From Alucar timber bodies and KESLA cranes to weighing systems and our own engineering work, we’re taking a closer look at what goes into timber truck builds, conversions and upgrades at Oakleaf Forestry.
Oakleaf Forestry is Hiring: Join Our Engineering & Production Team in Portadown
Oakleaf Forestry is continuing to grow its engineering and production team in Portadown, with current opportunities available for an experienced Fabricator / Welder and a Plasma Operator.
A Proud Recognition of Oakleaf Forestry’s ISO Commitment
Oakleaf Forestry recently welcomed Paula Brady from Auva Certification to mark the company’s successful recertification across ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
Keep the tractor. Change what’s possible, behind it.
A good tractor can stay at the heart of your forestry setup for years. The question is whether the processor behind it is still giving you the capacity, speed and versatility your work now demands.
Still running the processor you know?
There’s a lot to be said for sticking with a forestry processor you know inside out.
Considering New Forestry Machinery in ROI?
Grant Support Could Cover Up to 65%
Forestry businesses in the Republic of Ireland considering investment in new machinery or timber transport equipment may be able to access significant support through the Sustainable Forest Harvesting Machinery Grant.
The scheme provides eligible applicants with grant aid of up to 65% of the accepted net investment cost, with maximum support of €50,000.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to eligible forestry contractors, licensed timber hauliers and forestry producer groups. It is designed to support investment in new machinery and technology that can help improve the sustainability, productivity and efficiency of forest operations.
What types of investment may be relevant?
Depending on eligibility and the specific requirements of the scheme, potential areas of investment include:
- New forest harvesting and extraction machinery
- Specialist low-impact forestry machinery
- Timber transport equipment
- Technology aimed at improving operational efficiency
- On-board automatic load tensioning systems for timber trucks
For forestry businesses already considering a machinery purchase, this could be an important opportunity to review planned investment before progressing.
Application deadline
Applications for the current round close at 5pm on 15 September 2026, so businesses interested in applying should review the scheme requirements as soon as possible. Click here to access the grant portal. Grant eligibility and final approval remain entirely subject to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the conditions of the scheme.
How Oakleaf Forestry can help
Oakleaf Forestry works with a wide range of specialist forestry and timber transport names, including machinery and solutions from brands such as Vimek, Sampo Rosenlew, Hypro, Kesla, Alucar, Steelyard Peson and WeighPro.
ROI FORESTRY MACHINERY GRANT
Up to 65% Support Available
Applications close 15 September
McMorrow Haulage Timber Build – Now at Work
A few months on from completing this bespoke timber transport build for McMorrow Haulage, it’s great to see the finished setup fully loaded and out doing exactly what it was designed for. The build brings together an Alucar lightweight timber body, KESLA 2212sT crane, Steelyard Peson wireless weighing system and ExTe bunks and bars – creating a complete timber transport solution built around real working requirements.
Seeing the truck out on the road and earning its keep is the best showcase of the finished project. From payload and handling to accurate onboard weighing, each element was selected to work together in demanding timber haulage conditions. Planning a new timber build or an upgrade to an existing setup? Speak to our team today.UK: +44 (0) 28 38 330011 ROI: +353 1 531 4435 Email: info@oakleafforestry.com.
Links:
APF 2026 Series: Choosing Machinery Around the Job
Part 1: Six Machines. Six Different Answers.
Choosing forestry machinery should start with one question:
What job do you need it to do?
Timber size, terrain, access, the tractor or carrier you already have and the type of work you carry out most often can all influence which machine makes sense.
That is why we are bringing a varied selection of HYPRO equipment to APF 2026.
Visitors to our stand at APF (stand number 1950-2020) will be able to see:
- HYPRO HV11
- HYPRO 755 HB
- HYPRO 450 XL
- HYPRO 300
- HYPRO FG50
- HYPRO FG60
Together, they cover very different areas of forestry work.
The HV11 is centred around timber extraction and forwarding. The 300, 450 XL and 755 HB provide different levels of tractor-based processing capability, from thinning and smaller timber through to more demanding and varied forestry work. The FG50 and FG60 take a different approach again, adding felling, cutting and handling capability to suitable existing carriers.
So the question should not simply be:
Which machine is biggest?
It should be:
Which machine best fits the work I actually do?
Over the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each part of the HYPRO range we are bringing to APF – where each machine fits, who it may suit and what type of forestry work it is designed around.
View the HYPRO range here.
See the HYPRO range at APF 2026
Oakleaf Forestry will be exhibiting at APF 2026 from 24–26 September at Ragley Estate.
You will find us on Stand 1950–2020, where the Oakleaf team will be joined by a broad selection of machinery and equipment from the manufacturers we work with.
