A NEW hybrid woodchipper - with a peak power of 62hp - is to be shown off for the first time at the APF Show. 

Timberwolf's TW 280HB HYBRID features a Kubota D902-TE4 turbo diesel engine and a self-charging power-dense hybrid system, with energy efficient SECH supercapacitors.

Said to be an "industry first", the 8" chipper has a processing throughput of over seven tonnes per hour, and emits only at the level of a Kubota 24.8hp engine.

Chris Perry, Timberwolf managing director, said: “Taking existing technologies to develop an industry-first solution has been a very exciting innovation and development project. 

“The team has excelled in identifying and delivering an outstanding technical solution to meet this increasingly important market need.

"For over 35 years, the Timberwolf brand has been synonymous with wood chippers and now, as we launch the TW 280HB HYBRID, we demonstrate our commitment to use the strength of our technical expertise to meet the sustainability challenges of the future.”

After extensive research of hybrid powertrains and following discussions with engine manufacturers, Timberwolf bosses concluded that no commercially available solution was currently available. 

In the year Kubota celebrates its 100th year anniversary, the Timberwolf engineering team placed the 24.8hp (18.5kW) Kubota D902-TE4 turbo diesel engine at the heart of their hybrid design. This Super Mini Series powerhouse was chosen not only for its outstanding Kubota pedigree, but also its high RPM and outstanding applied torque - ideal for the Timberwolf chipping methodology, officials say. 

Supplementing engine generated power is a power-dense hybrid system. Integral to this system is an Inmotion Generator Synchronous Motor (GSM) and energy efficient SECH supercapacitors. Providing swift recharge capability, in contrast to Li-ion battery solutions, supercapacitors store and release energy quickly coping with the variable duty cycle of the arborist’s job.

This is integrated in a self-supported system that does not need external charging to operate.

Timberwolf will launch and demonstrate the TW 280HB HYBRID at the APF Exhibition in the UK (22nd-24th September) and Salonvert in France (20th-22nd September). Visitors to the APF show will also have the opportunity to see the full Timberwolf range and meet the Timberwolf team and Dealers from across the UK.