Bites from the Blog: John Deere and Stihl chainsaws

Founder Mark Curtis thanked John Deere, Komatsu, Ponsse and Oakleaf Forestry for being the first companies to donate prizes to be won by Blog members (and others would be very welcome to contribute).

In January, it was Komatsu in the spotlight, offering up merchandise including a softshell jacket, forwarder model, harvester model and gift pack with t-shirt, water bottle, hat and keyring.

Alfie Williams (Image: Bites)

To be in with a chance of winning, all members were asked to do was post pictures of Komatsu machines, from the youngest to the oldest (including the Valmet brand) at work.

Hundreds of members eagerly supplied pics in hopes of winning a prize, producing a wealth of red harvesters and forwarders through the decades. The winners were announced as Forestry Journal was going to press, but there are plenty more competitions to come.

Meanwhile, chat on the Blog threw up a few interesting questions this month.

One posed: “What’s everyone’s thoughts on the long bogies as fitted to some John Deere forwarders? Good and bad points?”

In the replies, they were declared “disastrous on steep ground”. A member clarified: “They take a long time coming over stumps on the way down the hill. The extra length lifts the bogie and throws the machine, so you have to use the crane to counteract much more than usual.”

Brandon Dubois (Image: Bites)

Asked if the longer tracks are also sore on the tyres, he said: “That depends on what tracks you use. They are fantastic on soft ground, got 7,000 hours on mine and tyres are good, doing mostly steep ground. Can reverse up to 33 degrees before the long bogie stands up.”

One forwarder operator said of the bogies: “Great on soft ground, but the bunk is unstable when travelling over windblow, because the long bogies are not balanced. It’s fine when it’s loaded, though. Just watch the bunk while reversing up empty. On tight ramps they will flip really quickly! In my opinion, John Deere needs stabiliser rams fitted on the centre joint to stop the bunk cowping.

“But I’d have long bogies over standard on a 1510. It’s just better all round.”

Graham Miller (Image: Bites)

Echoing that sentiment, one operator commented: “We have most 1510s on long bogies.

They’re better overall, but not so good for steep ground or in thinning. But will still do both with good drivers.” 

Another said: “If you’re on flat ground mostly, I’d say they are definitely worth it. Seem to make the bunk a lot more stable.”

And another: “I had long bogie on an 1110. Was very surprised how well it climbed, matched 1270G on steep but also floated really well on bogs. Would recommend!”

Greg Lothian (Image: Bites)

That’s just a small selection of the comments made, but there was more debate to be had elsewhere, including over the question of which chainsaw is better – Stihl’s MS 500i or MS 462?

A few responses:

“30 years felling hardwoods for pulp and firewood. Never had a saw as good as a 500i. Thought my 390 with short bar was good, but the 500i is leagues ahead. Heavy on fuel, but production per litre is great.”

“I’ve got both. Started with the 462 then added the 500i later. All depends on the tree size. I run a 20” bar on the 462 and a 25” on the 500. Both very good saws. The 500i is a beast, but nearly twice the price of the 462. Depends if you can justify the extra.”

Mark Beach (Image: Bites)

“462 all day long for me. It is a rare day that a 20-inch bar won’t comfortably cope with 99 per cent of stuff. And it’ll cope with a 25-inch bar if needed occasionally. Why spend all that extra when a cheaper, lighter saw will get the job done comfortably? I’ve no doubt it’s a screamer and I’ll admit I have been tempted. But it seems to me that the hype gets people digging deeper into their pockets than strictly necessary.”

“500 in hardwood. 462 in softwood.”

One member produced a very specific reason for opting for a 500i. He said: “I’ve just bought a 500i for the heated handle as it’s discontinued on the 462.”

A contributor responded: “What the hell do you want a heated handle for! The industry must be going soft!”

Wayne Richards (Image: Bites)

The first member replied: “If it helps stop white finger, I’m all for it. You ever had instantly warm hands cutting in the snow on a mountain? I do every day. It’s hella good.”

He received the response: “I don’t get cold hands, but I do have white finger. The pain is terrible, so you’re right there. But the industry is going soft with fancy saws and flash clothing!”

If you want to get in on debating fancy saws and machines and perhaps win some flash clothing, be sure to join the Forest Machine Operators Blog on Facebook.