The 15 new grapple models are engineered to deliver the same durability and trusted reliability as Waratah’s harvesting, processing and felling heads.
Waratah Forestry Equipment has introduced its new line of forestry grapples, designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability across a wide range of forestry and non-forestry applications. The Waratah forestry grapple line includes three model categories to cover all types of forestry and non-forestry applications:
The C Models are designed for traditional forestry needs. The C21, C26, C30, C36, C36HD, C42, C46 and C46HD models are ideal for traditional forestry applications and machines, including forwarders, log loaders, shovel logging machines and bioenergy recovery. With a symmetric frame, timing links and jaw tips designed to engage the pile at an optimal angle, these grapples ensure full loads are consistently secured.
The Large C Models and built to tackle heavy-duty tasks. The C60HD, C80 and C100 utilise the same successful technical design as the C series, large C-model grapples are specifically designed for larger material handlers used in woodyards, ports and other large-scale operations. These robust grapples offer optimized frame structure and hydraulic features that minimize structural stresses, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
The E Models and made for maximum material handling. The C21E4, C30E4, C42E5 and C46E4 are purpose-built for handling slash, logging residues, stumps and bioenergy applications, these grapples offer specialized features for use with forwarders and chippers. The E models feature unique design elements, including a choice of four or five fingers for maximum material handling flexibility.
In addition to being tough, Waratah grapples are designed for ease of maintenance. Greasing the grapple is straightforward, with a single position to safely perform maintenance while the grapple is lowered. The open frame structure further facilitates maintenance by offering easy access to hydraulic hoses.
As with all Waratah products, these grapples come with easily accessible support for dealers and products, as well as genuine Waratah parts with an industry-leading warranty.
Waratah grapples are now available to customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin America. For application recommendations, consult your local Waratah dealer. Source
The machines introduce new operator assistance features and enhancements on its 900 M-Series machines.
With a focus on customer productivity, the updates include an enhanced Dedicated Travel System, which has been updated for greater efficiency and is now a new feature on the 900 M-Series machines. Additionally, the new Return-to-Level functionality and further undercarriage improvements help to enhance durability. These operator assistance feature updates help improve the overall customer experience in variable operational applications.
The Dedicated Travel System isolates the travel functions from the other functions on the machine. This enables the operator to focus on the task at hand by not allowing boom and swing operations to interfere and slow down the travel functions. In addition, the power balance and availability has been optimized and can be adjusted between the upper and travel functions, allowing priority to the needed operations. Dedicated Travel is standard on the 859M, 953M, and 959M Feller Bunchers, as well as the 959ML Shovel Logger. It remains optional on 853M and 903M Feller Bunchers and 859MH and 959MH Harvesters.
The new one-touch Return-To-Level functionality combines multiple leveling system adjustments into one push-and-hold operator input. As the machine moves to a different slope, the rotating upper can be brought to a level position (based on the parameters of the leveling system) by utilizing a simple button function on the joystick. The individual leveling control buttons will remain. This new operator assistance feature has been combined with the field-proven John Deere Slope Monitoring system, which actively measures and displays the slope of the terrain to the operator. These two advanced features allow the operator to focus more on the application machine adjustments. They are available as the new Slope Management System, which is available as an optional upgrade on all John Deere 800 and 900 Series leveling feller bunchers, harvesters, and shovel loggers.
In addition to these new performance and productivity features, all 800 and 900 Series leveling feller buncher, harvester and shovel logger models received improvements to the leveling system cylinder pin joints. The leveling cylinder pins have been updated with a larger diameter, tighter machining tolerances, and an improved grease path, enhancing the initial fit and ensuring grease is directed precisely where needed. These updates reduce bearing stresses under load and improve the system's overall performance. Also, on all 800 and 900 undercarriages, the track frame steps are now welded onto the machine's frame with additional gusseting to help strengthen them against impact. Source
This part of the systematic implementation of its growth strategy
The changes took effect on March 17, 2025. These changes will not impact the structure of Kesla’s financial reporting. To achieve the goals set for the 2024–2028 strategic period, Kesla has identified three key themes: bold renewal, profitable growth, and succeeding together. The renewal of the operating model and management team ties these themes together.
In the new organization, the previous business unit structure will be changed, and tractor equipment, logging equipment, truck and stationary cranes, and defence products will be referred to as product groups. Front line functions—sales, product management, marketing, and after sales services—will be combined into a new Sales and Customer Care organization. A Sales and Customer Care Director will be appointed to lead this new organization, and the recruitment process is underway. Until the position is filled, CEO Pasi Nieminen will take on the role alongside his existing duties.
The Kesla Defence product group, established in January 2025, will retain separate sales and product management functions due to the specific characteristics of the defence industry market. Mr. Tapio Pirinen will continue to lead sales for the product group and, as part of the organizational reform, will also take on responsibility for the company's PMO (Project Management Office) functions.
This transformation is a significant step in Kesla’s organizational development, following the earlier dismantling of business unit specific product development and production responsibilities. Product development, product management, digitalization, Kesla Defence, and PMO will now be included in the management team, as they are critical functions in achieving Kesla’s strategic goals.
