TH Machines builds machines for horticulture and tree nurseries, mainly focused on cultivation in pots. The company started with the production of unique spacing forks, which are patented. With these, TH Machines, which is only about three years old, was already present at GrootGroenPlus in 2023. However, the company in Zundert is expanding its range of machines and solutions. Some of them will be showcased in October.

Bron : Emiel te Walvaart

In addition to spacing forks, TH Machines already manufactures electric platform trucks, which are now available from stock. Owner Tom Huijbregts: “We have since expanded our offerings. We also do a lot of customisation. The customer comes with a question or problem, and we come up with a solution.”

New fully automatic field sprayer

Huijbregts highlights a new project that is still on-going and will be shown at trade fair GrootGroenPlus. “It’s a new field sprayer, especially made for cultivation in pots. The sprayer is fully automatically controlled by a computer and can be connected to a forklift. Everything you would want in a spraying system is included. It’s not necessary, though; we build the sprayer based on the customer’s needs. We thought it was really worthwhile to launch it at the trade fair.” Earlier this year, Huijbregts already gained experience with a similar sprayer. “We designed a self-propelled field sprayer. A completely new spraying system was built on an existing vehicle. This is a unique model with a 21-metre long boom on one side. Normally, they are 8 to 12 meters long; similar dimensions will be found in the boom of the new sprayer for forklifts.”

Production line

TH Machines does not rest on its laurels but continues to innovate steadily. Huijbregts: “Nowadays, we also offer conveyor belts and buffer belts, along with everything else needed for a complete production line. Recently, we installed a complete line. This line is specifically for sorting, spacing, and processing plants in between. The nursery where the buffer belt is used already had an existing line. The problem was that it couldn’t be used for other tasks during potting; that’s why an entire line was added. It consists of three buffer belts with a long belt in between, where people can work on tasks like removing weeds from pots and inserting stakes. Among these, there’s also a bark spreader and a pruning machine.”

Platform trucks

Huijbregts also likes to draw attention to the electric platform trucks. “The first one was made on request, where we met specific customer requirements. The electric cart had wider tires and a larger battery capacity. The problem for this customer was that he often had empty carts. So, we built this cart with as few wear parts as possible, minimising the need for maintenance. This platform truck is now also available from stock, with everything that comes with it, such as follow carts.”

Spacing forks

The spacing forks from TH Machines stand out because they provide a solid solution. “The fork consists of two parts, with the two forks falling into each other. When they close, you have a regular container fork. With this spacing fork, pots can be spaced easily. The pots are placed in a pattern by lifting half of the pots from the bundle. There is always a gap of one pot between the pots. Due to its simplicity, the machine is very reliable and easy to operate. The spacing fork consists of a separate mast and separate forks. The forks can be easily replaced, making it possible to use the spacing fork for multiple pot sizes. Pots of the same size can be spaced at different distances by only changing the upper fork.” The system is fully mechanical, so according to Huijbregts, nothing can really go wrong. “Other spacing forks are, for example, equipped with chains, belts, PLC technology, air, and sensors. That’s not the case with our forks. Moreover, the strength of our type is that the forks of the mast that lifts the forks apart can be replaced in just ten minutes. So, you don’t have to rebuild the whole setup. A universal system is used for this. A set of forks is equipped with a quick coupling.” “You can, for example, buy a mast and then three sets of forks for three different pot sizes. Many growers cultivate in different pot sizes. In the past, it wasn’t worthwhile to use spacing forks mechanically. Other forks or solutions are quite expensive. If you have to buy them for multiple pot sizes, it’s not cost-effective, unlike our mechanical solution. This patented spacing fork is a very economical solution for spacing container plants. We’ve already sold quite a few this year.”

Emphasis on service and maintenance

Emphasis on service and maintenance TH Machines supplies both standard machines and custom-made solutions for specific problems. The company handles the entire process itself, from engineering to creation in its own workshop. Currently, TH Machines has four expert employees at its disposal. Huijbregts doesn’t just want to build high-quality machines; he also places a strong emphasis on service, maintenance, and warranty. “We are very vigilant about that. If there’s a problem, we respond quickly. We have a service van, so we can drive out immediately if needed. We have many customers in Zundert and the surrounding area, so we can be there quickly.”

GrootGroenPlus blue route, stand number B020

TH Machines

Oekelsebaan 55

4881 NE  Zundert

www.thmachines.nl

+31629492935

 info@thmachines.nl