Built for demanding harvesting and processing environments
The 628HX is built to perform efficiently with exceptional felling capabilities in harvesting and equally capable in roadside or deck processing applications. With a recommended carrier range of 43+ metric tons, it delivers controlled, consistent delimbing performance across challenging stem profiles.
Twin lower delimb arms provide strong clamp force and excellent delimbing capability, while a three-roller carry-style feed geometry supports smooth log transport and reliable feeding. Powerful 1395cc/800cc feed motors deliver productivity for high-output applications. With a net weight of 5,390 kg (11,883 lb.), the 628HX strikes a balance between strength and agility, making it well-suited for demanding forestry conditions where durability and performance are critical.
The 628HX also incorporates all standard HX-line enhancements, including improved chassis durability, increased hose protection and design updates that simplify service access. Together, these features help reduce maintenance demands, extend component life and support more consistent daily production.
As with all Waratah products, the 628HX comes with easily accessible support for dealers and customers, as well as genuine Waratah parts with an industry-leading warranty. Source
Tigercat Industries releases compact levelling track carrier along with new TCi mulching head.
In response to growing requirements for fire mitigation interventions and increased management of forestland in the western US, Tigercat is set to debut the prototype LX825 track carrier in February at the Sierra-Casade Logging Conference in Anderson, California. Built on the same upper platform as Tigercat's flagship LX830E feller buncher, the LX825 is a quicker, lighter, and more agile near-zero tail swing carrier with an all-new levelling undercarriage.
The machine can be equipped with a choice of two hydraulic systems: the standard feller buncher system, or an optional convertible hydraulic system which allows the machine to switch back and forth between a disc saw, intermittent saw, bar saw, shear, or mulching head. This increased utility enables forest management contractors to masticate brush, understory and undesirable timber, while retaining the ability to fell merchantable timber. The compact design, speed and agility allow for precision thinning and masticating to reduce fuel load and improve forest resiliency.
The new TCi 4154-15 mulching head, perfectly matched to the LX825, is designed for easy access to service points and wear items. The inlet and mulching chamber are designed to pull in debris and completely masticate the material before it exits the chamber, ensuring high quality forest treatments. The mulcher wrist pivots 130 degrees side-to-side for maximum dexterity in tight in-stand treatment applications. The pin-on rake aids in clearing brush and debris. Source
Customers globally will now have the option of choosing either joystick (JOY) or lever/steering wheel (LVR) controls for the new 140.
Caterpillar announces the addition of a joystick option to new next generation Cat 140® motor graders. Customers globally will now have the option of choosing either joystick (JOY) or lever/steering wheel (LVR) controls for the new 140. Available in early 2026, the new model features all the hallmarks of the next generation design – efficiency, productivity, operator comfort and increased uptime.
Rather than having separate JOY or LVR models for the next generation 140, customers will choose between joystick or lever steering configurations similar to other options like tandem or all-wheel-drive, technologies and attachments. Its narrow, 98.9 in (2512 mm) width simplifies transport, and its power and performance make it an efficient machine for a range of applications from snow clearing and grading to roadbuilding and ditching.
Caterpillar’s easy-to-learn joystick controls reduce hand and arm movements compared to the lever and steering configuration, which can help reduce operator fatigue for improved productivity. The ergonomical three-axis joysticks place transmission, up/down gear shifting and machine direction control in the left joystick, while the right controls drawbar, circle and moldboard functions, along with electronic throttle control and manual differential lock/unlock. Cat joystick motor graders boast industry-exclusive follow steer, which allows the front wheels to follow joystick input. Joystick control, combined with the 140’s new 9-forward-speed transmission with finish gear, provides smooth operation in final passes and curbs.
Key to safety and efficiency, excellent visibility to the operating area is offered by the next generation cab design, featuring angled doors, tapered engine closure, and sloped rear window to make it easy to see the moldboard, tires and behind the motor grader. Its standard rearview camera enhances the operator’s view to the machine’s rear with the feed displayed on the 10-in (254-mm) touchscreen monitor. Optional integrated smart cameras and a bird’s-eye view of the in-cab display, along with Cat Detect – People Detection to alert the operator when someone enters the grader’s hazard zone, provide a comprehensive view of the machine and task at hand for increased jobsite safety.
