Versatile multi-task technology Vilakone

VERSATILE MULTITASK TECHNOLOGY

Vilakone is a leading developer and manufacturer of environmental service machines. Philip Yorke talked to Juha Kumlander, the company’s managing director, about the launch of a new range of equipment and the forthcoming EU legislation affecting engine design and performance.

Vilakone Oy’s history can be traced back to 1950 when the company was founded and began by manufacturing a range of implements for farm tractors. However it was in 1983 that Vilakone Oy began the production of its famous Wille brand multi-purpose environmental service machines, at its state-of-the-art production facilities in Loimaa, Finland. Vilakone makes full use of the most advanced, environmentally friendly manufacturing technology.

As a part of Wihuri croup, Vilakone is able to guarantee its high-quality engineering standards by producing most of its key components and attachments in-house. For example, the company manufactures all the chassis, cylinders, cabins and loaders themselves, as well as a comprehensive range of machine attachments. Being self-sufficient makes it possible for the company to offer its customers a complete one-stop-shop service. In addition, this provides customers with a unique design and production opportunity, enabling the company to provide tailormade components for any of its clients’ individual requirements. This is particularly important when considering the needs of different regional work practices and local government legislation in countries outside Scandinavia. In addition, it means that aftersales service is further enhanced because spare parts and technical services are always readily available.

Flexible technology driving sales

It is the leading brand throughout Scandinavia and Finland, Sweden and Norway have traditionally been considered the key markets for Vilakone environmental service machines.

Mr Kumlander said, “Since we launched our first Wille brand machine in 1983 we have become the market leaders in environmental service machines specially designed for northern climates. However, since the success of our move into North America and in particular, Canada we have also attracted customers in Russia and other eastern European countries. One of the main reasons why we have been so successful is that we not only make the most advanced and reliable environmental service machines, but we also make a wide range of attachments. These are specially designed to provide users with an almost infinite variety of options, making our equipment extremely versatile and cost effective to operate. All our Wille service machine models can take up to 16 different attachments from sweepers to snow ploughs, to loaders and scrapers.”

“After-sales is another very important feature of our services package and as a flexible producer we have the ability to meet the different demands of users in different countries. When comparing our machines with standard loaders, our solutions offer a closer location to the point of work for the driver, better cab ergonomics and excellent visibility, making our equipment more productive and less demanding during a typical 8 hour day work cycle. Furthermore, in the past we designed our equipment for municipal green work and snow removal as well as for leaf clearing etc. and for cleaning and washing the city streets. However, today we make a much more versatile range of machines designed for the growing number of private contractors who demand optimal cost-effectiveness, diversity, reliability and efficiency”.

New era of efficiency

With the well-publicised EU legislation for engine emissions coming into force in 2012, manufacturers of all types of motorised transport and equipment must upgrade their products accordingly. Vilakone has taken this opportunity to not only upgrade its current model range, but to add to it. The company has its own in-house R&D department, and plans to launch new models during the course of the year. Currently the range comprises the Wille 355B, which is a compact but extremely efficient and agile machine with a high capacity loader and offering a much wider range of applications than conventional machines. Then there is the Wille 455B, which is considered to be a true ‘powerhouse’ and ideal for large volumes and offering a low construction height for use in restricted areas, as well as being extremely agile in operation.

The next two models in the range, the Wille 655C & 855C are both large, multi-purpose wheel-loaders with superb output/weight ratios, together with flexible hydraulic systems that make these machines more versatile than any other conventional wheel-loader. In addition, their load-sensing hydraulics and temperature controlled fans improve fuel economy and reduce overall noise levels. The Wille 855C is the top-of-the range model with additional features and increased engine output. n