Reprinted from TPA magazine with permission from GLTPA. PRODUCT showcase Why Should I Consider a John Deere Forwarder? Customers have many choices when considering a new forwarder, and with so many different manufacturers, sizes, options and features available, finding the perfect machine to meet their application needs can be a daunting process. John Deere’s ESeries Forwarders offer a variety of features and options that make it easier for forestry professionals to find a machine that will meet their needs and make their operations more productive and profitable. John Deere first introduced the E-Series in 2009, adding productivity boosting innovations and enhancements ever since. John Deere understands operator comfort and safety are critical to Just three months ago, LaFleurs bought their Deere 1210E Forwarder with rotating maximum productivity, which is and leveling cab. They have already enjoyed the 8 wheel floatation, smooth ride, why the E-Series Forwarder cabs and the ability to always look at their work which makes loading crib trailers easier because of increased visibility. were designed to boost efficiency by creating an ideal working opening angle, getting in and out of a John Deere environment for the operator, even under challenging forwarder has never been easier. conditions. For Joe and David LaFleur of LaFleur Forest John Deere is the only manufacturer in North Products in Gladstone, Michigan, the decision to America that offers three options on forwarder cabs purchase a John Deere E-Series Forwarder was one that continue to set the standard for comfort and they could make with complete confidence. Having operator control today. Available options include a already owned a 1999 John Deere 1010B 6-Wheeled rotating option, a rotating and leveling option and the forwarder, they knew what John Deere machines were most recent addition, a fixed (standard) cabin option capable of based on the great success and uptime they for loggers who are satisfied with a traditional cab. experienced. The LaFleurs purchased a John Deere Whether they choose the revolutionary rotating and 1010E forwarder with a rotating cabin in 2011, citing leveling option or the lower price point fixed cab cab ergonomics as a key factor in their decision. “The option, operators will discover a host of fatigue-beating rotating cab was on the top of our list of reasons to buy enhancements on all E-Series Forwarders. Highlights an E-Series,” said Joe LaFleur. “Then it was fuel include comfortable, ergonomic armrests, ample economy, available financing options from John Deere, storage space, seats with upholstery made of highserviceability and of course, dealer support from quality materials to withstand wear and tear, an Nortrax to keep us up and running.” optional remote-control door lock with approach Customer Support lighting and an optional food heater/cooler. An Dealer support proved crucial to the LaFleurs when optional fully adjustable air-conditioned seat is also they experienced some air conditioning issues on their available for exceptional daylong comfort in the 1010E forwarder. John Deere and Nortrax went above climate-controlled cab. Finally, with its wide door- 32 GLTPA June 2014 and beyond to assist them. Through extensive testing, John Deere developed a solution to not only resolve the problem with the LaFleur’s machine, but also correct it on all machines in the field. Because of the support and dedication John Deere and Nortrax provided, when it came time to purchase a second forwarder, there was no question for the LaFleurs. In 2011 Joe and David LaFleur bought a John Deere 1010E Forwarder with rotating cab because of the great success and uptime they had with their 1999 John Deere 1010B 6 wheeler. It had over 21,000 hours on it at the time of trade in. Rotating and Leveling Cabin Joe and David LaFleur recently purchased a new John Deere 1210E Forwarder with a rotating and leveling cabin and are already impressed by the machine’s comfort and performance features. Both the rotating and rotating and leveling cab options on John Deere’s E-Series forwarders turn 290 degrees, providing a 360-degree view of the machine’s surroundings and boom movements for safe, efficient log loading. This gives the operator the best possible visibility 100 percent of the time. The rotating cab also gives superior vision to the tires and surrounding area close to the machine. The LaFleurs are also impressed by the 1210E’s innovative auto-leveling cabin that stays balanced and comfortable, no matter how steep or uneven the terrain. “The 1210E is so nice to operate,” said David LaFleur. “The power, load space and bigger boom are definitely a plus, and our ground speed is faster, yet more stable, than ever before. We’ve also found it’s easier to load our crib trailer because of the machine’s superior visibility to all surroundings.” Fixed Cabin Option For customers looking for a lower price point option, John Deere now offers a fixed cabin option. The new fixed cabin is a durable, cost-effective alternative to the rotating and rotating and leveling cabin options, yet still delivers unmatched comfort and visibility for a fixed or standard cabin equipped machine. The fixed cab’s large windows provide excellent visibility in all directions and to ground height. The enhanced design of the roof structure protects the work lights and prevents water from running from the roof to the windows for better visibility in inclement weather. Noise level and vibration are minimized for added comfort as the cabin rests on rubber mountings under each corner. Additionally, the machine control-system options offer the same choices operators have come to rely on from the E-Series machines. Operator Control No matter what cab style is chosen, E-Series Forwarders continue to set the standard for operator comfort and control, delivering maximum productivity with minimal effort. The mini-lever joysticks are conveniently located in the armrests, for intuitive, effortless fingertip control of all functions. Operators can easily adjust machine settings through the TimberMatic F-09 control system if equipped with the PC or HPC, and even control their own settings. To help manage all of these new machine enhancements and updates, the E-Series machines also offer JDLink™, a remote monitoring system that provides machine location, utilization and maintenance management tools through an easy-to-use web site. John Deere customers have access to realtime information about their machines whereabouts, production data and code alerts, which allows for optimum performance and compliance with preventative maintenance tasks. With the most comprehensive range of machines on the market, Nortrax, John Deere Construction and Forestry’s premier Equipment Dealer, has an option match for every application need. For more information on the E-Series Forwarders and other models, visit www.JohnDeere.com or contact your local Nortrax Dealer. No matter what model you choose, you can expect a comfortable work environment, easy maintenance, efficiency and many productive days of work. John Deere now offers a fixed cabin option – a durable, yet cost-effective alternative to the rotation cabin. June 2014 www.timberpa.com 33