Mr. Jukka Sadinmäki will continue as Head of Product Development. Mr. Mika Tahvanainen, previously Business Line Director of Logging Equipment, has been appointed Director of Product Management and Digitalization. Mr. Ari Pirhonen, formerly Business Line Director of Truck and Stationary Cranes, has been appointed Sales Director of Cranes for the Finnish market, which is a significant market for Kesla. The reorganization was carried out as a change negotiation process, but no staff reductions resulted from it. Source
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This mulcher is designed for excavators in the 3.5 to 7 ton class
The mulcher is the solution for demanding forestry work, especially in areas that are somewhat narrow or difficult to reach (residential areas, riverbanks and roadsides). It features the following highlights:
- Powerful hydraulic motor: equipped with a powerful 60 cm³ motor that optimally covers the flow range of smaller excavators to achieve the best performance for perfect mulching results.
- Universal mounting: The flexible mounting plate enables use on different carrier vehicles, which increases versatility in use.
- BCS rotor system: With a rotor diameter of 14 in (350 mm) and a working width of 29.5 in (750 mm), the Grizzly M350e efficiently shreds bushes, shrubs and tree trunks, reducing working time.
- Robust design: The steel housing ensures durability and resistance, ideal for tough applications. Easy maintenance access facilitates maintenance, which reduces operating costs.
- Efficient shredding: The integrated counter blades ensure a finer mulch quality, improve material processing and increase overall performance.
- Increased safety: The closed housing prevents wood from being thrown out, especially on roadsides and in residential areas.
- Practical additional options: For even more flexibility and efficiency, the Grizzly M350e can be equipped with an optional thumb bracket. This makes it much easier to position the material to be mulched. A gripper device can also be fitted to move the mulching material.
The Grizzly M350e is a good choice for anyone who needs a powerful, reliable and versatile forestry mulcher for their excavators. Source
It is designed to tackle an array of projects, from large-scale forestry management to residential landscaping
Fit for various configurations—from skid steers to excavators to tractors—The Fecon Bull Hog is a powerful forestry mulcher that efficiently clears land by grinding down vegetation, including trees, underbrush, and stumps. The Bull Hog’s advanced technology enables the machine to transform dense foliage into mulch, which can be left on-site to enrich the soil or removed for disposal. Key Features of the Fecon Bull Hog are:
- Durable Teeth: Equipped with replaceable forged or carbide teeth, the Bull Hog can chew through dense material effortlessly. Carbide teeth are highly resistant to impact and abrasion, offering an extended lifespan.
- Versatile Attachment Options: Compatible with various carriers like skid steers, excavators, and tractors, the Bull Hog provides flexibility, no matter the project.
- Compact Design: Its compact size allows easy manoeuvrability in tight spaces while offering powerful performance.
- Advanced Mulching Technology: The Bull Hog’s unique design enables it to efficiently mulch even the toughest underbrush, trees, and stumps.
The Bull Hog can be used for skid steers (with standard flow, high flow and the Blackhawk), excavators (3.5 to 10 ton, 8-15 ton, 12 to 20 ton, and 15-45 ton) and tractors (PTO and larger tractors)
The versatility of the Fecon Bull Hog makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
- Forestry Management: The Bull Hog helps manage tree density and promote healthier growth by clearing and maintaining forests.
- Land Development: The Bull Hog is perfect for preparing land for construction or agricultural use by clearing unwanted vegetation.
- Storm Cleanup: The Bull Hog quickly removes fallen trees and debris after severe weather events, restoring safety and access.
- Utility Right-of-Way Clearing: The Bull Hog ensures utility lines remain accessible by clearing out brush and trees that could obstruct service.
- Farm Maintenance: The Bull Hog helps manage overgrown areas on farms, maintaining land health and usability. Source
Tigercat partners with Grupo Timbo in Paraguay
Tigercat expands its dealership network in South America, with the addition of Grupo Timbo in Paraguay. Grupo Timbo officially became Tigercat's exclusive dealer during a January 2025 dealer agreement signing ceremony in Asunción. Grupo Timbo originated in Paraguay's transport industry, specializing in bus and road freight, and later expanding into the construction sector. Today, Grupo Timbo is 36 years old, with eight sales and service outlets and a ninth location currently under construction in Concepción. The Concepción branch location is strategically positioned close to a new pulp mill being constructed by the forestry company Paracel. Initial plantation efforts primarily involved private growers cultivating Eucalyptus camaldulensis. However, with improved silvicultural practices and site preparation, Eucalyptus urophylla clones have been introduced, leading to better growth yields per hectare. Although the region receives adequate rainfall, Paracel has implemented a state-of-the-art early fire detection system that utilizes infrared camera technology to protect its forest assets during dry periods. The mill will begin operating in the first quarter of 2027, and at full capacity, it plans to intake 6,3 million tonnes per annum. Source
New FAE forestry mulcher for powerpack vehicles and wheeled excavators
FAE technology is now available for powerpack vehicles and wheeled excavators from 10 to 15 t with the new RQL/HY forestry mulcher is here. The RQL/HY can shred grass, shrubs, and trees up to 6 inches in diameter. It can be used to control vegetation along roadsides, railroad tracks, canals, rivers and lakes; to manage and protect wildlife habitats; and to maintain commercial parks and sports grounds. Source
Read More“Updating the machine rate costing approach for forest harvesting machines in the southeastern United States”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2025. Black, T. M., Bolding, M. C., & Conrad, J. L. Source
“Pre-commercial thinning in small-scale forestry: Operational cost and carbon footprint”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2025. Alex, A., & Kizha, A. R. Source
Read MoreTo see the full list of international logging, roading and trucking conferences and expo’s, please click the “Events” tab at the top of the page.
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