The in-cab display also provides operators with access to a host of expanded next generation technology offerings. A machine-integrated grade control system, the new 140 can be shipped Cat Grade 3D Ready to help operators cut to grade faster with more accuracy, efficiency and productivity. Automatic blade control reduces operator input and the number of passes required to complete the job, saving time and money. With Position Sensing Shift Cylinder (PSC), E-fence avoidance and two IMU sensors to simplify mastless upgrades, Cat Cross Slope Assist enables the operator to manually control one moldboard end, while the system controls the other.
The motor grader’s design and reliability can help lower operating costs and fuel consumption. Grouped centralized service points and extended synchronized service intervals save on daily maintenance time. Source
Risutec Oy is a well-known Finland-based tree planting equipment manufacturing company.
The acquisition strengthens John Deere's silviculture strategy and its ongoing commitment to providing customers involved in reforestation with solutions for sustainable forestry.
Joh Deere are see the synergies and talent the Risutec team adds to their existing forestry expertise. Their knowledge of advanced mechanized tree planting solutions and global markets, along with their years of experience and passion for the industry, complements the John Deere team. Risutec's products fill out the John Deere portfolio and significantly reduce reliance on manual tree planting, thereby reducing labour exposure to extreme weather, terrain and wildlife, while increasing productivity of their customers' operations.
The portfolio of tree planters can be configured to match the customer's operational conditions and can be outfitted with optional precision forestry software for enhanced productivity and forestry management data analysis. The line of tree planters will be sold and serviced through select John Deere and Waratah forestry equipment dealers globally. The acquisition is expected to close in February 2026. Source
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Kesla Oyj is expanding its small harvester crane product line by introducing new, more versatile HF versions.
The updated 6H series meets the growing demand for lightweight thinning machines and offers manufacturers an even more durable crane solution with improved operating characteristics. The Kesla 671H has long been a well known parallel-acting harvester crane used in thinning harvesters, like Sampo-Rosenlew HR46 among others. The crane is known for its excellent handling and durability. In addition to the non-telescopic 671H, which reaches 6.7 m (22 ft), the product line has for years included the telescopic 685H, offering a reach of 8.5 m (28 ft).
The 6H series has undergone numerous updates that further enhance durability. At the same time, new HF versions have been introduced, featuring a slewing device equipped with a horizontal mounting flange. In terms of boom structure, reach, and performance, the H and HF versions are identical.
Thanks to the horizontal mounting flange with the commonly used bolt pattern - well known from forwarder cranes - and the configurable orientation of the slewing cylinders, the 6HF cranes are compatible with most lightweight harvesters currently on the market. The robust crane base, inherited from the 8 tonne meter forwarder crane, ensures exceptional durability. The slewing device provides a 275 degree slewing range and delivers 17 kNm of slewing torque, enabling productive and efficient thinning operations. Source
Ponsse celebrates a milestone – 22,000th forest machine manufactured in Vieremä delivered to Ireland
Ponsse celebrates a significant milestone as the 22,000th forest machine manufactured at the company’s Vieremä factory is delivered to Irish customer G&G Timber Harvesting. The milestone machine is a Ponsse Elk forwarder, valued for its agility, productivity and suitability for a wide variety of forestry work. Source
CloudSuite PLM running live at Logset
The adoption of the Infor CloudSuite™ ERP solution now goes forward with PLM solutions. Logset implemented LN Infor ERP in April 2025 and quickly realized the benefits, including improved cost control and more structured material management. At the same time, limitations in the existing PDM system, became increasingly evident. Although modern, it did not meet Logset’s requirements for controlling and in particular updating product structures. As a result, Logset decided to transition to Infor PLM. Following an intensive four-month implementation, the transition is now complete. Source
Komatsu West adds Komatsu Forestry in California, Nevada
Komatsu company-owned dealers in the western U.S. (Komatsu West) have added the full lineup of Komatsu Forestry solutions and products to their offerings in Sacramento and Fresno, California, and Reno, Nevada. This includes new product sales, support, service and parts from global forestry leaders including Komatsu, TimberPro, Quadco, Bracke, Log Max and Southstar. All Komatsu Forestry solutions and allied brands are available at and supported by Komatsu West effective immediately. Source
Read More“Mill weight policy prevalence, perceptions, and provisions in Georgia, USA”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2026. Conrad, J. L., IV, Bolding, M. C., & Miller, T. R. Source
“Pooling freight capacities to enhance wood supply for a network of sawmills”
International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2026. Mayrand, J., Lehoux, N., LeBel, L., & Marier, P. 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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