In this series of articles, we will be sharing exclusive coverage from all aspects of the ARB Show 2024. 

WHEN it comes to smaller woodchippers, they don’t get much more compact than Ohashi, but don’t let that fool you. Its range of machines – all weighing under 500kg – still packs plenty of punch, and are full of clever features that make them the ideal choice for the space-conscious arborist. 

For the first time, the Japanese brand was at the ARB Show, having just last year joined TH White’s line-up of manufacturers. And with a demonstration zone boasting two chippers – including the four-inch ES101GH – it was the perfect opportunity to see what the machines could do.

“We are the sole importer and distributor of the brand,” Bill Johnston, TH White’s director of machinery imports, said. “They have the Japanese quality of build and they are incredibly compact machines. 

Forestry Journal: Ohashi showed off two of its chippers in action, including the four-inch ES101GHOhashi showed off two of its chippers in action, including the four-inch ES101GH (Image: eA/JH)

“It saves all that physicality of dragging the timber and the brash from the back of the property, round to the front where you’d normally have the chipper parked on your drive. 

“You can take these round the back where they are safe and secure. 

“We have been really impressed by the performance. They not only have a pair of blades the full width of the chamber, but they also have a set of hammers in there that help process a lot of the sticky conifer waste we have in the UK.” 

With a capacity from three to six inches, Ohashi woodchippers have already enjoyed significant success in France, Germany and Italy in recent years, and TH White has been blown away by the reaction on these shores since taking on the contract last year. 

“It caught us by surprise,” said Bill. “I will admit, we temporarily ran out of stock earlier in the year but I am pleased to say stock is now good.

“It’s a good news story.” 

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