Nisula N6 – Next-generation thinning harvester

After more than a decade on the market, the Nisula N-series thinning harvester has been fully redesigned to better meet the needs of thinning. The guiding principle of the new design was to develop a thinning harvester that is as practical as possible and complementary to mainstream harvesters. The new N6 is highly suited for thinning´s. The ground pressure of the six-wheel half-track is sufficiently low to allow it to be used also in the summer. Based on feedback, many forest owners have found Nisula’s six-wheel thinning harvester ideal in peaty terrain conditions even in the summer. The new N6 is a true thinning harvester in terms of both its features as well as its physical dimensions and weight

N6 Technical features

STRUCTURE

The N6 has a completely redesigned, simple frame structure. The fully armoured chassis and high ground clearance enable agile and efficient mobility even in highly challenging terrains. The new N6 is an ideal choice for all types of thinning harvesting, including in peatland forests and normal summer and winter thinning. The N6 has an excellent rigidity in all conditions.

Centre pivot oscillation, wide 42° swing angle of the centre joint and wide tilt angle make N6 suited for all terrains. The new frame design enables an active frame oscillation lock that provides the best possible stability also when moving the machine.

CAB

What do you hear when there’s no sound? The N6’s cab is the definition of silence. The extremely quiet cab ensures your comfort and coping while you work. In thinning, it is important for productivity that the operator stays alert at all times during day.

Large windows provide excellent visibility around the harvester, up to the tops of the trees and down to the ground alongside the machine. The operator sits on a high-quality seat without needing to extend into uncomfortable positions. This also improves productivity.

The controls are ergonomically situated. The well-fitting Nisula Easy+ mini levers make it easy to control all the operations required in harvesting ergonomically. The features of this cab are a must-see.

POWER TRANSMISSION

The N6’s hydrostatic-mechanical power transmission with differential locks ensures a smooth and safe ride even in demanding terrains. Driving is precise and controlled. The optional roadworthiness add-on allows the harvester to be transferred between sites by driving.

BENEFITS TO THE CUSTOMER: 
  • Reliable power transmission, simple structure
  • Fast and precise mobility during harvesting
  • Excellent pulling force, fast and economic transfer between sites
POWER TRANSMISSION
  • Hydrostatic-mechanical power transmission
  • Variable displacement swash plate pump, Danfoss 130 cm3/r
  • Variable displacement axial piston motor, Danfoss 160 cm3/r
GEARBOXES
  • Two-speed transmission ZF
  • Power-Shift electro-hydraulic gearbox allowing automatic gear shifts while moving
  • Forward/reverse speeds: Gear 1, 0…10.7 km/h, Gear 2, 0…40 km/h
AXLES
  • ZF 13t front and ZF 17,5t rear drive axles
  • Axles with differential locks

FRONT FRAME

The structure of the machine’s front frame is entirely new. The V-shaped undercarriage design ensures excellent terrain handling even in the most challenging conditions. The 370-liter fuel tanks are located at the front of the machine, along with the batteries, refueling pump, and a designated spot for a toolbox. The urea tank has a capacity of 60 liters. A completely new high-capacity cooling package is positioned behind the opening front grille, offering exceptional ease of cleaning. The hood can be lifted at the push of a button. The engine compartment is equipped with powerful service lighting.

REAR FRAME

The rear frame of the machine has been completely redesigned. The frame materials and structure are specifically engineered for the P100 crane and the 555H harvester head. A robust locking axle ensures reliable and long-lasting performance in all conditions. The cabin is positioned further forward and higher than before, providing optimal visibility and usability.

ENGINE AND WORK HYRDRAULICS

The N6 is equipped with a four-cylinder Agco Power 49LFTN with a power output of 140 kW or about 190 horsepower. With a torque of up to 800 Nm, the engine has a heavy flywheel that ensures stability in all conditions. The Stage V engine has been carefully customised for the needs of the N6 to ensure excellent fuel economy. The fuel tank is sufficient for a runtime of about 35 hours.

Sufficient hydraulic capacity is reached at just 1300-1500 rpm, depending on the type of stand and harvester head. This ensures extremely low fuel consumption.

BENEFITS TO THE CUSTOMER:
  • Reliable, Finnish-made HeavyDuty engine
  • Low fuel consumption
  • Simple design ensures reliability and excellent functionality
  • Long service intervals
  • Work hydraulics precisely optimized for the harvester head
ENGINE
Type Agco Power, 4.9 LFTN, supercharged and intercooled
Emission regulation level STAGE5
Power 140 kW
Maximum torque 800 Nm
Starter motor 4.5 kW
Batteries  2 x 180 Ah
WORK HYDRAULICS
Pump Kawasaki 140cm3/r
Work pressure 230 bar
Oil tank capacity 200 liters

N6, THREE DIFFERENT VERSIONS

The six-wheeled N6 equipped with a parallel crane is an exceptionally stable thinning machine for diverse terrains. The position of the long track relative to the crane and cabin is excellent, ensuring efficient workflow, particularly during thinning operations—minimizing the need for frequent forward and backward machine movements. The machine’s mobility is outstanding, even in deep snow. Its weight distribution is ideal, and the ground pressure is low enough for soft forest floors, allowing effective year-round operation regardless of conditions.

