POWERING INDUSTRY-FIRST INNOVATION

“We realized there was a gap in the market for a powerful shredder that’s compact and easy to move and enables all of the trimmings to be shredded on-site. In most cases, the chips can then be put back on the garden, turning waste into ‘food’ that puts much-needed nutrients back into the ground.”

Developing the shredder required ELIET to move away from the mechanical approach it had historically taken for the last three decades, and adopt more of a forward-thinking, electronics-focused mindset. The skillset of the company’s specialist R&D team had to be adapted in order to transform the vision for the new shredder into reality. An agile approach and the ability to rapidly learn and refine techniques as the project developed was key to the overall success.  The implementation of the Vanguard battery enabled the team to move quickly and address any challenges that arose through its unique capabilities.  

Paul Bramhall, Director - Electrification / Rental EMEA at Briggs & Stratton said: “Our Vanguard battery packs have been developed for businesses where performance and reliability is key. Over and above meeting today’s challenging emission requirements, all Vanguard batteries are specifically designed for commercial use delivering the right power and runtime in demanding work environments. They are engineered to endure extreme operating conditions, are IP66 protected against dust and water and can withstand pressure-washer cleaning after a hard days work. Extra safety features are incorporated, such as an on-board Battery Management System (BMS) that protects the battery for life, and adds extra safety for users by communicating with charger, application and service diagnostic tool. All of these features result in maximised productivity and safety, while reducing total cost of ownership.”

ELIET worked closely with Briggs & Stratton on developing its new product innovation over the space of 14 months.  The company decided to collaborate with Briggs & Stratton for this pioneering project because of its proven track record in continuously pushing the manufacturing boundaries in response to market demand, as well as the significant progress it has made in developing game-changing power solutions, including its recently introduced 48V Si1.5kWh swappable battery pack. From a practical perspective, the fact both companies share a similar future vision also made working together easy and reinforced to ELIET that Briggs & Stratton was the right partner.

Frederic concludes: "For a company that has excelled in the mechanical field for 35 years, the step to electronic solutions was a step outside our comfort zone. We took this challenge because it is our mission to build machines that are “in harmony with Nature.” As a manufacturer, we bear a responsibility to preserve the Nature that our industry so depends on. ELIET is convinced that battery-powered solutions are paving the way for future developments, such as energy-on-demand, smart grids, and autonomous processes that will evolve the market toward sustainability."

“By partnering with such a pioneering company, like Briggs & Stratton with its Vanguard power range, we are in the strongest possible position to provide quality solutions that have been specifically tailored to our sector. 

“We also believe the Vanguard battery range is ahead of the curve in relation to embracing the technological evolution, with swappable batteries being just the start.”

The end result is an electric shredder/chipper that delivers on multiple levels – it’s easy to transport, thanks to the compact design; saves landscapers time because they don’t have to carry their trimmings around or find somewhere to store/dispose of them; there’s less clearing up to do overall, plus it provides a viable solution to evolving emissions-related targets and requirements.

Designed to be 100% emissions-free at point of use, ELIET’s latest product offering is fitted with a 7kWh Vanguard fixed battery pack that is fully charged in three hours with a new Vanguard 3000W Charger. Available in long and tall format, OEMs are able to seamlessly integrate and service components while operators receive always-ready, instant-on power for the tasks at hand – providing a complete battery solution.

Frederic Lietaer continues: “Besides the ecological aspect, an electric drive offers many other advantages, electric motors are more efficient and require minimal maintenance, and thanks to electronics, you have greater control over a large number of features. At the same time, IoT and AI are rapidly evolving and opening up a whole new world of possibilities for electrified machines. The future still offers many innovations.”

“Over and above meeting today’s challenging emission requirements, all Vanguard batteries are specifically designed for commercial use delivering the right power and runtime in demanding work environments..”

Paul Bramhall, Director - Electrification / Rental EMEA at Briggs & Stratton