World's first tree harvested by a drone in a real forest - AirForestry
AirForestry says its drone felled trees in a working production forest and, separately, completed an end-to-end harvest without human control — each a first for the airborne thinning method it has built since 2020. Founded in 2020 by Olle Gelin, Mauritz Andersson, Markus Romar and Caroline Walerud, the company has drawn backing from several of Europe’s largest forest owners. Walerud, who became chief executive in December 2025, has moved AirForestry into a scale-up phase after a €10.3 million seed round led by Northzone late in 2024.
She has set the company an unusually large target, arguing that drone thinning can take a substantial share out of forestry’s carbon emissions against what she describes as almost unlimited customer demand. “I believe that AirForestry could become one of the world’s most important companies,” Walerud said.
Conventional thinning relies on machines weighing 20 tonnes or more, driven deep into the stand to fell trees that themselves weigh as little as 80 kilograms. AirForestry estimates that more than 20 per cent of the forest floor is damaged simply to move that machinery into position, with forest owners worldwide spending around €14 billion a year on the operation.
Built to avoid all of it, the company’s drone flies above the canopy on an electric powertrain that leaves no wheel tracks, no soil compaction and no root damage. Its 6.2-metre carbon-fibre airframe carries a purpose-built harvesting tool that grips a tree from the top, delimbs it on the way down, cuts it close to the ground and carries the trunk out to the nearest road. The machine is built to operate in Northern European conditions.
NCT Richards Bay rebuilds with Bell after massive fire
Bell supplied the Kobelco SK260LC-10 excavator fitted with a MT1000 timber grab
Described as “a multi-billion-rand catastrophe”, the September 2023 at the NCT mill in Richards Bay destroyed tonnes of wood chips and round logs, damaged the wattle and Eucalyptus chip lines, and equipment, including a Bell L1506 wheeled loader, an old Bell Haulage Tractor and logger, and a tracked Kobelco Excavator with a timber grab that had been purchased four years earlier.
NCT began replacing the burnt-out equipment once the insurance claim was paid out. The new fleet includes a JCB 436 Wheel Loader, a JCB 155HD Skid Steer and a wheeled Kobelco SK260LC-10 Excavator fitted with an MT1000 Timber Grab, all supplied by Bell Equipment Empangeni.
NCT Plant Manager, Charles Atkins, had spoken to others about wheeled loaders and was advised that JCB was the way to go. The JCB 436ZX, with an operating weight of 14,564 kg, 132kW of power, and a net torque of 786 Nm at 1,300 rpm, is proving to be a sound choice. Fitted with a larger bucket, it’s used for cleaning around the plant, moving chips, and loading biomass onto side-tippers for return to NCT growers as mulch.
The JCB 155HD Skid Steer, with its 2,990 kg operating weight, 42kW of power and 192 Nm of gross torque, is ideal for general housekeeping duties in the yard, where it can manoeuvre into tight spots inaccessible to other types of equipment.
NCT currently has one tracked, and two wheeled Kobelco SK260LC-10s fitted with MT1000 Timbers Grabs to offload the timber trucks.
The wheeled machines move between NCT's two wood chipping plants
Ryno explains that NCT opted for a wheeled undercarriage on the latest machine so it could move between the two wood-chipping plants for greater efficiency and resource use. The cab was also raised by 500mm to improve visibility, allowing operators to see over stockpiles, which can be up to 6m high.
Charles comments: “Other than a small radiator leak, we haven’t had any issues in the six years that we’ve owned Kobelco Excavators. They are really good machines and are basic and easy to work on.” NCT is also pleased with the average fuel economy of 11-12 litres per hour.
Charles is also enjoying Kobelco’s Komex and JCB’s LiveLink telematics systems, particularly the feature that alerts him when a machine is due for service.
While build quality and machine performance are important, Charles says customer support also influenced their choice of machines.
“It’s all to do with service. If I phone, I want service, and that's what I get with Bell Equipment. I have three or four people that I can call if we have an issue, and one of them is bound to answer and jump, no matter what time of day or night.”
Apart from the latest wheeled Kobelco, which has a three-year service plan, all the other equipment will be serviced by Bell during the standard warranty period. Thereafter, they will be maintained by NCT’s own mechanic.
Other Bell-supplied machines in the fleet include five old Bell Haulage Tractors and two A-series and one F-series Bell Loggers, all fitted with longer booms for improved reach.
