1. Overview

A forestry crane truck is a specialized vehicle combining a heavy-duty truck chassis with a hydraulic knuckle boom crane and a timber trailer or logging body. Designed for the demanding conditions of forest operations, these machines handle the entire timber cycle—from loading logs at the stump to transporting them to roadside landings or directly to the mill .

Forestry crane trucks offer greater flexibility and road mobility compared to dedicated forwarders, making them ideal for contractors who need to operate both on rough terrain and public highways. Modern units feature advanced control systems, high lifting capacities, and increasingly, electric powertrains for sustainable operations .

2. Key Features

• Articulated knuckle boom crane – Folding arm design for compact transport and flexible loading in tight forest stands

• High lifting capacity – Crane lifting torques from 25 kNm up to 205 kNm, handling logs up to 20+ tonnes

• Timber trailer or integrated body – Available as tractor-trailer combinations or rigid trucks with crane and log bunk

• All-wheel drive options – 4WD, 6WD, or 8WD for superior traction on rough, steep terrain

• Remote control operation – Radio remote allows operator to stand at safe distance during loading

• Durable construction – Reinforced booms, protective grilles, and robust hydraulics for harsh forest environments

• Load-sensing hydraulics – Efficient power delivery, smooth crane movements, and reduced fuel consumption

• Grapple and rotator – Specialized timber grapples for secure log handling; rotator allows 360° positioning

• Emission-compliant engines – Stage V / Tier 4F engines available; first all-electric models now entering service

3. Specifications (Representative Models)

Small / Light Duty – FTG FB15D Trailer + FB40L Crane

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Medium Duty – Vimek 610.4 Forwarder (Integrated Crane + Loader)

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Heavy Duty – Komatsu 895 Forwarder (Integrated)

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Trailer-Based System – FaoFar + Cranab

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4. Key Technologies & Control Systems

5. Applications

6. Configuration Comparison

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7. Leading Brands

8. Buying Guide

8.1 Key Selection Factors

8.2 Electric & Sustainable Options

The forestry industry is rapidly electrifying. In 2024, the world's first fully electric timber truck with crane entered service in Sweden, developed by Scania and SCA . Key facts:

• 80-tonne vehicle with crane and tandem drive

• Reduces CO2 emissions by ~170 tons per year per truck

• 30 km round trip between forest terminal and paper mill

• Target: 50% of new forestry trucks to be electric by 2030 (Swedish TREE project)

8.3 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist (Used Equipment)

• Crane boom: Check for cracks, corrosion, or weld failures

• Hydraulic system: Inspect for leaks, hose condition, cylinder seals

• Grapple and rotator: Verify smooth operation and grip strength

• Chassis and frame: Look for damage, cracks, or excessive rust

• Engine and transmission: Check service history, operating hours, emissions compliance

• Tires / tracks: Assess wear and remaining life

• Control system: Test all functions, including remote control

• Brakes and lights: Verify road legality

• Service records: Request complete maintenance history

General heavy equipment considerations adapted from

9. Delivery & Service