John Deere has a skidder for all forestry needs

John Deere skidders are based on a legacy of over 180 years of groundbreaking engineering and over 50 years of servicing the needs of forestry customers. They are designed to tackle the toughest jobs while maximising efficiency and operator comfort.

John Deere LII line-up ensures that forestry operators can select a skidder tailored to their specific workloads, terrain, and operational requirements.

The latest John Deere skidder is the 768L-II six-wheel skidder designed for wet conditions and steep slopes

The Line-up

The John Deere L-II Series skidders vary in size and capacity and include the 640L-II, 648L-II, 748L-II, 848L-II and 948L-II models and the latest 768L-II six-wheel-bogie skidder. The engines comply with stringent emission standards, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability. (Models may not be offered in selected markets)

640L-II Cable Skidder: This model is equipped with the John Deere 6.8L tier III engine delivering 163kW (218 hp) and torque of 943 Nm. It is an exceptionally manoeuvrable and purpose-designed “standard” cable skidder.

648L-II Grapple Skidder: Featuring a 6.8L tier III engine that produces 163kW (218 hp) and 1025Nm of torque, the 648L-II comes with a standard grapple capacity of 1.2 m² and the option of a 1.48m² grapple capacity.This model balances versatility with performance, making it a popular choice for many operators.

748L-II Grapple Skidder: Powered by a John Deere 6.8L tier III engine generating 180kW (242 hp) and 1050 Nm of torque, the 748L-II offers a standard grapple capacity of 1.48m² with the option of a 1.63 m² grapple. The robust power horse is designed to easily haul large loads.

848L-II Grapple Skidder: This model boasts a John Deere 9.0L tier III engine with an output of 210 kW (281 hp) and 1276 Nm of torque. It features a standard grapple capacity of 1.77m² and an optional 2.07m², making it suitable for demanding jobs involving high timber volumes.

948L-II Grapple Skidder: The largest in the series, the 948L-II is equipped with the 9.0L engine delivering 224kW (300 hp) and an impressive torque of 1369Nm. It offers a substantial standard grapple capacity of 2.07m², providing unparalleled strength and stability for heavy-duty operations.

768L-II Six-wheel Bogie Skidder. The latest in the John Deere range of skidders, the 768L-II is designed for wet conditions and steep slopes. The six-wheel skidder combines tenacious tractive ability and flotation with reduced ground pressure, which enables it to carry larger loads over longer distances. It is driven by the John Deere 9.0L engine delivering 210kW (281 hp) and 1276Nm of torque and fitted with the standard 1.77m² grapple. However, customers can specify the optional 2.07m² grapple.

The John Deere 748L-II has a standard grapple capacity of 1.77m2 and an optional 2.07m2

Advanced technologies

The L-II Series Skidders incorporate several advanced features to enhance productivity, stability and ease of operation.

Continuously Variable Transmission

A standout feature is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which blends the efficiency of a direct-drive transmission with the smooth handling of a hydrostatic drive. This innovative technology increases fuel efficiency and reduces operator fatigue by providing seamless power delivery.

JDLink telematics

JDLink, John Deere’s core telematics system, is factory-installed on all machines, can be managed from a desktop or smartphone, and is free to use.

JDLink provides remote access to crucial machine data, including fuel consumption, idle time, maintenance schedules and location tracking. This connectivity allows operators and managers to monitor fleet performance in real-time, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

Connected Support

Another key feature is Connected Support, which ensures machines stay operational and productive. With Connected Support, John Deere dealers can proactively monitor machine health and identify potential issues before they lead to costly breakdowns. This system leverages predictive diagnostics and remote troubleshooting to minimise maintenance delays and keep operations running smoothly.

Ergonomics

The skidders have ergonomically designed cabins featuring a rotating high back seat to improve driving and visibility rearward, always enabling better vision of the skid trail and load, configurable controls, and reduced noise levels.

These enhancements improve operator comfort, enabling longer and more productive working hours in demanding conditions.

Support and financing solutions

In addition to offering cutting-edge equipment, John Deere provides tailored financial solutions to help buyers acquire the necessary machinery.

John Deere Finance takes a hands-on approach, learning about each customer’s unique business requirements to develop customised payment plans.

The full package

John Deere offers a complete range of products designed to assist with harvesting applications such as tracked and wheeled harvesters, forwarders, forestry swing machines, knuckleboom loaders. For land preparation, silviculture, road building and maintenance, and the sawmill, products such dozers, graders, and wheel loaders complete John Deere’s impressive lineup of machines to assist with forestry applications.

Ask your local John Deere dealer for more information about the full range of John Deere Construction and Forestry products.

Cut better, for longer, for less with STIHL's RMHS harvester chain

Designed by international experts to last longer than similar industry standard chains, the STIHL Rapid Micro Harvester Special (RMHS) has up to a 70% longer service life and less chance of downtime than conventional harvester chains with a 2.0mm drive link gauge.

The STIHL RMHS saw chain is a semi-chisel chain with a slim, straight-sided cutter designed for all hydraulic harvester heads. It is an essential investment for professional timber harvesting operations.

The offset depth gauge of 1.0mm makes this a smooth-running chain so that the chance of dangerous breakages is minimised. The sliding surface has been increased through the patented asymmetrical toe and heel shape, resulting in considerably reduced pressure on the cutters and a longer service life. The saw chain is marked with the letters HS on the cutters and an arrow that points in the direction the saw chain rotates.

The RMHS is designed to withstand continuous high loads, a standard element in highly mechanised timber harvesting operations.

Compared to conventional saw chains, harvester saw chains are subject to extreme conditions. High loads can result in cracks radiating from the rivets that finally cause the chain to break. To address this problem, STIHL has designed the harvester chain elements to effectively and evenly distribute forces acting on the drive links, tie straps, cutters, and rivets over the entire saw chain. This significantly reduces the risk of cracking. The smaller distance between the tie straps increases flexural strength and reduces the risk of chainshot.

Through focused R&D, STIHL has developed the ideal material mix for every component. With proper maintenance, the RMHS speciality saw chain ensures less friction for a smoother operation and increased wear period. The Rapid Micro Harvester Special saw chain is remarkable in that it has up to a 70% longer service life and less chance of downtime than conventional harvester chains with a 2.0mm drive link gauge.

Making the RMHS work at its best

The chain's wide running faces extend the service life, so it is necessary to check that the guide-bar groove depth of the running faces on the chain, guide-bar rails, and chain sprocket match. Narrower saw chains cause a narrower wear pattern on the guide bar and chain sprocket.

The edge pressure increases when a new RMHS chain is mounted on a worn guide bar. This results in excessive wear or damage on the new saw chain. It is recommended that a new chain sprocket and a new guide bar be installed for optimum break-in and operation.

STIHL is known for its expertise in producing innovative, top-quality machines. Its harvester chains are precision-made in the company's Switzerland-based factories on custom-designed machinery. Meticulous production processes, strict quality control, and proper chain maintenance ensure less friction for smooth operations and longer wear life in a mechanised timber harvesting operation.