Tilhill Harvesting Expands UK’s Most Advanced Fleet with Strategic Investment and Specialist Acquisition

Tilhill Harvesting, part of Tilhill Forestry and member of BSW Group, has completed a multi-million-pound investment to expand and modernise its harvesting operations, now operating the largest and most advanced harvesting fleet in the UK, alongside enhanced steep-ground expertise following the acquisition of Duffy Skylining Ltd.

80,000 Hours

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.
Kieran Anders Forestry

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.
Promoting safety in the workplace

It is not possible to eliminate chain shot, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
Glasfryn Fencing and Sawmill

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.
Keeping Timber Hauliers Safe

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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The business now runs 35 harvesters and 33 forwarders, including the latest John Deere 1270G and H models, a wide range of Tigercat tracked harvesters, and forwarders from Ponsse, Komatsu, and John Deere. Machines are selected to suit terrain and timber type, with most units tracked for rugged, rougher sites.

As part of Tilhill’s commitment to performance, reliability and sustainability, all machines operate on a rolling five-year renewal programme, ensuring the fleet remains up to date with the latest technology, lowest emissions, and best-in-class operator comfort and safety.

“We’ve built a fleet capable of delivering safely and efficiently across any terrain – from exposed Highland slopes to productive lowland clearfells,” said Graeme Kemp, Harvesting Director. “We match equipment to site, so we can scale output without compromising on safety or sustainability.”

The latest John Deere 1270H harvesters show signs of improved productivity in the field, with better operator ergonomics, enhanced oil flow, and extended 1,000-hour service intervals. Meanwhile, the Ponsse Scorpion Giant can deliver up to 400m³ per day in mature stands, and Tigercat 855C units are deployed on steep ground, capable of handling exceptionally large trees over one metre in diameter.

Tilhill has also bolstered its steep ground capacity through the acquisition of Duffy Skylining Ltd, a specialist business based in Inverness. The move adds four skyline systems, 12 machines, and a skilled team led by Calum Duffy, now heading up Tilhill Steep Ground.

“This isn’t just about equipment,” said Kemp. “Calum and his team bring specialist expertise in skylining, chainsaw felling and steep-ground safety. There are very few operators in the UK who can do what they do. Their knowledge not only brings a rare level of capability to our team but also opens harvesting opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.”

As part of Tilhill Forestry’s fully integrated service, the company is expanding its innovation pipeline by trialling mechanised tree planting systems – combining nursery, forest management, and harvesting expertise to improve planting consistency, speed, and workforce sustainability.

With these investments, Tilhill Forestry reinforces its role as a full-service forestry provider and a major player in securing timber supply for the UK’s low-carbon economy.