Professional hot-air and infrared weed control

Use controlled heat to interrupt young weed growth without liquid herbicide or treatment water

Kersten supplies two complementary professional ranges. Ripagreen uses a mobile lance and pulsed hot-air diffuser for precise work. HOAF concentrates hot air and infrared energy beneath handheld, walk-behind and mounted hoods for defined working widths and larger routes.

Compare Ripagreen and HOAF Use the range selector
Ripagreen professional hot-air weed-control kit
Thermal shock is most effective when treatment begins early and returns before plants rebuild energy reserves.
2 specialist brandsMobile Ripagreen lances and hooded HOAF systems.
6 Ripagreen kitsBackpack, trolley and vehicle-supported working patterns.
15-120 cmHOAF ThermHit and WeedAir widths represented on this page.
Handheld to vehicle-mountedChoose the working pattern around access, route length and output.

Products and working patterns

Start with the products, then compare how Ripagreen, WeedAir and ThermHit fit the route.

Ripagreen provides precision lance mobility. HOAF WeedAir covers forced-air pedestrian and vehicle-mounted work. ThermHit and TWB then provide shielded infrared-and-hot-air treatment in handheld, walk-behind and Kersten-carrier formats.

Ripagreen Easy Plus hot-air lance, trolley and backpack kit
94% air / 6% gas40 cm precision lanceBackpack to vehicle

Ripagreen pulsed hot-air kits

A modular lance system using a high-velocity hot-air stream and rotating diffuser. Choose a backpack for maximum access, a trolley for comfortable linear work, or a vehicle-supported hose reel for larger routes.

40 cmDiffuser treatment width
6 kitsMobility through Autonomy Duo
45-76 kWAdjustable heating power
Explore the Ripagreen brand page →

Ripagreen kits

Ripagreen Mobility backpack thermal weed-control kit

341063 UK

Ripagreen Mobility Kit

Lightweight backpack configuration for steps, cemeteries, courtyards and fragmented restricted-access sites.

Checking current price...

View product →
Ripagreen Easy trolley and thermal lance kit

341040

Ripagreen Easy Kit

Trolley-supported 40 cm lance system for comfortable route work on paths, campuses and formal grounds.

Checking current price...

View product →
Ripagreen Easy Plus trolley and backpack thermal kit

341058

Ripagreen Easy+ Kit

Combines the trolley and ergonomic backpack so one team can switch between open routes and difficult access.

Checking current price...

View product →
Ripagreen lance mixing ambient air and propane gas for targeted hot-air weed control

Ripagreen air-to-gas feature

94% ambient air. Only 6% propane gas.

Ripagreen draws in ambient air and mixes it with a controlled propane input to create a high-velocity blade of hot air. The system is designed to deliver a brief thermal shock across a 40 cm treatment width without carrying treatment water.

94%Ambient air in the stated working mixture
6%Propane gas in the stated working mixture
40 cmThermal diffuser treatment width
45-76 kWAdjustable heating-power range

The 94/6 figures describe the stated air-and-gas mixture used by the Ripagreen lance, not a comparison with the energy content of other treatment methods.

Explore Ripagreen kitsView individual products
Ripagreen Autonomy vehicle-supported hot-air lance kit

341068

Ripagreen Autonomy Kit

Vehicle-mounted cylinder frame, automatic 15 m hose reel and lance for estates, routes and municipal work.

Checking current price...

View product →
Ripagreen Autonomy Plus vehicle-supported thermal kit

341073

Ripagreen Autonomy+ Kit

Adds a second cylinder-holder frame to extend working time and reduce interruptions on longer routes.

Checking current price...

View product →
Ripagreen Autonomy Duo two-operator thermal kit

341078

Ripagreen Autonomy Duo

Two lances, two hose reels and two frames for simultaneous two-operator route productivity.

Checking current price...

View product →
HOAF WeedAir front-mounted hot-air weed-control system
Forced hot airPedestrian and mountedHigh-output routes

HOAF WeedAir systems

WeedAir products form a distinct HOAF pathway for controlled forced-air coverage. The range moves from monitored pedestrian systems to vehicle-mounted units for continuous routes, edges and larger open areas.

