HOAF Infra Plus thermal weed control

Infrared weed control from footpath to tractor route

A scalable range of push-operated, powered pedestrian and vehicle-mounted thermal weeders for organisations reducing routine herbicide use across paths, public spaces and larger maintenance routes.

Request a site demonstration Compare all HOAF products Explore thermal weed management
HOAF powered infrared weed-control attachment working on a hard surface
Infrared energy and hot airChoose the carrier and working format around access, route length and required output.
15 product choicesStandalone, powered pedestrian and mounted configurations.
Around 80°CPlant tissue is heated sufficiently to disrupt normal cell function.
No spray driftThermal energy is directed at the target rather than applied as liquid herbicide.
Scalable outputMove from narrow footpaths to larger public-realm routes.

Why organisations choose HOAF

One thermal method, three practical ways to deploy it.

The best starting point depends on access, daily route length, available carrier equipment and how much operator effort the programme can support.

Targeted thermal treatment

Infrared radiation and hot air are directed at unwanted vegetation without applying a chemical spray.

Works across site types

Choose a format for narrow paths, formal grounds, public spaces, estates or larger municipal routes.

Start small and scale

An unpowered pedestrian machine offers a lower-investment route into thermal weed management.

Use existing carriers

Powered and mounted systems can integrate weed control into established Kersten or tractor-based maintenance fleets.

Fifteen current product destinations

Choose the operating format, then the exact HOAF product.

Use the selector as a starting point, then confirm working width, carrier compatibility, fuel arrangements and site conditions in a measured demonstration.

HOAF pedestrian unpowered infrared weed-control machinePush-operated

Pedestrian standalone weeders

For narrow access and flexible pedestrian routes

Choose handheld, push or self-propelled formats from 15 to 75 cm working width. These machines carry their own LPG supply and do not require a separate power unit.

  • Seven handheld and walk-behind choices
  • Working widths from 15 to 75 cm
  • Manual and electrically driven options
Explore the standalone range →

Standalone pedestrian products

Start with access and route width, then decide whether manual push operation or electric wheel drive is appropriate.

7 products
HOAF ThermHit 15 thermal weed-control productHandheld precision

HOAF ThermHit 15

A compact thermal lance for edges, beds, street furniture and other areas where a wider hood cannot reach.

15 cm working widthHandheld formatPiezo ignition3 m gas hose
Specifications, options and current priceView product →
HOAF ThermHit 45 thermal weed-control productCompact walk-behind

HOAF ThermHit 45

A narrower walk-behind machine for paths and open areas where 45 cm offers a useful balance of access and output.

45 cm working widthWalk-behindVapour-phase LPGElectric Piezo
Specifications, options and current priceView product →
HOAF WeedAir 75iBE thermal weed-control productElectric wheel drive

HOAF WeedAir 75iBE

A self-propelled 75 cm machine for operators covering longer pedestrian routes or working on demanding gradients.

75 cm working widthElectric drive24 V / 42 Ah batteryUp to 9 h drive
Specifications, options and current priceView product →
HOAF powered infrared attachment for a Kersten pedestrian machinePowered pedestrian

Powered Kersten attachments

For repeat routes using an existing pedestrian power unit

Match the burner to the exact Kersten carrier. The K-series options use a 75 cm hood, while the UBS configuration increases working width to one metre.

  • Specific K 820 Pro, K 1500 and K 2100 versions
  • One-metre UBS-series option
  • Carrier compatibility must be confirmed before ordering
Explore powered pedestrian attachments →

Powered Kersten attachment products

Select the product route that matches the power unit already in the fleet; the mounting interface is not universal.

4 products
TWB 75 K — K 2100 thermal weed-control productK 2100 attachment

TWB 75 K — K 2100

A 75 cm powered attachment for the larger Kersten K 2100 platform and regular professional thermal routes.

75 cm working width82 kW outputK 2100 carrierElectric ignition
Specifications, options and current priceView product →
TWB 100 K — UBS thermal weed-control productUBS-series attachment

TWB 100 K — UBS

A one-metre burner for compatible Kersten UBS machines where route width and forward speed justify greater output.

