Forestry Loader Crane for Sale in China

Forestry loader cranes (also called timber loader cranes or log loader cranes) are heavy-duty hydraulic cranes designed for fast, repetitive timber handling. Compared with general-purpose truck cranes, forestry models are typically configured with a log grapple + rotator, reinforced boom structure, and work-ready hydraulics for high-cycle loading in forests, log yards, and sawmills.

Below is a complete buyer-oriented guide based on your outline, covering pricing factors, specs, chassis choices, customization, and how to select a reliable China supplier.

I. Forestry Loader Crane for Sale in China

1.1 Forestry loader crane for sale overview

A forestry loader crane is used to pick, rotate, sort, and load logs efficiently. Common mounting formats include:

• Truck-mounted forestry loader crane: crane + timber body on a road-going truck (transport and loading in one unit).

• Trailer-mounted forestry loader crane: crane on a forestry trailer (often paired with a tractor for off-road operations).

• Fixed/yard-mounted loader crane: installed at log yards, sawmills, or biomass stations.

Typical working components:

• Crane (knuckle boom or straight boom)

• Grapple (log grapple or sorting grapple)

• Rotator (often continuous 360°)

• Hydraulic system (PTO-driven pump on trucks or separate hydraulic power pack)

• Stabilizers/outriggers + subframe (critical for stability and chassis protection)

What buyers usually prioritize when sourcing from China:

• Correct lifting capacity at required outreach (via load chart, not just “tonnage”)

• Suitable grapple/rotator package for log size and workload

• Stable mounting and compliant axle loads (for truck builds)

• Quality control, spare parts availability, and after-sales support

1.2 Forestry loader crane price from China

Forestry loader crane pricing varies widely because configurations vary. Instead of comparing only the total price, compare the full configuration scope and the load chart.

Key price drivers:

1. Capacity class + outreach (longer reach and higher capacity require heavier structure)

2. Boom type (knuckle boom is commonly preferred for forestry; straight boom can be simpler)

3. Hydraulic performance (pump flow, valve type, oil cooler, filtration, continuous rotation)

4. Attachments (grapple size/type, rotator torque rating, extra hydraulic lines)

5. Control options (manual levers vs electro-hydraulic joysticks vs radio remote control)

6. Mounting package (subframe design, outriggers, PTO, hydraulic tank, hose routing)

7. Complete unit vs crane-only (a full truck with timber body, lighting, and compliance items costs more)

8. Export requirements (inspection, documentation, packing standard, destination compliance needs)

Tip for accurate comparison: ask suppliers to quote in the same structure:

• Crane model + load chart

• Grapple + rotator specs/brands

• Mounting kit scope

• Chassis brand/model (if included)

• Warranty terms and spare parts list

1.3 Forestry loader crane applications: logging, timber handling, forest road work

Forestry loader cranes are commonly used for:

• Logging operations: loading felled logs onto trucks/trailers at harvesting sites

• Timber yard handling: stacking, sorting by grade/length, feeding processing lines

• Sawmill and biomass facilities: continuous unloading and pile management

• Forest road work: handling culverts, mats, barriers, and heavy materials (when properly configured)

• Land clearing and cleanup: moving storm-damaged timber and debris (attachment-dependent)

Choosing the right crane setup depends heavily on your typical log diameter/length, loading radius, terrain, and daily cycle rate.

II. Forestry Loader Crane Specifications

2.1 Lifting capacity, outreach, and load chart basics

For forestry work, the most important specification is the load chart (capacity at each working radius), not the single “maximum lifting capacity” headline.

Key terms to confirm:

• Max lifting moment (often used to classify cranes)

• Max outreach (horizontal reach from crane center)

• Rated capacity at specific radius (e.g., at 3 m, 6 m, 8 m)

• Slewing range and rating conditions (front/side/rear, outriggers extended or not)

Buyer checklist (practical):

• What is your real working radius during loading? (common error: buying based on short-radius ratings)

• Will the crane lift over the rear or side mostly?

• Are outriggers fully deployed on your sites?

• Is the load mostly logs (dynamic swinging) or stable pallets? Logs often require extra safety margin.