50-120 cmWidths represented here
Pedestrian to tractorDefined route productivity
Forced airControlled heat delivery
Explore the HOAF brand page →

HOAF WeedAir products

The thermal principle

Heat the plant briefly; do not waste time trying to burn it away.

Hot-air treatment damages leaf cells and interrupts photosynthesis. The result depends more on plant stage, treatment timing and follow-up frequency than on producing visible charring.

Strongest fit: young, active growth

Seedlings, fresh annual growth and fleshy leaves have less stored energy and respond more readily to a short, controlled thermal shock.

  • Start before stems become woody or deeply anchored
  • Look for a leaf response rather than blackening
  • Plan repeat passes around actual regrowth
  • Use precision around joints, edges and obstacles
Early intervention normally needs less heat, less time and fewer corrective measures than mature growth.

Know when heat is not the whole answer

Hot air targets vegetation; it does not remove compacted soil, moss mats or the growth medium accumulated in paving joints and path edges.

  • Sweep loose detritus and combustible material first
  • Use weed brushing where soil and moss are established
  • Expect repeated treatment for deep-rooted perennials
  • Repair defects where roots are anchored into the asset
Use thermal treatment inside an Integrated Weed Management programme rather than as a direct like-for-like spray visit.
HOAF ThermHit and TWB shielded thermal weed-control equipment
ThermHit handheld and walk-behindTWB carrier attachmentsInfrared plus hot air

HOAF ThermHit and TWB systems

ThermHit machines concentrate infrared and hot-air energy beneath a shielded hood. The related TWB attachments transfer the same defined-width working approach onto Kersten pedestrian power units.

15-100 cmWidths represented here
Handheld to carrierManual and powered routes
Shielded hoodDefined heat-treatment zone
Explore the HOAF brand page →

HOAF ThermHit and TWB products

Hot air inside IWM

The best programme removes the seedbed, treats the right growth stage and returns before recovery.

Thermal systems work most effectively when operators can see the true surface, reach the target safely and revisit young regrowth at the right interval. Cleansing, edging, surface repair and tolerance standards all influence the result.

The objective is not one dramatic pass. It is a repeatable route that steadily reduces plant vigour while protecting people, surfaces and surrounding vegetation.

1

Diagnose

Check plant stage, surface, root anchorage, access and site sensitivity.

2

Prepare

Remove loose dry material, identify hazards and establish the working zone.

3

Treat

Apply a brief, controlled pass using the correct distance, speed and width.

4

Repeat

Inspect regrowth and return before plants rebuild reserves or set seed.

Selection factors

The machine must fit the route as well as the weed.

Compare access, width, working pattern, gas logistics, public occupancy and the maturity of the vegetation before selecting a brand or kit.

1

Plant stage

Young, fleshy growth is the strongest thermal target; mature perennials demand more repeat work.

2

Access

Backpacks and lances reach steps and obstacles; hooded machines suit continuous open routes.

3

Working width

Use narrow tools for precision and wider hoods where consistent coverage drives productivity.

4

Gas logistics

Plan cylinder type, change intervals, transport, storage and vehicle support around the working day.

5

Site risk

Assess public exclusion, combustible material, wind, drought, surface sensitivity and fire control.

Range selector

Start with how the operator needs to move through the site.

This guide identifies a likely starting route. Final selection still requires a site demonstration, current product instructions and a task-specific risk assessment.

Book a site demonstration

At-a-glance comparison

Ripagreen, WeedAir and ThermHit/TWB cover three distinct operating patterns with the same thermal objective.

All three routes use LPG heat and require trained, risk-assessed operation. The distinction is how the heat is delivered, contained and moved through the site.

