John Deere 1470H 8W tested in extreme conditions in the Scottish Highlands

The John Deere 1470H 8W is a super machine for extreme conditions, says Scottish seasoned veteran

Scotland’s steep terrain and large trees test logging technologies and operators alike. Only fearless operators are willing to take on the most demanding sites, as Charles Paterson, a forest machine contractor for decades, knows.

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FIND US ON

From afar, the hills dotting the Scottish skyline look like sleeping giants. Among the clouds, fog and rain that are common in the landscape, the highest mountain in the British Isles, Scotland’s Ben Nevis (1,345 meters), also reaches for the sky.

“In the harsh conditions, hills and ocean meet rock. This is where I grew up and this is where my roots are. I wouldn’t move anywhere else. It’s great to live in a ruggedly beautiful environment,” says Scottish forest machine contractor Charles Patterson with a touch of emotion.

He’s been looking out over Scotland’s majestic landscape as an entrepreneur with CSP Forestry Limited for 45 years. Charles, if anyone, knows what it’s like to work on Scotland’s steep logging sites. He talks about his work in a measured and understated way, but that’s enough, because people listen to this seasoned veteran of the industry.

The most common tree species in Scotland is the large, thick-branched Sitka spruce. The combination of the size of the trees and the steep terrain are quite a challenge, as logging is expected to increase over the next decade. The panel, pulp, paper and sawmill industries need wood, and there’s also demand for energy wood.

Charles’s company has already made a deal for three John Deere 1270H harvesters; the machines will be in action this summer. For particularly demanding slope work, an even more robust solution is being sought, Charles and his operators have been testing the H Series 1470H 8W harvester, which is designed for extreme conditions.
“1470H is a true super machine for extreme conditions”
CHARLES PATERSON
– forest machine contractor –

“Freedom, beauty, and technical functionality”

BILLY KEMP from Scotland has been with CPS Forestry Limited since 1996. At the time of the interview, Billy was logging in Deeside; he said that the working environment couldn’t be better.

Billy rates the ergonomics of the John Deere 1470H harvester’s cabin a 10 out of 10.

“In my experience so far, the 1470H revolutionizes the working environment with both its efficiency and stability. The harvester is incredibly stable and superb in climbing. The machine is perfect for the way we work,” he sums up.

Billy specifically mentions the excellent visibility from the cabin. From above, you can see the progress of the job site as well as the majestic landscape. At the controls of the John Deere harvester, the operator can feel like a king.

“I feel freedom, I see beauty, and I can trust the technology to work.”

“This is the kind of work where you have to be comfortable on your own – you can’t depend on your phone or Snapchat. It’s also the kind of work where maintenance and support services have to be accessible promptly. With John Deere, the collaboration flows smoothly. If problems arise, help is quickly at hand. I don’t know of any other company that has anywhere near this level of service.”

John Deere