The last of the Komatsu 830 forwarders has been sold in the Baltic countries.
The 830 is now being laid to rest. The Komatsu 830 was a forwarder in the small size segment. The first 830 was delivered to a customer in Vaamakula, Finland, in 2002. Komatsu indicate that the model gained popularity and was delivered to almost all European markets. Its greatest success was in southern Sweden, Finland, Germany and the Baltic countries. 550 forwarders were produced in total. The 830 was mostly used by logging contractors carrying out thinning operations in sensitive areas, or forest owners with a focus on small machines. Its popularity was due to its low weight, relatively high load capacity, good crane operation, fast transport speed and agility in the woods.
After the financial crisis in 2008, it became evident that entrepreneurs with very small forwarders started having problems with profitability. Many entrepreneurs started moving to the 840TX. Simultaneously, forwarders started using technologies that allowed larger forwarders to have lower environmental impacts. This included larger wheels, bogies, and band tracks. Also, when engine legislation and market demands for spacious cabins with cab suspension came, it made sense to replace the 830 model with a larger and more productive model, such as the 835. Ironically, just as the product was about to go out of production, demand rose and the 830 had a sales boost during its last years. 830 fans put in their last orders and 35 machines were delivered in 2014. Source: http://www.komatsuforest.com/default.aspx?id=1848&newsid=142930