Juha Vuoti has spent a significant portion of his 25-year entrepreneurial career with the Lännen multipurpose machines. And not just one, or even a few, but a total of ten Lännen machines. The latest machine arrived in the spring of 2023, marking a new era in machine control for Vuoti with the L5 U3DXL system.
The summer season at the Pateniemi Sports Center in Oulu has begun, albeit somewhat differently than usual. Expansion is underway, specifically in the construction of foundations. The sports center will feature an even larger artificial ice skating area, athletic performance venues, and a separate skateboarding area.
Today, the focus is on laying the foundation for the artificial ice area, as the previously very popular but small 4400 m² rink and spectator skating area are expanding to a whopping 9400 m². Juha Vuoti, from Muhos, is contributing to this work with his shiny new Lännen 8700M – in a metallic green shade reminiscent of the fashion color of the spring.
This type of task keeps Vuoti and his machine busy in both earthworks and site support functions. The collaboration between the versatile Lännen machine and the dedicated operator has been recognized by customers for a quarter of a century.
Juha Vuoti chose the Swedish L5 and U3D-XL system for machine control. Compared to previous systems, Juha particularly highlights its easy and clear user interface, which always aligns with the working direction through a tablet that rotates with the seat and can be easily detached when stepping out to the worksite.
But it's not just about the hardware
Vuoti was introduced to machines from a young age, often in the vicinity of Loimaa.
- My father, Pekka, started contracting in 1964, and I started tinkering with these when I was six years old. Since then, we've been familiar with Hydromasters and the like. If we count only Lännen, there have been 14 in operation so far, along with other brands, Juha explains.
- I started as an entrepreneur myself in 1998 with a used machine bought from my father, and the first Lännen machine was an 880S acquired in 2001. Since then, we've gone through all model series, C, E, G, and so on, Vuoti continues.
- Towards the end, there were even a few models repeated twice, he smiles.
The previous machine was an 8700M purchased in 2021, so this time the replacement interval was about two years.
- There wasn't necessarily a need to change so frequently, and the change wasn't made because there was something wrong with the previous one. This is already the third machine of this kind, combining a larger machine with a slightly smaller excavator. Before these M models, there was the 8600K Premium, Juha Vuoti explains.
- And it fits well in hand.
"The complete package from Lännen, comprising factory, sales, and service, forms a working triangle. I've always been able to call, and there's always been a response when needed. And in recent years, there haven't been any major issues, but when there were, the factory was very supportive."
Vuoti notes that technological advancements have been significant over the years, but merely acquiring new equipment hasn't been the driving force behind the ten-machine history.
He attributes the brand's longevity to the trustful relationship he has built with the manufacturer over the years.
- The complete package from Lännen, comprising factory, sales, and service, forms a working triangle. I've always been able to call, and there's always been a response when needed. And in recent years, there haven't been any major issues, but when there were, the factory was very supportive, he describes.
Trust is built on people
Vuoti attributes the foundation of this trustful relationship to the cooperation with previous Lännen salesmen.
- Our collaboration with Arkke Halmetoja and later Jari Rahkonen set the foundation for our partnership. And the subsequent salesmen have continued that. There's a feeling that this guy is on my side, you can talk and trust even when there's a problem, Vuoti praises.
- A spare machine has always been arranged when needed; not a single day has been lost due to machine downtime. Local service, Konehuolto Mika Jaakola Oy, and technicians Pekka and Reijo also do an excellent job.
Vuoti also reflects that for a relatively small-scale manufacturer operating in a narrow sector on a global scale, Lännen's product development has been notably progressive.
- Reliability is especially crucial, and it's in good shape. Of course, features are also important, but there's no need to increase power necessarily; the power level has been sufficient for a long time, Juha reflects.
- But how geometry, visibility, and the cab have evolved is excellent, especially considering how few people are involved in the design and development, Vuoti praises.
Environmental issues are of great importance to Juha Vuoti. Therefore, the carbon footprint of the machine is kept small by choosing Neste MY Renewable Diesel as the fuel, among other measures
Ease brings a smile
With the new machine comes a new era of machine control. Juha Vuoti has been using machine guidance in his work for well over a decade, but now, a Swedish L5 and U3D-XL system has been introduced as a new brand.
Developing such a system for this type of machine isn't straightforward, but according to Juha Vuoti, L5 has done it quite successfully.
- It's funny how easy it is to operate with this new system, he summarizes his feelings.
Compared to previous systems, he mentions the easy and clear user interface as one of the system's significant advantages, which is always aligned with the direction of work through a tablet that rotates with the seat. Additionally, the tablet can be easily detached for closer inspection of data when on-site.
- You can also download all the different models needed for the site onto it, and the system can automatically switch models according to the job site, he explains and demonstrates: when the bucket moves from the artificial ice rink area to outside, another model activates immediately and without any action.
- This is an excellent package for this type of multipurpose machine, and it feels like there are already plenty of features. And surely, more are coming, Vuoti concludes before returning to his task.
Although spring has just begun, future winter skaters are already awaiting their new rink.
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.
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