John Deere forestry machines: overview of harvester and forwarder models
JOHN DEERE: Global leader in forestry - overview of harvesters and forwards
JOHN DEERE, with its distinctive leaping deer logo, is a brand with over 180 years of tradition, synonymous with quality and engineering. In the forestry machinery segment, John Deere is one of the key global players, offering a wide range of cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting machines. John Deere machines - harvesters (feller bunchers) and forwards (skidder tractors) - combine American reliability with Nordic innovation.
If you don't know the difference between a forwarder and a harvester, take a look at our previous article:
Forwarder or harvester - what's the difference?
John Deere forwards: efficient transport and logistics
John Deere forwards, responsible for skidding and transporting timber from the felling site, are designed with an emphasis on high payload, stability and traction in difficult terrain. Over the years of evolution from the D and E series to the latest G and H, the key innovations have been in ergonomics and hydraulics.
Main forwarder models (cross-section by generation):
| Model | Series | Main use | Approximate Payload |
| 810 | E | Thinning, light/small-scale skidding | ~ 9 t |
| 1010 | D, E, G | Thinning, light skidding | ~ 10 - 11 t |
| 1110 | E, G | Universal, medium skidding | ~ 12 t |
| 1210 | E, G | Universal, medium/heavy skidding | ~ 13 t |
| 1510 | E, G | Heavy-duty skidder, high power | ~ 15 t |
| 1910 | E, G | Skidding very heavy, long distances | ~ 19 t |
| 2510 | H | The heaviest skidding, extreme loads | ~ 25 t |
Types of cranes in forwarders
- CF models: Designations for cranes used on forwarders:
Working range: CF5, CF7: 8.5 m or 10 m, CF8: 7.2 m or 8.5 m. - Intelligent Boom Control (IBC): A key innovation in the G and H series.
John Deere Harvesters: Felling technology
John Deere Harvesters have evolved from the robust C, D and E Series to the highly advanced G and H Series machines, with a constant focus on power, precision and efficiency.
Main harvester models (cross-section through generations):
| Model | Series | Main use | Approximate weight |
| 770 | D, E | Thinning (small class), agile and lightweight machine | ~ 11 - 12 t |
| 1070 | D, E, G | Thinning, small-scale felling | ~ 14 - 15 t |
| 1170 | E, G | Universal, thinning/medium felling | ~ 17 - 18 t |
| 1270 | E, G | Solid logging, medium/large wood (most popular model) | ~ 20 - 21 t |
| 1470 | E, G | Extremely heavy felling, high capacity | ~ 22 - 23 t |
Types of heads used in harvesters
John Deere heads are characterised by high reliability, precise timber measurement and efficient limbing.
| Head model | Cutting diameter | Number of knives | Main use | John Deere models |
| H742 / H412 | 470 | 3 | Ideal for early and light thinning | 1070G, 1170E/G |
| H212 | 530 | 3 | Slim design, easy to manoeuvre in dense thinning areas | 1070G, 1170G |
| H754 / H413 | 560 | 4 | Used from late thinning to partial felling | H754 (1070D, 1170D/E, 1070E, 1270D/E), H413 (1170G, 1270G) |
| H413 / H423 | 570 | 4 | Used for early and late thinning and for partial felling | 1170G, 1270G |
| H414 / H424 | 640 | 4 | For late thinning and standard felling, high performance | 1170G, 1270G |
| H270 | 670 | 3 | Ideal for felling and processing thick trunks with large branches | 1270G, 1470G |
| H415/H425 / H425HD | 720 | 4 | Felling and harsh conditions | 1270G, 1470G |
| H758 / H480/H480C | 720 | 4 | For logging and large timber | H758 (1270D/E, 1470D/E), H480/H480C (1270D/E/G, 1470D/E/G) |
| H219 | 750 | 3 | For the heaviest felling and very thick logs | 1470G |
| H427 | 760 | 4 | For extremely large trees and logging | 1470G |
The H754 is one of the most recognisable heads from the early generations (Timberjack/John Deere C and D), prized for its simplicity and reliability in thinning.
In the table we have given examples of machines fitted with specific heads, but many of these heads (especially the H290, or H480C) were an option or could be fitted as a replacement on various D, E and G series models.
It is worth mentioning that choosing the right head for a harvester comes down to two things: whether the machine can pull it and whether it is worthwhile. Smaller harrowers (such as the John Deere 1070 series) are not technically able to lift and effectively operate large heads (such as the H425 or H427) due to insufficient crane capacity and the need for major design changes. Conversely, while large harvesters (such as the 1470G or 1270H) can technically handle smaller heads (such as the H412), it is not economically viable. Mounting an undersized head on a powerful machine leads to it not utilising its full power and capacity potential, which drastically reduces productivity and increases the unit cost of harvesting.
Types of cranes in harvesters
- Models TJ180/TJ210 (D/E Series): Robust cranes with good reach.
Range Tj180: 9.7 - 10 m, Tj210: 10 - 11.8 m. - CH models (e.g. CH6, CH7, CH9): Cranes with increased lifting force, characteristic of the G and H series.
Range CH6: 10/ 11.3 m., CH7: 8.6/ 10/ 11.7 m., CH9: 8.6/ 10/ 11.7 m. - Intelligent Boom Control (IBC): A standard or optional system on the G/H series that dramatically improves the precision and speed of the crane.
HARVESTER/FORWARDER JOHN DEERE
John Deere G-Series: the power of hydraulics and IBC (Intelligent Boom Control)
The G-Series (launched in 2015) represents a milestone in the development of John Deere machines, focusing on increased hydraulic power and operator comfort, resulting in significant productivity improvements over the previous E and D generations.
Distinguishing features of the G-Series and IBC innovation
1. Intelligent boom control (IBC): The operator controls the head and the system automatically adjusts the crane's movements for smoother and faster operation.
2. Advanced hydraulic system: The larger models use a two-pump hydraulic system, which provides sufficient power to control the boom and head simultaneously.
3. Levelling and swivelling cabin (optional): Ensures an ergonomic and safe working position whatever the conditions.
4. Increased engine power and torque: Optimises fuel consumption while maintaining high performance.
We also encourage you to read our article on competitor PONSSE:
PONSSE - overview of harvester and forwarder models.
Summary
From the proven C, D and E Series to the innovative G and H Series, John Deere forestry machines are synonymous with strength, precision and advanced technology. Through key developments such as the Intelligent Boom Control (IBC) system and high-performance heads (H424, H290), John Deere sets high standards in the forestry industry.
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