OREANDA-NEWS. May 07, 2013. Russia is a huge growth market for forestry machines and mechanization is quickly spreading. This has led to high demand for both new and used forestry machines, as Komatsu Forest said in a press release received by Lesprom Network.

“The supply of used forestry equipment in a growth market is a challenge,” says Jari Alahuhtala, CEO of Komatsu Forest in Russia.

In Scandinavia, the demand for used forestry equipment is limited. In new mechanization markets however, buying a used machine can be the first step towards mechanization.

“In most emerging markets, there is initially a need for used forwarders,” says Jari Alahuhtala. “This has also been the case in Russia, and more customers are now discovering that used harvesters are competitive with motorized manual felling.”

In the case of used machinery exported to Russia, most of the machines come from Sweden, Finland and Germany. The machines are sold through dealer networks in Russia. Dealers are also responsible for service, maintenance and parts supply.

“It is important that we have a skilled organization that can support the customers who choose to purchase used equipment from us, even if understanding is widespread in Russia that when entering new areas, everyone can’t be close to a service provider,” says Jari Alahuhtala.

“There is considerable demand for the Komatsu 890,” says Jari Alahuhtala. “The Komatsu 941 also has its given place in Russia and mid-sized harvesters and forwarders are popular.”

Used machines are also sold to other countries than Russia. The Baltic States and other countries in Eastern Europe are markets where there is both need and demands.

“The supply of used machines is good for mechanization in new markets, but also good for entrepreneurs in the other markets since second-hand trade helps sustain business,” says Jari Alahuhtala.