Combustion or electric – Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard power solutions to deliver dual performance on ELIET’s Prof 6 machine platform
ELIET, a Belgian manufacturer of professional garden machinery, has partnered with Briggs & Stratton’s commercial brand Vanguard to expand the capabilities of its Prof 6 shredding platform for modern landscaping professionals.
Known for its innovation in shredding technology, ELIET has focused for decades on improving productivity and efficiency in green waste processing. Since introducing the first self-propelled shredder in 1994, the company has consistently developed equipment designed to meet the evolving demands of professional contractors.
Through its collaboration with Vanguard, ELIET has extended its established Prof 6 ‘On Wheels’ platform into two distinct power solutions: a petrol-powered model for remote, high-intensity applications and an electrically driven version equipped with a fixed lithium-ion battery for predictable daily operations in urban or environmentally sensitive environments.
The development reflects broader changes across the landscaping sector, where contractors are increasingly balancing productivity requirements with operating costs, emissions targets and tightening noise regulations. As a result, demand is growing for equipment that can perform effectively across a wider range of operating conditions without compromising efficiency or reliability.
A flexible platform built for modern demands
Rather than developing a new machine architecture, ELIET retained the existing Prof 6 platform as the basis for both power variants. The electric model was engineered as a close derivative of the petrol-powered machine, with the battery system integrated through minimal modification to the core chassis and operating architecture.
This approach allowed ELIET to maintain the proven throughput and operational characteristics of the original platform while improving manufacturing efficiency and supporting competitive product positioning across both variants.
The shared platform strategy also provides contractors with greater flexibility when selecting equipment based on application requirements, operating environment and total cost considerations.
When development began, one of the primary engineering requirements was identifying an alternative power solution capable of delivering performance levels comparable to conventional combustion engines. Professional shredding applications require consistent torque delivery, stable operating performance and the ability to process dense material under continuous load conditions.
Powered by Vanguard: enabling flexible performance and uptime
This required ELIET to move beyond its traditional mechanical design focus and adopt a more electronics-driven mindset, enabling the integration of advanced power systems and control technologies. Building on an already established relationship across several machine platforms, ELIET partnered with Briggs & Stratton and selected power systems from its commercial power brand Vanguard. Having already used Vanguard engines in existing petrol-driven machines, ELIET could rely on a proven collaboration and trusted performance while developing the new electric variant.
The platform brings together petrol-powered units equipped with Vanguard engines and an electric variant using the Vanguard commercial-grade fixed lithium-ion battery pack, showcasing Vanguard as a key enabler of the platform’s flexible power architecture.
Guillaume Baronnet, Sales Manager France & Benelux at Briggs & Stratton, explains: “Professional landscaping equipment demands consistent power, durability, and the flexibility to perform across applications. Vanguard battery systems are designed to deliver stable output and reliable runtime, allowing machines like the Prof 6 to maintain performance under varying load conditions while supporting the transition toward lower-emission operation.”
Both the Vanguard battery packs and engines enable reliable start-up and responsive operation, improving overall machine control and usability. This supports more efficient working throughout the day, particularly in applications where frequent stops and starts are required.
Reducing complexity and cost for fleets
By adopting a unified platform design, ELIET was able to significantly reduce machine complexity across its product range. Approximately 90% of components are shared between both power variants, including core mechanical systems such as blades, belts, and drive components. This standardisation simplifies maintenance and enables technicians to service all configurations using the same knowledge base. For fleet operators, this removes the typical ‘complexity tax’ of running mixed petrol and electric equipment, streamlining inventory and reducing capital tied up in spare parts. It also allows operators to switch between power variants without retraining, reducing the risk of user error and improving overall fleet flexibility.
The Prof 6 platform has been engineered to maximise machine uptime across both available configurations, ensuring reliable performance regardless of the chosen energy source. Petrol-powered units offer extended runtime with a single tank, enabling uninterrupted operation throughout demanding working days.
The Prof 6 ePower version, powered by the Vanguard Fi7.0 kWh battery pack, has been designed around real-world professional operating conditions rather than continuous maximum-load use. While according to ELIET field testing the machine can operate for approximately 40–45 minutes under continuous non-stop shredding, typical daily usage with intermittent shredding, material handling, and machine repositioning delivering around 90 minutes of active working time on a single charge. This operating profile is well aligned with the needs of professional contractors and supports efficient completion of a full working day within planned workflows. Under low-load or idle operating conditions, runtime can extend to up to four hours. In addition, the innovative EcoEye™ system helps conserve battery power. This sophisticated ELIET system senses when the shedder is no longer processing green-waste and automatically switches the machine into standby mode. As soon as the infra-red “eye” on the machine detects the operators’ return, the Prof 6 is reactivated immediately. This intelligent feature maximises battery efficiency and extends operating time, increasing the net shredding output from a single battery charge. Combined with its maintenance-free operation, low noise levels and zero emissions, the E-Power model represents the premium version of the machine.
The Prof 6 On Wheels is also available powered by the Vanguard 400 single-cylinder horizontal shaft engine. This petrol unit features advanced starting even in cold weather and prevents fuel-oil mixing during transport. Its extended maintenance schedule, including up to 600-hour air filter replacement intervals and engine oil maintenance intervals double the industry standard, ensures that equipment uptime is increased while maintenance costs and associated downtime are reduced. By achieving these extended service periods, the unit delivers lower consumption and emissions. Furthermore, customers benefit from a 3+1 year global commercial warranty, offering additional peace of mind should an engine breakdown ever occur.
When it comes to the heavy and demanding shredding jobs, customers could also choose the “Monster” version of the Prof 6: this premium petrol model is powered by a 18 HP Vanguard V-Twin engine, allowing faster, more responsive chipping.
ELIET is also evaluating future power solutions for the Prof 6 platform, including concepts based on Vanguard Si1.5 swappable commercial battery technology. By leveraging the interchangeable power solution in combination with an external charging infrastructure, operators could ensure continuous operation by rotating packs, thereby eliminating the downtime associated with on-board charging. These developments remain at an exploratory stage and no production plans have been confirmed.
Built for every application
The choice between petrol and battery power ultimately depends on application requirements and usage patterns. Petrol-powered machines remain a practical solution for remote locations without access to charging infrastructure, lower annual usage, and high-intensity applications where extended uninterrupted operation is essential.
For professional users operating equipment several hundred hours per year, battery-powered variants can deliver significant long-term cost advantages through reduced fuel, maintenance, and servicing requirements. Although electric models typically require a higher upfront investment, lower operating costs can offset this over time, particularly in regulated urban environments where emissions standards and noise restrictions increasingly favour electric equipment.
Frederic Lietaer, CEO of ELIET, says: “Working with Vanguard has been instrumental in bringing the Prof 6 platform to the next level. The reliability, performance and flexibility of Vanguard power solutions have enabled us to deliver a machine that doesn’t compromise – whether operating in high-intensity environments or transitioning to battery power.”
The Prof 6 platform demonstrates how a unified machine design, combined with Vanguard power solutions, can support the evolving needs of professional landscaping. It provides a practical pathway toward electrification while giving contractors the flexibility to select the right power solution for each application.
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