
AFGRI Equipment is excited to announce the promotion of Brad Forrester to the role of General Manager – Construction & Forestry. Formerly AFGRI Equipment’s Aftermarket General Manager, Brad brings extensive industry knowledge and a results-driven approach that have already benefited AFGRI Equipment’s customer base and operations. With this strategic move, AFGRI Equipment is positioning itself to strengthen its influence in Australia’s growing construction and forestry markets, tapping into Brad’s expertise and a high-quality fleet of John Deere machinery.
Brad’s career with AFGRI Equipment has showcased his commitment to quality and service, essential to supporting the complex demands of the Australian construction sector. His hands-on experience in aftermarket services uniquely positions him to address challenges and boost customer satisfaction in his new role.
“Transitioning to the Construction & Forestry side of the business is a move that I’m excited about and look forward to working with the team,” Brad Forrester said. “I believe my focus on customer support through empowerment & training of our team will strengthen our position in the Market,” he added.
Under Brad’s leadership, AFGRI Equipment plans to accelerate growth by highlighting the versatility, quality and breadth of John Deere’s Construction and Forestry fleet. AFGRI Equipment’s commitment to addressing customer needs is evident in their continuous product innovation and expansion of services.

AFGRI Equipment’s construction offerings cater to a range of applications, from large-scale construction projects to forestry and precision-focused grading. John Deere’s fleet combines durability with advanced technology to support diverse industries and operators, with a variety of models tailored for specific tasks.
Wheel loaders are critical for construction operations, and John Deere’s lineup includes models from the cost-effective G-Tier (e.g., the 444G and 644G) to the high-spec P-Tier, which boasts advanced capabilities and options. The PCE (Production Class Equipment) models, such as the 744, 824, and 904, are especially suited for large-scale jobs requiring robust capacity.
Graders are a crucial tool for precision in grading and construction, and John Deere’s models are built to handle challenging conditions. With options such as the 670G for basic tasks and the Grade Pro (GP) units equipped with advanced machine control, John Deere graders are designed to enhance productivity and operator ease. The 672GP model, with its six-wheel drive capability, is a prime choice for demanding tasks, providing unmatched traction and maneuverability.
In Australia, John Deere dozers cater to mid-size projects, with models such as the 850L, 950K, and 1050K offering hydrostatic drive systems for smooth operation. This technology allows greater control compared to traditional transmissions, making these dozers suitable for high-precision tasks.
With payload capacities ranging from 25 to 45 tonnes, John Deere’s dump trucks are engineered for heavy-duty construction applications. The flagship 460P model, with its 45-tonne capacity, is designed for efficient material transport, reducing cycle times and enhancing productivity.
John Deere’s excavators, ranging from 13 to 40 tonnes, are built to tackle demanding applications with ease. While the current lineup is geared toward basic tasks, future innovations may address the demand for additional features and configurations. For shire-based projects, John Deere’s two backhoe models provide essential utility in smaller-scale operations.
AFGRI Equipment’s CCE line includes compact excavators and skid steers/track loaders, critical for precision work and site flexibility. John Deere’s skid steers, such as the 320G and 325G, offer options for both wheeled and tracked operation, meeting varied site conditions. These compact machines provide versatile solutions for operators needing agility in confined spaces.
Wessel Oosthuizen, CEO of AFGRI Equipment, shares his perspective on the company’s managerial changes with the development of a strong Aftermarket Team, now was a good time for Brad to join the Construction & Forestry division of AFGRI Equipment. “Brad’s experience and focus on customer support will continue the growth we have seen over the last 5yrs,” Wessel comments.
AFGRI Equipment’s investment in John Deere’s construction and forestry lineup underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments. “John Deere has global leading connected support and we have now structured AFGRI Equipment to ensure this support increases efficiency and productivity on site for our customers. To facilitate this support, our AFGRI Connect team under leadership of Josh Bracken is being expanded to include a strong focus on C&F machines and we will also add machine monitoring specialists in the coming months,” Wessel Oosthuizen said.
Brad Forrester’s promotion marks a pivotal step for AFGRI Equipment. With his expertise and AFGRI Equipment’s robust lineup of John Deere equipment, the company is poised to address the evolving needs of the Australian market, supporting contractors and operators with machines that drive productivity and efficiency.