100 cm working width110 kW outputUBS compatibleUp to 5,000 m²/h
Specifications, options and current priceView product →
HOAF tractor-mounted infrared weed-control systemRide-on and tractor mounted

Mounted weeders

For longer public-realm and estate routes

Move from compact ride-on mower integration to forced-hot-air tractor systems with side treatment for kerbs, walls and obstacles.

  • FKDR ride-on mower option
  • 100 and 120 cm tractor-mounted WeedAir machines
  • Specialist multi-burner option for edge treatment
Explore mounted HOAF equipment →

Ride-on and tractor-mounted products

Carrier linkage, payload, LPG storage, electrical supply and front geometry all need confirming before specification.

4 products
HOAF WeedAir 100M thermal weed-control product100 cm forced hot air

HOAF WeedAir 100M

A front-mounted one-metre system with an integrated side burner for larger tractor and carrier routes.

100 cm working width73 kW outputIntegrated side burnerUp to 2,000 m²/h
Specifications, options and current priceView product →
HOAF WeedAir 120M thermal weed-control product120 cm route machine

HOAF WeedAir 120M

The wider forced-hot-air option for high-output estate, infrastructure and public-realm treatment programmes.

120 cm working width89 kW outputIntegrated side burnerUp to 2,400 m²/h
Specifications, options and current priceView product →

How the Infra Plus process works

Heat the plant tissue—do not try to burn it away.

The HOAF system combines infrared radiation with hot air. The objective is to transfer enough thermal energy to disrupt the plant’s cells, after which the vegetation wilts and dies back.

1

Prepare the route

Remove heavy litter, dry combustible material and excessive detritus so the treatment can reach the target safely and consistently.

2

Apply controlled heat

Pass the treatment head over the vegetation long enough to heat the tissue; visible charring is not the operating objective.

3

Plan repeat visits

Return according to species, growth stage and regrowth, combining thermal treatment with prevention and surface cleaning.

Best results come from programme design. Young growth, route preparation, treatment timing and follow-up frequency can matter as much as machine size.

Where HOAF fits best

Match the carrier to the route, not simply the total site area.

Access, surface layout, public occupancy and daily travel between treatment zones often determine the right machine more accurately than acreage alone.

Thermal weed treatment for schools and education estatesEducation

Schools and campuses

Paths, entrances, courtyards and boundary routes with planned access controls.

 Thermal weed management at a historic and sensitive siteHeritage

Historic and sensitive sites

Targeted work around paving, gravel, cobbles, cemeteries and formal grounds.

 HOAF thermal weed-control equipment fitted to a utility vehicleEstates

Estates and visitor destinations

Move between pedestrian areas and longer routes using the appropriate carrier format.

 HOAF mounted thermal weed-control equipment for public-realm routesPublic realm

Councils and contractors

Build thermal treatment into a documented, route-based Integrated Weed Management plan.

Responsible thermal operation

High heat requires disciplined site preparation.

HOAF equipment should be used by trained operators working to the current manual and a task-specific assessment covering people, surfaces, fuel, weather and combustible material.

  • Remove or control dry litter, leaves and other combustible material before treatment.
  • Maintain an exclusion zone around visitors, pupils, residents, vehicles and vulnerable planting.
  • Inspect the machine, fuel system and safety devices before each working period.
  • Test unfamiliar or heat-sensitive surfaces before treating a wider area.
  • Stop when wind, drought, access or surrounding material makes controlled thermal work unsuitable.

Other weed-management methods

Use HOAF as one tool within a wider programme.

Thermal treatment is strongest when it is supported by prevention, sweeping, mechanical removal and a clear plan for different surfaces and weed types.

Hot air lance

Ripagreen

Portable and vehicle-supported pulsed hot-air systems for precise spot treatment.

Compare Ripagreen kits → Hot water

Eco Weedkiller

Water-based thermal treatment for sensitive sites, joints and multifunction cleaning work.

