The benefits of new energy highway hedge trimmers

　　Highway greenbelt trimming commonly uses vehicle-mounted highway hedge trimmers. Currently, such equipment is powered by internal combustion engines, including generator sets and diesel engines.

　　Generator sets typically use two-cylinder air-cooled gasoline engines, with gasoline engine power ranging from 20 to 30 kW, and generator set electrical power between 10 and 15 kW. The trimming blades are driven by three-phase AC motors, featuring high rotational speeds and excellent cutting performance.

　　When using diesel engines as power sources, most are four-cylinder water-cooled engines, such as the 490-type diesel engine. The diesel engine flywheel is equipped with an oil pump, which drives the blades via a hydraulic motor.

　　I. Fuel Consumption Costs

　　When using gasoline generator sets, under normal operating conditions, fuel consumption is approximately 7 liters per hour, with fuel costs of around 50 yuan. When using diesel engines, fuel consumption is approximately 10 liters per hour, with fuel costs of around 60 yuan. If calculated based on actual daily operation of 6 hours, daily fuel costs range between 300-400 yuan, which is a significant expense for highway maintenance units, roughly equivalent to the wages of two workers.

　　2. Engine Maintenance Costs

　　Engine maintenance requires specialized expertise and is typically handled by professional technicians, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Inadequate maintenance can severely impact the engine's lifespan. In practice, common issues include insufficient engine oil, incorrect oil types causing engine damage, clogged filters reducing engine power, and untimely branch removal leading to fires.

　　Generally, engine oil should be replaced every six months, costing around 200 yuan. Due to the poor working environment of hedge trimming operations, oil filters, fuel filters, and air filters require frequent cleaning and replacement. Annual maintenance costs for each engine typically exceed 2,000 yuan.

　　III. Carbon Dioxide Emissions

　　This is an issue that is often overlooked, but it holds significant importance for the implementation of the national “dual carbon” strategy. Equipment manufacturers and state-owned highway maintenance units should take on this responsibility.

　　One liter of gasoline produces 2.25 kilograms of carbon dioxide when fully combusted, while one liter of diesel produces 2.63 kilograms. Therefore, when a hedge trimmer operates at full load for one hour, a gasoline engine emits over 15 kilograms of carbon dioxide, and a diesel engine emits over 20 kilograms. Calculating based on six hours of actual operation per day, carbon dioxide emissions amount to approximately 100 kilograms.

　　IV. Carbon Reduction and Cost Savings with Lithium Batteries

　　The practice of automotive electrification demonstrates that replacing internal combustion engines with lithium batteries yields significant economic and social benefits.

　　Yantai Fangcheng Machinery Technology Co., Ltd. has launched the GLC3-45D series of new energy highway hedge trimmers this year, powered by a 628AH lithium iron phosphate battery. It consumes 5 kWh of electricity per hour, with electricity costs of only 4 yuan, totaling less than 30 yuan per day. Compared to an internal combustion engine, it saves 300 yuan in fuel costs per day and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 90%.

　　This model uses a standard 220V power source for charging and can operate for 6-8 hours on a full charge. Lithium batteries require minimal maintenance, eliminating all engine maintenance costs.

　　Author: Yantai Fangcheng Mechanical Technology Department

　　July 2025