Information technology has moved forest machines into a new era. In Finland almost all the harvesting is done with satellite positioning and digital maps. Ponsse Oyj was the first company in the world to bring distance diagnostics onto the market.

Finland is top of the league in developing forest machines - the forest industry being its engine. One of the companies boosting this development is Ponsse Oyj, last year's market leader in Finland.

The control system of Ponsse's wood procurement includes software for controlling the entire wood procurement chain: directing the felling, felling, compiling the harvesting instructions and felling stands, reporting, follow-up and directing the transportation.

"The programs allow for the centralized planning of fellings and send the harvesting instructions to the forest machine. It is also possible to plan and compare the log yield by area and thus maximize it. At the same time the natural environment is also being spared," says Jari Mononen, the communications manager.

Technology on Nature's terms

Mononen says that sustainable development is one of Ponsse's most important values. The forest machines have been designed to work in the natural surroundings on Nature's terms. The machines' structure is more durable, but overall their total mass is smaller and the weight distribution is more even, so less damage is done to the soil.

Satellite positioning makes it possible to plant and mark the shortest routes, main driving trails and storage places. Likewise, conservation areas, key habitats and important danger factors such as electricity lines can be taken into consideration.

Saving with distance diagnostics

The distance diagnostics developed by Ponsse utilizes modern-day telecommunications. The system makes it possible to check the machine's measurement and control system through a distance connection regardless of the machine's location. Possible interference with the machine's performance can be diagnosed and even corrected from a maintenance point.

"Distance diagnostics can ensure that the equipment will operate even in dire conditions. This will mean considerable cost savings to contractors," Mononen says.

>> www.ponsse.com
>> E-portals - entries to the forest

Felling information is transferred from the control and measuring system in the forest machines by a GSM connection directly to information systems at the forestry office and owner's or at the purchasing company.


The modern-day forest worker is a master of the latest technologies and software. His tools include satellite positioning, digital stand maps and distance diagnostics.