Skidders Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Crawler Type and Wheel Type), By Application (Forestry and Agriculture), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2033

Last Updated: 14 July 2025
SKU ID: 26781682

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SKIDDERS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global skidders market size was valued at approximately USD 1.28 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 1.66 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period.

Any kind of large, heavy vehicle used in logging operations—known as a "skidder"—is used to transfer logs from the point of cutting to a landing by pulling them out of the forest. They are then transported to the mill by being put onto trucks (or, in the past, railroad cars or flumes). A skidder is heavy-duty, highly sophisticated, and technologically advanced. The heavy-duty tyres or tracks that are now standard on all cable skidder enable them to remove more trees in less time.

These days, the machinery might come equipped with a grapple, a cable drum, or even both. Skidders can be categorised into two groups: the cable skidder and skids for wriggling. A cable skidder is a particular kind of equipment in which the logs are wrapped in cables and then moved by hand and need a second operator for this reason. Due to the lack of a second operator, grapple is preferred by the majority of foresters. Instead, this kind of skidder employs a gripping mechanism like tongs.

For selective thinning, cable skidders and grapples are both effective. They are more practical when removing a few trees while leaving the others standing. One piece of logging equipment, the skidder, can remove logs from the forest without endangering nearby trees. They are regarded as the most adaptable forestry tool because of this. Additionally, both varieties of skidders have protections to keep the operators safe from accidents or harm. The operator is enclosed in a steel cage for their protection. They are protected from falling objects and debris by these steel cages. The operators must also practise safety around the equipment and within them.

COVID-19 Impact

Shut Down of Lumber Industry to Affect the Market the world

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented, with skidders market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden spike in CAGR is attributed to demand returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

A once-in-a-lifetime health and economic catastrophe, COVID-19 fundamentally altered how people work and live. The world won't be returning to the familiar world as a result of the significant and long-lasting effects on the consumer products business. The crisis spurred significant structural changes in the consumer products sector and radically altered how and what people bought. Skidder industry was affected badly due to forbidden forest harvesting in the pandemic.

Landowners, logging businesses, skidders market and sawmills all incurred significant losses in the forestry industry. Significant losses were caused by the COVID-19 epidemic as well as devastating wildfires and hurricanes. The lockout and shutdown of practically all industries forced the workers to remain at home, preventing the felling of any trees or the sawing of any logs into lumber.

LATEST TRENDS

Subtle Downtrodden Condition to Attract Customers

Due to its expanded track roller frame and weight-forward bias, the Cat 527 track skidder excels in applications requiring log skidding. It is capable of sustaining output in mountainous areas and soft underfoot conditions thanks to ergonomic controls that have been carefully designed and preserved undercarriage performance. The gross power of the D Series wheel skidder ranges from 203 hp to 275 hp, with a grapple capacity of 14.4 ft2 to 22 ft2. Industry-leading comfort, stability, lift capacity, and cycle times are provided by these wheel skidder.

Global-Skidders-Market-Share,-By-Type,-2033

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SKIDDERS MARKET SEGMENTATION

  • By Type

Based on type; the market is divided into crawler type and wheel type.

In terms of product, wheel type is the largest segment.

  • By Application

Based on application; the market is divided into forestry and agriculture.

In terms of application forestry is the largest segment.

DRIVING FACTORS

Lumber Industry to Fuel the Market Growth

Lumber markets in the forests are growing dramatically, eventually exceeding in terms of size. Large demands for furniture and buildings fuelled the lumber market which automatically led to the need for skidders. Skidders market growth is driven by lumber industries on a large scale. After the pandemic due to an increase in manufactural projects the demand for forestry equipment increased. 

Cost Efficiency of the Machinery to Drive the Market

Depending on the type and size of the skidder you may desire, the cost of the equipment varies. A used skidder costs less than a new one, but new equipment is equally reasonably priced and accessible. The machinery is efficient and cost-effective, which significantly influences the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Deforestation and Soil Erosion to Impede Market Growth

Skidder logging in thinning operations has the drawback of harming the remaining trees by dragging branches and trunks against them, removing the protective bark of the trees. The market is frequently held responsible for soil erosion and deforestation. This is a significant component that slows the market's expansion.

SKIDDERS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Vast Number of Construction Sites to Stir the Market

North America dominates the market and holds the largest part of skidders market share. The large number of construction sites in forests of North America made it the dominating region among other countries. The region is also ahead of other regions in terms of lumber production and number of skidders. Out of all the new models of this particular machinery most of the variants were produced by Nort America which played an important role in making this region a resilient competitor.  

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

New Potential Players in the Market to Boost Market Growth

The analysis provides a broad overview of the key players in the industry as well as a synopsis of the company's market share. The companies, aspiring to enter the market are also mentioned in the report. The companies that produce and introduce new products, the areas where they operate, automation, technology adoption, creating the greatest income, and making a difference with their products are some of the other factors that are looked at for this market.

List Of Top Skidders Companies

  • John Deere (U.S.)
  • Cat (Caterpillar) (U.S.)
  • Weiler Forestry (U.S)
  • IRUM (Poland)
  • Tigercat (U.S.)
  • HSM (U.S.)
  • Kesla OYJ (Finland)
  • Awassos (England)
  • KMC-Kootrac (Canada)

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

January 2019: Tigercat Inc., a producer of forest machinery with headquarters in Canada, introduced the Tigercat 602 cable skidder. The prototype 602 skidder was shipped to France last summer to be equipped with a swing boom for usage in Europe's mountainous terrain.

REPORT COVERAGE

This market study includes a thorough analysis of the skidders market's overall growth prospects on a global and regional level. The skidders market, as well as the primary market trends and the impact of the coronavirus, are covered in detail in the research. It also illuminates the thorough competitive environment of the global industry. The research also includes a dashboard overview of the top organisations, including their effective marketing approaches, market share, and most recent advancements in both historical and contemporary contexts. The research offers a thorough analysis of the market by focusing on data regarding many factors, such as drivers, constraints, opportunities, and threats. Before making an investment, stakeholders can use this knowledge to make wise judgments.

Skidders Market Report Scope & Segmentation

Attributes Details

Market Size Value In

US$ 1.28 Billion in 2024

Market Size Value By

US$ 1.66 Billion by 2033

Growth Rate

CAGR of 2.9% from 2025 to 2033

Forecast Period

2025-2033

Base Year

2024

Historical Data Available

Yes

Regional Scope

Global

Segments Covered

By Type

  • Crawler Type
  • Wheel Type

By Application

  • Forestry
  • Agriculture

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