Verge Biomass Plant Design and Build

Verge biomass harvesting machinery

As a result of encouraging results from recent research and trials the County Council wishes to carry a more extensive pilot and to commission the design, build and testing of a bespoke verge harvesting machine. To that end a successful bid was made to the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership Feasibility Fund. As a result up to £100,000 is available for design, build and testing of a bespoke machine. It is recognised that this may not cover the full costs of design and build but it should be noted that a considerable future market opportunity may exist for such machinery.

The County Council is seeking a partner to take this opportunity forward. Further details and RFQ may be issued in due course. Briefly, the specification for a machine designed for UK verge harvesting requirements on the rural roads network is likely to include the following;

• Machine capable of maximum forward working speed in excess of 6.0 km/hour
• Evaluate potential to incorporate frame steering to assist manoeuvrability
• Minimum Carrying Capacity of 10 t biomass (Likely volumetric - 25 m3)

o Evaluate potential for side extension system to maximise carrying capacity whilst minimising overall vehicle length

• Emptying and compaction systems to be proposed
• Unit to be capable of road travelling speed of up to 68 k/hr
• Cyclone style suction linked to arm capable of reaching 3 m to the side of its mounting

o Wrap around configuration preferred

o Driver view of harvester head overriding consideration

o Height of arm lift to be controllable to prevent contact with overhead electricity cabling

• Flail mowing and rotary cutting systems to be proposed
• Cutting head minimum width 1.1m

o Evaluate implications for a collecting head of up to 2.0m width

• Interchangeable cutting head to be proposed
• Proposals for a fixed body or demountable trailer system to be presented

o Two cost models

? 1. Fixed body +/- frame steered option

? 2. Mowing vehicle + two detachable trailers

• Requirements for highways signage and speed indicator systems to be specified by Local Highways Agency in due course

Initially we are asking that suppliers contact us if they have an interest in this project. It would also be useful to know if you have experience of anything similar.

It should be noted that the project is in its early stages and is not a call for competition.