2.2 Crane boom type options: knuckle boom vs straight boom

Knuckle boom (articulated)

• Pros: excellent positioning, fast sorting/stacking, works well in tight spaces and uneven piles

• Cons: more joints/components; needs good maintenance and sealing quality

Straight boom (telescopic or fixed)

• Pros: simpler structure, often straightforward for direct loading tasks

• Cons: less flexible for close-in maneuvering and repetitive pile sorting

In many timber-loading scenarios, knuckle boom + rotator + grapple is the standard productivity setup.

2.3 Grapple, rotator, and timber handling attachment options

Attachments determine real efficiency. Common options include:

Grapples

• Log grapple: general log loading, round timber

• Sorting grapple: better control for mixed piles, branches, uneven bundles

• Biomass/brush grapple: for lighter, bulkier material

Key grapple parameters:

• Opening width (max/min)

• Grapple area/volume

• Jaw shape and tooth design

• Pin/bushing wear design and grease points

• Working pressure/flow compatibility

Rotators

• Continuous 360° hydraulic rotator (common for forestry)

• Key specs: torque, speed, load rating, hose protection, seal quality

Ask the supplier to confirm compatibility between crane flow/pressure and the grapple/rotator package to avoid slow cycle times or overheating.

2.4 Hydraulic system, control options, and swing/rotation performance

A forestry loader crane is a high-cycle hydraulic machine. Stable, cool-running hydraulics matter as much as raw lifting ratings.

Hydraulic options to consider:

• Pump flow (higher flow = faster work cycles)

• Working pressure (affects lifting and gripping force)

• Valve type (proportional control improves smoothness and precision)

• Oil cooler (recommended for hot climates and intensive yard work)

• Filtration level (extends valve/cylinder life)

• Hose routing/guards (prevents branch and abrasion damage)

Control options:

• Manual lever controls (cost-effective, simple)

• Joystick controls (better ergonomics)

• Electro-hydraulic proportional control (smooth and efficient)

• Radio remote control (improves visibility and safe positioning during loading)

Swing/rotation:

• Check slewing torque, speed, and whether the crane can rotate smoothly under load.

• Confirm limits and safety interlocks where required.

2.5 Stabilizers, subframe, and mounting configuration (truck/trailer)

Stability and mounting quality are decisive for safe lifting and long service life.

Stabilizers/outriggers

• H-type outriggers are common for truck-mounted loader cranes

• Important specs: outrigger span, cylinder capacity, pad size, and structural reinforcement

• For soft ground, larger pads and ground plates reduce sinking risk

Subframe

• Transfers crane loads into the vehicle correctly

• Reduces chassis twisting and fatigue cracking

• Should be engineered for your chassis wheelbase, axle loads, and operating conditions

Mounting types

• Truck-mounted: best for combined transport + loading

• Trailer-mounted: often better for off-road forestry extraction and maneuverability

Request mounting drawings and, for truck builds, ask for axle load distribution estimates after installation.

2.6 Truck chassis and engine choices for China forestry crane trucks

If you’re buying a complete forestry crane truck from China, match the chassis to terrain and legal limits.

Common drive configurations:

• 4×2: lighter work, more road-focused

• 6×4: common for forestry transport, good traction and payload balance

• 8×4: higher payload potential in some markets (check local regulations)

Engine and drivetrain considerations:

• Emission standard requirements for your destination

• PTO compatibility for hydraulic pump drive

• Gearbox and torque curve suited to off-road starts and heavy loads

• Cooling capacity (important for slow-speed off-road driving)

Also confirm:

• Wheelbase suitability for crane position + timber body length

• Tire specification for mixed on-road/off-road use

• Availability of service parts in your region (filters, belts, sensors)

2.7 Safety features and operator protection options

Recommended safety and protection features for forestry operation:

• Overload protection / load moment limiting (where applicable)

• Hydraulic holding valves to reduce risk of sudden drop

• Emergency stop

• Anti-slip steps and platforms

• Guards for hoses and cylinders (branches and debris protection)

• Outrigger interlocks / status indication

• Work lights and warning alarms (especially for road-going trucks)

Always align the final configuration with your local safety rules, operator training requirements, and site procedures.

