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The VH Mulcher's name is derived from my last name (Van Horlick), and the word Mulcher coming from "mulch" which is forest residue, slash, peat, surface litter, duff, organic matter. Seemingly a device that added "mulch" into anything should be called a "Mulcher". Other names could have been mixer, cultivator, mounder, scarifier, tiller, but my focus was on expressing the importance of adding organic matter to forest soils. All design principles were centered on a way to improve early root development and plantation establishment on a variety of sites with great respect for the land.
The VH Mulcher is mechanically different from earlier mixing devices. It is a slow speed (40 RPM), high torque implement and has the optional capability of deep penetration (over 60cm-24 inches). It is a "chunky" mixture rather than a blender. Some mixing devices of the past have failed or been less versatile due to high turning speeds and fine blending which can lead to negative impacts on soil properties. These machines had mechanical difficulties and tended to self destruct when working in rock. The finer blending and generally shallow penetration of the older devices do not allow for comparison with the VH Mulcher.
The purpose of this part of the site is to add my own biased opinions (as the inventor of the VH Mulcher and holder of numerous patents worldwide.....I have deemed it to be acceptable). All statements should be taken with a "grain of salt." They may or may not be true for your sites or conditions, but are heading in the right direction, the truth, to the best of my knowledge. I have tried to record much that has been taught to me by "those who should know" in the development and subsequent worldwide deployment of my machine. Much of the following is not supported by research, but are a result of empirical observations. They are my opinions and observations and not necessarily capable of proof by adequate research.
Knowing what the VH Mulcher can do, what the possible gains are, the principles involved, and matching it to site conditions and the local history has been, and continues to be challenging. I hope this website provides background to those that are involved with implementation of plantation preparation projects.
