency while maintaining excellent fuel economy.

Hydraulic reversing fan

The hydraulically driven, variable-speed fan runs only when needed, conserving power and fuel. It automatically reverses airflow to eject debris from the cooler cores, thereby increasing the cooler's maintenance intervals. Large, durable, and high-capacity coolers, along with optimised airflow, help reduce hydraulic operating temperatures, extending the life of components. 

24-hour power

The total fuel capacity of 585 litres, combined with the chain oil reservoir in the arm, allows for all-day action and uninterrupted productivity. Using optional 15W40 hydraulic oil reduces the number of fluids required on the jobsite, thereby increasing the ease of serviceability.

Convenient maintenance

Ground-level servicing and conveniently located filters, fluid-fill locations, and grease points help ease daily checks and preventive maintenance.

Warranty for peace of mind

John Deere says, "Work your new harvester to the bone, knowing its 10,000-hour structural warranty will have you covered. Your local dealer will give you the best standard warranty and servicing package to meet your personal requirements".

Productivity your way

There are three productivity modes to choose from. The economy, power, and high productivity modes can be switched with the press of a button, or the mode choice can be locked by the machine owner to improve fuel consumption.

  • Economy mode provides the ideal balance of power, speed, and performance for maximum fuel economy.
  • Power mode delivers more muscle for standard working conditions.
  • High productivity mode maximises power and hydraulic response for faster work cycles.   

John Deere Finance

Finance is available through your local dealer. John Deere takes a hands-on approach, learning about each customer's unique business requirements to develop customised payment plans.

Navigating steep slopes, manoeuvring narrow rows, harvesting day in and day out, the John Deere 2144G swing machine is built to be a powerhouse for plantations. Endless timber stands are no match for its combination of power and agility.

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