A significant number of German farmers also possess forested land. Fautz Landmaschinen provides a solution that enables the utilisation of a single tractor for both agricultural activities and forestry operations.
Fautz Forstsystem from Fautz Landmaschinen
Forestry in Germany differs significantly from that in the United Kingdom.
In Germany, 48% of the total forestry area, encompassing 11.54 million hectares (equivalent to 32% of the nation’s landmass), is privately owned. Additionally, 29% of the forestry area is owned by state entities, while 20% comprises communal forests managed by municipalities, public law bodies, and communal associations.
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That’s a remarkable amount of work hours for a single machine, the Norcar 600 owned by Erkki Rinne is taken well care of, it even has the original Diesel engine.
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Kieran Anders is a forestry contractor working in the lake district. His work involves hand cutting and extracting timber using a skidder and tractor-trailer forwarder.
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It is not possible to eliminate chain shot, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
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Arwel takes great pride in the fact that the mill has no waste whatsoever, “the peelings are used for children’s playgrounds, gardens and for farm animals in barns in the winter and the sawdust has multiple uses in gardens and farms as well.
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Timber hauliers need to encourage young blood in, and also look after the hauliers we have, we need make the sector a safe and positive place to work.
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Germany is home to approximately 2 million private forest owners, many of whom own forests measuring less than 20 hectares. It is estimated that nearly 450,000 of these properties are classified as forst-wald (forests with farms).
Many farmers enjoy managing both their forests and agricultural operations. However, given that forestry activities account for only a small portion of their overall workload, acquiring specialised timber-harvesting equipment is financially impractical; therefore, affordable alternatives must be found.
Fautz Landmaschinen is a distinguished family-owned enterprise, established in 1867, that specialises in the production and distribution of agricultural and forestry machinery. The company has consistently addressed industry challenges, leveraging its extensive experience and expertise since its inception.
In 1972, the company became an official John Deere dealer, specialising in the sale, service, and modification of John Deere tractors. In 2000, Klaus Fautz assumed leadership of the company from his father, thereby establishing it as a fifth-generation family business. Klaus’s three sons have been actively involved in the company from a young age; two of them pursued degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, which now equip them to develop sophisticated solutions entirely in-house.
Fautz Landmaschinen specialises in providing solutions tailored for private forest owners and operations that integrate mixed farming and forestry. This sector requires machines that are flexible, reversible, and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. The fundamental principles guiding their approach are as follows: all forestry components must be fully removable; modifications to the cab and safety structures must be avoided; axle loads and overall weight must consistently comply with legal standards; the tractor must maintain full road approval; and any alterations must be fully reversible.
One of their key innovations is the patent-protected Fautz Forstsystem quick-change system, a highly efficient mechanism that allows forestry components—such as cranes, winches, and other accessories—to be attached or detached within minutes. This system is designed to maintain type approval and the integrity of the cab structure, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with safety standards.
In addition, they have introduced a start-stop electronic control system that significantly enhances operational versatility. This system allows users to remotely control key functions, including engine start/stop, Power Take-Off (PTO) engagement, and precise RPM adjustments, directly from the winch’s radio remote. This capability is especially advantageous in steep and rugged terrain, where quick adjustments can improve both safety and efficiency during operation.
Moreover, the company has engineered a unique rotating seat plate mounted between the cab floor and the original seat, allowing installation without drilling or structural modifications. This innovative design not only preserves the vehicle’s original integrity but also offers exceptional ergonomics for operators engaged in rear-facing forestry work, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue. The rotating feature enables full reversibility, accommodating a wide range of work scenarios.
Their reversible driving system stands out as another compact and effective solution favoured by both forest owners and municipal operators. This system enables seamless transition between forward and reverse driving without requiring any modifications to the cab, ensuring ease of use and broad adaptability for different forestry tasks.
Markus H., a dedicated farmer and private forest owner, expresses his profound satisfaction with the innovative Fautz setup. “The quick-change system and start-stop control have entirely revolutionised our operations in the forest,” he explains enthusiastically. “The efficiency with which we can switch between agricultural and forestry tasks is astounding. Being able to start the engine and adjust the PTO and RPM directly from the winch remote
not only enhances our productivity but also significantly increases safety while we work.”
He further emphasises, “The reversible driving system from Fautz is the most practical rear-facing configuration I’ve ever encountered. It exemplifies thoughtful engineering and has truly made my daily tasks easier.”
Farmers aren’t the only ones who value this quick-change system; Thomas B., an experienced forestry contractor, shared his insights on its advantages. “The installation of the system requires no modifications to the tractor’s cab, allowing for seamless integration and removal at any time without difficulty. The design focuses on ergonomics, ensuring operators can work comfortably during long hours. Moreover, the system keeps the tractor compliant with road safety regulations, allowing it to remain fully road-legal—even when fitted with the changeover features. This blend of convenience, comfort, and legality makes it an appealing choice for forestry professionals.”
One of the aspects I truly appreciate about the forestry industry is the unwavering can-do attitude of its professionals. It’s inspiring to meet individuals who tackle challenges with creativity and innovation, constantly thinking outside the box to deliver exceptional solutions for their clients. Whether it’s developing sustainable harvesting methods, implementing advanced technologies to monitor forest health, or finding new ways to enhance wood product durability, the collaborative spirit and problem-solving mindset prevalent in this field truly stand out.
If you ever find yourself in Biberach, Baden, nestled in the scenic Black Forest, be sure to stop by and experience firsthand the remarkable innovations Fautz Landmaschinen offers.
Fautz Forstsysteme | ein Unternehmen der Klaus Fautz Landmaschinen
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Written by loggers for loggers and dedicated solely to the equipment used in forestry operations.