Explore hot-water systems → Mechanical

Weed brushes and removal

Physically remove growth and accumulated growing medium from robust hard surfaces.

Explore mechanical methods → Range guide

All thermal methods

Compare infrared, hot air and hot water around access, route length and surface needs.

View thermal weed management → Prevention

Reduce the growing medium

Limit the detritus, silt and surface conditions that allow repeated establishment.

Read the prevention guide → Programme planning

Integrated Weed Management

Place each treatment method inside a preventative-first, documented site strategy.

Open the council IWM guide →

Practical reading

Plan output, carrier choice and treatment timing.

Energy planning

Energy consumption of thermal weeders

Understand the role of treatment method, working pace and route conditions.

Read the article → Carrier integration

Using thermal weed control on a quad bike

See how vehicle-supported treatment can replace parts of a spray-based route.

Read the application article → Treatment practice

Get the best from thermal weed management

Improve results through timing, route preparation and repeat-treatment planning.

Read the practical guide →

Frequently asked questions

What buyers usually need to decide first.

How does the HOAF Infra Plus system affect weeds?+

The system combines infrared radiation with hot air. Heating the vegetation to around 80°C disrupts proteins and moisture cells, causing the plant to wilt and die back.

Which HOAF range should I start with?+

Start with a push-operated machine for narrow access and shorter routes, a powered Kersten attachment for regular pedestrian work, or a tractor and vehicle-mounted system for longer and wider programmes.

Does the weed need to be visibly burned?+

No. The operating objective is controlled heat transfer into the plant tissue, not charring or burning the vegetation away.

Will one treatment permanently remove every weed?+

No thermal method should be selected on that assumption. Results vary by species, growth stage, stored root reserves, route preparation and repeat-treatment timing.

Can HOAF be used around the public?+

Work must be planned around site occupancy, with trained operators, suitable exclusion controls and a risk assessment for heat, fuel, surfaces, weather and combustible material.

Why arrange a demonstration before choosing a machine?+

A measured demonstration reveals real access constraints, treatment pace, carrier suitability and the difference between theoretical site area and the route an operator must actually complete.

Choose the HOAF format around your real route.

Share the surfaces, access points, daily route, current method and available carrier equipment. Kersten can then recommend the most useful machine to demonstrate on site.

Discuss your site

Frequently Asked Questions

The Hoaf Infra Plus System employs infrared radiation combined with hot air for effective weed control. This process exposes unwanted vegetation to heat, causing proteins in the weeds to congeal and moisture cells to burst at approximately 80°C. As a result, the vegetation begins to wilt and eventually dies, providing a pesticide-free solution for various public and private spaces.

Hoaf Thermal Weed Control products offer several benefits, including pesticide-free weed removal, making them ideal for public spaces, footpaths, carparks, and homes. Their design allows for excellent access into tight areas while also being efficient for covering sizable areas. Additionally, these products can be used in wet conditions, reducing weather dependency for weed killing tasks. The low hood design facilitates access under obstacles like park benches and picnic tables.

Yes, Hoaf Weed Burners are designed to be used in wet conditions. The product's reliance on heat for weed control means that its effectiveness is not compromised by moisture. This feature allows users to perform weed killing tasks with less dependency on dry weather, ensuring more consistent and flexible operation schedules for maintaining public and private areas.

Hoaf Thermal Weed Control products are available in two main forms for pedestrian use. The first type includes unpowered push-along burners, offering a straightforward solution for weed management. The second type consists of powered attachments specifically designed for compatibility with K-Series Kersten machines and the UBS Easy 13, providing integrated solutions for more extensive applications.

The Hoaf Infra Plus System eliminates weeds by exposing them to a combination of infrared radiation and hot air. This heat treatment causes the proteins within the weeds to congeal and the moisture cells to burst open once they reach a temperature of approximately 80°C. This cellular disruption leads to the wilting and eventual death of the vegetation, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly method of weed control.