Various combinations of excavators and loaders have long been popular in the maintenance fleet of the City of Porvoo. In 2023, however, it was time to move into a completely new era with the acquisition of a modern Lännen 8600M multipurpose machine. The change for the better is now visible in every respect
An Asian tourist group magically stops in the cultural landscape of Old Porvoo to admire and point towards the cobbled alley on an autumn day. Cameras are snapping and oohs and ahhs are heard.
It's a familiar sight in tourist-friendly Porvoo, but this time it's not just the historic city's building jungle that's the reason, but the new Lännen 8600M multifunctional machine doing its normal day's work.
Driver Simon Wikström has taken to the streets and alleys of the old city, and although these corners of the city have become very familiar in the past when working with a backhoe loader, the new machine has brought big and positive changes to the job.
The versatility of the machine in Porvoo has been sought especially through the attachments, as the Lännen 8600M has enabled a remarkably versatile range of equipment. For brushing, a Snowek collecting brush and a POME boom brush are used, which has been found to be a good solution for cleaning even the most precise spots.
renewing traditions
Traditional backhoe loaders have played an important role in Porvoo's urban infrastructure fleet for quite some time, but a frame-driven, multipurpose machine of the Lännen type has not previously been in the line-up.
When the time came to buy a new machine, the possibilities of moving into a new era were considered.
- We wanted the right kind of tool that would be even better suited to the tasks it would be used for, says Teppo Väisänen, depot foreman, summing up the reasons for the purchase.
- Even though the price range went up, the aim was to find a machine that would be as good as possible for many uses, he continues.
A foretaste of the machine was already available earlier when the Lännen machine was test-driven in the city of Porvoo for winter work.
- During the test run, it became clear that the Länkkäri would be a really potential alternative to a backhoe loader. And fortunately, the city was able to invest in this machine, says Väisänen.
The advantages already identified at the time have more than proved their worth in actual use.
- The hydraulics are already accurate as standard, but now that I've adjusted my own settings, it's perfectly on target.
says Simon Wikström, operator of the Lännen multipurpose machine
A Completely different machine
- Even the delivery of the machine was a positive experience, says Teppo Väisänen.
- The factory visit was an eye-opening experience that gave us confidence and assurance that the machine was really well-designed and manufactured. You could see that the material technology and, for example, the seams and finishing are well designed, he continues. The same confidence has continued since the machine was delivered.
- A few times I've had to ask a question, and I've always received immediate help on the phone, says driver Simon Wikström.
But what about the actual work? What differences have you noticed from the previous backhoe loader, which has been in service for around ten years?
- This is a completely different machine, says Wikström.
- First of all, although it is and looks bigger, it is much more agile than a four-wheel drive. The driving comfort is a whole different class in terms of a modern cab and a high-quality bench, he continues.
According to Väisänen, driver ergonomics was one of the key factors in the purchase of the new machine.
- In an investment like this, you shouldn't just look at the purchase price. The machine will be in service for at least ten years, and you also must consider the driver's efficiency, safety, well-being, and, for example, possible sick leave, he points out.
- We have a fairly thin organization, and if a driver is absent, it's not necessarily easy to find a replacement, says Väisänen, emphasizing the importance of the driver's ability to function.
"In an investment like this, you shouldn't just look at the purchase price. The machine will be in service for at least ten years, and you also must consider the driver's efficiency, safety, well-being, and, for example, possible sick leave, he points out."
- You notice how good the hydraulics are here, as the movements remain normal even when the brush rotates, says Simon Wikström, describing the difference.
Lännen multipurpose machine - works on and off-road
The working characteristics have not left much to be desired either. The machine moves all over the city, so there is a lot of moving around. The increase of almost ten kilometers per hour has been a clear advantage here since the Lännen machine is a 50 km/h machine.
- You notice the difference not only in speed but also in the ease of driving with the cruise control, says Simon Wikström.
- And the machine is so smooth and stable when driving, even with a load in the bucket, he praises.
On the digging side, the overall feel is praised.
- Digging-wise it's better, with more mass, wider tires, a trench lock, and the geometry of the boom, say Väisänen and Wikström.
n addition, the machine has been used in trenching, for example, even in the forest, meaning that its off-road performance when crossing rocks and stumps with a crawler gear has been proven.
Wikström, who is the machine's main operator, also cites the precise adjustability of the hydraulics as an important feature.
- The hydraulics are already accurate as standard, but now that I've made my own adjustments, it's absolutely spot on.
Both Simon Wikström, the driver of the Lännen multifunctional machine, and Teppo Väisänen, the depot manager, have been very pleased with the recent acquisition of the machine by the city of Porvoo. The idea behind the purchase was to upgrade the machine to an option that would be as good as possible for many uses.
The positive thing about the Lännen machine: everything.
Versatility in Porvoo has been sought especially through the work equipment, as Lännen 8600M has enabled a remarkably diverse range of equipment.
For the winter, the excavator can be removed and replaced with a quick coupling sanding bucket or, alternatively, an additional press. For brushing, the Snowek collection brush and the POME boom brush are used, which have been found to be a good solution for cleaning even the most sensitive areas.
The hydraulic output has been found to be adequate and has been highlighted, for example, in brushing applications.
- You notice how good the hydraulics are here, as the movements remain normal even when the brush is rotating, says Simon Wikström, describing the difference.
The machine was also equipped with Leica's 3D machine control system, which is therefore compatible with the Leica ConX system in the city.
- This not only makes the excavation work easier and more efficient but also makes it safer. It also makes it easier to check the depth of the excavation at existing lines, thus reducing potential damage, says Teppo Väisänen.
Väisänen and Wikström are very satisfied with the new Lännen backhoe loader, both overall and in terms of individual features.
Of course, the driver always looks at things more from the point of view of his daily work, but in the end, all this is always reflected in the bigger picture, making the purchase a justified decision.
- Yes, everything is positive, says Wikström, summing up the successful machine replacement.
Furthermore, explore our collection of articles showcasing the versatility of the Lännen multifunctional machine, not only in Porvoo but also in other locations such as Naantali, Kuusamo, Kotka, Riihimäki, Espoo, and Helsinki. Discover the incredible capabilities of Lännen machines and their various applications.
Discover more about the incredible capabilities of Lännen multipurpose machines.
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