John Deere has a harvester for every application

The choice of harvester carrier is determined by the applications, terrain, conditions, tree size and attachments required to do the job efficiently. The more challenging the application, the more robust the combination should be. John Deere has this covered by offering wheeled and tracked harvesters and a full range of two-wheel, three-wheel and four-wheel harvesting attachments.

TRACKED HARVESTERS
John Deere tracked harvester models start at the smaller base restricted tail swing (RTS) models. The non-levelling 803MH to 853MH range and the levelling 859MH have engine capacities between 213kW and 246kW. The flagship 900-series 953MH non-levelling and 959MH levelling harvesters have engine capacities of 246kW.

Deere’s tracked harvesters combine strength and smarts to meet any challenge. These proven machines are designed with components that help the operator move through various obstacles and navigate steep slopes.

Distinctive attributes include:

• Long and wide undercarriages provide solid balance to optimise stability and strong tractive effort to increase the capability for negotiating difficult or steep terrain.
• Various boom sets and attachments can be combined to optimise productivity across a wide range of conditions.
• Forestry machine operators designed spacious operator cabs for operators. They are roomy and comfortable with ergonomically designed controls and large windows providing excellent views of the work site.

The tracked 859MH and 959MH levelling models combine the power of Deere engines with an industry-leading patented levelling system that expands overall working capability. By adding the slope-monitoring system that displays its 33-degrees fore/aft and 14-degrees side-to-side total range of motion on the in-cab monitor, the operator can confidently operate in harsh conditions and boost overall efficiency.

OPTIONAL IBC
John Deere has taken the next step with tracked harvesters in the revolution to bring ergonomic solutions and easy-to-use operations. Following the introduction of IBC to wheeled harvesters and forwarders, the company recently introduced the technology as an option for its 900MH tracked harvesters.

IBC is ergonomically designed to enhance operator efficiency, increasing production and reducing fuel consumption while improving durability, reliability and uptime. The dampened cylinders spread the shock loading through the boom and base machine.

With IBC, operators no longer need to control each independent boom function separately. One joystick moves the boom tip horizontally, while a second guides it vertically. IBC automatically guides the boom and cylinders and the swing speed based on the position of the attachment.

IBC is easily configurable to user preferences so that operators can adapt their motions to the application. Individual user settings can be saved in up to eight profiles to accommodate multiple skill and experience levels. IBC can be switched off if not required.

Although an option, IBC has proven so popular that some markets have adopted it on all machines. IBC is Deere’s way of adding innovation to proven experience and giving the contractor and operator equipment and tools needed to excel in the forests, increasing productivity and reducing operating costs.

WHEELED HARVESTERS
Globally, the longevity of John Deere wheeled harvesters evidences their productivity and reliability. The 1270G with its H425 attachment and the 1470G are rated at 190kW. The heftier 1470G offers higher hydraulic performance for its larger H219 standard attachment.

The 1270G six-wheel and eight-wheel models are expertly efficient thinnings and clear-fell machines delivering some of the lowest fuel consumption in the industry. The 1470G is designed for large third thinnings and clear-fell. Both models are stacked with productivity-improving features, have lower daily operating costs and provide operators with an advanced working environment and experience.

Robust axles are part of the package. Balanced heavy-duty bogie axles in the front and rigid axles in the rear for all six-wheel models and balanced heavy-duty bogie axles in the front and rear in the eight-wheel models. These axle combinations and additional features offer excellent stability on all work sites.

Both models come with ergonomically designed smooth levelling and rotating cabins, providing 360-degree visibility of the surroundings and boom movements. The auto-levelling cab keeps the operator balanced and comfortable in steep and uneven terrain. It allows a sideways tilt of 17 degrees and a forward and backward tilt of 9 degrees. The rotating angle of the cab is 160 degrees.

OPERATING SYSTEM
The H-16 operating system offered in wheeled and tracked harvesters provides reliable, efficient control of harvesting functions, precise and quick boom functions, and greater productivity. The H-16 has an easy-to-use interface integrating base machine control with its measuring system. This interface is configurable.

POWERTECH PLUS
The John Deere designed and manufactured PowerTech Plus diesel engines deliver high torque at low RPMs for excellent fuel efficiency and power without compromise. The engines are the same for tracked and wheeled harvester models.

TELEMATICS
Telematic solutions are offered with both tracked and wheeled harvesters. TimberMatic map is an onboard real-time map-based solution showing the volume and location of timber on the site, storage depots, and site boundaries.

TimberManager is an off-board solution that enables real-time follow-up of machines and operations on smartphones, tablets or laptops. The JDLink is standard in all John Deere machines. It is an accurate onboard machine monitoring system, allowing remote diagnostics and rapid service response. The information monitored through JDLink includes fuel consumption and machine operating parameters.

HARVESTING SOLUTIONS
Whether wheeled or tracked, John Deere says its versatile harvesters will help you overcome obstacles no matter your harvesting application or terrain. They are loaded with features that boost performance.

Built on more than 180 years of groundbreaking innovation and backed by over half a century of experience in the world’s forests, designed with proven components to withstand the harshest environments, John Deere harvesters will help you outrun limitations and make you rethink your harvester requirements.

Source: WoodBiz Africa (Page 19 – 20)

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