Komatsu Forest – forestry machines with Swedish roots
Photo: Antti Leppänen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Komatsu Forest is the part of the Komatsu group that manufactures forestry machines – harvesters and forwarders for professional forestry. What makes the brand particularly interesting is that the operation is largely rooted in Sweden, not Japan.
In this part of our series on machine manufacturers, we take a closer look at Komatsu Forest, the background of the brand, and how it connects to the Swedish forestry machine industry.
- Full name: Komatsu Forest AB
- Headquarters: Umeå, Sweden
- Owned by: Komatsu Ltd., Japan
- Origin: Founded from the Swedish forestry machine manufacturer Valmet / Partek Forest
- Machine types: Harvesters and forwarders for professional forestry
- Markets: Nordics, Europe, North America, Australia and other export markets
Source: Komatsu Forest official company information (komatsuforest.com).
The history behind Komatsu Forest
To understand Komatsu Forest, you need to go back to the history of the Swedish and Finnish forestry machine industry. During the 1970s and 80s, demand for efficient, fully mechanised harvesters and forwarders grew rapidly across the Nordic countries – and several manufacturers competed for the market.
Valmet, the Finnish industrial conglomerate, was one of the early players in forestry machines and built up a product range that became well known across the Nordics. The operation later passed to Partek Forest, which in turn was acquired by Komatsu in 2001. This gave Komatsu access to an established product range, a well-functioning factory in Umeå, and deep expertise in Nordic forestry.
The result is a brand that carries a Japanese parent company's name, but whose roots, engineering, and manufacturing are genuinely Swedish and Nordic.
Products and models
Harvesters – 900 series
Models such as the 931 and 951 are designed for thinning and final felling. The machine fells, delimbs and bucks trees in a single operation.
Harvesters – 800 series
Smaller harvesters like the 841 and 855 are suited for thinning and work in denser stands. Compact and agile construction for difficult terrain and softer ground.
Forwarders – 800 series
Forwarders such as the 835 and 855 transport timber from the felling site to the roadside. Designed for load capacity, ground pressure and terrain performance.
Forwarders – 900 series
Heavier forwarders like the 895 and 905 for final felling with high volumes. Large load bays and powerful drivetrain for long hauls in varied terrain.
Timeline – the road to Komatsu Forest
1970s–80s
Valmet builds up a forestry machine programme in Finland and Sweden. Nordic mechanisation of forestry drives strong demand for harvesters and forwarders.
1990s
The forestry machine operation passes to Partek Forest. Manufacturing and product development are relocated to Umeå, Sweden.
2001
Komatsu Ltd. acquires Partek Forest and forms Komatsu Forest. The Umeå factory continues as the centre for manufacturing and product development.
2000s–2010s
The model range expands and is exported to North America, Europe and Australia. The MaxiXT system for crane tip control and precision bucking is introduced and developed.
Today
Komatsu Forest still manufactures in Umeå and is one of the leading players in fully mechanised Nordic forestry.
Sources: Komatsu Forest official history (komatsuforest.com); open industry publications.
Komatsu Forest at Agrocon
We currently have no Komatsu Forest machines in stock. Do you have a machine to sell – one that is being phased out or is no longer cost-effective to run? We buy machines in any condition, regardless of make, model or hours, and provide a free valuation.
Spare parts for Komatsu Forest
Search our stock directly to see which parts are available right now. Need help finding the right part – get in touch and we will look for you.
Or call us at +46 33 400 59 00.
Photo: Antti Leppänen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Komatsu Forest is the part of the Komatsu group that manufactures forestry machines – harvesters and forwarders for professional forestry. What makes the brand particularly interesting is that the operation is largely rooted in Sweden, not Japan.
In this part of our series on machine manufacturers, we take a closer look at Komatsu Forest, the background of the brand, and how it connects to the Swedish forestry machine industry.
- Full name: Komatsu Forest AB
- Headquarters: Umeå, Sweden
- Owned by: Komatsu Ltd., Japan
- Origin: Founded from the Swedish forestry machine manufacturer Valmet / Partek Forest
- Machine types: Harvesters and forwarders for professional forestry
- Markets: Nordics, Europe, North America, Australia and other export markets
Source: Komatsu Forest official company information (komatsuforest.com).
The history behind Komatsu Forest
To understand Komatsu Forest, you need to go back to the history of the Swedish and Finnish forestry machine industry. During the 1970s and 80s, demand for efficient, fully mechanised harvesters and forwarders grew rapidly across the Nordic countries – and several manufacturers competed for the market.
Valmet, the Finnish industrial conglomerate, was one of the early players in forestry machines and built up a product range that became well known across the Nordics. The operation later passed to Partek Forest, which in turn was acquired by Komatsu in 2001. This gave Komatsu access to an established product range, a well-functioning factory in Umeå, and deep expertise in Nordic forestry.
The result is a brand that carries a Japanese parent company's name, but whose roots, engineering, and manufacturing are genuinely Swedish and Nordic.
Products and models
Harvesters – 900 series
Models such as the 931 and 951 are designed for thinning and final felling. The machine fells, delimbs and bucks trees in a single operation.
Harvesters – 800 series
Smaller harvesters like the 841 and 855 are suited for thinning and work in denser stands. Compact and agile construction for difficult terrain and softer ground.
Forwarders – 800 series
Forwarders such as the 835 and 855 transport timber from the felling site to the roadside. Designed for load capacity, ground pressure and terrain performance.
Forwarders – 900 series
Heavier forwarders like the 895 and 905 for final felling with high volumes. Large load bays and powerful drivetrain for long hauls in varied terrain.
Timeline – the road to Komatsu Forest
1970s–80s
Valmet builds up a forestry machine programme in Finland and Sweden. Nordic mechanisation of forestry drives strong demand for harvesters and forwarders.
1990s
The forestry machine operation passes to Partek Forest. Manufacturing and product development are relocated to Umeå, Sweden.
2001
Komatsu Ltd. acquires Partek Forest and forms Komatsu Forest. The Umeå factory continues as the centre for manufacturing and product development.
2000s–2010s
The model range expands and is exported to North America, Europe and Australia. The MaxiXT system for crane tip control and precision bucking is introduced and developed.
Today
Komatsu Forest still manufactures in Umeå and is one of the leading players in fully mechanised Nordic forestry.
Sources: Komatsu Forest official history (komatsuforest.com); open industry publications.
Komatsu Forest at Agrocon
We currently have no Komatsu Forest machines in stock. Do you have a machine to sell – one that is being phased out or is no longer cost-effective to run? We buy machines in any condition, regardless of make, model or hours, and provide a free valuation.
Spare parts for Komatsu Forest
Search our stock directly to see which parts are available right now. Need help finding the right part – get in touch and we will look for you.
Or call us at +46 33 400 59 00.