NCT’s Richards Bay operation has relied on Bell equipment for over 25 years. With a new chipping mill and upgraded equipment, NCT is set to remain operational for many more years.
The ABC of biomass recycling
Africa Biomass Company (ABC) understands the operational challenges of wood recycling and, since 2004, has been at the forefront of developments in biomass recycling and a market-leading equipment supplier and contractor to the forestry and agriculture industries.
ABC has state-of-the-art facilities to service, repair and rebuild equipment of any brand and size. It operates in all nine provinces of South Africa and across the border, into Sub-Saharan Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Badger, Bandit, Serrat
Badger Biomass Equipment is a brand created by ABC and is designed and built at the company’s manufacturing facility. ABC is the authorised dealer for the Bandit Industries woodchippers in Africa. It adapts Bandit’s chippers to local circumstances, and some models have up to 55% local content. ABC has been the sole agent for Serrat mulchers since 2021 and provides all sales and technical backup.
BADGER BIOSHEAR 250
The Bioshear is a rugged, efficient tree-cutting attachment designed for 8-13 T excavators. Capable of cutting trees up to 250mm in diameter, it delivers up to six cuts per minute. With a tiltable head and made of high-quality wear-resistant steel, the Bioshear combines strength and precision, making it ideal for demanding forestry and land-clearing tasks.
Performance features
Fast harvest of small trees and bushes.
Max diameter 250mm.
Recommended flow main circuit 50-100L/min.
Recommended flow auxiliary circuit 30-60L/min.
Recommended max working pressure 280 Bar.
Tiltable head ± 38°
Quality wear-resistant steel.
Cut and grip in one seamless motion.
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BANDIT INTIMIDATOR 18XP WITH INFEED
457mm Towable hand-fed drum chipper
A top choice for forestry, tree care, and land clearing professionals needing to chip larger, more limby material.
Technical specifications
Performance features
Power slot: Enhances airflow/throwing power, while simplifying unplugging access.
Auto-feed system: Self-contained hydraulics optimise feed rate via engine RPM.
Dual-feed system: Steel infeed conveyor with slide box with feed wheel with lift/down-pressure cylinder for heavy material.
Fuel efficiency: Synchronised feeding reduces idle time, cutting fuel costs by up to 30%.
Safety & reliability
Control: Remote or tether-controlled.
Warranty: 1 yr/2,000hr machine coverage and 5 yr/3,000hr 'GUTS' warranty.
Local Build: Localised engineering with 55% local content.
BANDIT INTIMIDATOR 21XP
533mm Towable hand-fed drum chipper
Designed for professionals requiring exceptional production, high throughput, and the ability to process large whole trees.
Technical specifications
Performance features
Massive feed power: The slide box feed system delivers 4,920kg of pulling force, enabling effortless feeding of large materials and reducing trimming labour.
High-capacity processing: Class-leading 667mm x 616mm throat opening handles whole trees and heavy clearing with ease.
Optimised chip quality: 940mm drum produces consistent, high-quality chips while extending blade life.
Hydraulic versatility: 360° hydraulic swivel discharge with lift cylinder for improved down pressure and smoother feeding.
Safety & reliability
Standard auto-feed: Automatic reversing system prevents stalling and ensures smooth, continuous operation.
Efficient maintenance: Cleanout door design allows quicker servicing and reliable performance.
Warranty: 1yr/2,000hr machine coverage and 5yr/3,000hr 'GUTS' warranty.
BANDIT THE BEAST 2680XP TRACK
660mm Track horizontal grinder
This grinder offers flagship versatility for a wide range of applications. With a powerful design, it serves tree services, municipalities, and recycling yards.
Technical specifications
Performance features
Efficient milling: Beast cutter mill with a unique cutter-body holder ensures uniform output and lower energy use.
Versatile processing: Handles slash, chips, bark, C&D waste, tree waste, and limbs for premium mulch production.
Compact manoeuvrability: Easy transport into tight sites; track model accesses rough terrain.
High productivity: Achieves target size on first pass, reducing fuel use and wear.
Safety & reliability
Heavy-duty construction: Solid welded steel frame with premium components for maximum uptime.
Global dealer support: Backed by an extensive worldwide parts and service network.
Track mobility: Caterpillar steel undercarriage allows on-site positioning directly at the material source.
