It targets the research and development of responsible and environmentally friendly solutions for mobile work machines.
FORWARD’27 is a joint programme of Ponsse’s and Epec. It was granted EUR 10 million funding by Business Finland in the challenger competition for leading companies in the spring of 2023. In total, the funding received by the program is up to 30 million euros, when the ecosystem of companies and actors built around the program receives its share of the funding. The goal of the programme is to promote export growth in Finland through research and product development.
Current and potential ecosystem partners for the FORWARD’27 programme were invited to a launch event in Tampere on 19 September 2023. The launch event offered an opportunity for both current and potential ecosystem partners to discuss and learn more about FORWARD’27 and its possibilities. The experts from both Ponsse and Epec introduced in more detail the four-point roadmap of the program, the goals of which are focused on researching and developing responsible and environmentally friendly solutions in the field of mobile work machines.
The roadmap’s various themes aim to solve the technology and commercial challenges of off-road vehicles through ecosystem projects. The projects evolve around the programme’s themes, which are Autonomous Solutions, Sustainable Power, Data-driven Solutions and a Sustainable Supply Chain.
The aim of Ponsse’s FORWARD’27 programme is to push the sustainability of mobile work machines to another level. This includes significantly reducing emissions from mobile work machines themselves or the manufacturing stage, cutting energy consumption and improving productivity, while maintaining or improving quality at the same time without tiring the operator. A wide ecosystem is built around the FORWARD’27 programme, which consists of companies and other partners such as universities and research organisations. The first members of the ecosystem have already been found. Source
The chainsaws include two saws that will replace previous models and two upgrades to existing models.
Two of the new chainsaws, the CS-4920 and CS-4010, will replace the CS-4910 and CS-400 and will offer more power and lower emissions. The other two saws, the CS-2511TN and CS-2511PN, have been upgraded to include a new SpeedCut Nano 80TXL cutting system.
The Echo CS-4920 50.2 cc rear handle chainsaw is a lightweight, powerful tool that is ideal for large landowners who fell and buck trees, process firewood or have storm clean ups. While it replaces the CS-4910, its stratified 2-stroke engine has lower emissions and features the same powerful performance, now with a common bar mount, added purge bulb and momentary switch.
The Echo CS-4010 41.6 cc rear handle chainsaw replaces the CS-400. The new i-30™ starter reduces starting effort by 30%, it’s 0.7 lb (0.3 kg) lighter and features 13% more power than its predecessor. An ideal saw for homeowners, it can be used for a wide range of applications from cutting firewood to storm cleanup.
Finally, designed to be the two lightest gas-powered chainsaws in North America, are the CS-2511TN and CS-2511PN. These saws feature the new SpeedCut Nano 80TXL cutting system, a smaller chain chassis optimized for saws in the 1 to 3 hp range. This system features a .325-inch low-profile chain combined with a .043-inch gauge bar, as well as a system-specific sprocket to deliver increased cutting speed and a smoother cut. All chainsaws come with an unmatched industry warranty that includes a two-year commercial warranty and a five-year consumer warranty. Source
The BL1/SSL/VT can shred vegetation, shrubs, and trees.
The BL1/SSL/VT for vehicles from 45 to 65 hp (33 to 48 kW), which can shred vegetation, shrubs, and trees up to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. It can be used for vegetation maintenance along roadsides, railroad tracks, the banks of canals, rivers, lakes, managing and protecting wildlife habitats, maintaining vineyards and orchards, commercial and residential green areas and sports grounds.
The BL1/SSL/VT's Variable Torque (VT) piston engine boosts mulcher performance compared to a fixed-cylinder engine, increasing torque when an extra boost of power is needed and minimizing rotor stalling. In the field, the mulcher always operates with the maximum torque needed, for good performance while optimizing fuel consumption.
The Bite Limiter technology on this head is ideal for high productivity in managing vegetation, with reliably efficient shredding. The rotor with Bite Limiter technology comes with special wear-resistant steel profiles that limit the reach (bite) of the teeth. This cuts down on power demand and promotes a consistent working speed, for excellent performance when mulching any kind of wood. The Bite Limiter technology also minimizes rotor stalling and helps optimize fuel consumption.
