Ponsse starts Scorpion Thin Line production in Vieremä

Finnish forestry contractor Veljekset Lukkarinen Oy is among the first buyers of the Scorpion Thin Line, Ponsse’s new harvester for thinning operations. Its machine, fitted with the new H6 harvester head, was completed at the Vieremä factory in early November ahead of a winter with plenty of thinning work on the books.

Side view of a black and yellow Ponsse Scorpion Thin Line harvester in a conifer stand, with its crane extending over the cab and the harvester head visible between the trees. — The Scorpion Thin Line comes with a choice of two harvester heads. Veljekset Lukkarinen Oy opted for the new H6 for its winter thinning work.

Ponsse introduced two models for thinning operations in early autumn, the Scorpion Thin Line harvester and the Wisent Thin Line forwarder. Production of both models has now begun in Vieremä, Finland.

“Thinning operations require agility and the ability to work efficiently at logging sites with limited space. The Scorpion Thin Line is slightly narrower and optimised specifically for these requirements. In Finland, the new model has generated a great deal of interest among our customers,” says Jani Liukkonen, Country Manager, Ponsse Finland.

A winter of thinning work ahead

For Varpaisjärvi-based Veljekset Lukkarinen Oy, the quality of the work and the machine’s ability to operate on soft ground both weighed in the decision.

“We were particularly interested in an efficient machine designed for thinning operations, with settings optimised specifically for this type of work. We have a lot of thinning operations coming up this winter, for which both efficiency and high-quality work are essential. A high-quality harvesting result in thinning operations is important to us because it helps ensure the continuity of our business. The slightly lower machine weight is also an advantage in soft conditions. And of course, the new black colour scheme was a nice bonus,” says foreman Mika Lukkarinen.

“Through our machine choices, we also want to show forest owners that high-quality harvesting results in thinning operations are important to us. By investing in solutions specifically designed and optimised for thinning operations, we want to demonstrate our commitment to high-quality harvesting,” he adds.

Founded in 1986, Veljekset Lukkarinen Oy celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and employs around 40 people. The company runs 11 harvesting teams in Finland’s North Savo region, including one operated by a subcontractor.

A Ponsse Scorpion Thin Line harvester seen between tree trunks in a dimly lit forest, with its work lights on. — Ponsse designed the slightly narrower Scorpion Thin Line for thinning sites where operators have limited room to manoeuvre between standing trees.

Thinning settings and a choice of two harvester heads

The Thin Line is based on the Scorpion harvester and retains its patented cab levelling and stabilisation system. According to Ponsse, the thinning-specific settings reduce fuel consumption, while the machine’s low ground pressure helps it work on soft soils.

The long-reach crane is equipped with Ponsse’s Active Crane control system. Work lights illuminate the area around the machine for operations after dark, and the cab has an upgraded audio system.

The Scorpion Thin Line is available with either the Ponsse H5 harvester head or the new H6 selected by Veljekset Lukkarinen Oy.