What does it take to deliver engines to one of the toughest industries in the world? Rottne’s forestry machines work long hours in rugged environments across the globe, where downtime is costly. With a commitment to uncompromising quality, Rottne uses John Deere engines tailored to meet their needs. This is where Dpower comes in, providing the expertise and support needed to adapt and configure the engines.
Rottne’s journey began in the 1950s, transforming from a small operation modifying tractors to a leading name in forestry machinery. Today, Rottne develops forwarders and harvesters that operate worldwide, from North America to Australia and Europe. Their dedication to durability and performance has driven them to innovate constantly, creating equipment that forestry professionals know they can trust. Since the early 2000s, Dpower has supplied them with engines and helped fit them into their machines.
“Rottne is a customer with very high standards, and that’s why they chose John Deere engines. To meet their specific needs, we make necessary adaptations and ensure each engine configuration aligns with the demands of forestry work,” says Klas Runesson, Technical Manager & Aftermarket at Dpower. “This includes everything from adjusting emissions controls to optimizing durability for long hours in rugged conditions.”
Demanding standards and tailored solutions
Forestry machines face sudden load changes and often operate in remote areas, putting their engines to the ultimate test. When a machine breaks down, it’s typically far from repair centers, making repairs time-consuming and costly. With these challenges in mind, it’s no wonder Rottne is very specific about their engine requirements. Dpower meets these demands by delivering fully customized engines—from flywheel housing design and fan drive to emission control systems and placement of the starter motor ensuring each one is precisely aligned with Rottne’s machinery and operational environment.
“We’re involved in the engine’s configuration down to the smallest detail,” Klas explains. “This includes adapting the engine’s performance to meet strict emission regulations while ensuring high responsiveness, which is crucial in forestry work where engines face abrupt load changes.”
High expectations on technical know-how
Rottne continuously develops and refines its machinery to meet the evolving needs of the forestry industry, and Dpower plays a crucial role in this process. Positioned between Rottne and John Deere, Dpower not only supplies engines but is actively involved in resolving any challenges that arise along the way in terms of adaptations. With a direct line to John Deere, Dpower understands both the technical nuances of the engines and the operational demands of Rottne’s forwarders and harvesters, allowing them to address issues and implement solutions that keep Rottne’s machines performing in the field.
“We usually don’t modify the engine itself; instead, a lot of the work revolves around the systems surrounding it, especially regarding emissions. Over the years, we’ve moved from simple mechanical setups to engines with extensive after-treatment systems and control features. Now, it’s not just about the engine—it’s about ensuring the entire setup is optimized for compliance and performance. Each installation requires careful adjustments to ensure it fits Rottne’s machines perfectly,” Klas explains.
Rapid response and aftermarket support
Over the years, the two companies have built up a lot of trust in each other, and this is something Klas says is important.
“We have the technical know-how, but there are also a lot of softer values that go into a good collaboration. There has to be trust that we will solve whatever issues that may arise,” he says. “It takes a lot of time to build a reputation and a good working relationship.”
A key aspect of building trust is providing reliable access to parts. Dpower supports Rottne’s workshops and resellers with a fast, high-level service, ensuring over 95% of spare parts are available for next-day delivery. This swift access minimizes costly downtime, keeping Rottne’s machines operational and reducing the impact of interruptions on their workflow and revenue.
“There’s a lot that goes into understanding the customer’s needs and requirements. We’re able to solve problems and deliver answers if something happens. We stay engaged and listen to Rottne,” Klas says. “It’s almost impossible to exceed their expectations because they have high standards. But we’re there to help them any way we can and support them all the way.”
