John Deere Introduces New 768L-II Bogie Skidder For Tough Work In Even Tougher Conditions

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John Deere recently unveiled the new 768L-II Bogie Skidder, a 281-horsepower, six-wheel machine with heavy-duty bogie axles designed to handle tough terrain. (Photo courtesy of Deere & Company.)

Deere recently added the new 768L-II Bogie Skidder to its larger L-II Skidder range. It’s a 281-horsepower (210-kilowatt), six-wheel machine with heavy-duty bogie axles that are designed to stand up to especially challenging working conditions. With improved traction and floatation that helps to ease ground pressure, the 768L-II can handle larger loads even on wet terrain, which would be difficult, if not impossible, for a four-wheeled alternative. John Deere says this extends the harvesting window by “adding more working days to the calendar.”

More Productive By Design

The 768L-II also features a new arch design that enhances overall visibility along with a longer wheelbase and boom-arch envelope that increase boom and grapple reach and lift capacity. Plus, a tighter turning radius makes the new skidder more agile and maneuverable. These new features join existing ones that John Deere says are customer favorites, including electrical and hydraulic systems with component protection, a two-speed winch, and articulation steering sensors.

It also has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that offers the combined benefits of a hydrostatic drive and a direct-drive transmission. Deere says the CVT “provides more power to the ground by sensing the load,” resulting in increased torque and traction to help the machine “maintain the desired speed.”

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With improved traction and floatation, the 768L-II can even work on wet terrain that would prove difficult for a four-wheeled alternative. (Photo courtesy of Deere & Company.)

Cab Comfort & Controls

Along with the rest of the L-II range, the John Deere 768L-II Bogie Skidder has a spacious and comfortable cab with customizable, electrohydraulic controls in the armrest and a joystick for handling direction, ground speed, and steering as well as an HVAC system for operating in various climates and seasons.

Built Tough

“Profitability and productivity are critical in the woods, and as loggers take to new areas for jobs, they need dependable machines that are built with these niche applications in mind,” says Matthew Flood, product marketing manager for John Deere. “With our new 768L–II Bogie Skidder, we're delivering a purpose–built machine that navigates tough terrain, such as swamps or steep slopes. Providing distinct features, the John Deere bogie skidder helps loggers maximize their potential, regardless of the conditions.”

Source: Deere & Company