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:

• Explore the Vimek range available from Oakleaf Forestry
• Read the Skogsforum market discussion

A busy and productive month was had, here at Oakleaf Forestry, with plenty happening both on-site and out in the field.

We had a great few days attending the Road Transport Exhibition (RTX Show) in Lisburn, connecting with others across the industry and showcasing what Oakleaf has to offer. Events like these are always a valuable opportunity to meet customers, partners and new faces within the forestry and machinery sector.

Kings of The Road even stopped by for an interview with the team

BACK AT HQ…

We’ve been continuing to grow the team, launching a recruitment campaign for welders, fabricators and plasma operators as we expand our operations. It’s an exciting step as we move forward in the next phase of our journey.

Brand Spotlight

April also marked the beginning of a new brand spotlight campaign, where we’ll be taking a closer look at the machinery and manufacturers we work with. We kicked things off with HYPRO AB, highlighting their range of high-performance machines and reinforcing our position as a trusted dealer across the UK & Ireland.

Click the image above to view the HYPRO Spotlight Campaign

On Earth Day, we were proud to share that Oakleaf Forestry is now powered by 100% renewable electricity – a step that reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact while continuing to support the forestry industry. table.

Verified through Captured Carbon Limited and Go Power, helping us reduce our environmental impact while continuing to support the forestry industry across the UK & Ireland

It’s been a strong month across the business, and we’re grateful to everyone we’ve worked with along the way.

Links:

• HYPRO AB
• Kings of the Road
• Captured Carbon Limited
• Go Power
• Powered by 100% Renewable Energy Certificate
• Recruitment Campaign

Over the past two days, the Oakleaf team attended the Road Transport Expo at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, with a clear focus: connecting with the right people and continuing to build strong relationships across the forestry and transport sectors.

While we were there to network, it was a proud moment to see one of our recent bespoke timber transport builds on display among the Scania lineup – featuring machinery we supply and install as trusted dealers for Alucar Oy, STEELYARD PESON and Kesla Oyj.

Kesla Crane on display

McMorrow Haulage Lorry

Steelyard Peson Weighing System

It was fantastic to be joined by the McMorrow family, who were delighted to see their lorry taking centre stage.

Across both days, we had the opportunity to meet new contacts and have meaningful conversations with others who share the same work ethic and commitment to quality.  A highlight was spending time with the team at Kings of the Road Ireland, where we had the pleasure of giving a short interview – sharing more about what we do at Oakleaf and our passion for the forestry sector.

The weather certainly played its part – day one brought the usual mix of rain and wind, while day two delivered sunshine and strong crowds, creating a great atmosphere across the show.

All in all, it was a valuable couple of days away from the office – building genuine connections, gaining insight into the wider industry, and seeing firsthand the innovation and effort others are bringing to the table.

Useful Links:

• Alucar
• STEELYARD PESON
• Kesla
• Flowtech
• McMorrow Haulage
• Kings of the Road Ireland

Oakleaf Forestry is continuing to strengthen its position in the timber transport sector, now working as a UK and Ireland distributor and approved installer for Alucar, alongside introducing onboard weighing solutions from Steelyard Peson.

These partnerships represent a clear step forward in how Oakleaf delivers complete, high-performance forestry transport solutions – working with manufacturers recognised for quality, innovation, and reliability in real working environments.

Strengthening Timber Transport with Premium Partners

Alucar are specialists in lightweight aluminium timber bodies, manufactured in Finland to some of the highest standards in the industry. Designed to maximise payload without compromising strength or durability, Alucar bodies are built for efficiency in demanding forestry applications.

Bringing Alucar into the Oakleaf offering allows for the delivery of robust, fully engineered timber transport builds, optimised from the ground up. At the same time, integrating Steelyard Peson’s wireless weighing system – purpose-built for forestry and backed by years of specialist expertise – ensures operators have full confidence in every load. Accurate, real-time measurement supports both compliance and efficiency, allowing each load to be maximised safely.

A Timber Transport Build Designed Around Real Requirements

These partnerships were brought together in a recent build completed for McMorrow Haulage, Leitrim based.
The requirement was clear: a machine capable of consistent performance, precision handling and long-term reliability in demanding forestry conditions.  In February 2026, a new Scania S560 arrived at Oakleaf HQ from Cawley’s, where the full build was designed and delivered in collaboration with the customer and key partners.

