Parker hydraulic solution enables GreenMech to develop simple to operate multi-task machine

GreenMech has been designing and manufacturing British built chippers and shredders since 1993, enabling its customers to meet all of their green waste recycling needs. The company’s products combine high performance, robust construction and low maintenance requirements with easy, safe operation.

The latest machine in the GreenMech range, the Multi-Task MT 120, has been developed to carry out a variety of operations, from mulching green waste to earth moving work, and in a variety of environments. It does this by using a number of interchangeable tools and incorporating self adjusting supports to ensure that the vehicle remains level and secure regardless of the terrain.

Commenting on the development of the new machine, Tony Turner, Chairman of GreenMech explained, “We knew that the hydraulic solution that we chose would be an integral element to the success of the MT 120. We required a method of driving the machine over difficult and steep terrain while carrying potentially heavy loads, and, secondly, of making the machine simple to manoeuvre and control. We approached Parker for a solution due to its extensive product range and global support network.”

After a number of consultations with GreenMech & Parker’s European systems team to pinpoint the company’s requirements, Parker offered a suit of hydraulic components and systems that would enable the Multi-Task MT 120 to offer both high performance levels and simplicity of use.

Among the products supplied were the latest generation of mobile valves, D1VW valves and cartridge valves; a bespoke manifold, specially designed for the MT 120; a hydraulic cooling fan system incorporating a gear pump and motors; various filtration components to ensure long, low maintenance service life; and a range of hoses and fittings (supplied kitted by a Parker distributor). Combined, these components are used to both drive the tracks of the vehicle and also control the front end of the attachment. The six station D1VW valve is used to tilt the head left and right and to open and close the mulching head when used.

A crucial element in the success of the MT 120 is Parker’s innovative IQAN solution, which has been developed to make it simple to design and control complex hydraulic systems. IQAN enables the many functions of the vehicle to be selected and controlled using a joystick inside the cabin, allowing the MT 120 to be operated safely and effectively with minimum training. Additionally, the machine features a specially designed IQAN based auto drive functionality, which acts as a type of cruise control, slowing down the machine if a higher load is sensed, or vice versa; again, resulting in less work for operators and more efficient performance.

Being specially designed for mobile equipment, IQAN offered GreenMech a fast, ready-to-use solution to their control requirements, but one that also allowed flexibility. Using IQAN, Parker was able to design a programme specifically for the MT 120, providing GreenMech with the ability to adapt and modify the control system of the machine as its functionality evolves. Perhaps as importantly, the platform also enables GreenMech to carry out remote diagnostics, offering its customers immediate support wherever they are in the world.

Tony Turner is certain that GreenMech made the right choice in choosing to work with Parker to develop the MT 120, “From the machines delivered so far, the control system has far surpassed our customers’ expectations. We couldn’t have achieved it without Parker’s outstanding range of products and expert support.

“By combining flexible and reliable operation with a system that is simple to control and tailor, the MT 120 is simply the most versatile and intuitive product on the market. This has been confirmed by GreenMech being awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the SAFE-Trak system featured in the design of the Multi-Task.”