Feller Bunchers in Canada: A Buyer's Guide

Oct 6, 2026 - yesterday

A feller buncher is one machine doing the work of a crew: cutting trees and gathering them into bunches in a single pass. That speed and control is why it's the backbone of mechanized logging operations across Canada, from steep BC coastal slopes to flat Eastern Canada blocks. This guide covers how feller bunchers work, wheeled vs. tracked configurations, the brands you'll see most, and what to check before buying — plus where to find feller bunchers for sale in Canada right now.

What a Feller Buncher Does

Feller bunchers use a hydraulic-powered saw or disc cutter to sever trees and place them in organized bunches for easier skidding or forwarding. That single-motion cut-and-gather process speeds up harvest times while improving safety and control compared to manual felling. Feller bunchers sit within the broader forestry equipment category on Supply Post, alongside skidders, processors, and forwarders they're typically paired with on a logging site.

Wheeled vs. Tracked Feller Bunchers

Wheeled feller bunchers — better travel speed and fuel efficiency on stable ground, suited to fast-moving, open block logging.
Tracked feller bunchers — better stability and grip for steep grades, soft soil, or uneven terrain, which is why tracked machines dominate BC's mountain logging operations.

2010 John Deere 953K tracked feller buncher, from a Supply Post listing — *A 2010 John Deere 953K — John Deere is the second most listed feller buncher brand, with the 953 and 903 series well represented.*

Top Feller Buncher Brands in Canada

Based on current Supply Post listings, the most common makes are:

Tigercat — the most listed brand, with the 870C especially common across the used market.
John Deere — a close second, with the 903M, 953K/953M, and 959 series frequently listed.
Madill — older but well-regarded models like the 2200B and 3200C remain in active use.
Prentice — legacy models such as the 620FB and 630A-FB, popular for their simplicity and parts availability.
Eltec, Caterpillar, and Trans-Gesco round out a smaller share of listings.

2003 Madill 3200C feller buncher, from a Supply Post listing — *A 2003 Madill 3200C with a 40% undercarriage and new Cummins engine.*

Buying a Feller Buncher: What to Check

Undercarriage condition — listed as a percentage remaining (e.g. "60% U/C") on most ads; undercarriage replacement is one of the largest costs on a tracked machine.
Engine and pump hours — many listings highlight a newer engine or rebuilt pumps separately from total machine hours, since these are often replaced mid-life.
Cutting head type and size — hot saw, disc saw, or shear heads come in different diameters (commonly 20"–26"); match the head to the timber you're cutting.
Hydraulics and leveling cab — high-flow hydraulics and a self-leveling cab matter for steep-slope operations.
Service history and parts support — older models like Madill and Prentice can be excellent value, but confirm parts availability before buying.
Financing — equipment financing is available through many dealers for larger forestry equipment purchases.

1997 Prentice 630A-FB feller buncher, from a Supply Post listing — *A 1997 Prentice 630A-FB with a tilter and 90% undercarriage.*

Where to Find Feller Bunchers Across Canada

Feller buncher inventory on Supply Post is heavily concentrated in British Columbia, which accounts for the large majority of listings, followed by Quebec and smaller numbers in Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Browse all feller bunchers filterable by province, make, model, year, dealer, and price.

Dealers currently listing feller bunchers include Brandt Tractor, Inland Truck & Equipment, Major Equipment Sales, and Mountainside Equipment. See the full dealer directory to find more.

New, Used, Rent, or Auction

Used — the overwhelming majority of feller buncher listings on Supply Post; most come with hours, undercarriage percentage, and recent repair details noted.
New — a small number of new units are listed through dealers, with warranty and financing options.
Rent — browse current equipment rentals for short-term forestry needs.
Auction — forestry equipment occasionally comes up through equipment auctions; see what's currently listed at Equipment For Auction.

Need parts for an older machine? Check the Supply Post parts section. And if you're selling a feller buncher, you can list it as a classified ad.

FAQ

What does a feller buncher do?

A feller buncher cuts trees using a hydraulic saw or disc cutter and gathers them into organized bunches in a single motion, speeding up harvest and simplifying the skidding or forwarding stage that follows.

Should I buy a wheeled or tracked feller buncher?

Wheeled machines offer better speed and fuel efficiency on firm, flat ground. Tracked machines offer better stability and traction on steep or soft terrain — the standard choice for BC-style mountain logging.

What size cutting head do I need?

Head size depends on the diameter of timber you're cutting; common hot saw and disc saw sizes range from about 20" to 26". Check the listing details or ask the seller for the specific head spec.