The HYPRO display will include the HV11, 755 HB, 450 XL, 300, FG50 and FG60.
If you are looking at a new processor, forestry trailer or felling grapple, come and tell us what you are trying to achieve.
Phase One Complete for Hall Transport
Oakleaf Forestry recently completed phase one of a bespoke timber haulage upgrade for Norman Hall of Hall Transport, Co. Longford, with a strong focus on a professional installation, clear communication and a fast turnaround.
Norman has been in business since 1997 and now runs a fleet of 44 trucks, with timber haulage remaining at the heart of the Hall Transport operation. The fleet is predominantly Volvo, with Norman’s preference for the brand continuing through this 2026 Volvo FH Globetrotter.
Volvo arriving at Oakleaf Forestry – ready for phase 1 upgrade!
When Norman approached Oakleaf Forestry, the brief was clear. He needed a practical, professional upgrade that could be completed within a realistic timeframe, allowing the lorry to get back on the road and back to work.
With the Volvo in the Oakleaf yard for just one week, our team turned around phase one of the build, installing:
- KESLA 2210 crane
- KESLA ProG40 grapple
- Steelyard Peson weigher
- Bespoke designed and fabricated mounting frame for the oil cooler
The project brought together Oakleaf’s forestry machinery knowledge, fabrication capability and practical understanding of what timber haulage operators need from their equipment.
Norman commented on the service throughout the project, saying:
Great communication from Joe from start to finish. With a project like this, you’re always going to come up against obstacles as there are many moving parts, but Joe delivered on realistic deadlines.
As Norman is a busy operator with a fleet to keep moving, the Volvo has now returned to Longford and will come back to Oakleaf Forestry shortly for phase two. This will include the installation of the weigher screen and weather hood once they arrive.
Steelyard Peson weigher installed and tested by Oakleaf Forestry’s Production Engineer, Cormac
This build is a strong example of what Oakleaf Forestry can offer customers who need more than an off-the-shelf solution. From crane installation and weighing systems to bespoke fabrication and phased project delivery, the focus remains the same – building around the job and delivering around the customer.
The bespoke designed and fabricated oil cooler unit installed on the Volvo
Have an upgrade in mind? Let’s talk through what’s possible 028 38 330011
Stay tuned for phase 2!
Helpful links:
A New Generation of Forwarder Cranes
Introducing the new KESLA F-Series forwarder crane range – a new generation of forestry cranes developed to bring together strong lifting performance, smooth controllability and flexible configuration options for some of the most common forwarder classes.
The launch includes the KESLA 9F and 9FT, alongside the larger 10F/FT, 12F/FT and 14F/FT models. Developed as a complete crane family, the F-Series has been designed around the practical requirements of modern forestry work, where reliability, operator confidence and efficient day-to-day operation all matter.
KESLA has developed the F-Series with performance and precision at its core. The new range offers strong lifting torque, smooth power delivery and predictable crane movements throughout the working range.
The cranes are available in two reach options. The F-version provides a single extension with an 8.2 metre reach, while the double-extension FT-version offers a 10.07 metre reach. This allows the range to be configured around different machine builds, working environments and reach requirements.
The 9F and 9FT sit within the new range as a practical option for common forwarder applications, offering the strength, working reach and control needed for professional timber handling.
Designed around real forestry work
One of the strongest aspects of the new F-Series is the attention given to controllability. Smooth, predictable crane movement can make a real difference during a long working day, supporting accurate loading, reduced unnecessary movement and a more confident operator experience.
KESLA has also focused on crane geometry, with boom dimensions designed to support efficient operation while minimising excess crane movement. Combined with strong swing torque and a durable structure, the F-Series has been developed to perform consistently in demanding forestry conditions.
The range has been extensively tested across different markets, applications and base machines, with user feedback helping to shape the final product.
Built with flexibility and support in mind
The modular structure of the F-Series allows for a range of configuration options, including different pillar heights and link options. This helps make integration with different forwarders and applications more straightforward, while also supporting efficient spare parts management and long-term product support.
Maintenance and serviceability have also been considered throughout the design. Proven hydraulic solutions, carefully selected components and patented internal hose routing within the extension boom all contribute to a crane range designed with working life and practical upkeep in mind.
Available through Oakleaf Forestry
The arrival of the new F-Series gives customers another strong option when considering a forwarder crane solution that combines reach, lifting performance and smooth operator control.
The KESLA 9F and wider F-Series forwarder crane range are now available to discuss with the Oakleaf Forestry team. Get in touch with us to talk through your requirements and find the crane solution that best fits your operation.
Useful Links: