In recent years, many industrial operations have begun incorporating electric horizontal grinding equipment into their workflows. Powered by electricity rather than diesel fuel, electric grinders can save certain companies significant overhead while maintaining efficiency and productivity. Electric horizontal grinding equipment also produces limited noise and emissions, making it particularly well suited to indoor operations.
Rotochopper electric grinders are uniquely engineered to provide the highest level of power while maintaining ease of use, versatility, and durability. Our electric equipment—like our diesel equipment—can be fitted with a full suite of proprietary systems to further reduce costs and minimize downtime, including our high-abrasion package, hydraulic start assist system, and patented RotoLink remote monitoring system.
“Our production all but tripled with our upgrade to the B-66E with the 60″ Hammermill. It’s changed my whole business.”
-Spring Valley Mulch
Thanks to our various electric grinder options, Rotochopper representatives have helped numerous operations across dozens of industries maximize their productivity with electric grinding solutions that fit their unique needs.
The Advantages of Electric Grinding Equipment
Electric grinders aren’t more or less effective than diesel grinders. Rather, electric grinding equipment holds several advantages that can make it attractive to certain types of operations—namely those that operate stationary facilities. In many cases, electric equipment can reduce operating costs, noise, and emissions for these operations.
Lower Operating Costs
Electric grinders don’t enjoy the same portability as tracked or wheeled diesel grinders, but they make up for it by reducing fuel costs. Electric grinders use high-voltage electricity, so they aren’t subject to fluctuating fuel costs. Optional add-ons like our hydraulic start assist system can further reduce energy usage and save on operating costs.
Reduced Noise
Electric motors are quieter than diesel engines because they don’t rely on combustion for power generation. Instead, electric motors produce mechanical movement by rotating mechanical parts.
Their reduced noise floor is perfect for companies operating outside regular business hours or near noise-sensitive areas. When paired with proper personal protective equipment like earplugs and headphones, the lower noise levels also help protect the hearing of employees near the machinery.
Lower Emissions
Diesel motors produce exhaust as a byproduct of the combustion that powers their engines. This makes them powerful and highly durable, but high levels of exhaust typically aren’t an option for companies that operate indoors. Electric motors don’t produce as many emissions, helping keep workers safe in enclosed operations.
How to Know if Electric Grinders Are Right for Your Company
Electric grinders are ideal for stationary operations that have access to a steady flow of three-phase power—such as recycling depots, pallet recyclers, wood chip and bedding manufacturing plants, and general waste reduction companies.
Because they rely on a constant stream of electric power, electric grinders aren’t portable—making diesel grinders better suited to organizations that frequently travel off-site for grinding jobs—like land clearing, whole orchard recycling, and storm debris cleanup.
Explore Rotochopper’s Electric Grinders
Rotochopper’s electric grinding equipment is engineered to be efficient, powerful, and reliable. Our electric equipment helps operations effortlessly meet particle size specifications to produce profitable secondary end products in even the most demanding industries.
Our line of electric grinding equipment includes our B-66E (up to 1000 horsepower), EC-366 (up to 500 horsepower), EC-256 (up to 400 horsepower), and SB-24 E (up to 205 horsepower) grinders—all of which deliver top-level performance while remaining reliable and operator-friendly.
“Our relationship with Rotochopper has been one of the best. We’ve been very pleased and the electric grinder has done everything they said it would do.”
-Challenger Pallet
Rotochopper machines can also be equipped with innovative, proprietary technology to further reduce costs, minimize downtime, and maximize productivity—including our soft start system, hydraulic start assist system, and the RotoLink remote monitoring system.
Rotochopper Soft Start System
All Rotochopper grinders are equipped with a soft start system to reduce the electromagnetic and mechanical stress on the machine during startup. By reducing stress on mechanical and electrical components, the system prevents rapid start damage and extends the lifespan of our electric equipment.
Hydraulic Start Assist System
Rotochopper’s optional Hydraulic Start Assist system uses pressurized fluid to gradually start the system’s electric motor, reducing the amperage spikes that typically occur during startup. By gradually starting the motor, the system also reduces wear from cold start-ups, extending the lifespan of the equipment.
RotoLink® Remote Monitoring System
The RotoLink system allows grinder operators to view critical equipment data and make targeted adjustments—right from their computer or mobile device. The system monitors equipment 24 hours a day and can connect directly to a Rotochopper service representative if and when they’re needed.
Rotochopper Electric Grinders in Action
In 2020, C. Kuehn Trucking, Inc.—a longtime Rotochopper customer—approached us about upgrading their FP-66 diesel grinder, with which they had experienced great success. In addition to maintaining operational efficiency and boosting productivity, the Kuehns were seeking to reduce the overall noise generated by their operation.
Right away, our sales representative recognized the benefit electric grinders could offer the Kuehns’ operation. Before long, the company had purchased a new B-66E electric grinder and almost immediately saw the benefits. In just a few months, C. Kuehn Trucking, Inc. had reduced their monthly grinder maintenance costs from $12,000 a month (for diesel fuel) to just $3,000 (in energy costs)—all while significantly reducing the noise levels at their Arcadia, Wisconsin site.
Check out the full case study here.
Explore Electric Grinding Equipment with Rotochopper
“Our Rotochopper machine has contributed greatly to our operational growth over the past few years. We only see opportunities continuing to expand and know that Rotochopper will be able to support us through this growth.”
-Hollingsworth Lumber
At Rotochopper, we take pride in engineering and manufacturing grinding equipment for every industry. Our electric horizontal grinders are engineered to be just as powerful, efficient, and reliable as our diesel equipment—and in some cases can help companies reduce costs, noise, and emissions.
Contact a Rotochopper representative today to find out if electrical horizontal grinding equipment is right for your organization.