2.8 Custom forestry loader crane design and accessories

Common custom options from China suppliers include:

• Custom boom length/outreach packages

• Heavy-duty forestry hose protection kits

• Additional auxiliary hydraulic circuits (for different attachments)

• Enhanced oil cooling for high-cycle yard operations

• Toolboxes, chain racks, spare hose storage

• Timber body options: stakes, bunks, twist locks, rear protection, tie-down points

• Paint system upgrades (anti-corrosion), custom color and branding

For custom builds, confirm drawings and final dimensions before production (especially vehicle overall length/height and transport compliance).

III. Forestry Loader Crane Manufacturer in China

3.1 Best forestry loader crane manufacturers and factories in China

“Best” depends on your target market, duty cycle, and service expectations. When evaluating manufacturers/factories, focus on measurable capabilities:

• Forestry export experience (similar cranes delivered to your region)

• Ability to provide load charts, drawings, and hydraulic schematics

• Consistency of key components (cylinders, valves, slewing bearing, rotator/grapple)

• Welding and structural fabrication capability for heavy-duty booms

• Spare parts supply and lead time

If you need, you can shortlist suppliers by requesting the same data package from each and comparing it side-by-side.

3.2 Forestry loader crane technical support and service

Reliable suppliers typically offer:

• Pre-sales selection support (capacity/outreach matching, stability and mounting guidance)

• GA drawings and subframe design confirmation

• Installation guidance (especially for crane-only purchases)

• Commissioning checklist and operator manual

• Remote troubleshooting via video call and hydraulic/electrical diagrams

• Spare parts recommendation list for first-year operation

Ask in advance:

• Response time SLA (e.g., 24–48 hours for technical replies)

• Warranty coverage details (structure vs hydraulics vs wear parts)

• How parts are shipped and typical dispatch time

3.3 Quality control and certificates for China forestry crane factory

Typical QC steps you can request evidence for:

• Incoming inspection for steel and hydraulic components

• Weld inspection and dimensional checks

• Hydraulic pressure testing and leak inspection

• Functional testing (boom, swing, outrigger, grapple/rotator operation)

• Paint preparation and coating thickness checks

• Final inspection report with serial number tracking

Certificates vary by factory and destination market. Common requests include:

• ISO-quality management certification (if available)

• Material certificates for key structural parts (if required)

• Factory test reports

• Support for third-party inspection (SGS/BV/TÜV or your appointed inspector)

3.4 How to choose a reliable forestry loader crane supplier in China

A practical selection method:

1. Start with your working conditions: log size, working radius, terrain, daily cycle

2. Demand the load chart for the exact model/outreach

3. Confirm the full package scope (crane + grapple + rotator + hydraulics + mounting)

4. Review drawings: subframe, outrigger layout, hose routing, overall dimensions

5. Check component transparency: brands/models of pump/valves/rotator if specified

6. Ask for inspection support and previous export references

7. Evaluate after-sales plan: parts list, troubleshooting process, warranty clarity

Common red flags:

• No load chart or vague “X tons” without radius

• Unclear configuration list (missing rotator torque/spec, missing hydraulic cooling details)

• “Universal fit” mounting claims without subframe engineering confirmation

3.5 Lead time, shipping, and after-sales support from China

Lead time depends on whether you buy crane-only or a complete truck, plus customization depth. A typical process:

• Requirement confirmation → drawings approval → production → factory testing → packing → shipment

Shipping methods:

• Ro-Ro: often used for complete trucks (route dependent)

• Flat rack / breakbulk: common for oversized units

• Container: common for crane-only or smaller assemblies

Before shipment, confirm:

• Packing method (anti-rust treatment, seaworthy protection)

• Included documents (packing list, invoice, manuals, certificates if applicable)

• Spare parts package and tools

• Warranty start point (shipment date vs arrival vs commissioning—must be written clearly)

• After-sales channels and escalation process

What to Send Your Supplier for an Accurate Quote (Copy/Paste)

To get a correct crane selection and avoid mismatched capacity, provide:

• Logs: max diameter, typical length, max bundle weight

• Required working radius (meters) and loading direction (side/rear)

• Preferred boom type: knuckle or straight

• Mounting: truck or trailer (and target chassis: 4×2 / 6×4 / 8×4)

• Controls: manual / joystick / remote

• Attachment needs: grapple type + continuous rotator required?

• Environment: temperature range, high dust, high-duty cycle hours/day

• Destination port/country and any compliance requirements