Smarter pruning along the railway? AH Vrij has the solution

ARTICLE

GARDEN AND PARK TECHNOLOGY

Fleur Dil, Thursday 19 February 2026

92 sec

'We wanted something that did not exist, so we created it ourselves'

Sometimes a smart innovation simply arises because the work demands it. At AH Vrij Groen, Grond en Infra B.V., this led to a fully self-developed arm with a mulching deck for the robotic mower, specially designed for challenging railway zones where tractors cannot operate. A solution that saves time, reduces waste and makes the work safer.

This article was previously published on February 11, 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.

The supplier built the concept for the arm with mulching deck, AH Vrij adapted the robotic mower itself with hydraulics

Anyone who has ever stood next to a railway hedge knows how difficult it is to access properly. 'The embankment is often too steep and too wet; you slide off in no time,' says site supervisor Goof Wesselingh. 'We already had a robotic mower that performs well on slopes, so we thought: couldn't we attach a small arm to it?'

From frustration to innovation

A standard saw arm was not an option. It cuts branches but leaves large amounts of pruning waste behind. 'Then you still have to send two people onto the embankment to clear the branches. We wanted to shred and leave the material in place. The mulch is also beneficial for the soil.'

The robotic mower performs perfectly on steep slopes

The idea for a custom arm emerged from practical frustration. Wesselingh sat down with owner Rik Vrij to find a solution. 'We spoke extensively with the supplier. Together we ultimately developed a compact mulching deck, based on the Energreen Trimmy arm.' The supplier built the concept, while AH Vrij adapted the robotic mower itself with hydraulics. 'We wanted something that did not exist, so we created it ourselves,' says Wesselingh.

Compact manoeuvring in narrow railway zones

The robotic mower, just 1.35 metres wide, manoeuvres smoothly between lampposts, parked cars and bollards. Thanks to counterweights, the machine remains surprisingly stable on steep slopes. The result: fewer workers required, no clearing work and a much safer working situation. 'You no longer have to climb onto the embankment; that makes a huge difference.'

Goof Wesselingh: 'You no longer have to climb onto the embankment; that makes a huge difference'

It did take some getting used to for the operators. Three employees received a week of training. 'But now they are very enthusiastic about it. It saves so much manual work.' Thanks to the quickly interchangeable mulching deck, the robotic mower can just as easily be deployed in locations where conventional machines cannot reach, such as narrow cycle paths. 'Because it runs on tracks, it does not damage the surface. That versatility is a real advantage.' What started as a kitchen-table idea quickly developed into a practical, safe and efficient solution that has noticeably changed the work at AH Vrij. 'We have been using it since the summer,' Wesselingh concludes. 'And the team would not want to work any other way.'

AH Vrij Groen, Grond en I...

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