SERRAT FX
The FX is a heavy-duty forestry mulcher designed for tractors with 80-150 hp. It is ideal for clearing brushwood, under-canopy mulching, reducing fuel loads in plantations, maintaining areas beneath utility lines, and maintaining forestry roads and firebreaks.
Technical specifications
Performance features
High power capacity: Engineered for tractors up to 150 hp for aggressive land clearing.
Octagonal strength: The Polser rotor's octagonal shape provides superior structural integrity during high-impact operation.
Optimised mulching: Designed to reduce fuel loads and process large diameter debris efficiently.
Where do we need glyphosate?
Image credit - https://www.tipwg.co.za/
The Timber Industry Pesticide Working Group (TIPWG) has issued a guidance note clarifying the use of glyphosate for firebreak preparation.
Jacqui Meyer, TIPWG’s Coordinator, says there has not been a new or blanket approval of glyphosate for firebreak preparation. Instead, glyphosate should be regarded as a risk-informed, constrained option to be used only where justified.
“It is important to emphasise that glyphosate is not the only registered herbicide but has emerged as the most appropriate option under current conditions, based on comparative risk, not preference”, she says.
The current position reflects:
existing registrations under Act 36 of 1947, where certain glyphosate products include vegetation management uses that may extend to firebreak preparation, where explicitly stated on the label, and
a risk-based evaluation of available registered herbicides, which has identified glyphosate as the least harmful option within the current set of legally registered products for this specific use case.
TIPWG’s guidance note provides key considerations for the forestry industry.
1. Compliance remains non-negotiable
Use outside of label instructions remains illegal under Act 36. Glyphosate may only be used:
where the specific product label permits the use, and
strictly in accordance with label instructions (rates, application method, buffers, etc.).
2. Glyphosate is not a default solution
The identification of glyphosate as the least harmful option does not mean that chemical control should replace current manual or mechanical firebreak preparation methods. Where effective firebreak preparation systems are already in place, there is no technical or compliance-based reason to switch to glyphosate use.
The current stance should be seen as enabling a compliant option where no viable alternative exists, not advocating a shift towards chemical control”.
3. Firebreaks represent a high-exposure environment
Firebreaks are usually:
located on slopes or areas prone to runoff,
in proximity to watercourses, and
accessible to workers and, in some cases, the public.
As a result, product selection must consider exposure risk, not only hazard classification.
4. Glyphosate is not a direct replacement for paraquat or glufosinate-ammonium
It is important to recognise that glyphosate differs fundamentally from both paraquat and glufosinate-ammonium in terms of behaviour and risk profile. Glyphosate should not be treated as a like-for-like substitute for either paraquat or glufosinate-ammonium. Its use should be carefully considered in relation to site conditions and firebreak objectives because:
Glyphosate is systemic, resulting in complete plant kill, whereas paraquat and glufosinate-ammonium act primarily as contact herbicides (with glufosinate having limited translocation).
The systemic action of glyphosate may lead to increased bare soil exposure, particularly in firebreak strips.
In certain conditions, this can contribute to erosion and runoff risk, especially on slopes or in areas with higher rainfall.
5. Use must be targeted and justified
Avoid using the chemical routinely without a clear justification. Where glyphosate is used, it should be:
site-specific,
risk-assessed, and
applied in a targeted manner, for example, for tracer lines rather than blanket application, where appropriate.
6. Integrated firebreak management remains best practice
Firebreak preparation should continue to follow an integrated management approach, with manual and mechanical methods as the primary tools and chemical use supplementary, applied only where necessary.
7. Status of alternative products
Contact, non-residual herbicides like pelargonic acid-based products are a more suitable option for firebreak preparation; however:
they are not yet registered for this use in South Africa, and
cannot currently be relied upon operationally.
Similarly, the status of other products, such as glufosinate-ammonium, remains uncertain and subject to regulatory approval.
The key question
Meyer says, the key question is “Where do we need glyphosate?” It is not “Where can we use glyphosate?”
TIPWG is part of Forestry South Africa (FSA) and promotes responsible and effective use of pesticides in South African commercial timber plantations. It supports the industry by clarifying legal and certification requirements and promoting risk-based, context-appropriate decision-making.
The TimberPro harvester fitted with an SP head and the TimberPro Forwarder are a purpose-matched harvesting team
A highly experienced Mpumalanga-based forestry contractor has taken delivery of a TimberPro harvesting and forwarding system to boost productivity on a pine-harvesting contract for Sappi Forests.
It has been acquired by the contractor, JC Potgieter of Welverdiend Forestry, specifically for harvesting pine on the steeper slopes of Rooihoogte plantation, situated between Carolina and Badplaas in Mpumalanga.
The TimberPro harvester is a TL735D tracked and levelling harvester equipped with an SP761 LF head. The harvester is paired with a TimberPro 840D wheeled forwarder, which can retrieve timber from steep-slope compartments.
The machines were delivered to Welverdiend in January by the South African TimberPro distributor, Logmech. The Logmech team spent a few days at Rooihoogte familiarising the Welverdiend team with the new equipment, so they could hit the ground running.
JC, son of Jaco Potgieter, who established Welverdiend Forestry way back in 1998, says he’s very happy with TimberPro’s performance so far. He uses an excavator-based harvester on flat terrain and the TimberPro machines on steeper slopes and for harvesting large trees, which is where the TimberPros come into their own.
An operator can safely extract timber on steep slopes
Service & backup
Welverdiend Forestry has had a long association with Logmech, dating back to their use of Swedish-manufactured SP harvesting heads around 2010.
Service and support were a major factor in their decision to choose the TimberPro machines for the pine harvesting contract. “We’re very happy with the service and back-up we get from Logmech; we’ve had a lot of equipment through them”, says JC. “Their Technical Manager, Ryan Chase, is world-class; they really look after us”.
Matching parts
The TimberPro machines are more than up to the task, especially on tough terrain. They are purpose-built, rugged, powerful and versatile. The harvester and forwarder are almost identical machines from the swing bearing up, meaning that you only need one set of spare parts and components for both machines. They are both powered by Cummins engines.
The harvester has dedicated pumps for all the basic functions, so there is no lag time when you engage the head, and head speed remains constant. Ryan says it has “unmatched levelling capability”.
The TimberPro forwarder in action
Forwarder
The forwarder cab rotates 360 degrees, so the operator is always facing the task, a major advantage when retrieving and loading logs all around the machine. It also has gravity-defying capability on very steep slopes. This was effectively demonstrated at a Logmech field day in the Midlands in 2024, when attendees, mainly forestry contractors, witnessed a TimberPro forwarder safely bring a large load of logs down an extremely steep slope onto the roadside.
JC was one of those contractors, and he was sufficiently impressed with the forwarder’s performance to invest in one for his own operation. It has the power and the balance, and three different driving modes which enable the operator to maintain control of the machine and the load on extreme slopes.
“You can load 22 tons and go down a 50% slope safely”, said JC.
He said his operators took only a couple of days to get used to the TimberPro machines – now they don’t want to operate anything else.
The SP head are equipped with Dasa 7 the latest generation control system available wireless or wired
SP heads
The Logmech team has played a key role in the development and refinement of these heads over many years, and it is known for its reliability and unmatched productivity. When it came to selecting a harvesting head, pairing the TimberPro TL735D harvester with a Swedish-made SP head was a logical decision, given the SPs' proven service record in South African conditions.
The heads now come equipped with Dasa 7, the latest-generation control system offering lightning-fast reaction times, robust modules, and a user-friendly interface.
Dasa 7 comes in two versions: wireless or wired. The radio module in the wireless version is installed in both the cab and the harvester head, allowing for intelligent, real-time link selection. This means no manual adjustments, no lag, and no risk of communication loss, even in areas with high signal interference.
By replacing cables with a high-speed, ultra-reliable radio link, Dasa Wireless 1 delivers seamless, interference-free communication, even in the most demanding conditions.
The TL735D harvester and SP head are a productive combination
Dealer support
The Logmech team is based in Zululand, from where they can provide effective backup and support for both TimberPro and SP equipment. They have many years of experience in forestry operations and know the equipment they distribute inside out. They also carry a comprehensive inventory of spares and components.
“We’ve got enough spares at Logmech to almost build an entire machine”, comments Ryan.
Logmech also distributes a range of grabs that they developed in partnership with an international manufacturer.
There is a growing number of TimberPro machines operating in South Africa that have been tried and tested under a variety of South African conditions. The SP heads are also widely used on both purpose-built harvesters and excavator-based machines.
