This comprehensive review explores Stuhlmacher's significant investment in a Mercedes Arocs 4x4 truck, specifically configured for high-volume wood chipping to fuel biomass energy production. Expanding beyond their solar energy focus, Stuhlmacher now offers complete wood chipping and waste disposal services, catering to both large-scale power plants and individual heating systems. This upgrade from a smaller previous model represents a substantial leap in their operational capacity, enabling them to handle significantly increased volumes of wood and deliver superior service.The core of this operation is a powerful combination of the Mercedes Arocs 4x4, a Palfinger crane with tower extension, and a Heizomat 1486 chipper. This review delves into the machine's specifications, highlighting its impressive features like the PTO, hydraulic attachments, efficient integrated controls, and robust safety measures. We'll examine the system's overall efficiency, high output, and versatility, exploring how Stuhlmacher leverages this advanced setup to provide high-quality wood chips while streamlining their logging, transportation, and delivery processes.
Pros And Cons
- Produces very good quality wood chips
- Efficient operation (low diesel consumption, little wear and tear)
- High throughput (200-250 cubic meters per hour)
- Quick screen changes (within 10 minutes)
- Comfortable for the driver
- Good overview
- All-wheel drive
- 80 hp
- 530 hp (truck), 480 hp (engine stub)
- PTO
- Hydraulic attachment points
- Good lighting unit
- Central lubrication system
- Capacity to carry all necessary materials (sieves, brooms, shovels, etc.) on a loading platform
- Ability to transport semi-trailers
- Tower extension allows chopping in different directions (over truck or cab)
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The Stuhlmacher Wood Chipping Operation
Stuhlmacher, a company specializing in solar systems, has expanded its operations to include wood chipping for biomass energy. Their focus is on providing high-quality wood chips for heating systems, offering both chipping services and complete waste disposal solutions. They employ a large, modern chipper, significantly upgrading their capabilities from a smaller previous model.
This expansion has necessitated a larger, more versatile machine. The company showcases its new setup, which includes contract work alongside their existing operations, highlighting their commitment to efficient and comprehensive service delivery. The scale of operations is impressive, as shown by their ability to handle large volumes of crown material.
The Mercedes Arocs 4x4 and Palfinger Crane System
The heart of Stuhlmacher's operation is a Mercedes Arocs 4x4 truck equipped with a 10.10 Palfinger crane, featuring a tower extension. This powerful combination provides excellent reach and maneuverability, allowing for efficient wood chipping in various terrains. The crane's versatility is further enhanced by a cone splitter for handling larger pieces of wood.
The truck's specifications include a PTO (power take-off), hydraulic attachment points, and a K80 tow bar. A saddle plate facilitates easy connection to the chipper. The integration of the chipper and truck is seamless, enabling efficient operations and optimizing workflow.
Chipper Performance and Technological Features
The Heizomat 1486 chipper produces high-quality wood chips, a key factor in Stuhlmacher's choice of equipment. The company is pleased with its performance and the overall operating concept. The setup incorporates modern communication systems, including helmet radios, to facilitate efficient crew coordination and communication with external parties.
Additional features enhancing efficiency include a central lubrication system for simplified maintenance and powerful lighting for extended working hours. The integrated controls allow the operator to maneuver the chipper from a comfortable seat, eliminating the need to constantly switch between the main cab and the chipper.
Versatility and Additional Features
Beyond wood chipping, the Mercedes Arocs 4x4 boasts adaptability through various attachment options, including the K80 and K50 saddle plates, and hydraulic connections. This enables it to perform other tasks like material handling and transportation. A custom loading platform efficiently carries tools and materials needed for the operation.
The truck's versatility is further highlighted by its ability to transport semi-trailers and its substantial power (530 hp engine, 480 hp at the rear PTO). The design incorporates safety measures such as rotating lights, ensuring safe operation on roads.
Sieve Sizes and Chipping Capacity
Stuhlmacher uses chippers of various sizes, catering to diverse customer needs (hot power plants and individual heating systems). They have available screen sizes from G30 to G100, ensuring the appropriate wood chip size for different applications. The chipper can handle wood up to 85cm in diameter, with a cone splitter available for larger pieces.
The machine boasts a high hourly output (200-250 cubic meters), and quick on-site screen changes (within 10 minutes). This operational efficiency, combined with quality wood chips, makes the setup highly competitive.
Additional Operations and Conclusion
Beyond the core wood chipping operation, Stuhlmacher is involved in logging activities using felling cranes and excavators, further integrating their services. The ability to attach a trailer for continuous operation even during changeovers is another key advantage. The tower extension on the crane allows for versatile chipping directions, further enhancing operational efficiency. The company also handles port-side timber packing for direct shipment to thermal power plants.
In conclusion, Stuhlmacher's investment in the Mercedes Arocs 4x4 with the Heizomat 1486 chipper is a significant upgrade to their wood-chipping capabilities. The system showcases efficiency, high-quality output, and operational versatility. Features like the central lubrication, powerful lighting, and advanced controls contribute to ease of use and maintenance, resulting in a highly capable and profitable operation.
