John Deere - Big Step Forward

There had been much hype and excitement in timber harvesting circles in advance of the launch of John Deere's new E Series. However, I think it's fair to say there was more expectation and talk amongst machine operators in this country, as opposed to owners, due to the challenging market conditions here.
No one we contacted within John Deere was giving anything away with regard to what new models or changes to expect. Certainly, all of the secrecy did add to the talk and conjecture regarding what features we might expect from the John Deere designers. Finally, on Wednesday May 28th I was one of a group of trade magazine representatives who were invited to Scandinavia to witness the launch of John Deere's new E series of timber harvesting machinery. Separately, contractors from many European countries, including Ireland were also invited to the unveiling ceremonies and live forest demonstrations of the company's ground breaking new models.

The launch of the new John Deere models took place in the massive Lathi Hall, Lathi, Finland. This area is famous for skiing and is located about 150km north of Helsinki. There was great excitement around the Hall as bus loads of media and contractors arrived to witness the event.

John Deere Forestry introduced the new E-series with the unveiling of three machines: the 1270E and 1470E harvesters and the1510E forwarder. At the same time, the company also unveiled the H414 harvesting head, which has been designed for the 1170E (to become available later this year). The rest of the new E-series model range, including the 1070E harvester and the 810E, 1010E, 1110E, 1210E and 1910E forwarders will be introduced at various times throughout this year and in 2009.


Revolutionary forwarder – John Deere 1510E
Now for a little more detail on each of the machines. The new E-series of forwarders are designed to provide the operator with a very high level of comfort, controllability and reliability. While John Deere already had a rotating cabin available on some of its harvester models, the rotating and levelling cabin is new to its forwarders. The cab can roatate some 360 degrees and can be set to follow the movements of the crane. This really should improve visibility and therefore accuracy. When combined with the auto levelling feature, the machine & operator are likely to be considerably more productive.  And when you add-in the automatic air-conditioning, quality upholstery, low noise and vibration levels and a wide range of additional accessories, you can understand why John Deere is claiming its new forwarder series represent a genuine step forward in timber extraction techniques and productivity. The company also says that the precise and accurate control via the cab stabiliser means that operating speeds can be increased.

The John Deere 1510E's loading capacity, engine power, engine torque and tractive force have also been increased in comparison to its forerunner, the 1410D model. The 1510E forwarder is powered by the 6.8 litre John Deere PowerTech Plus™ engine, which is renowned for its high torque at low rpms.
I haven't had the chance to inspect the new TimberMatic F-09 control system, but I'm told it is very easy to use and understand. Alternatively, the machine can be controlled using the CommandCenter™ operating display.

The 1510E also possesses a new generation of what are termed Flex modules, which control the functions of the basic machine. These new modules are also interchangeable. Using the forwarder’s new TimberLink™-tool, the performance monitoring and productivity of the 1510E, can be recorded and maximised.

All of the E-series forwarders are fitted with a stronger frame than the D-series. Two items of standard 1510E equipment include heavy-duty axles and a hydraulic fan. This fan changes direction automatically, cleaning dust and other foreign bodies from the cooling system. This will reduce the number of daily inspections when working in hot and dusty conditions and should also result in reduced maintenance costs.

John Deere 1470E
 The John Deere 1470E is a large harvester designed primairly for clearfelling and is equipped with a rotating and levelling cab as standard. The completely revamped cab, combined with the TimberMatic measuring and automation system are designed to improve production.

The larger turning and lateral tilting angles of the cab together with its accurate and very smooth movements give the operator really good visibility in the working area of the machine and should also increase comfort levels. The automatic air-conditioning, cool upholstery, low noise and vibration levels and a wide range of additional accessories should all ensure this is a machine much sought after and maybe even fought for, by operators!

The new TimberMatic H-09 user interface includes a number of interesting features, such as an integrated troubleshooting and an job instructions function and also a multimedia help function. The system is said to be easier than ever to use and such features as special operator-targeted parameters can be quickly located. The 1470E is also fitted with the new Flex modules which control the functions of the basic machine and the harvesting head. John Deere’s unique updated TimberLink software facilitates the monitoring and optimization of the machine's performance.

John Deere claims the 1470E is also more stable and nimble over terrain than its predecessor.  
The power source for the 1470E harvester is the award-winning 9.0 litre John Deere PowerTech Plus™ engine, which has been specially designed for heavy machinery. The high torque of this engine at low rpms guarantees good fuel economy and sufficient power, even when handling large trees.
All E-series harvesters have a completely new, specially strengthened frame. A word much used by John Deere is uptime and they claim that the uptime of the 1470E has been increased by fewer daily inspections and longer service intervals. Similar to other models, the new hydraulic fan changes direction automatically to clean dust from the cooling system. JD also highlight the fact that the operating life of the engine air filters has been significantly increased with the addition of a preliminary filter. Finally, something that operators will like to hear, is that a central lubrication system is available as an added accessory, which shortens the time required for daily maintenance.

John Deere 1270E
The John Deere 1270E is a harvester designed for both thinning and clearfell harvesting, and of course, is equipped with a rotating and levelling cab. John Deere has said that the 1270D has been the world's most popular wheeled harvester and they expect the 1270E to surpass it in popularity.
The completely revamped cab of the John Deere 1270E and the TimberMatic measuring and automation system offer a working environment which should make it easier for the operator to remain alert and productive throughout his/her shift. As with the 1470E, the larger turning and tilting angles of the cab and its precise movements give the operator excellent control and visibility and also increase comfort. And again, the automatic air-conditioning, new style upholstery, low noise and vibration levels and wide range of additional accessories ensure a first-class space for the operator.

This harvester also includes the TimberMatic H-09 user interface. The 1270E is also fitted with the previously mentioned Flex modules, which control the functions of the basic machine and the harvesting head. John Deere’s unique updated TimberLink software facilitates getting maximum yield from the harvester.

In comparison to its predecessor, the productivity of the 1270E is also improved by the CH7 crane. Features including substantial lifting and turning power, durable construction and fast movements mean that the CH7 crane is suitable for both later thinning and clearfell harvesting. The increased ground clearance and high tractive force improves the drivability of the 1270E in all kinds of sites.
The 1270E harvester is also fitted with the previously mentioned 9.0 litre John Deere PowerTech Plus™ engine, which features good fuel economy and power.  And, as we are only too well aware, fuel efficiency is something that is becoming more and more important.

John Deere H414
Harvesting Head
John Deere Forestry also introduced a new H414 harvesting head, which has been designed for the 1170E harvester. As far as size is concerned, the H414 harvesting head is between the H754 and the H480, and is suitable for any task from first thinning to final clearfelling.
The new four-roller H414 harvesting head has an excellent power/weight ratio. Service points of the harvesting appear to be accessible and are well protected.