Ponsse used FinnMetko 2026 to unveil a broad range of forestry equipment and technology updates.
At the show, which is the largest heavy equipment trade fair in the Nordic Region, Ponsse introduced a new forwarder, harvester head, as well as hydraulics and information systems.
“Our product development is guided by the principle of making every day harvesting operations run as smoothly and efficiently as possible,” said Marko Mattila, Chief Sales, Service and Marketing Officer at Ponsse.
New Bison forwarder
Ponsse’s new Bison forwarder features a lighter structure than before, making it easier to manoeuvre across a wide range of harvesting sites.
Thanks to its continuously variable transmission, the forwarder moves smoothly, enhancing both productivity and driving comfort.
Due to an optimal gear ratio, the new Bison delivers higher driving speeds that do not increase fuel consumption at the same rate as a conventional transmission.
As well, an optional additional fuel tank is available for the new Bison, extending active operating time. The optional Active Cab suspension system enhances operator comfort, especially in demanding conditions.
Ponsse H6 harvester head
From thinning to final felling, Ponsse’s new H6 harvester head is a versatile, high-performance solution. Reflecting the design philosophy of the H7 and H8 models, which have been upgraded in recent years, the new H6 features structural solutions that support high uptime, productivity and ease of maintenance.
The harvester head offers improved length measurement accuracy, thanks to a new measuring wheel. The connection hoses have been relocated to the front of the valve block, improving their durability and extending service life.
The redesigned saw box prevents snow and ice accumulation, minimizing downtime in winter conditions.
For select harvester models, the H6 is available with the HH360 rotator, which removes hose-related restrictions and allows continuous 360-degree rotation of the harvester head.
Opti 5G
The Ponsse Opti 5G is now also available for forwarders. The information system brings Ponsse harvester’s user-friendly modern experience to forwarders.
A unified user interface across both harvesters and forwarders makes machine operation intuitive, reducing the risk of errors in everyday work. The Opti 5G system is also available as a retrofit.
Combined with the Ponsse Manager Pro, the Opti 5G enables real-time situational picture sharing between forest machines, streamlining harvesting planning, monitoring and management throughout the harvesting chain.
Basic logging site data, production volumes and map routes transfer automatically from the harvester to the forwarder, providing up-to-date work progress visibility both in the cab and at the office via Manager Pro. This boosts productivity, reduces manual data handling and supports real-time decision-making on site and in the office. It also contributes to lower fuel consumption. As well, automatic situational picture sharing makes the forwarder operator’s work easier and more efficient.
An optional direct installation of a satellite antenna is available for Ponsse harvesters equipped with the Opti 5G information system. With the Connectivity Ready Satellite, the machine can connect to the network even in areas where mobile network coverage is unavailable. This solution enhances data transfer flexibility, ensuring reliable connectivity in demanding conditions.
The Connectivity Ready Satellite is available as an option for all Ponsse harvesters equipped with the Opti 5G information system and can be ordered through Ponsse service centres.
Active Flow
The new Ponsse Active Flow enables productive and efficient operations at lower engine speeds.
Active Flow is a harvester solution designed to optimize the use of machine hydraulics. Alongside operating at lower engine speeds, it enhances crane performance without additional fuel consumption and uses hydraulic capacity more efficiently.
The result is smooth and powerful crane control with reduced fuel consumption, especially on thinning sites.
Buffalo Planter
At FinnMetko, Ponsse also showcased its Buffalo Planter which made its debut earlier this year.
The Buffalo Planter, an all-in-one mechanized reforestation solution, combines spot tillage, planting, watering and soil compaction into a single seamless process. Including tillage, the machine’s planting capacity is about 750 seedlings per hour. However, planting efficiency is not measured by volume alone, as planting quality is equally important. The Buffalo Planter is designed to pause briefly at each planting spot, ensuring the correct planting depth, precise seedling placement, proper compaction, accurate watering and consistent spacing between plants.
HH360 rotator
The HH360 rotator is now available for Ponsse harvesters, enabling unrestricted rotation of the harvester head.
Thanks to the solution, the hoses running from the crane to the harvester head remain in a fixed position, extending service life and improving the durability of connection hoses. The freely rotating harvester head streamlines stem handling, speeds up operations and makes the operator’s work easier. The rotator is suitable for fixed-cab harvesters without stump treatment equipment.
Thin Line updates
Ponsse also showcased updates to two of its popular forest machine models for thinning operations.
The Ponsse Wisent Thin Line is a 10-tonne load capacity forwarder designed for thinning sites. The optimized load space facilitates operating, making the machine an agile choice for first thinnings and other thinning sites.
A lighter overall weight and lower ground pressure improve suitability for timber harvesting on soft terrain. The forwarder’s lights have also been upgraded based on customer feedback.
The Ponsse Scorpion Thin Line is based on the established Scorpion harvester, which delivers excellent working area visibility, stable operation and long crane reach and control. In the Thin Line version, the machine adjustments have been optimized for thinning to ensure the best possible fuel economy.
The Ponsse H5 and the new H6 harvester head are available for the Scorpion Thin Line harvester.
The new Ponsse Thin Line machines also feature an upgraded audio sound system and a new colour scheme.
