Building on the proven L-II platform, the next-generation L-III Series delivers enhanced comfort, improved control, and greater durability — while introducing the new 848L-III and 948L-III grapple skidders to the region.
John Deere has introduced the L-III Series Skidders to the African market, marking the next generation of its skidder lineup and replacing the previous L-II Series.
Built on the strong foundation of the L-II platform, the L-III Series introduces targeted updates focused on operator comfort, machine control, durability, and uptime.
The range is further expanded with the addition of two larger grapple skidders now available in Africa — the 848L-III and 948L-III — giving contractors new high-capacity options for demanding forestry operations.
Developed using direct feedback from loggers worldwide, the transition focuses on what matters most on the jobsite: greater comfort, improved control, consistent performance, and the ability to move more wood per shift.
Built Around the Operator
Long operating hours demand a machine that supports operator focus and reduces fatigue. Compared to the L-II Series, the L-III lineup introduces meaningful cab and comfort enhancements:
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- A newly designed ergonomic seat with improved cushioning comes standard, with an optional heated and ventilated leather seat featuring 7-way adjustment available for extended shifts.
- Operators can select from three operating positions — forward-facing, rear-facing, and a new right-side door-facing orientation — improving visibility, manoeuvrability, and ease of ingress and egress.
- A redesigned cab delivers reduced noise levels, improved ergonomics, and enhanced visibility, supported by upgraded LED lighting packages for low-light or night operations.
These improvements help operators remain comfortable and productive throughout long shifts, supporting more consistent output across the workday.
Improved Visibility and Control
The L-III generation introduces enhancements that improve operator awareness and jobsite precision:
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- A premium blade-view camera and secondary touchscreen display provide clearer visual feedback when positioning the grapple or blade, particularly in tight or uneven conditions.
- Integrated cameras, enhanced lighting, and a refined in-cab layout reduce guesswork during skidding, stacking, and landing operations.
The result is safer operation, cleaner turns, and more precise log handling, especially in plantation row crops, steep terrain, or dense indigenous forests.
Proven Powertrain, Refined for Performance
The L-III Series retains the John Deere proven Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) from the L-II platform, while refining machine response to deliver:
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- Smoother operation
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Reduced driveline wear
- Consistent cycle times across varying operator skill levels
On selected models, steering sensors help cushion articulation at full lock, improving stability when navigating rough or rutted ground.
Durability for Heavy Loads and Harsh Conditions
Durability remains central to the L-III Series design.
The 848L-III and 948L-III, both new to the African market, come standard with Outboard-Extreme™ axles, engineered with larger internal components to deliver enhanced reliability and improved stability when hauling larger payloads.
These heavy-duty axles help reduce maintenance requirements and lower lifetime operating costs, particularly in high-production or steep-terrain applications.
Maximised Uptime Through Smart Support
For contractors operating in remote forestry regions, uptime is critical. The L-III Series builds on the L-II foundation with enhanced support tools designed to keep machines working:
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- John Deere Connected Support™ and Remote Display Access enable remote diagnostics and faster issue resolution.
- Enhanced onboard diagnostics, Machine Health Monitoring, and simplified service access points help reduce unscheduled downtime.
This results in more productive hours in the forest and fewer unplanned interruptions.
New-to-Region Models Expand Capacity Options
848L-III Grapple Skidder
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- 9.0-litre engine with CVT
- Standard Outboard-Extreme™ axles
- Optional grapple sizes up to 1.77 m²
- Strong ground clearance for challenging terrain
948L-III Grapple Skidder
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- 9.0-litre engine producing 300 hp, paired with CVT
- Standard Outboard-Extreme™ axles
- Optional grapple sizes up to 2.07 m², the largest in the L-III Series
- High payload capacity for volume-focused operations
Together, these additions give contractors greater flexibility to match machine size to plantation type, terrain conditions, and production targets.
Availability
The John Deere L-III Series Skidders, including the 848L-III and 948L-III, are now available in Africa through the authorised John Deere dealer network. Customers can contact their nearest dealer to arrange demonstrations, discuss specifications, or explore finance and support options.