Full Specification Built for Performance

The final build reflects a complete, high-performance timber transport solution:
• Alucar lightweight timber body with full protection package
• 220L hydraulic system with thermostatic cooling
• Parker load-sensing pump
• Kesla 2212sT crane with ProPilot controls
• Steelyard Peson wireless weighing system
• ExTe bunks and bars
Each component was selected to ensure the machine performs reliably in real working conditions, while maximising payload and maintaining compliance.

Built for Real-World Forestry Work

With over a decade of experience working with Kesla, and a continued focus on partnering with leading manufacturers, Oakleaf Forestry is positioned to deliver complete, engineered forestry solutions.

The addition of Alucar and Steelyard Peson strengthens this offering further – enabling Oakleaf to provide fully integrated timber transport systems that are built to perform where it matters most.
This build represents more than a single project. It reflects how Oakleaf Forestry approaches every job – combining proven equipment, strong partnerships, and practical experience to deliver machinery that works as it should, day in and day out.

Useful Links:

• Alucar
• STEELYARD PESON
• Kesla
• Flowtech
• McMorrow Haulage

Oakleaf Forestry is pleased to be attending the South West College GET Engineering Careers Fair this Saturday 28th March from 9:30am – 12:30pm, supporting an event that brings together students, educators, and employers from across the engineering sector.

The careers fair provides an excellent platform to engage with those considering a future in engineering, offering insight into the wide range of opportunities available within the industry. It also highlights the importance of developing practical skills, technical knowledge, and career pathways that support long-term growth.

Attending events such as this allows the team to contribute to conversations around future talent, while sharing real-world experience of working within this specialist sector.

The team looks forward to meeting attendees on the day, discussing the work carried out at Oakleaf Forestry, the brands we work with and offering guidance to those exploring a career in engineering.

At Oakleaf Forestry, we’ve always taken pride in the quality of our work – from fabrication through to the supply of specialist forestry equipment.  Achieving ISO certification formalises what has long been part of our day-to-day operations:

• Structured and consistent fabrication processes

• A strong focus on safety across the workshop and wider operations

• A commitment to reducing environmental impact

• Continuous improvement across all areas of the business

Maintaining our ISO accreditations is something we take seriously as a business – it’s not about a one-off achievement, it’s about how we operate every day.

These standards reflect the way we work across quality, safety and environmental responsibility, and that includes the steps we’ve taken as a business to move towards more sustainable practices, such as our investment in renewable energy.

It’s all part of building a business that’s not only reliable for our customers, but responsible in how we grow.

– Joe Litter, Founder and Director at Oakleaf Forestry

Looking ahead, we remain committed to maintaining these standards and continuing to deliver quality and reliability across everything we do – supporting our customers, our team, and the industry as a whole.

It’s been a productive start to the week with top seat and cabin cranes delivered to Oakleaf Forestry HQ. Built to full Kesla specification, these forestry cranes are now in stock and ready for dispatch across UK & Ireland.

There’s plenty happening at Oakleaf – and the sunshine certainly helped make deliveries run smoothly.

If you’re looking for high-quality forestry machinery, our team is ready to help.  Email info@oakleafforestry.com or call us +44 28 3833 0011

At Oakleaf Forestry sustainability isn’t just our mission, it is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we are incredibly proud to announce that all of our energy now comes from renewable sources!

This major milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing our environmental impact while supplying low-impact and sustainable forestry machinery across the UK and Ireland. From powering our workshop and offices to fuelling our innovation, we rely solely on clean, renewable energy!

Switching to renewable energy not only significantly reduces our emissions, but also strengthens our alignment with the natural world we work so closely with. We believe that clean energy is the only way forward for business committed to shaping the future of our planet.

As part of our wider sustainability strategy, we are currently working on replacing our vehicle fleet with electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are cleaner, quieter, and more in tune with the environment, helping to reduce our emissions even further and align with the forestry practices we champion.

We are also in the planning stages of installing solar panels on our site, allowing us to generate a significant portion of our own electricity. By utilising the power of the sun, we aim to create a self-sustaining energy system that further demonstrates our environmental responsibility!

All of these initiatives reflect the very core of Oakleaf Forestry, with our goal to help foresters and land managers operate more efficiently, while respecting and protecting the natural ecosystem they work within.

By investing in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and on-site power generation, we are taking bold steps to lead by example. We believe that a thriving forestry future is only possible if we work with nature… not against it.

Thank you for supporting us here at Oakleaf Forestry on this journey. Together, we can build a more sustainable future.

One tree, one machine, and one clean kilowatt at a time.