For more info about TimberPro, SP heads, and Logmech grabs contact Ryan Chase on 064-8806436, technical@logmech.co.za or Leon van Eeden on 082-4559207, leon@logmech.co.za
Afrequip drives forestry performance through partnership and precision
A productive partnership of a TCi Harvester fitted with a LogMax head and the TCi Forwarder
In the demanding, ever-evolving landscape of Southern Africa’s forestry sector, operational efficiency, reliability, and strong technical support are essential. AfrEquip, a specialist supplier and support partner, has spent over two decades refining its role within the industry.
Established in 2005, AfrEquip has built a reputation as a key player in mechanised forestry, supporting harvesting, extraction, and processing operations across South Africa. It is aligned with globally recognised equipment manufacturers while keeping a distinctly local, customer-focused approach.
AfrEquip recommends the levelling TCi LH822E for clearfell and thinning applications
Specialist partnerships
At the core of AfrEquip’s success lies the deliberate strategy of partnering exclusively with suppliers rooted within the forestry industry. This ensures that every piece of equipment in its portfolio is purpose-built, field-tested, and optimised for real-world forestry conditions.
From the first contact with a standing tree to final biomass processing, AfrEquip’s equipment offering spans the entire value chain. Their harvesting solutions are led by industry-renowned Log Max heads, particularly the E6 model, which has become a preferred solution in eucalyptus plantations across Southern Africa.
Complementing this are a range of pine-specific heads, including the high-capacity 10 000XT for large timber, the popular 7000C and 7000XT heads, and compact units suited for thinning operations.
In full-tree-length harvesting systems, TCi equipment plays a pivotal role, offering versatile solutions including disc saws, bunching shears, and directional felling heads. Both full-tree-length specific heads and the Log Max harvesting heads are mounted on robust TCi carriers designed for durability and productivity in challenging terrain.
AfrEquip supplies the Morbark range of grinders and chippers for biomass processing
Productivity value chain
AfrEquip’s portfolio extends well beyond harvesting heads. In addition to the range of Log Max heads available, it includes:
Purpose-built carriers such as the popular levelling TCi LH822E, capable of handling clearfell and thinning applications.
High-capacity skidders, including the TCi 620H four- and 625H six-wheel drive models engineered for maximum extraction efficiency.
Forwarders tailored for large-scale timber movement and confined thinning operations, in the form of their TCi 1075C and 1055C units.
Specialised solutions like TimberMAX winches, enabling operations on steep slopes where conventional machinery cannot perform
Post-harvest equipment, including TCi M726G mulchers for land preparation, and a variety of Morbark grinders and chippers for biomass processing
This integrated approach allows forestry contractors and companies to achieve a lower cost per ton, an increasingly critical metric in a competitive, cost-sensitive industry.
The high capacity TCi 620H four-wheel drive grapple skidder in actionThe use of mulchers for land preparation is increasing and the TCi M726G mulcher is a perfect solution
Support is the differentiator
While premium equipment is essential, AfrEquip’s true competitive edge lies in its support network. By expanding its footprint with larger, improved facilities over the years to accommodate increased demand, and now running from five strategically found branches in Pietermaritzburg, KwaMbonambi, Ugie, Mkhondo, and Mbombela, the company reflects a commitment to customer support by ensuring proximity to key forestry regions.
Each branch is equipped with fast-moving parts tailored to local operational needs, while the central hub maintains a comprehensive inventory. With over R53 million parts holding across its key branches, AfrEquip is positioned to minimise downtime and keep operations running.
Equally important is its investment in people. A fleet of mobile, manufacturer-accredited technicians operates nationwide, delivering on-site servicing and repairs. Continuous training from original equipment manufacturers ensures that technical teams stay at the forefront of evolving technologies.
Customer-centric
Operating in Africa presents unique logistical and operational challenges, including remote locations, demanding terrain, and infrastructure limitations.
AfrEquip has responded with systems designed to bring support closer to the customer, reducing travel time, operational delays, and overall costs.
This proximity-based model, combined with a philosophy of collaboration between supplier, dealer, and customer, fosters a partnership-driven environment. The goal is to maximise productivity while maintaining reliability and cost efficiency.
The Log Max E6 head is becoming a preferred solution in eucalyptus plantations
Performance culture
Underlying AfrEquip’s operational model is a culture rooted in urgency and performance. As captured in a well-known analogy often referenced within the company, survival and success depend on constant movement and improvement.
