A Closer Look At The John Deere 2956G Track Log Loader

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Deere says the 2956G log loader’s light weight and friendly shipping width both simplifies travel and reduces transportation costs. (Photo courtesy of Deere & Company.)

Early this year, John Deere added the 2956G log loader to its lineup of forestry swing machines. A good fit for logging contractor businesses of all sizes, the new midsize crawler machine provides up to 15% greater engine horsepower and 5% more hydraulic flow than Deere’s 2656G. Without its Waratah 624 head, the 2956G weighs less than 90,000 pounds (40,823 kilograms). Its light weight and a shipping width of less than 11.6 feet (3.5 meters) results in less restrictive permit requirements and transportation costs and easier machine movement between wood lots, Deere says.

"We are always listening to customer feedback to bring ideal solutions and technologies to the forestry industry," says Jarvis de Groot, John Deere global product marketing manager of forestry swing machines. "The new 2956G crawler log loader machine not only provides optimal power and hydraulic capabilities but is still easy to transport due to its excellent width and weight combination."

Talking Specs

The 2956G is powered by a 6.8-liter Deere PowerTech PVS engine rated for 223 net horsepower (166 kilowatts) at 1,900 rpm. Maximum hydraulic flow is 65.5 gallons (248 liters) per minute. Drawbar pull capacity is 66,910 pounds-force (30,350 kilograms-force), lift capacity is 12,290 lbs (5,860 kg) at the maximum reach of 28.8 ft (8.74 m) horizontally, and maximum dump height is 23.10 ft (7 m).

Deere says when combined, the engine power and hydraulic flow significantly boost the Waratah head’s loading capability, speed, and capacity. Customers can also expect enhanced roadside processing efficiency and productivity over the 2654G model when operating the head, the manufacturer says.

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Among the visibility-enhancing design touches Deere incorporated into the 2956G was moving the right-hand front corner log deflector to the back of the machine, which will help operators avoid impacts with obstacles. (Photo courtesy of Deere & Company.)

Improved Visibility

Visibility enhancements Deere incorporated in the 2956G’s design included moving the right front corner log deflector to the machine’s back, which enhances sightlines to the right track and reduces the risk of damage to the machine. The sloped hood’s new design also enhances visibility and, when combined with the counterweight, improves debris shedding, Deere says. Operator visibility also gets a boost from a rearview camera, which Deere builds into the counterweight along with lighting and JDLink antennas for greater protection. The rear-entry cab area, meanwhile, has floor and polycarbonate windows and, like the side-entry cab, features isolation mounting to reduce noise and vibration for greater operator comfort and less fatigue. Owners will also find easy access to filters, maintenance points, and the cooling package, simplifying daily inspections and routine maintenance.

Timber Tech

The 2956G includes JDLink connectivity, John Deere Connected Support, Remote Diagnostics and Programming Capability, and Machine Health technology implementations. Also included is TimberMatic Maps, providing real-time production views, optimized routes, and wireless connection sharing between machines. TimberManager gives managers visibility of the entire operation from mobile devices and computers to streamline communication, analyze tasks, and enhance productivity.

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Source: Deere & Company