Photo courtesy of Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
Pella, Iowa-based Vermeer Manufacturing Co. says its new HG4000TX horizontal grinder combines the jobsite mobility of a tracked undercarriage with the proven high-performance grinding capabilities of its existing HG4000 model.
The new model is equipped with a 536-horsepower (399.7-kilowatt hour) Caterpillar diesel engine and includes the Vermeer Series III duplex drum and technology options designed to enhance operator efficiency.
“We introduced the trailered HG4000 horizontal grinder a couple of years ago, and it’s been a popular machine throughout the world,” says Jeff Bradley, product manager for Vermeer recycling equipment.
“We also understand that many companies would prefer a tracked unit for the flexibility it provides on certain jobsites. The HG4000TX is the result of that feedback. We've taken a proven, powerful platform and engineered a tracked version that delivers the mobility they need without compromising the performance, robust design or support they count on from Vermeer.”
Bradley says the HG4000TX also introduces several new technology options designed to help crews work more efficiently and create more value from the material they process.
For operators involved in the colored mulch market, an optional Vermeer coloring system is fully integrated into the grinder. The onboard system eliminates the need for additional coloring equipment on the jobsite, allowing crews to produce high-quality colored mulch with just the grinder, a water source and dye, according to Vermeer.
An optional Vermeer patented productivity monitoring system allows operators to access real-time data regarding both the volume of material processed and the fuel consumption per cubic yard throughout the day, says Vermeer.
Additionally, key data points from the coloring and productivity monitoring systems can be reviewed on-site through the machine's display and remote, or in an office via a fleet dashboard feature on the VermeerOne platform, according to the company.
Regarding throughput, the HG4000TX features a large 42-inch by 60-inch feed opening and double-strength infeed sidewalls designed to allow operators to process whole trees and other large organic materials with minimal restriction.
For grinding, the machine uses a Series III duplex drum equipped with 18 bolt-on tips and nine replaceable hammers, which Vermeer says delivers both durability and easy maintenance. For operators focused on the biomass market, an optional chip drum is also available, adds the company.
An optional Damage Defense system protects the hammermill from metal contaminants by detecting initial contact and reversing and stopping the feed system, says Vermeer.
