Efficient weed management with electricity

Wimmersson BV introduced the latest innovation in weed management last year: the eWeeding Roller. Using electricity, this machine damages all cell walls of the plant, including those of the roots. A sustainable method that makes weed management a lot more efficient. Several pilots running in Dutch municipalities have already convinced users.

Although the eWeeding Roller is certainly no more unsafe than other commonly used garden and park machinery, users obviously have to get used to the idea of working with electricity. That is why Wimmersson organizes training and refresher courses.

Greenpro spoke with Michel Wimmers, partner at Wimmersson BV, about the importance of responsible use, among other things. "A new operating mechanism always raises questions, especially when working with high voltage. Using electricity is of course not without danger either, and in this case we are talking about 6,500 volts. This is why it is very important for users to comply with the regulations. This awareness forms the basis of our training courses."

However, Wimmers does bring a nuance: "With a chainsaw, you also have to be careful and take precautions. But if you do, it's a fine machine. Or take the brush cutter. The safety zone you have to handle for that is fifteen meters. With the eWeeding Roller, it's three meters. So our machine is certainly no more unsafe than other devices."

What is important, of course, is that the use of the machine does not endanger the user, passers-by, children playing or animals. "Hence, one must observe the three-meter safety zone. And should not work under wet conditions. If children or animals do approach, the machine is immediately turned off by simply releasing the operating lever. In addition, we advise users to work with special footwear that protects up to 20,000 volts." "Participation in the training is part of the operating instructions and, in addition to being mandatory, is absolutely helpful. The affordable training lasts half a day and is conducted on the users' premises. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate." Since weed management is usually seasonal and so you don't work with the machine every day, Wimmers believes it is important for users to attend annual refresher training.

The course is taught by teachers trained by the manufacturer and consists of a theoretical and a practical part. "In the theoretical part we cover the operation and dangers of electricity, in order to create awareness. But the practical part is of course much more fun for most users. And so in an approachable atmosphere, we show how the machine works and cover transportation, use, maintenance and cleaning, among other things. And the reason we give the training on location is that then you can try everything out immediately."

Feedback from users during the pilots has been very positive. For example, that of ACV Beheer Openbare Ruimte which is responsible for weed management in six municipalities "They see substantially less weeds after a while. And a year after the application, the effect of the treatment is still clearly visible. Moreover, because the roots also disappear, the area that one can weed with the E-Weeding Roller becomes larger and larger. The approach works and ACV agrees. They are so positive that they have suggested to municipalities that they invest in eWeeding."