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The modern forestry industry relies on a powerful blend of specialised machinery, skilled operators, and strategic investment in equipment. Among the most important machines in commercial timber harvesting is the feller buncher—the backbone of mechanised felling across the UK’s forestry, timber, and large-scale land management sectors.
A feller buncher combines high-strength cutting capability with advanced boom control, allowing operators to cut, hold, and bunch trees with maximum control and efficiency. In large plantations, steep terrain, and areas requiring rapid, safe removal of large timber, the feller buncher has become indispensable.
Yet these are not small or inexpensive machines. Even at the lowest end, used units may range from £25,000 to £120,000+, while new and high-spec tracked machines can exceed £400,000. This makes access to finance essential for forestry contractors, timber companies, and land management operations across the UK.
One company stands at the centre of forestry machinery funding in the UK: Gable Asset Finance. With unmatched sector knowledge, the largest range of forestry-specific finance solutions, and close partnerships with both manufacturers and contractors, Gable has become the finance partner of choice for both new and used feller bunchers—helping businesses grow, modernise, and expand capability.
While the UK does not operate at the global scale of North American harvesting, we have a highly specialised and increasingly mechanised forestry industry. Mechanised harvesting—especially in Scotland, Wales, and northern England—has seen significant investment as timber demand increases and supply chains modernise.
Buyers of feller bunchers in the UK typically include:
These buyers rely heavily on both new and used markets due to the wide variance in machine pricing and specification.
In the UK forestry sector, Tigercat is undoubtedly the dominant name in feller bunchers. Built in Canada for large-scale, difficult, and steep-terrain forestry, Tigercat machines excel in demanding UK environments—especially conifer plantations in Scotland and Wales.
Tigercat is known for world-class engineering, reliability, and outstanding service support networks. Their machines are built for power, longevity, and control—traits essential for UK contractors operating in challenging climates, variable soils, steep slopes, and tightly spaced plantation crops.
The Tigercat 718G is a compact, nimble, highly agile machine ideal for plantation thinning and selective felling operations. UK contractors value its:
This model is a favourite among thinning contractors and estates with intensively managed forests.
The 720G bridges the gap between light thinning and heavier final-felling applications. Its powerful cutting head and reinforced boom make it suitable for mixed workloads—common in British forestry where stands vary widely in age and density.
The 724G is one of the most versatile and widely used feller bunchers in the UK. Key advantages include:
It is a common fleet machine among the UK’s largest commercial forestry contractors.
The 726G represents the upper end of drive-to-tree feller buncher power. It is the preferred machine for:
This machine is less common due to its size and cost, but remains the choice for UK operations requiring maximum output and durability.
While Tigercat dominates, several other manufacturers play important roles in the British market:
Komatsu is a respected global brand with strong UK presence in forestry machinery. The standout model in the feller buncher segment is:
A high-production tracked feller buncher known for:
It is considered one of the most capable tracked feller bunchers available in the UK.
John Deere’s global dominance in harvesters and forwarders extends into feller bunchers. Models like the 1510G occasionally appear in the UK, along with imported units used for specialist production felling tasks.
Caterpillar machines—especially tracked forestry carriers—are present in the UK felling market. Although less common today, Cat machines still appear in both estate work and contractor fleets.
Highly capable and popular in North America, TimberPro units such as the TB630D are increasingly being imported into Europe, often appearing at auctions or used equipment dealers.
Because new feller bunchers are high-value machines, used equipment plays a major role in the UK forestry sector. Many contractors choose used machines as their main investment route, especially when expanding fleets or entering mechanised harvesting.
Used feller bunchers often provide exceptional value, and Gable Asset Finance is the leading specialist in funding both standard and complex used assets—even from:
Traditional lenders typically avoid these transactions due to risk or valuation challenges. Gable, with deep forestry sector expertise, can:
This enables contractors to secure high-quality used equipment at a fraction of new cost—without large upfront payments.
The most popular method for acquiring both new and used feller bunchers. HP spreads the cost over 1–7 years, ending with full ownership. Ideal for contractors planning long-term use.
A flexible, unsecured solution often used for:
A powerful cash-flow tool. Contractors can raise capital from equipment already in the fleet. Gable frequently refinances:
This released capital can fund expansions, repairs, or deposits on new machines.
Low deposits, tax advantages, and flexible end-of-term options make leasing an attractive choice for many forestry contractors.
Provides maximum flexibility and minimal risk. Contractors use the machine but do not own it, with predictable monthly costs and maintenance support available.
A Scottish thinning contractor needed a compact feller buncher capable of working between dense rows. Gable financed a used 718G from a private seller in Sweden, including shipping and VAT handling.
A major woodland owner required two tracked feller bunchers for final felling operations. Gable structured a Hire Purchase agreement with seasonal payments aligned to timber sales cycles.
A UK land development contractor clearing 200+ acres annually needed a versatile, high-capacity machine. Gable provided a Finance Lease to minimise initial capital outlay.
When a specialist vegetation contractor secured a major rail clearance contract, they required a machine with powerful cutting capability. Gable funded a 2017 John Deere 1270G sourced from France.
A biomass harvesting contractor refinanced two existing bunchers and a forwarder, releasing £150,000 in capital. This funded a used Tigercat 720G with a low-hour head.
A large estate added a tracked feller buncher to support long-term spruce and larch harvesting. Gable structured a 5-year HP agreement with a minimal deposit.
For rapid clearance of a large commercial build site, the developer used a short-term contract hire machine arranged by Gable to reduce long-term risk.
A support contractor secured a TimberPro TB630D from France through a Finance Lease. Gable handled all cross-border finance paperwork and inspection arrangements.
A new forestry contractor purchased a used OBMTEC PRO 270XL for £24,063, financed through HP. This low-cost entry helped launch the business without heavy initial investment.
A long-established company upgraded its fleet, acquiring a John Deere 859M and a Tigercat 720G. Gable financed both machines under one consolidated agreement with staggered payment profiles.
Gable Asset Finance offers the most complete range of forestry machinery finance solutions in the UK. Their industry experience, technical understanding of machinery, and personal underwriting style allow them to fund machines that traditional lenders decline.
From thinning contractors to major timber operators, and from estate managers to site-clearance firms, Gable remains the leading specialist for feller buncher finance—enabling UK forestry companies to modernise, scale, and operate at maximum efficiency.