The Spike Pro counter blades ensure low power absorption and a finer final product. Spike Pros are interchangeable offset counter blades that enable finer shredding and a smoother flow of wet material. The special design also makes them efficient with very rigid and more flexible vegetation.
The flagship features of the BL1/SSL are completed with a high-visibility profile, helping the operator to optimize work, and interchangeable and adjustable skids for greater precision. The new BL1/SSL/VT can be equipped with MINI BL blades or MINI C/3 teeth and is available in a width of 125 cm. Source
Fecon has launched an e-commerce site that allows users to purchase spare parts and accessories for their Fecon products.
Fecon LLC, continues to invest in technology to support customers, and anywhere, anytime. This new site, coupled with a new facility dedicated entirely to aftermarket parts, will allow faster order fulfilment to keep customers up and running without interruption.
Users can scan a QR code off of the serial number plate which links the serial number of the unit to its specific parts manual and other documents in Fecon Connect, allowing them to purchase the correct parts with three-click convenience. Those without access to the QR codes can also use Fecon Connect to drill down and find parts by model number, serial number, or part number, with “click and buy” simplicity. Designed with a mobile-first approach, the new e-commerce site may be accessed from mobile devices, laptops, or desktops, depending on customer preference. In addition to finding and purchasing components, customers can also track shipments. This new functionality is available on the recently redesigned Fecon website.
Established in 1992 near Cincinnati, Fecon manufactures the Bull Hog. They also manufacture tracked carriers and tractors, as well as a full range of attachments and other equipment for vegetation management. Their products are sold through equipment dealers and distributors worldwide. Source
Michelin provides guidance to ensure truck safety and reduced downtime.
The right wheel torque keeps the mechanical components and the tire contact patch in good form, keeping you safe.
It all begins with wheel condition. Wheel condition must be checked regularly. A cracked wheel or rim must be replaced. Preferably, wheels or rims should not be repaired by welding. If welding is required, the tire must be removed from the rim. If not, the risk of explosion is very high. The tire can be reassembled when all parts return to room temperature. Before welding the vehicle chassis, the tire and wheel units must be removed. When dismantling multiple wheels, we recommended deflating all vehicle tires.
Before tightening, it is necessary to clean the contact surface of the hub and wheel, the studs and nuts. It is also necessary to check the condition of the mounting holes (deformations, cracks, etc.), the condition of the studs (deformations, condition of the threads, etc.), the condition of the nuts (deformations, condition of the threads, etc.), if necessary, remove rust and paint residues with a wire brush, and possible metal deburring. One should lubricate with a drop of oil on the nut threads and studs, and of flat or spigot nuts. Never lubricate the nut contact surfaces, or spherical or M-type washers.
Final tightening torque must be done within the tightening torques recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Depending on the number of nuts, remember the cross-tightening order. Tightening to the correct torque enables easy disassembly in the event of a puncture. Also, it will prevent axle damage and ensures your safety. Overtightening can be as damaging as under-tightening, which can lead to damage and/or broken axles, wheel loss due to damage of nut threads and drum warping.
After 30 minutes or a distance of 30 to 60 miles (48 to 96 km), the wheel nuts must be checked again using a properly calibrated torque wrench. When checking the torque, do not tighten and retighten. Source
Sale of Ponsse’s subsidiary in Russia completed
Ponsse Plc has today completed the sale of all shares in OOO Ponsse, its subsidiary that provided PONSSE services in Russia and Belarus. After the conditions of the transaction were met, Ponsse’s business operations in Russia transferred to OOO Bison, a Russian company, and the trade received the approval of the local authorities. Source
DOJUS Group to distribute Malwa Forest’s low impact machines in Lithuania
Malwa Forest has signed an agreement with DOJUS Group, a leading distributor of forestry- and agriculture equipment in Lithuania. The partnership is aimed at expanding Malwa Forest’s presence in the Baltic region and providing Lithuanian forestry contractors full access to Malwa’s range of compact forwarders and harvesters. Source
Automated Truck by IVECO and Plus Now on Public Roads in Germany
the IVECO S-Way truck equipped with PlusDrive, Plus’s enhanced driver-assist solution based on its open autonomy platform, has started operating on public roads in Germany. The milestone follows a rigorous testing and validation process including extensive closed-course testing, validation of previously collected public road data and in-depth training for the test drivers on the advanced safety features of the truck. Source
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