This mindset translates into proactively ensuring that machines are running, support is accessible, and customers are still competitive in a fast-paced industry.
The TCi L855E and feller bunching head in a clear fell operation
Looking ahead
As the forestry sector continues to evolve, driven by sustainability demands, technological advancement, and economic pressures, companies like AfrEquip will play an increasingly critical role.
By combining world-class equipment with local expertise and robust support systems, Afrequip keeps pace with industry demands while actively shaping the future of forestry operations in Southern Africa. In a business where downtime is costly and efficiency is everything, AfrEquip’s integrated approach positions it as a strategic partner in productivity.
John Deere celebrates 60 Years of innovation and introduces Africa’s next generation skidders
The 848L III grapple skidder is made for Africa
When John Deere introduced its first purpose-built skidder, the 59 hp JD440, 60 years ago, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in mechanised timber extraction. The legacy continues with the unveiling of the next-generation L-III Series skidders and two larger grapple skidders for Africa: the 848L-III and 948L-III.
From the early cable skidders to today’s high-horsepower grapple machines, the evolution is driven by one constant: helping foresters move more wood, more efficiently, in increasingly demanding conditions.
The transition from the L-II Series to the L-III generation represents a focused refinement rather than a complete redesign. The proven powertrain architecture and structural strength of the L-II platform remain at the core, while key enhancements have been introduced to improve operator experience, visibility, control, and uptime.
For foresters familiar with the L-II machines, the L-III Series delivers measurable improvements in the areas that most directly affect productivity and daily performance.
The 748L-III Cab display ScreenOverhead view of the operator-centric Johnd Deere L-Series cab
Operator-centric
Forestry operations demand long hours in challenging terrain. Recognising the impact of operator fatigue on productivity, the L-III Series introduces meaningful cab upgrades compared with the L-II models.
A redesigned ergonomic seat with improved cushioning comes standard, while an optional heated and ventilated leather seat with 7-way adjustment supports operators during extended shifts. Three seating orientations, forward-facing, rear-facing, and a new right-side door-facing position, improve visibility and manoeuvrability, particularly in tight plantation rows or uneven terrain.
Cab noise levels have been reduced, ergonomics refined and upgraded LED lighting improves visibility during early-morning or late-day operations. Together, these updates contribute to sustained productivity across a full working shift.
Jobsite awareness
The L-III generation introduces enhancements designed to increase operator precision and situational awareness.
A premium blade-view camera and secondary touchscreen display provide clear visual feedback when positioning the grapple or blade. Integrated cameras and enhanced lighting reduce blind spots and support safer, more accurate skidding and stacking.
For foresters, improved visibility directly influences cycle times, reduces errors at the landing, and supports safer operation in steep slopes, plantation row crops, or dense indigenous forests common across parts of Africa.
A view of the 748L-III L Series seat and open doorThe lighting package for the 748L-III
Proven powertrain
At the heart of the L-III Series remains John Deere’s proven Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), carried over from the L-II platform.
The CVT automatically adjusts torque without manual shifting, delivering smooth power transfer and consistent engine performance under load. The result is smoother operation, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced driveline wear. These advantages are valuable in soft soils, heavy drag conditions, and steep gradients.
On selected models, steering sensors help cushion articulation at full lock, improving stability and operator confidence when navigating rough or rutted terrain.
Grapple skidders for Africa
A significant development for Africa is the introduction of the 848L-III and 948L-III grapple skidders.
These larger models are engineered for foresters prioritising higher production volumes and heavier timber loads. Both feature 9.0-litre engines paired with CVT, while the 948L-III delivers up to 300 hp.
They come standard with Outboard-Extreme axles, designed with larger internal components to enhance durability and machine stability when hauling substantial payloads. Optional grapple sizes reach up to 1.77 m² on the 848L-III and 2.07 m² on the 948L-III, the largest in the L-III lineup.
For operations involving long extraction distances, steep plantations, or high-volume harvesting, these additions provide the capacity and stability required to maximise productivity per skid.
Uptime is critical
Across Africa’s forestry regions, uptime is critical, particularly in remote operating environments.
The L-III Series incorporates enhanced onboard diagnostics, Machine Health Monitoring, and John Deere Connected Support features that allow remote diagnostics and faster issue resolution. Simplified service access points further reduce maintenance time, helping keep machines working.
