Kranman unveils two new mini forwarders, 660 and 650

The 650 and 660 replace the Bison 6000x and Bison 8000, respectively, and are said to be "class leading". 

Both machines were shown off for the first time at the Finnish forestry exhibition FinnMetko, and feature improved powertrains, reduced noise levels, and a host of other upgrades on their predecessors. 

A statement from the Kranman added: "After 12 years of production and over 800 delivered forwarders, it is time for the next generation of Kranman forwarders.

"Based on our customers' wishes, we have further developed these competent forwarders to become even better." 

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Kranman 660 

Available in three different versions – Comfort, Pro and Pro+ – the 660 features Kubota's three-cylinder, 25-hp 902D diesel engine. The machine has stepless drive via hydrostat. The driving force has increased by as much as 30 per cent. This is through the new powertrain, which has a lower gear ratio and more powerful hydrostats.

The chassis is newly developed and is both torsionally stiffer and stronger. The rear carriage is longer and the bogie has been moved to the rear to allow for longer timber lengths. 

The load-bearing structure in the rear trailer is made of the high-strength steel, Domex 660, which means that the load capacity is increased to 2,200 kg.
To reduce vibrations and noise levels, the newly developed cab is rubber suspended.

A statement from Kranman added: "Storage space is a priority in the development work. In the cabin, we have placed a compartment under the seat, a compartment in the dashboard with a USB socket, compartments on both screens, a compartment for a mobile phone, a cup holder and a hook for a jacket and a hook for a woodcutter's helmet.

"On the outside, we have placed large compartments on both sides of the engine for storing tools, for example. 

"There is a chainsaw holder on the hood and a combi can holder on the gate. In the Pro+ version, there is also a storage basket on the gate."

The load-bearing structure in the rear trailer is made of the high-strength steel (Image: PR)

To facilitate cold starts, the Pro is equipped with an electric 230v engine heater. Pro+ is equipped with diesel heaters that are either controlled via timers or SMS.

The fuel consumption is 1.7 litres per hour, which gives just over 14 driving hours with the new larger tank of 24 litres.

In the Comfort version, Kranman 660 is delivered with the manufacturer's newly-developed KX30 crane. The professional tap M36 is on the Pro and Pro+.

Kranman 650 

The 650 is available in three different versions; Basic, Comfort and Pro.  (Image: PR)

Featuring a two-cylinder, 21-hp Hona GX640 petrol engine, the 650 is available in three different versions; Basic, Comfort and Pro. 

Like the 660, the machine has stepless drive via hydrostat and the driving force has increased by as much as 30 per cent.

Fuel consumption is 2.7 litres per hour, which gives just over nine driving hours with the new larger 24 litre tank.

Like the 660, the machine has stepless drive via hydrostat and the driving force has increased by as much as 30 per cent (Image: PR)

In the Basic version, Kranman 650 is delivered with the firm's crane K30-50. The newly-developed KX30 is in the Comfort version. The professional tap M36 sits on the Pro.