Deere forestry swing machines now available

G-series forestry range offers eight models rated from 28 to 48 tonne in operating weight

Following an initial announcement by RDO Equipment earlier this year, John Deere has confirmed that its full line-up of G-series swing machines for the forestry sector is now available in Australia via AFGRI Equipment for WA or RDO Equipment for all other states.

There are eight models available in the series ranging from 28 to 48 tonnes, and are available in several configurations including harvester, processor, log loader, road builder and shovel logger.

The 54G models (2154G, 2654G, 3154G, 3754G) are available in processor, harvester and roadbuilder configurations with hooked or excavator booms, and feature cabins with side entry as standard or rear entry as an option.

The 56G models (2156G, 2656G, 3156G, 3756G) come with straight booms for log loading, shoveling, and processing work and elevated rear entry cabs. The style of the booms, either excavator style or hooked on the 54G series and straight on the 56G series dictates the application of the respective models.

The 3154G, 3156G, 3754G and 3756G are powered by John Deere’s PowerTechTM Plus 9L diesel engine offering 30 per cent more horsepower at low rpm than previous models, John Deere said.

The smaller 2154G, 2156G, 2654G and 2656G are fitted with the John Deere 6.8L PowerTech Plus engine.

The cabs have been redesigned to offer more comfort for the operator. The side-entry cab is now 25 per cent larger than previous models, according to John Deere, while the elevated rear-entry cab features windows in the floor and injection moulded polycarbonate windows for great visibility to the tracks and working area.

In the log-loader rear-entry cab, floor-mounted windows and the cab forward riser option expand views to the tracks and working area for log-loading applications. The cab-forward design improves visibility to the right while a staircase at the rear of the machine eases cab entry and exit. A new handrail is significantly larger than on previous models, for secure three-point contact.

All cabs have been certified to global forestry industry standards to ensure operator safety.

The cabs also offer plenty of legroom and are isolation mounted to reduce noise and vibration for a smoother ride in rough terrain. Ergonomic short-throw pilot levers provide smooth fingertip control with less effort.

Three productivity modes are available for the operator to choose from to best suit the task at hand. A High Productivity Mode delivers more power and faster hydraulic response while the Power Mode delivers a balance of power, speed, and fuel economy for a normal operation. The Economy Mode limits the top speed to save fuel.

Creature comforts include climate control, a heated and cooled seat, and plenty of storage space for personal items.

A 14-light LED light package plus service and access lights come standard to provide all-round illumination in darker conditions.

Hydraulic reversing variable-speed fans on the machines effectively cool the engines and run only as needed to conserve power and fuel. The reversing feature reverses airflow to eject debris from the cooler cores.

On all models, the hinged air conditioning condenser swings out and the engine-compartment screen can be quickly removed for maintenance purposes.

A fuel-shutoff valve eliminates leaks, making fuel filter changes faster and easier. A pre-cleaner for the engine air intake extends filter life, further reducing maintenance time. Filters, fluid-fill locations and grease points are all conveniently located for easier daily checks and preventative maintenance. All models have a large plastic counterweight fuel tank with easy fuel sump drain access.

Remote diagnostics come standard on all John Deere swing machines via JDLink. This system allows fast and accurate remote diagnostics and rapid service response as well as provide detailed machine telematics for operators to manage the performance of their fleet.

Optional on all John Deere forestry equipment are the TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager programs which are jobsite-mapping tools designed for full-tree and cut-to-length logging operations. TimberMatic Maps allows operators to review production values as well as see and create points of interest that can be shared in real time with other onsite team members. Offsite staff can also access the data through TimberManager.

For more information, visit deere.com.au