THESE are the first images of a new eight-tonne forwarder created in memory of the founder of manufacturer Fors MW. 

Farma's LF8 is the company's first forwarder and will serve as a fitting tribute to the late Leif Fors, who passed away in the spring of 2015 shorty after being diagnosed with cancer. 

READ MORE: Elmia Wood (Pt. 4): New forwarder is fitting tribute to forestry legend

Having originally come up with the idea himself in 2011, the LF8 – LF standing for ‘Leif’s Forwarder' – was completed in his honour by the Estonia-based firm. 

Fors MW CEO – and Leif's daughter – Ulrica Fors-Stenmarck said last year: “Leif was my father, who had an idea for an eight-tonne forwarder back in 2011.

Forestry Journal: The LF8 has a total width of 2.2 mThe LF8 has a total width of 2.2 m (Image: Supplied)

"We actually started the project and bought an engine from JCB that’s still in our basement. Unfortunately, he got cancer, the project was postponed and he passed away.

“Two years ago, my project manager and I said: ‘Isn’t it time to bring Leif’s forwarder to the market?’ It’s been top secret but now we’re finally able to talk about it. It will be groundbreaking.”

Forestry Journal: The LF8 will have an eight-metre crane reachThe LF8 will have an eight-metre crane reach (Image: Supplied)

A prototype was on Fors' Elmia Wood 2022 stand, but the final design has now been completed. It features a loading ratio of 1:1, meaning the weight of the machine should be the same as the loading capacity, something that is currently only achieved by the smallest 3- to 7-tonne machines.

The LF8 will be given a full world premiere at the company's headquarters in September.

For every FARMA LF8 sold, Fors MW will donate SEK 5,000 (approximately £370) to the Cancer Foundation in Sweden.