increase font size
The Mackwell A35 features a unique biomass-fired water tube boiler.
While the vehicle industry is addressing the future by developing engines that run on waste oil, hydrogen, or indeed electricity, one Christchurch-based company is looking at things in a different direction with the use of steam.
Mackwell & Co Ltd was established in 2016 by founder Sam Mackwell, with a focus on energy resilience and fossil-fuel-free transport. Mackwell realised the two concept needed to address this are the use of accessible and low value biomass as fuel, and a technology that can safely and cleanly convert this, often waste product, into useful work without relying on an extensive infrastructure.
The Mackwell A35 features a unique biomass-fired water tube boiler that is compact and responsive enough for use in transport as well as statically for fixed shaft power or electricity generation. The A35 traction engine is designed for horticultural and small farm towig up to seven tonnes at 40 km/h, with the developers suggesting that it could be a direct replacement for the myriad of MF 35 and 135's operating around New Zealand and elsewhere.
The same boiler and engine will also be produced as a 26kW generator set offering up to 180kW of heat. Once the concept is proven in the market, the design will be scaled to 600kW for industrial and marine use.
Customers can expect more than 35% in overall cost savings when replacing diesel engines, alongside a 96% reduction in CO2 emissions. Small engines are said to be suitable for manual fuelling, while the larger applications will require a mechanical feed system to maintain the 2.5 kg/kWh input requirement.
Mackwell engines can also deliver additional value where heat is needed, such as in hydronic underfloor heating or food processing situations. In this way, Mackwell engines go beyond traction to complement a range of renewable energy systems, but without the need for expensive storage or distribution.
Looking at practical considerations, biomass fuelling can make abundant use of the supply of waste timber sitting in forests around the country. Dry fuel consumption is 2.5 kg/kWh which will increase with moisture, but a key advantage is the ability to utilise any unprocessed biomass of up to 55% moisture content. Able to start from cold to working pressure in 10 to 15 minutes, the combustion chamber burns the range of 900 - 1000 degrees centigrade, with no smoke or sparks from the stack and the resultant ash able to be used as a fertiliser.
Earlier this year, Mackwell partnered with Biocare Pty Ltd to design and manufacture four large combustion chambers for a project in Kangaroo Island, off the coast of Adelaide, which is set to become one of the largest biochar projects globally.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly…
OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try…
