BAMBOO FARM  NSW.
Trial:

The machine ACA Engineering has designed & developed uses the power of a 90 hp tractor to run a 30kva generator which has been geared up so the tractor runs at 540rpm PTO making it extremely economical and efficient. The unit only weighs just over ½ ton and has an auto-matic shut off so it works on demand only. 3-5 seconds per plant will kill them.
Plants with rhizomes, take twice as long the softer the plant the quicker it is to kill.
We trialed the machine for four months in
Drought, and in the rain it will work in all conditions so there is no down time when it rains. I have had great success with the machine although kikuya takes a little bit extra to kill. I use a 90hp tractor it handles it very easy as its peak. A 60-hp tractor will still do the job. When the machine starts up it takes 5-10 minutes to get warmed up, we leave the machine off for about ½ hour for morning tea and lunch and it still then only takes a minute to reach maximum temperature again.

On-Field Weed Control Equipment by: Mr. Malcolm Otto.

Comments:

We are currently seeking organic certification through the biological farmers association. They are based in Towoomba, QLD, Australia.
I was looking for a steam machine that would operate on the back of a tractor using tractor power to drive it. All the other machines I looked at needed to be powered by gas or diesel on a separate system, which meant they were expensive to run also the machines were too small for commercial work and all up with the water would weigh over a ton.

BENEFIT POINTS OF INTERESTS

AUSTRALIAN MADE PRODUCT
      ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY       LOW RUNNING COSTS
30 KVA GENERATOR AS BACK UP
ONE POWER SOURCE
SIMPLE - RELIABLE – EFFICIENT

ALL IS CONTROLLED BY
THE TRACTOR OPERATOR

There are no tubes so calcium cannot build up the only place were a blockage might occur is at the nozzles where steam comes out. Preventative maintenance will overcome this.

It only takes 48 hours for the weeds to die but in seedlings the results are instant.