Vermeer introduces innovative drum specifically for biofuel production
New chip drum designed for the Tier 4i (Stage IIIB) HG6000 and HG6000TX horizontal grinder
Suitable for everything from large land-clearing jobs to green-waste recycling, the Vermeer Tier 4i (Stage IIIB) HG6000 and HG6000TX horizontal grinder features a number of features that make it ideal for a wide array of operators. Among the innovations that already make the HG6000 horizontal grinder a remarkable machine is the all-new chip drum, which allows the grinder to produce a consistent sized chip necessary for many applications, including biofuel chip production.
“What we’ve found from customers is that power plants are transitioning from coal to fuel chips, this is increasing demand for chips within the biomass and biofuel markets,” said Ryan Marshall. “This increase in demand led Vermeer to introduce the chip drum. It’s a more robust, fully dedicated drum with knives, so you’re not switching back and forth as you would with a fuel chip attachment.”
One of the premier enhancements is the ability to modify chip size. Operators can add or remove spacers to achieve the desired chip size. The chip drum can produce chip sizes ranging from 0.125 to 1.50 inches (.3 to 3.8 cm) with 0.125-inch (.3 cm) increment adjustments.
“From fuel chips to playground base to fuel pellets, the drum design creates a more useful, higher quality chip,” said Marshall. "A major advantage of the new chipper drum is serviceability. A number of the high wear areas of the drum are protected by hardened steel parts providing longer life. These hardened steel parts are also replaceable via threaded fasteners to reduce labor costs and minimize downtime."
Helping to minimize operator cost, screws have replaced the need for Babbitt on the knives. A user can now simply adjust the knife via thread fasteners quickly and safely rather than melting Babbitt.
Vermeer Corporation of Pella, Iowa, U.S.A., manufactures a full line of tub and horizontal grinders, brush chippers, stump cutters, as well as horizontal directional drilling systems, mini skid steers, utility and track trenchers and agricultural products. Vermeer offers worldwide sales, support, service and parts through an independent, authorized dealer network.
