PONSSE forestry machinery: overview of harvester and forwarder models
PONSSE: Finland's forest machinery powerhouse - overview of harvesters and forwards
PONSSE is synonymous with reliability, innovation and Finnish precision in the world of forestry. The company, founded by Eini Ponski, is one of the global leaders in the production of forest harvesting machinery. PONSSE machines - harvesters (feller bunchers) and forwards (skidder tractors) - are the backbone of modern and efficient timber harvesting.
If you don't know the difference between a forwarder and a harvester, take a look at our previous article:
Forwarder and harvester - what's the difference.
PONSSE forwards: logistics in the heart of the forest
Forwarders, or skidder tractors, are responsible for transporting timber felled and prepared by harvesters from the felling site to the forest edge. PONSSE machines are known for their excellent power-to-weight ratio, high pulling power and operator comfort.
Main forwarder models
The PONSSE forwarder portfolio includes machines designed for a variety of tasks and terrain conditions, from thinning to full felling:
| Model | Main use | Approximate payload |
| Gazelle | Thinning, small-scale | ~ 10 t |
| Caribou | Universal, thinning | ~ 10 t |
| Wisent | Thinning, medium skidding | ~ 12 t |
| Elk | Universal, medium skidding/late thinning | ~ 13 t |
| Buffalo | Universal, heavy-duty skidding | ~ 15 t |
| Bison | Heavy-duty skidder, high power | ~ 16 t |
| Elephant | Extremely heavy skidding | ~ 18 t |
| Mammoth | Extreme loads (e.g. South America) | ~ 25 t |
Types of cranes in forwarders
Forwarders are equipped with loading cranes, which are characterised by high lifting power and a fast working cycle. Examples of popular crane models used on PONSSE forwards:
- PONSSE K70+: Often found on medium-sized machines (e.g. Elk). Features a range of up to 7.9 / 10 m.
- PONSSE K90+: Powerful crane used on machines with higher payloads (e.g. Elk, Buffalo). Range up to 7.8 / 10 m.
- PONSSE K100/K100+: found on machines with high and very high payloads (e.g. Buffalo). Range up to 7.8 / 9.5 m.
- PONSSE K121: Rugged crane for the largest models (e.g. Elephant), designed to handle extremely heavy loads. Range up to 8m/ 10m.
Check out the current auctions of PONSSE Forwarders and bid for a machine at an attractive price:
PONSSE Harvesters: Masters of felling and processing
PONSSE Harvesters are highly specialised felling harvesters that perform the entire process: felling, limbing and measuring timber. They are machines with advanced hydraulics and control systems, ensuring maximum precision and efficiency.
Main harvester models
PONSSE offers harvesters to suit every type of work - from precision thinning to efficient felling:
| Model | Main use | Weight |
| Beaver | Thinning, small-scale felling | ~ 18 t |
| Fox | Thinning, medium felling | ~ 19 t |
| Cobra | Universal, thinning and felling | ~ 20 t |
| Scorpion / Scorpion King | Chunky, high performance, distinctive design | ~ 23 t |
| Ergo | Full felling, large size | ~ 22 t |
| Bear | Extremely heavy logging | ~ 28 t |
Check out the current PONSSE Harvester auctions and bid on a machine at an attractive price:
Types of heads used in harvesters:
The heads are the heart of the harvester - they are what perform the felling and processing of the timber. PONSSE offers a range of heads (units) with different sizes and specifications, depending on the target timber diameter:
| Head model | Cutting diameter | Number of knives | Feed force | Main use | Harvester models |
| H5 | 580 | 4 | ~ 19 kN | Thinning, small and medium-sized trees | Beaver, Fox, Cobra, Ergo and Scorpion |
| H6 | 620 | 4 | ~ 25 kN | Universal, medium and larger trees | Beaver, Fox, Cobra, Ergo and Scorpion |
| H7 | 680 | 5 | ~ 30 kN | Felling, large and hardwood trees | Cobra, Ergo, Scorpion King and Bear |
| H8 | 750 | 5 | ~ 37 kN | Large diameter trees, heavy thinning | Ergo and Bear |
Types of cranes in harvesters
The cranes on PONSSE harvesters are characterised by high precision, stability and a large angle of rotation:
- PONSSE C2, C22, C33: Crane models used on smaller and medium-sized machines (e.g. Beaver, Cobra). Range: 10 / 11 m.
- PONSSE C4, C44+: Used on medium-sized machines (Cobra, Ergo). Range: 10 / 11 m.
- PONSSE C5, C50/C50+: Flagship crane with high lifting force (~ 265 kNm), specific to high-performance machines such as Scorpion, Scorpion King. Swing angle ~ 280°. Reach: 10 / 11 m.
- C6: Used for the largest machines and heads (Bear and H8 head). Range: 8.6 / 10 m or 9.5 / 11 m.
HARVESTER/FORWARDER PONSSE
PONSSE Scorpion: a revolution in ergonomics and stability
The PONSSE Scorpion model (along with the Scorpion King and Scorpion Giant variants) deserves special attention because it revolutionised harvester design. Launched in 2014-2015, it quickly became an icon of modern forestry and is still in production today.
Distinguishing features of the Scorpion model
1. crane in the middle (central): The most distinctive feature of the Scorpion is the placement of the crane in the centre of the machine, rather than to the side. The PONSSE C50 (or the newer C50+) crane works above the operator's cab. This design provides exceptional visibility and ideal balance, distributing the load naturally.
2. three-piece frame: the machine rests on a unique three-piece frame with stabilisation that adapts to the terrain and automatically levels the cab.
3. levelling and rotating cab: the operator works in a cab that is constantly kept horizontal (compensating for a slope of ± 15° ) and can rotate. This new PONSSE Future cab is recognised as a benchmark in ergonomics and safety, significantly reducing operator fatigue.
4. eight wheels (8×8): Eight wheels as standard for excellent traction in difficult and boggy terrain.
5 Efficiency: thanks to the central crane, the operator can process a larger area from a single stopping point, which directly translates into higher productivity and less damage to the ground.
Summary
PONSSE machines, from compact forwards (Gazelle) to giant harvesters (Bear), are designed with a focus on ecology, efficiency and ergonomics (OptiControl system, advanced cabs). Offering a wide range of models, heads (H5, H6, H7, H8) and cranes (C44+, C50+, K90+), PONSSE provides solutions for anyone who values reliability in logging in tough forest conditions.
TECHBID.PL
Looking for a PONSSE harvester/forwarder or other forestry machine at an attractive price?
Check out the latest auctions on TechBid.co.uk - a portal where machines end up in good hands and every auction is a chance for a unique opportunity!
Check out the current offers for PONSSE machines.
– Buy profitably - Take part in auctions and get proven forestry and construction machinery often much cheaper than on the market.
– Sell without stress - our auctioneers will take care of the entire process: from listing and promotion to finalising the transaction.
– Safe conditions, full support - we assist with the formalities, financing and transport of the machines after the auction.
Don't wait - check out the ongoing auctions.
You are welcome to contact us:
e-mail: aukcje@techbid.pl or biuro@techbid.pl
Telephone: 730 320 403
Forestry machinery available on TechBid.co.uk - find the equipment to suit your needs.
