For drive-to-tree applications, no machine gets it done like the John Deere 843J Wheeled Feller Buncher. Just ask Noble Capps, Jr., owner, Noble Capps Jr. Logging Inc. Recently Capps used his 843J to clear-cut 4 1/2 acres of pulpwood. “I cut it all down in 5 1/2 hours,” he says. “The next two days we picked up 25 truckloads. That’s a lot of pulpwood — the machine is plenty productive.”

More power to you
Based out of Zirconia in western North Carolina, Capps logs both North and South Carolina. He works mostly on private land, not surprising since most of the forestland in both states is family owned.

Capps has logged for over 20 years — ever since high school — and has experienced his share of ups and downs. In the last two decades, forest industry production in North Carolina has been declining, with the total number of wood-using facilities and sawmills decreasing by half.

With lumber prices down, cutting hardwood has been more lucrative than cutting pulpwood. “We try to lean toward the bigger timber, although we take what we can find,” says Capps. “We have slow times, but right now we’re really busy. I can’t speak for everyone, but we seem to be doing pretty good right now.”

In recent years, Capps has downsized from ten to six employees, and from two crews to a single crew. “It’s hard to find good help,” he admits. “But we are able to do as much now as when we were running two crews - 9 to 12 truckloads a day.”

One of the reasons for his increased productivity is the John Deere Wheeled Feller Buncher. Capps purchased a 642D in 1995 and recently bought an 843J.

With more horsepower, the emission-compliant John Deere 6068H engine boosts the 843J’s multi-functioning capabilities and cycle times. “There are a lot of hills where we work,” Capps says. “I’ll put the 843J on a 30-degree slope where you really need the extra power. And when you’re moving big timber, the more power the better.”

Heads above the rest
Another reason for Capps’ increased productivity is the new FD22B disc saw felling head, which is, well, head and shoulders above the rest.

When it comes to production, it’s all about time — time that should be spent cutting, not waiting. With increased horsepower from the 6068H engine, the FD22B’s saw recovers much more quickly after the cut, allowing more cuts per shift.

Being able to gather bigger bunches also increases productivity, which is why the accumulation pocket was redesigned to increase accumulation capacity by 20 percent. The grab arm’s holding capacity has been increased as well, for better control of larger bunches.

“There’s more power to hold the big trees,” Capps explains. “Plus they moved the pivot point back, so you can tilt the felling head back further for more control of the load on hills.”

Other productivity-boosting enhancements include a larger fuel tank, which allows Capps to work longer between refueling. “You can run it wide-open all day long, and you still have fuel at the end of the day,” he says. “If you run a competitor machine all day, you’ll run out.”

Capps also likes the best-in-class cab, with a forward-sloping windshield and larger skylight that provides unsurpassed visibility. “Our competitor machine has a peep window, but you can’t really see much,” he says. “On the 843J you can look right up to the top of the tree.”

The 843J keeps debris entry into the engine compartment to a minimum with a reverse air flow system. A special grille screen prevents most debris from being blown into the radiator, oil coolers, and engine compartment. Customers are amazed at how clean the 843’s engine compartment remains, hour after operating hour. A hydraulically driven cooling fan is automatically reversed to clean the grille screen.

“In fall when the leaves are falling, the reversing fan keeps the engine running much cooler,” Capps explains. “And the cooler you keep something running, the longer it’s going to last.”

Best of all, the 843J is supported with unsurpassed parts availability by the most extensive dealer network in the industry. “On the rare occasion when there is a problem, our dealer jumps right on it,” he says. “If we need a part, we usually get it immediately so there’s reduced downtime. Financing is convenient and rates are extremely low. We’ve just been real pleased.”

Noble Capps Jr. Logging is serviced by Van Lott, Inc., Asheville, North Carolina.

Forestry Equipment Review, March 2007

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