INNOVATION FOR WOODCHIPPERs SINCE 1993
INNOVATION FOR WOODCHIPPERs SINCE 1993
GREENMECH INNOVATION
For over 20 years, GreenMech has stood for innovation and inventiveness. From the development of quieter machines to the award-winning SafeTrak system and the revolutionary disc knife system: we develop for the productivity, efficiency and ergonomics of our customers.
This user benefit is the focus of our efforts. Since 2006, GreenMech has been working with the British Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as part of the Buy Quiet campaign to reduce noise emissions at the “green workplaces.”
We listen to the market and the wishes of our customers. That’s why we are constantly developing our chippers and setting new standards.
The revolutionary Disc-Blade chipping system
The vulnerability of conventional straight blades, highlighted by rental companies, when contaminants such as soil and nails are inadvertently introduced into the chipper, means that users often find that sharpening and even the replacement of blades become necessary all too frequently.
Following the introduction of the Disc-Blade system in 1995 these issues have been greatly reduced. As a result, these pioneering round blades are now the preferred choice with many contractors. Unless requested, all GreenMech hydraulic machines are fitted with Disc-Blades as standard.
Reasons to choose Disc-Blades over conventional blades
- Significant cost savings
- 600% more blade life
- Reduction in noise emissions
- Less power requirement
- Less maintenance
The Disc-Blade system, with its slicing action as opposed to chopping, is 1.5dB quieter than conventional straight blades, according to data obtained from the recognised standard noise test for wood chippers. It is worth noting that for every 3dB reduction in noise emissions the sound pressure on the ears is reduced by a massive 50 per cent.
When the Disc-Blades are used, only 30 per cent of their circumferences come into contact with the woody material, hence the blades can be turned to the next sharp section when the edge has worn. This allows the blades to be turned twice before they need to be re-sharpened, in essence giving you three blades in one.
By loosening the retaining bolt, the Disc-Blades can be rotated in either direction. If damage occurs to the blade through insertion of contaminants such as stones or nails, the damaged section can simply be positioned away from the cutting area.
Conventional straight blades are more susceptible to damage and therefore will need to be replaced more frequently for optimal performance. When sharpened and refitted, the distance between the anvil and blade also needs to be adjusted. This does not apply to Disc-Blades, as they are sharpened from the rear so the front face does not alter and the gap remains constant.
Why it’s good to Buy Quiet
Wood chippers are some of the noisiest machines working in the urban environment and because of this, GreenMech have long been at the forefront of the technological drive to engineer quieter machines. For several years we have also been keen supporters of the UK Health & Safety Executive’s Buy Quiet campaign to highlight issues around noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace.
As a result of our ongoing mission, we have produced probably the quietest chippers on the market, achieved in part thanks to the Disc-Blades, the insulated steel chassis that protects the engine, and a novel means of extracting the hot air and exhaust heat from the acoustic engine housing via the chipper chamber.
All new products developed by GreenMech since 2006 have incorporated significant noise reduction features but the noise level on the latest Arborist range is 115dB offering a significant reduction on comparative models.
“ GreenMech will continue to implement design features that will lower noise emissions and ensure that correct and clear noise emission data is available in our sales and technical literature. We expect to achieve further reductions in the future.”
The original SAFE-Trak
extension system
In 1999, GreenMech produced the UK’s first tracked wood chipper. At the time we thought the market would be small, but we were wrong, as significant UK and Global sales followed.
Designed initially on a conventional track carrier – similar to that of mini excavators – we soon found out the limitations and frequently found ourselves stuck on top of tree stumps and unable to climb slopes due to either instability or restrictions with oil flows to the engine.
After further years of research and development, the SAFE-Trak was launched in 2002. This brand-new design broke the mould because it was the first chipper that was both tracked and narrow – increasing accessibility – but which could safely operate on slopes and embankments.
Since its introduction into the professional arb world, the SAFE-Trak has become one of the most popular models in the GreenMech range. A particular favourite with de-veg contractors who work to maintain highways, power lines and railway networks, the SAFE-Trak has the capacity to go virtually anywhere.
Its innovative patented track-extension system extends each track independently to give up to 550mm ground clearance, enabling it to access the most difficult terrain. By extending only one track, slopes up to 35° can be traversed in complete safety, allowing the chipper to be closer to the job in hand, saving both time and money.
