Development of a new self-propelled machine for treatments in urban areas

Flaming is one of the most effective techniques for physical weed control on hard surfaces. In order to improve flame weeding in urban areas and obviate the lack of suitable and efficient devices, a new self-propelled flaming machine driven by a walking operator was studied, projected, built and set up at the University of Pisa. An experimental trial was also carried out in the city of Livorno (Tuscany, Italy) aiming to verify operative machine reliability and evaluate both the effects of flaming treatments on weed density reduction and LPG consumption and costs.