Vimek Range Gains Further Attention as Demand Grows for Compact Forestry Machinery.
Across the forestry industry, the shift towards lighter, lower-impact machinery continues to gain momentum. For contractors, woodland owners and forestry professionals, the focus is no longer simply on output – it is also about ground protection, access, manoeuvrability and choosing machinery that works with the site rather than against it.
That is exactly where the Vimek range continues to stand out.
Available from Oakleaf Forestry, Vimek machines are designed for professional thinning, harvesting and forwarding operations where compact size, strength and site sensitivity all matter. The range includes lightweight harvesters and forwarders built to perform in first and second thinnings, smaller woodlands, tighter plantations and more environmentally sensitive forestry settings. Oakleaf Forestry’s Vimek range currently includes models such as the Vimek 870.2 Forwarder, 470 4WD Harvester, 470 6WD Harvester, 610SE Forwarder and 606TTW Forwarder.
Recent industry discussion from Skogsforum has further highlighted the strength of the Vimek 870. In its Q1 2026 overview of the Swedish forwarder market, Skogsforum reported that the Vimek 870 was Sweden’s second most registered forwarder model, sitting behind the John Deere 1510G. The article also noted that the Vimek 870 has become increasingly popular, reflecting wider interest in smaller, capable machines within modern thinning operations.
Number of registered forwarders per manufacturer in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025 and market shares. Source: Analysis by Skogsforum.se with data from the Swedish Transport Agency
The same report pointed to a broader trend in parts of Sweden, particularly Götaland, where average forwarder load size has reduced in recent years. Skogsforum reported that the average forwarder load weight in Götaland has moved from 12.2 tonnes in 2023 to 9.1 tonnes in Q1 2026, suggesting a clear move towards smaller machinery in certain thinning applications.
For forestry professionals across the UK and Ireland, this reflects a conversation that is becoming increasingly important: how do we maintain productivity while protecting the ground, improving access and supporting long-term crop quality?
At Oakleaf Forestry, our focus is on supplying machinery that fits the conditions, the site and the way operators actually work. The Vimek range supports that approach – compact, capable machines designed for real forestry environments, backed by practical advice, finance support and aftercare from our team.
Whether you are working in first thinning, managing tighter woodland access, or looking for a lower-impact forwarder or harvester, the Vimek range offers a strong solution for modern forestry.
To speak to our team about Vimek machinery, contact Oakleaf Forestry today.
UK: +44 (0) 28 38 330011
ROI: +353 1 531 4435
Email: info@oakleafforestry.com
Links: