Building a Forest Trail with a John Deere 693B Feller Buncher

[MikePhua]

The 693B and Its Versatile Origins
The John Deere 693B was originally designed as a feller buncher—a forestry machine built to cut and gather trees. Produced in the early 1980s, it shares its hydraulic and structural DNA with the 690B excavator, making it adaptable for tasks beyond timber harvesting. When equipped with a bucket instead of a cutting head, the 693B becomes a capable trail-building tool, especially in soft terrain and mixed woodland.
Its robust undercarriage, long reach, and high-flow hydraulics allow it to push, pull, and shape the landscape effectively. While not as nimble as a compact excavator, the 693B’s weight and power make it ideal for clearing dense brush, uprooting mid-sized trees, and forming stable trail beds in wet or mossy environments.
Terminology Annotation
- Feller buncher: A forestry machine that cuts and gathers trees using a specialized head.
- Heel rack: A rear-mounted structure used to stabilize logs or debris during movement.
- Track matting: A technique where felled trees are laid crosswise under the machine to prevent sinking in soft ground.
- Moss layer: A spongy organic surface common in boreal forests, often masking unstable soil beneath.
- Corridor road: A temporary path formed by layering vegetation and debris to support equipment movement.
Crossing Ditches and Entering the Site
The first challenge in trail building is often access. In this case, the operator needed to cross a 4–5 foot deep ditch to reach the forest interior. With no culvert or bridge available, the solution involved using the machine’s boom and bucket to shape a ramp and compact the ditch walls. By grading a slope and layering brush, the 693B could climb down and up without excessive strain on the undercarriage.
Tips for ditch crossing:

• Use the bucket to carve a gradual incline on both sides
  
• Lay small trees or brush crosswise to prevent track slippage
  
• Avoid sharp transitions that could bottom out the belly pan
  
• Keep the boom low for stability during descent
  

Trail Width and Vegetation Management
The goal was to create a 400-yard trail, as wide as possible, through mixed forest. Tree sizes ranged from saplings to 2-foot diameter trunks, with most falling in the 8–12 inch range. The ground was soft, with a foot of moss in many areas, and frequent wet spots.
For trail clearing:

• Push smaller trees forward and sideways to open the path
  
• Use the bucket teeth to rip roots and loosen stumps
  
• Lay felled trees crosswise in wet areas to form a temporary roadbed
  
• Avoid placing logs lengthwise, which can cause track instability
  

In wet zones, the “corduroy road” method—laying logs perpendicular to the trail—helps distribute weight and prevent sinking. This technique dates back to early logging operations in Canada and remains effective today.
Using Chains and Cables for Extraction
When trees fall in awkward positions or need repositioning, a chain or cable becomes invaluable. By looping a chain around the base and pulling with the bucket or boom, the operator can drag trees into alignment or out of the way. In extremely soft areas, wrapping a cable around the undercarriage before entry can aid in recovery if the machine becomes stuck.
Suggestions:

• Use a 3/8" or 1/2" grade 70 chain with grab hooks for tree pulling
  
• Carry a 20-foot recovery strap rated for 20,000 lbs or more
  
• Keep a snatch block and clevis on hand for directional pulls
  
• Inspect all rigging before use to avoid failure under load
  

Trail Shaping and Surface Preparation
Once the corridor is cleared, shaping the trail involves grading, compacting, and smoothing. The 693B’s bucket can be used to level high spots, fill low areas, and remove surface roots. In mossy terrain, it’s important to remove the organic layer to expose mineral soil, which compacts better and resists erosion.
Steps for trail shaping:

• Peel back moss and organic debris with the bucket edge
  
• Grade the surface to promote drainage
  
• Compact with track passes, alternating direction for uniformity
  
• Avoid creating berms that trap water
  

In areas with standing water, consider installing small culverts or digging side ditches to redirect flow. Even a shallow trench can prevent trail washout during heavy rain.
Conclusion
Creating a forest trail with a John Deere 693B is a blend of excavation, forestry technique, and terrain awareness. While the machine wasn’t originally built for trail work, its strength and adaptability make it a capable tool in the hands of a patient operator. By using natural materials, strategic grading, and basic rigging, even a first-time excavator user can carve a durable path through challenging terrain. In the woods, success isn’t measured by speed—it’s measured by how well the trail holds up when the rains come.