The Challenge
Three key engineering challenges shaped the development. The first was achieving the required power-to-weight ratio, which called for an engine capable of delivering sustained torque and maintaining rotor speed under continuous load without adding unnecessary weight.
The second was meeting the expectations of professional arborists, municipal fleets, and rental operators, where downtime has a direct commercial impact. This meant selecting an engine partner that could provide not only reliable performance, but also a global service and parts network capable of supporting rapid maintenance and repair wherever the machine is deployed.
Finally, as the C17LT is positioned as one of the most capable chippers in its weight class, Negri needed an engine with proven real-world performance that would validate the machine's capabilities in demanding commercial applications.
The Solution
To meet these requirements, Negri selected the Vanguard 29.9 kW EFI/ETC V-Twin BIG BLOCK™ engine. Developed for demanding commercial applications, Vanguard is Briggs & Stratton’s dedicated commercial power brand, offering power solutions designed around the needs of professional equipment manufacturers and operators. Featuring 993cc displacement, the chosen Vanguard BIG BLOCK engine produces commercial-grade torque across the working RPM range, allowing the Negri wood chipper disc to maintain consistent rotor speed when processing both dense hardwood and fibrous material.
Featuring Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), the engine provides precise fuel delivery and responsive load management, ensuring smooth power delivery under changing operating conditions. The C17LT achieves a rated throughput of approximately 7.5 tonnes per hour, positioning it among the highest-performing machines in the lightweight trailer category. The EFI/ETC system optimises combustion under varying operating conditions, supporting efficient fuel consumption. Under specified load and RPM conditions, fuel consumption is rated at approximately only 5.5 litres per hour.
“The integration of the Vanguard 40HP engine allows us to deliver genuine heavy-duty performance within a highly mobile, lightweight machine."
Francesco Negri, Managing Director at Negri
The relationship between Negri and Briggs & Stratton extended beyond engine selection. The two companies worked closely throughout the development process, gathering real-world operational data under actual chipping conditions, including thermal performance, load response, and engine stress. This collaborative validation resulted in formal application certification, ensuring the engine was optimised for the specific demands of the C17LT.
Daniele Mauri, Sales Executive Southern Europe at Briggs & Stratton said: “When developing equipment for professional users, engine selection is about far more than horsepower alone. Manufacturers need a solution that delivers consistent performance under demanding workloads while supporting efficiency, reliability and lower operating costs throughout the machine's working life. For the C17LT, the Vanguard 40 HP V-Twin BIG BLOCK engine, with EFI and ETC technology, provides a practical alternative to diesel-powered solutions, reducing fuel consumption, lowering emissions and helping to minimise total cost of ownership, while delivering the performance required for demanding commercial applications.”
The partnership also provides access to Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard global service network, giving customers access to qualified technical support, training and original spare parts wherever the machine operates. For professional contractors and rental fleets, this helps minimise downtime and maximise machine availability.
The C17LT demonstrates how Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard engine technology can support OEM manufacturers in delivering high-performance equipment that balances power, mobility and long-term reliability for professional users.
Francesco Negri, Managing Director at Negri, explains:
“The integration of the Vanguard 40HP engine allows us to deliver genuine heavy-duty performance within a highly mobile, lightweight machine. The combination of an exceptional power-to-weight ratio and access to the global Briggs & Stratton support network ensures that rental operators receive a durable and highly efficient asset.”
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