Lännen 8600M – An Opportunity That Couldn’t Be Missed

Used Lännen machines regularly appear for sale, as acquiring a new machine often brings a trade-in. However, a lightly used Lännen multipurpose machine sold almost like new, is a true rarity. It's such a tempting opportunity that it can even alter initial purchase plans.

Lännen multipurpose machines with low hours are rarely available for sale. Typically, these machines rack up long hours, and even then, they’re not always traded in — often the buyer of a new machine keeps the previous one as a backup or to balance the increased workload created by versatile machines.

When a low-hour Lännen does come up for sale, the reason is often personal. For example, when the owner retires, the so-called "retirement machine" returns to the market. A similar situation recently occurred with a Lännen 8600M machine now working in Kuopio. Its previous owner passed away unexpectedly.

The machine was left without an operator, so the family entrusted Lännen Tractors' sales network to find it a new, good home.

The Lännen 8600M, unexpectedly acquired by Paavo Raatikainen, found an excellent driver in Timo Tolppanen, who had already gained solid experience using the Lännen machine for line unloading in his previous job.

A Lundberg Was Considered, But a Lännen Was Purchased

H. Raatikainen Oy, a construction, machinery service, and property maintenance company from Kuopio, was looking to expand its fleet with an urban machine in spring 2024.

- We were initially negotiating for a Lundberg when Lännen's Area Sales Manager Hannu Siukkola mentioned that a low-hour Lännen machine was available, says H. Raatikainen Oy’s CEO Paavo Raatikainen.

- We hadn't had one of these machines before, but the price was tempting, and the purchase seemed sensible, he adds.

It was also clear that a similar offer wouldn’t come around again anytime soon.

- Since much of our work involves excavation and, for example, drainage renovations for housing companies, I thought it could work for that, Paavo continues.

- And in the winter, there's snow plowing and loading, which was the original purpose for the machine.

The deal was done, and the machine arrived at the company’s site on a Monday.

- I hadn't told the employees anything in advance. I thought a little surprise was in order, Paavo Raatikainen laughs.

- The guys walked around the machine, looked at it, and commented, 'So this is what you got, but who's going to drive it?' At that point, it occurred to me that I should probably find a driver, Raatikainen recalls.

"The cleaning of green strips went really well. It’s previously been done with a wheel-based rotating machine, but it was better with the Lännen machine."

- I drove a Lännen machine in the army. I started right out of basic training at Rissala in 1992 and logged 500 hours on a C100 Länkkäri during my service. But nowadays, with the business growing, I don’t really have time to operate the machines myself, Paavo continues.

So, a driver was needed. Fortunately, the search didn’t take long.

- It was Timo Tolppanen, who had already been operating our machines, who said in the yard, 'If you don't have a driver for it yet, I've driven C- and G-models for years at my previous job.' It hadn’t come up before! Paavo smiles.

Suitable for Drainage Work Too

Now, Timo has been driving the machine for a month since the Lännen became part of Raatikainen’s fleet. The current project is a drainage renovation for a housing company, one of the company’s core services.

How does the 8600M perform for such work? Usually, a few-ton rotating machine is used for these jobs.

- It's been a great fit, surprisingly agile for such a tight site, says Timo. The machine had about 1,200 hours when it arrived, and 200 more have been added since. The impression of the M-series has been positive.

- My previous experience was with the G-series, and this one is much better balanced, the wobbliness is completely gone, Timo notes.

According to Paavo Raatikainen, Lännen multipurpose machine can handle even smaller tasks with a flick of the wrist. The company has agreements with several pipe companies, which they can call directly in case of a breakage, allowing them to quickly dig out the pipes.

- On a site like this, the advantage is that you don’t need a separate loader for lifting or loading tasks. And moving the machine is quick, no need for a trailer.

Paavo Raatikainen has also noticed this last point.

- You can get small jobs done quickly. We already have agreements with a few pipe companies that call us directly for breakages, so we can get digging fast.

The machine’s versatility has also been demonstrated in cable digging and, for example, spring cleaning with a rotating brush attached to the digging equipment.

- The cleaning of green strips went really well. It’s previously been done with a wheel-based rotating machine, but it was better with the Lännen machine, says Raatikainen.

Equipment preparations for the upcoming winter have already begun. The Lännen multipurpose machine will be used for snow plowing and loading, with expectations for many productive hours ahead.

New Possibilities with a Shift in Mindset

There have been no technical issues with the machine, but several calls have been made to Lännen Tractors for help familiarizing themselves with the machine.

- We've called Markku Vähätalo often to learn the controls and other details. The support has always been excellent, Paavo Raatikainen says.

"The truth is, this machine can do almost anything if you just adjust your mindset."

- As we continue to learn the machine, we’re sure to come up with new ways to use it for different tasks. The truth is, this machine can do almost anything if you just adjust your mindset. It was a sizeable investment, even as a used machine, but no regrets at all. I believe there’s a lot more this machine can do beyond its current tasks, Paavo concludes.

On-site, the Lännen multipurpose machine also has the advantage of handling lifting and loading tasks without the need for a separate wheel loader. Transitions are also quick and there is no need for pallet transport to move the machine. 

The versatile Lännen backhoe loader is a practical and multifunctional solution regardless of the season or terrain conditions. Read more about the various tasks different types of machines can accomplish with one versatile Lännen machine here.

If you have any further inquiries or wish for our sales team to get in touch with you, simply click here.

You can also request more information by emailing info@lannen.com.