In the rough and ready world of construction and forestry equipment, the idea of creating products with more power and a smaller environmental footprint used to be something of a fantasy — but not anymore. We live in a world where these two goals are coming together like never before, and John Deere is leading the way.

Whether you’re in the market for an articulated dump truck, skid steer, or excavator, buying used is a smart investment. In fact, the popularity of buying pre-owned has soared as business owners and worksite managers have realized they can get excellent equipment at significant savings, all while avoiding the nearly 40 percent depreciation in value that new equipment has in its first year of ownership. This is a huge advantage for the bottom line, and is especially beneficial when a business is just starting out and needs to build its fleet.

Excavators have been the machine of choice in the construction, mining, and forestry industries for decades, and their popularity has only increased over the past ten years as manufacturers have made significant improvements in power, abilities, and comfort. Purchasing an excavator in Portland, whether new or used, is an exciting prospect, but there are several things to consider before you buy. Read on for some helpful guidelines when choosing your new workhorse.

Site preparation is always the first phase of any major construction or forestry project. This process involves clearing the land of trees and debris, leveling the ground for building, and moving materials to and from the site. The process of site preparation is unique to each project, and as such, the necessary steps and equipment will vary. However, most of these projects make use of a few key pieces of equipment common to the worksite; read on for more details about these important workhorses, including excavators and skid steers.

Dump trucks may not be the most exciting members of the fleet, and they certainly don’t get as much attention as excavators and skid steers, but they are highly important and form the backbone of construction and forestry projects. In fact, since their invention 100 years ago, dump trucks have advanced greatly and new types have been brought to market. Read on for helpful information about the various categories available and their best applications.

Excavators have long been worksite staples in the construction, mining, and forestry industries, and for good reasons. These machines are popular choices due to their power, maneuverability, and versatility. Whether you’re looking to add one new John Deere excavator to your ensemble, or to upgrade your entire fleet for enhanced performance, we have some helpful guidelines for choosing the excavator that will best fit your needs for years to come.

The Data Revolution has expanded its reach, this time making its way to construction and forestry equipment through the use of fleet tracking and management. This new brand of technology is a good thing for fleet owners and operators, as it allows both camps to monitor equipment and track important details that impact productivity, efficiency, cost, and maintenance.

Properly winterizing your machine at the start of the season and perform routine upkeep, can prevent winter conditions from becoming bleak and frustrating for you and your crew. Winter upkeep focuses on keeping your workhorse healthy in fluctuating weather conditions,

John Deere skid loaders (or skid-steer loaders) are some of the best in the business, and for good reason. These mainstays of the construction field offer incredible power in a small body, which in turn allows for greater maneuverability in tight spaces. The small size of the vehicle itself means smaller trucks and trailers are necessary for transport (reduced fuel and operating costs!) and a lower overall cost of the skid steer at time of purchase and during maintenance than larger front loaders.

Bigger isn’t better especially when it comes to choosing the right construction equipment. Compact construction machinery is gaining popularity in the logging, forestry, and construction industries, and for good reason. These powerful machines can perform the same tasks as their larger cousins but are more nimble, easier to maneuver on the job, and provide a lower cost of ownership over the life of the equipment. Here are some tips for deciding whether mini excavators and the like are the right tools for you:

Oregon is known for its rich history in forestry. Portland earned the nickname “Stumptown” in the mid-19th century due to abundant logging. In fact, Oregon’s vast forests – nearly 50 percent of the state – have greatly contributed to the popularity and productivity of the forestry and logging industries.