Why are forest machines so expensive?

A recurring inquiry within the industry pertains to the high costs associated with forest machines, equipment, and spare parts. What accounts for the premium pricing of these essential assets in the forest management sector?

Forest machines, including harvesters, forwarders, skidders, and feller-bunchers, is characterised by high costs due to a confluence of factors related to their design, production, and operational requirements. The following outlines the primary reasons for their expense

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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Specialised Engineering

Forestry machines are intricately designed to function in demanding environments, including uneven terrains, mud, snow, steep slopes, and dense forests. To perform essential operations such as cutting, delimbing, and transporting timber efficiently, these machines necessitate robust frames, advanced hydraulic systems, and high-power engines capable of managing substantial loads.

Durability and Reliability

Such equipment is engineered to endure prolonged exposure to dirt, moisture, mechanical stress, and intense operational demands. Manufacturers utilise high-grade materials and components, including reinforced steel, heavy-duty tracks, and robust hydraulic systems, to ensure a prolonged lifespan, thus contributing to elevated production costs.

Low Production Volume

Forestry machines are produced in relatively small quantities, distinguishing them from automobiles and general construction equipment. This niche market results in lower volume manufacturing, which reduces economies of scale and consequently increases the per-unit cost.

Advanced Technology

Contemporary forestry machines incorporate advanced technology, including GPS tracking, computerised harvesting heads, automated cutting systems, telematics, and real-time productivity monitoring. While these technologies enhance operational efficiency, they substantially elevate the base price of the machines.

Operator Comfort and Safety

The cabins of forestry machines are meticulously designed to ensure high levels of comfort, visibility, and safety, given that operators frequently work long hours in hazardous environments. Features such as climate control, vibration reduction, reinforced cabins, and ergonomic controls contribute to the overall cost.

Customisation

Due to the diverse nature of forestry operations—varying by tree species, terrain, and climate—many machines are custom-built or extensively modified to meet specific tasks or regional requirements, thereby increasing their cost.

High Research and Development Costs

Ongoing innovation is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and complying with stringent environmental regulations. The costs associated with research and development are substantial, and these expenses are reflected in the pricing of the machines.

Expensive Maintenance and Parts

Maintenance and spare parts for forestry machines tend to be costly and often necessitate specialised technicians as well as hard-to-source components.

In Conclusion

Forestry machines incur high costs due to their complexity, durability, and specialisation, compounded by low production volumes and intensive technological requirements. These machines are purposefully engineered to perform in extreme conditions, necessitating the use of superior materials and advanced engineering practices.