The six-wheeled N6 is built with a simple and efficient solution where hydraulically controlled additional wheels automatically maintain the machine’s stability and optimal weight distribution. During driving, the track wheels stabilize the movement by adapting to the terrain and dampening sharp jolts. When stationary, the wheel assemblies lock in place, creating an exceptionally stable working position. This patented solution also keeps the tracks at the correct tension at all times.

Additionally, the track wheels can be easily lifted if needed, providing the tracked machine with exceptional agility and terrain-friendliness, even in tight turning situations.

The six-wheeled N6 comes standard with the Nisula 555H harvester head, which offers the capacity for later-stage thinning operations and even occasional final harvesting tasks.

The four-wheeled N6 equipped with a parallel crane is a stable thinning machine designed for standard terrain conditions. This four-wheeled machine is exceptionally agile and operates smoothly and economically with chains, without damaging the soil surface. It’s easy to minimize root damage during summer thinning operations with this machine.

A low center of gravity, combined with the lightweight crane and harvester head, ensures efficient and smooth operation. The crane’s positioning enhances productivity during thinning—minimizing the need for frequent forward and backward movements. Additionally, by turning the machine on the track, the crane’s reach can be easily extended without driving the wheels off the path.

The four-wheeled N6 comes standard with the Nisula 500H harvester head, which features an ideal power-to-weight ratio and functionality for thinning operations.

The new Nisula N6e is equipped with a short main boom, the Palfinger S110F96,
with a reach of 10 meters, makes the machine really versatile for both forestry work
and roadside maintenance. Together with the Nisula 500 series harvester head, it is
an excellent thinning harvester. Equipped with a new Nisula 335E + shear head, the
N6E will become a truly cost-effective and productive energy wood harvester. The new
N6e is also available with a bush mower for roadside maintenance, one machine offers you many different options.

N6 Harvester head alternatives

Nisula harvester heads are known for their high productivity and quality. They come full with features that make operating the grapple simple and effortless. The design and properties of the harvester heads have been refined based on tens of thousands of hours of practical experience and years of customer feedback. The recommended harvester head for the N6’s crane is Nisula 555H, which weighs around 800 kg. The operating pump is a Kawasaki 140 cc with a flow of around 200 l/m to the head during feeding and sawing.

The lightweight and compact head is easy to move to the base of the tree selected for thinning without damaging nearby trees. The 555H harvester head is able to easily saw trees with a diameter of 55 centimetres but is at its most efficient in first and second thinning.

Other head alternatives for the N6 include Nisula 500H and 335E+ accumulating energy wood head

N6 Crane alternatives

Nisula parallel cranes are designed for thinning. Fast and precise crane controls, optimal positioning of the crane relative to the operator and sufficient lifting and turning power ensure speed and productivity. Manufactured by Nisula itself, the new P100 parallel crane has a reach of 10 metres and increased power output.

An alternative is the Palfinger vertical-post crane designed specifically for the N6 to provide additional lifting height for energy wood logging. The sister model N6e is designed for customers interested primarily in energy wood logging.

N6 Equipment and accessories

Our extensive range of accessories and versatile harvester head and crane alternatives allow you to customise the N6 to suit your needs. Unnecessary spending should always be avoided.

The N6 is a full-fledged thinning harvester with standard equipment alone.

Cost management

Productivity and low operating costs guarantee the result in thinning operations – not horsepower or oversized pumps.

We know this from experience.

Minimizing Costs:

  • Avoid unnecessary investments: The N6 is a thinning harvester that can be easily customized to meet specific customer needs
  • Smart investment costs and high resale value ensure minimal depreciation
  • No unnecessary complexities that compromise reliability or impose extra costs on customers throughout the machine’s lifecycle
  • Engine power and hydraulic output optimized for thinning operations ensure the lowest possible fuel consumption
  • Low maintenance costs thanks to long service intervals and a simple design
  • Reasonable spare part pricing

Maximizing Productivity:

  • Ideal dimensions and weight make it the perfect harvester for thinning operations
  • Exceptional suitability for peatlands and summer harvesting sites
  • Agile base machine enables swift movement during harvesting without damaging the forest
  • Long crane reach minimizes the need for driving during harvesting and allows for a standard 20–24 m strip road spacing
  • Extremely quiet cabin and features designed specifically for thinning help the operator remain efficient and alert throughout the workday
  • Line-of-sight crane with excellent controllability, long reach, and efficient brake suspension allows the thinning harvester head to quickly reach the tree without damaging the remaining stand
  • Nisula harvester heads, made from high-quality materials, are designed specifically for thinning, avoiding unnecessary “dumb” weight and focusing on functionality

Materials and Media

NEW N6
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