(SUWANEE, Ga. – May 2025) New, next-generation -7 Series log loaders and road builders from DEVELON are now available.
DEVELON is helping logging professionals take on tough forestry and timber processing jobs with its new, next-generation -7 Series log loaders and road builders.
The initial -7 Series launch includes the DEVELON DX225LL-7 log loader and DX225RB-7 road builder, with more log loaders and road builders to be announced in the upcoming months. The new lineup features enhanced safety features, heavy-duty components and easy serviceability to help logging companies move more timber and build access roads to the harvesting and log loading areas.
“We took learnings and incorporated features from our previous products to directly shape the design and function of the new -7 Series log loaders and road builders,” says Morgan Stallings, senior director, product management and marketing. “Equipped with reliable performance, and comfort and visibility enhancements, they are designed to help those working in challenging conditions. Feedback from a longtime log loader customer operating a DX225LL-7 prototype in the Pacific Northwest confirms that our design and enhancements are paying off.”
Increased Productivity
The -7 Series log loaders and road builders are ready to take on high-demand tasks. They have increased horsepower, faster cycle times and more lifting capacity to complete timber harvesting and log loading faster.
An increased swing torque helps the machines swing heavy loads more efficiently, even when moving the load uphill. The fine swing function reduces the amount of shaking when lifting heavy objects, resulting in greater control, more accuracy and safer operation.
When higher lifting capacity is needed, operators can use a convenient one-touch power boost button on the right-hand joystick to provide a momentary hydraulic boost. Operators can also choose from four selectable power modes to best match the application they’re working in to increase efficiency and minimize fuel consumption.
Matt Smith of Skookumchuck Logging in Chehalis, Washington, is a forestry professional and has previously owned older generations of DEVELON log loaders. He’s seen considerable evolution in the machines since he first started using them for timber harvesting. Matt’s company has been operating a DX225LL-7 log loader prototype for several months in partnership with local dealer Cascade Trader.
“The new DX225LL-7 log loader has been bulletproof for us,” says Smith. “We’re using it for shovel logging and loading trucks, and it’s smooth to operate. It’s got more power for faster cycle times and increased productivity, especially when we’re swinging logs.”
Improved Uptime Protection
DEVELON -7 Series log loaders and road builders are built with heavy-duty construction for harsh forestry conditions. The machines feature heavy-duty side doors, with guards over the hydraulic pump and cooling system door, along with quarter-inch side panels. A robust front guard protects components against debris and obstacles. A fully guarded, heavy-duty, high and wide undercarriage helps improve ground clearance over stumps and other debris on logging sites.
The DEVELON DX225LL-7 log loader cab is designed with a 4-foot riser and robust front and top guards, providing protection without sacrificing operator visibility. The log loader cab also features hydraulic 90-degree tilting for ease of transport on a trailer.
Ergonomic Comfort and Safety Features
All DEVELON -7 Series log loaders and road builders feature a large, all-weather steel cab that has superior comfort, excellent operator visibility, low noise levels and more room to work. The heated air-suspension seat adjusts to operators’ height and weight and features adjustable headrests and armrests and an optional 4-point seat belt. Joystick controls move up and down with the seat for more ergonomic operation to reduce operator fatigue. Front and rear LED lights enhance operator visibility, especially during low-light situations in early morning and at night.
A multi-function color LCD monitor shows a variety of machine diagnostic information. It also displays video from the standard rearview or side-mounted camera. Operators can use the hybrid screen mode to see machine information and the camera at the same time. The optional around view monitor (AVM) camera system is equipped with its own dedicated display monitor, which shows a full view of the machine’s surroundings. The AVM system is available for new -7 Series road builders. It gives operators greater confidence when operating or positioning the machine in tight areas.
Optional on -7 Series log loaders and road builders is a side-entry forestry cab certified for Oregon OSHA and British Columbia WCB standards. The forestry cab is built with guarded polycarbonate front, side and rear windows, as well as a rear secondary exit. For added protection, optional 32-mm polycarbonate glass is available.
Additional options for the new road builders include a boom and arm lock valve. A straight travel pedal feature, which allows the operator to travel in a straight line more easily, is standard on all log loader models and optional for road builders. Both log loaders and road builders have the option for an air compressor and fuel filler pump.
Other notable features on DEVELON -7 Series log loaders and road builders include:
Radio and Bluetooth audio
Travel alarm
PA system: standard for log loaders, optional for road builders
“The DX225LL-7 has been very operator-friendly and makes it easy for our operators to run,” says Smith. “Operator comfort is huge in today’s forestry environment.”
Easy Serviceability and Maintenance
Daily maintenance is simple with easy component access and centralized grease banks on the base of the boom. This allows operators to grease multiple points from one location.
Engine filters, hydraulic filters and the hydraulic tank are centrally located in a protected area — simplifying service and filter changes. The radiator with reverse fan automatically helps prevent debris buildup and keeps the cooling system clean.
An optional air compressor located in the cab makes it easy for operators to keep the interior clean of dirt and debris, creating a more comfortable working environment.
MY DEVELON fleet management telematics system is a standard feature on all log loader and road builder models so owners can remotely monitor and maintain their machines. This tool monitors the health, location and productivity of DEVELON equipment, and machine owners can access the data from a user-friendly mobile app and website.
Dealer Support and Warranty Options
Experienced and highly skilled professional service technicians from local DEVELON dealerships are available to help keep equipment running at its peak. With two DEVELON-exclusive parts distribution centers in Georgia and Washington state, local dealers can offer more parts inventory and faster delivery on a majority of genuine DEVELON parts.
Log loader and road builder operators can take advantage of the superior standard warranty, with full coverage for 36 months or 5,000 hours and service support from their local authorized DEVELON dealer.
DEVELON also offers Protection Plus® extended warranty coverage, with more than 70 different plan options so operators can customize their coverage. This coverage protects from deficiencies in materials or workmanship for up to 60 months or 7,500 hours, whichever comes first.
The new DX225LL-7 log loader has been bulletproof for us. It’s got more power for faster cycle times and increased productivity, especially when we’re swinging logs.”
