John Deere's innovative E-Series includes a bold new spin on forwarders. 

John Deere introduced the first of its new E-Series wheeled harvesters and forwarders at a spectacular launch in Lahti, Finland last May. The dramatic multi-media event, with some 600 guests from all over the world, rivaled a Hollywood premiere, and it was no question that the machines, billed as “rEvolutionary”, were the star attractions. 

Arne Bergmann, director, sales & marketing, Europe & Russia, of John Deere Worldwide Construction & Forestry, said that one of the most revolutionary aspects of the new machines is the forwarder’s rotating, levelling cab, which raises the work environment of the forwarder operator to a whole new plateau of comfort and efficiency. “The true revolution is the feel of operating these machines. It’s so smooth, so accurate.”

About the development process of the E-Series, he added, “We have never made as many prototypes, never done as much testing, before beginning production.” 

The forwarder’s rotating cab offers a full 360 degrees of visibility and adds automatic air-conditioning, top-quality upholstery, low noise and vibration levels and a wide range of additional accessories — all the features that “will help retain operators,” commented David Harvey, an equipment dealer from Australia. “Our customers have difficulty keeping good operators and this cab will make a difference. The rotating feature can also help reduce neck and back injuries and cut down on operator sick days.” Eric Payot, a logging operation manager from France, agreed that the cab was an attractive feature for operators. His company operates all John Deere equipment and, he said, will consider purchasing one or more of the new machines a year or so down the road. 

At the working demo in the woods near Lahti the next day, it was clear there was a nimble new breed of Deere in the forest. The streamlined rounded design, floating “bubble” cab, smooth moves and low noise level made these agile machines – a 1510E forwarder and 1270E harvester – seem to float through their tasks. 

Of course, looks aren’t everything, and the E-Series also has the inside track on productivity. 

Starting with its new TimberMatic H-09 measuring and control system for fully integrated machine diagnostics and bucking instructions, and extending to its new CH7 parallel boom with higher lifting torque and improved durability, the highly maneuverable 1270E is productivity personified. Its 9.0 liter John Deere PowerTech Plus™ engine provides fuel efficiency plus power for processing big trees. A new stronger frame surpasses that of the D-series.