Komatsu Forest has enjoyed a growing market with the Astec/Peterson horizontal grinder range since acquiring the Australian Dealership in 2010. Initially the range was focused on the chipper products, which complimented the company’s forest machine business. Known for its performance and reliability in North America, this range, when added to the expansion of recycling green waste in Australia, has been a further bonus for Komatsu Forest.
While the horizontal grinder industry is relatively small in Australia, Komatsu Forest has sold 36 units in recent years. The standout in the range has been the Peterson 2710D, accounting for more than 70 per cent of units sold throughout Australia. Its history includes:
- The first 2710 being sold to Tripodi Transport for recycling waste in Sydney.
- Snell Contracting in Northern Territory bought several units that have helped rehabilitate Rio Tinto’s Grove Mining site.
- Jefferies Group in Adelaide utilising a unit that helps manufacture composite from councils’ waste material.
- Smallmon Bros in Wagga using a unit for recycling waste throughout the Riverina region NSW.
- Eco Veg Land Management based in west Sydney has a grinder that assists in recycling waste material.
- Jones Forest Management in northern Queensland uses its unit for land clearing and mulching.
“We’re extremely pleased with the Peterson’s success and have been somewhat surprised by the growth of the Peterson grinder sales,” says Brett Jones, managing director Komatsu Forest.
The Peterson 2710D is designed for operations requiring high production and frequent moves between jobs. It is powerful, with a Caterpillar Tier II C18 765 hp (570 kW) engine for export. Heavy-duty and mobile, the 2710D has high production throughput for a machine of its size.
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The unit’s large feed opening is suitable for processing odd-sized feed stock. Measuring 153 cm x 81 cm, when boosted by Peterson’s high lift feed roll, the feed opening’s maximum lift of
112 cm, is among the largest in its class.
It also features a large grate area that enables it to produce materials to exact specifications. The quick-change multiple grate system makes it easy to customise grate configurations to produce a variety of finished materials. Grates are removed through an easy-access door on the side wall.
Triple grouser 50cm-wide tracks enables better handling on hilly or rocky terrain, which helps maximise productivity.
Other features include:
- Three-stage grinding process provides faster reduction. Peterson’s powerful up-turn three-stage grinding process provides better fracturing of material and a more consistent product, giving users just the product buyers need.
- The impact release system protects the investment. The grinder’s patented impact release system’s air bags provide uniform grinding and protection from contaminated feedstock, a feature unique to these grinders.
- The second line of defence – the impact cushion system urethane cushions and shear pins – help protect the mill from catastrophic damage in the event of an impact from contaminants in the feed stock.
Peterson horizontal grinders are known for their robust design, versatility, and efficiency in processing a range of materials. These machines come equipped with a variety of features that make them indispensable in waste management, forestry, and recycling applications. There are four horizontal grinder models; 2710D/4710D/5710D/ 6710D, which are available as either wheeled trailer or self-propelled track.
In Australia, these grinders are typically powered by high-capacity Caterpillar Tier III engines, which provide the necessary power to drive the grinding mechanism and handle tough materials with ease. They feature adjustable screens or grates, allowing operators to control the size of the output material. This flexibility is crucial for meeting specific requirements in various industries, such as producing biomass fuel or creating mulch for landscaping. They are equipped with advanced remote control systems allowing operators to adjust settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot from a distance, improving safety and operational efficiency.
Since its founding in 1981, Peterson has specialised in turning low-grade materials into high-value products. Its commitment to research and development has pushed the boundaries of what horizontal grinders can achieve.