Hakki-Pilke-Intensifies-Customer-Collaboration-in-Product-Development

Hakki Pilke firewood processors are built in Haapajarvi, Finland with over 30 years’ experience. Every year thousands of machines are shipped to five continents around the world. Customers are using the products in varying conditions but mainly for producing firewood professionally for sale. For a manufacturer it is a challenge to fulfill different customer needs with the product, which is why Maaselan Kone listens international Hakki Pilke users and dealers carefully in order to understand the market needs and challenges. All product development is based on customer feedback and extensive testing. Testing is done in close collaboration between the factory, importers and experienced customers.

The latest model in the lineup, Easy 43, is designed for professional wood processing. It is a successor of very popular and globally well-known model Easy 42. Most of the inventions and new features of the new model derive from the requests and suggestions made by Hakki Pilke users. Hakki Pilke distributors were already involved in early prototype testing phase to help the factory to find the right direction in the project. Maaselan Kone finds this kind of close collaboration highly rewarding and successful.

New Key Features Requested by International Customers

Hakki Pilke Easy 43 raises the bar for firewood processing by many world’s first features such as the new cutting mechanism only seen before in forestry harvesters and the delay-free splitting system designed to make processing as effective with both small and big sized logs. “After comprehensive testing in 6 different countries and over 20.000 cubic meters (5.500 cords) of hardwood and softwood species processed, we have developed many long-awaited solutions for international Hakki Pilke users. New ergonomically designed interface and other features such as log landing plates, automatic log infeeding and the patented AC 10 automatic saw chain tensioner are all solutions for the industry’s existing problems,” says Timo Jussila, Development Manager, Maaselan Kone Ltd.

NEW TYPE OF CONTROL
All the main functions are ergonomically positioned on the joystick. Sawing button performs following functions:
- log clamp activates
- saw is activated and lowered
- log landing plates are raised
- log measuring device is retracted

HYDRAULICALLY RETRACTING LOG MEASURING DEVICE
The hydraulic log measuring device retracts automatically during sawing to allow the cut log to fall freely into the splitting groove. The firewood is measured precisely to ensure right sized final product.

LOG LANDING PLATES
The log landing plates ensure that the logs land into the splitting section in a controlled manner. Landing plates can be used in automatic or manual mode. Manual operation enables the controlled dropping of the last piece of log.

HYDRAULIC AC10 – Saw chain tensioner
The AC10 maintains optimal chain tension, preventing it from coming loose or breaking. The correct chain tension notably increases the service life of the chain and bar. The chain can be replaced effortlessly without any tools.

LOG INFEED ASSIST MECHANISM
The infeed assist mechanism feeds in a new log during every splitting motion, ensuring that a log is always ready for sawing at the right time. When infeed assist is turned on processing a log requires using only two joystick buttons.

Resulting productivity and satisfied customers

The new Hakki Pilke Easy 43 is an example of a product boasting many features the end users have requested from the manufacturer. It is very easy to use and reliable in all conditions. It is flexible in terms of processing different type of raw materials from small timber to big knotty logs. Processing is continuous and has no disruptions with cycle time below 3 seconds for cutting and splitting. Improved ergonomics in processor control and log handling enable the operator to work longer without getting tired. Further development will be done in collaboration with professional heavy users.

“Thanks to the new features of Easy 43, processing firewood is now easier and more efficient than ever before”, praises Anssi Westerlund the Managing Director of Maaselan Kone. “In addition, appearance of the new machine follows the modern and user friendly Hakki Pilke design”, he adds.

About Maaselan Kone Ltd

Maaselan Kone Ltd has been manufacturing world leading firewood processors since 1984, and exports 80 % of its products to over 29 countries worldwide, being market leader at many of its markets. Hakki Pilke firewood processors are renowned by professional users around the world for high productivity and fast investment payback time. International Hakki Pilke users are always at the heart of the product development process. For more information, see www.hakkipilke.fi We are expanding our distribution network in the US, contact us for more details.