2017 International Forest Industries Magazines May 2017 SHOW Special | Page 74

The John Deere M-Series tracked feller bunchers
help logging contractors meet
the demands of any application,
increasing efficiency and comfort,
as noted by customers.
“It’s the prize unit here on
this job,” stated Harv Dethlefs,
Big Logging Corporation. “It’s
increased our production – without
it we wouldn’t be able to cut this
steep of ground and we would have
probably ended up hand felling and
yarding it with a yarder.
“The 909M is so surefooted on
this steep of ground. The machine
will cut the equivalent in one day
as probably what four or five timber
fallers would cut.”
The M-Series tracked feller
buncher features a longer, wider
undercarriage for increased
stability and traction, and tilt
and leveling cabs maximize
operator comfort and productivity,
even in challenging terrain. The
859M, 909M and 959M models
incorporate a patented levelling
control system that uses sensor
technology to maximize the
forward tilt angle (26° forward),
while electronically preventing any
possible mechanical interference
when also tilting to the side.
The levelling envelope
boundaries are set automatically
and the patented system provides
a smooth transition when
approaching the levelling limits.
The M-Series machines are
equipped with a powerful engine,
delivering premium performance,
fluid efficiency and reliability.
Optional Rapid Cycle System (RCS)
combines automated felling-head
arm cycling with simple boom
control, dramatically reducing
operator fatigue while increasing
efficiency and productivity. RCS can
be tailored to individual skill levels
and specific harvesting conditions.
One of the most popular
68 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2017
features in the M-Series is the
redesigned operator station.
Fully adjustable armrests provide
fingertip control of all machine
functions, and the air-conditioned
seats offers daylong comfort in the
climate-controlled cab.
As stated by Peter Schmidt,
Forest Trotter Contracting: “Our
operators are what make this
business go round. They sit in
these machines day in, day out.
There’s a lot of legroom.
“And this machine has that cab
in the right place so you get that
operator comfort the best you can
in this rough terrain. They’re not
as tired at the end of the day and
in that sense, we find a higher
production.”
The cab also offers better
visibility, with floor-to-ceiling front
and side windows plus an overhead
skylight, expanding the view of the
cutting area by 22%.
According to Schmidt: “The
visibility in this machine is great.
The front windshield is much better
- the way it’s positioned and the
way you can see through it. Also
through the side, if you have your
boom all the way back and up, you
can see out that right side window.
“Along with the great lighting
package it comes with, it’s a good
machine even for night shifts.”
L-Series wheeled feller
bunchers
The L-Series wheeled feller
bunchers are designed to be
reliable and productive, crucial
features when tackling rugged
work day in and day out. Best-in-
class power-to-weight ratio ensures
steady multifunction performance
in wet or hilly conditions, and
optimal weight distribution and
a longer wheelbase improves
balance for better stability.
The increased head tilt provides