Whether it be snow and ice, mud, swampy areas or steep terrain, there’s bound to be challenges in getting your work done in the forest. This is when you have no choice but to trust that your machine will get you through thick and thin. John Deere ensures that every forest machine, from the processors and feller bunchers, to skidders and forwarders, have the power and traction you need to keep moving forward in all kinds of tricky terrain.

Power and traction:
these are key components to staying productive in the mud, snow, ice – whatever your tracks or tires are moving through. But it doesn’t stop there. Take a look at how John Deere has got you covered in these areas and much more.

Skidding for Success The H-Series Skidders live up to the horsepower and power train performance standards you’ve come to expect from John Deere. Large wheels of variable sizes with deep tread help pull you forward. SWEDA axles (Super Wide Extreme Duty Axle) allow for reliability in all working conditions. SWEDA comes standard on the 748H and is optional on the 648H. SWEDA Plus is standard on the 848H.  The differential has different input and output ratios to handle the increased torque levels.

Innovative options like dual-mode steering allow you to alternate between standard orbital steering and quick-1/4 turn steer mode with the flip of a switch, which comes in handy when conquering the mud or a hill. The lock-up torque converter on the 648H and 848H makes it easier to take off with a load, and gives you improved efficiency over a standard torque converter. Unlike competitive skidders, the 648H and 848H stays locked up during shifts to significantly improve productivity, fuel economy and provides a smooth, steady shift.

Power Tech Plus™ Tier 3 engines deliver power without compromise and perform with best-in-class fuel economy. Power ratings, fuel economy, torque levels, transient response time, and other features meet or exceed Tier 3 / Stage III emission requirements.

Tracking Traction
When it comes to John Deere’s tracked feller bunchers, harvesters, and swing machines there is no better work horse to get the job done well. Slippery slopes are no barrier for these strong and powerful machines.

It starts under the hood with a reliable John Deere emissions-compliant engine, designed to enhance fuel efficiency, reliability, and durability. Combined with top of the line hydraulic systems, the engines ensure that the machine will have the power you need when you need it to move and work with speed and precision.

The undercarriage of each John Deere tracked feller buncher, harvester and swing machine are robust and built for an intense workout. Heavily guarded, high-walker forestry undercarriages provide loads of ground clearance and ramp angles to glide over most obstacles. Different track shoe options are available on most machines to meet the needs of specific applications and terrain. The swing machines feature next-size-up components and drive systems, and heavy-duty track chains deliver on both productivity and durability.

John Deere’s powerful tracked harvesters, feller bunchers and swing machines boast a proven tractive-effort-to-weight ratio with low ground pressure to keep your operation going strong — even in swampy or super-steep areas. When traction is particularly challenging on a slope, John Deere’s exclusive leveling technology, available on some feller bunchers and harvesters, helps to optimize the positioning of the machine for maximum traction and stability.

Put Those Wheels in Motion
Where a rubber-tired John Deere machine goes, it goes with confidence. You can expect the same “oomph” on a slippery path or otherwise tricky terrain with a wheeled John Deere harvester, feller buncher, or forwarder as you would with any John Deere tracked machine or skidder. As with all John Deere machines, these work horses have the power to back them up – fuel-efficient Tier 3 engines – combined with the very best hydraulic and machine control systems to put those wheels in motion.

John Deere’s wheeled harvesters and forwarders not only provide reliable traction and power in difficult areas, but are particularly impressive in how light they are on the ground for their size.

When the average adult walks along the ground, his ground pressure usually falls in the range of 9 to 12 PSI (pounds per square inch). John Deere cut-to-length machines fall in this range as well, and often do better. For example, with a loaded bunk and standard tires, the 1710D forwarder puts just 7.7 PSI on the ground on the front tires, and 15.2 on the rear. If you add optional Enviro Tracks, the frontal pressure decreases to 5.1 PSI, and the rear to 8.8 PSI. The smaller forwarders do even better, with results varying based on wheel configuration and whether tracks are used or not. Likewise, the wheeled harvesters achieve ground pressures of 9.6 PSI and less.

Enviro Tracks not only aid in reducing the ground pressure, but are one more way how John Deere helps you to get extra traction where needed. Across the board, John Deere has made provisions to help loggers like you keep moving forward with productive, efficient, cost-effective forest equipment – equipment that you can depend on no matter what challenges the road before presents.

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