RangeHeat deliveryBest fitPlatform pathway
RipagreenHigh-velocity hot-air lance with rotating diffuserPrecision treatment, obstacles, fragmented sites and flexible vehicle-supported workBackpack, trolley, combined kit, single- or two-operator vehicle systems
HOAF WeedAirControlled forced-hot-air deliveryMonitored pedestrian coverage and higher-output vehicle-mounted routesWeedAir 50/75 pedestrian units and 100-120 cm mounted systems
HOAF ThermHit / TWBInfrared and hot air concentrated beneath a shielded hoodDetailed handheld work, defined pedestrian widths and Kersten carrier attachmentsThermHit 15-75 plus TWB 75 and 100 carrier-mounted systems

Responsible professional use

Plan the heat, the fuel, the public and the surface together.

Hot-air weeders are professional LPG-powered heat tools. Product safety features support controlled operation but do not replace training, supervision, current manufacturer instructions or a site-specific assessment.

  • Clear loose dry detritus and identify other combustible material before treatment.
  • Set an exclusion zone and schedule work around pedestrians, pupils, visitors and traffic.
  • Avoid work where wind, drought or local restrictions create an unacceptable fire risk.
  • Transport, store and connect cylinders in accordance with current guidance.
  • Test heat-sensitive paving, edging, street furniture and planting before wider treatment.
  • Keep suitable fire-control equipment available where the risk assessment requires it.
HOAF thermal weed-control equipment mounted for professional route work

Thermal weed-management reading

Improve timing, weather planning, maintenance and method selection.

These existing Kersten articles add practical detail on energy use, vehicle-supported treatment, equipment care and achieving a stronger result from thermal work.

Ripagreen lance used for thermal weed control

Energy and method

Energy Consumption of Thermal Weeders

Understand the operating logic and energy demand behind professional hot-air treatment.

Read the article →
HOAF WeedAir system fitted to a quad bike

Vehicle-supported work

Using Thermal Weed Control on a Quad Bike

Explore a mobile route for replacing quad-mounted spray work with thermal treatment.

Read the article →
Ripagreen thermal lance maintenance

Equipment care

Maintaining Your Ripagreen Thermal Lance

Keep the lance, connections and ignition system ready for reliable professional use.

Read the article →
Ripagreen hot-air treatment applied to young weeds

Operating technique

How to Get the Best from Thermal Weed Management

Use plant stage, treatment speed and repeat timing to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Read the article →

Frequently asked questions

Hot-air weed-control essentials

The product manual, operator training and site risk assessment remain the controlling documents for use.

Do weeds need to be burnt or blackened?

No. The objective is a brief thermal shock that damages leaf cells and interrupts photosynthesis. Prolonged burning wastes time and fuel and can increase surface or fire risk.

Which weeds respond best?

Young annual weeds and fresh, fleshy growth are the strongest fit. Established woody or deep-rooted plants may need repeated passes, mechanical removal or another targeted method.

What is the difference between Ripagreen, WeedAir and ThermHit?

Ripagreen is a modular precision-lance system. HOAF WeedAir provides forced-air pedestrian and vehicle-mounted coverage. HOAF ThermHit and TWB machines use shielded infrared-and-hot-air treatment zones in handheld, walk-behind and Kersten-carrier formats.

Can hot-air weeders be used in wet weather?

Heat-based treatment can be less dependent on dry leaf conditions than liquid spraying, but the current manufacturer instructions, surface conditions, wind, visibility and site risk assessment still govern operation.

Does hot air remove soil and moss from paving joints?

No. It treats vegetation but does not physically remove established growth medium. Use sweeping for loose material and a weed brush where moss, roots and compacted soil need mechanical extraction.

How should a first machine be selected?

Start with access, working width, route length, plant stage, cylinder logistics and public occupancy. Then demonstrate the likely system on the actual surfaces before confirming the configuration.

Prove the method on your own route

Match the brand, working pattern and treatment width to the surfaces you actually manage.

Kersten can compare Ripagreen, HOAF WeedAir and HOAF ThermHit/TWB on access, surface sensitivity, route length, plant stage, cylinder logistics, public risk and the preventative work that should sit around thermal treatment.

Book a hot-air demonstrationDiscuss your application

Frequently Asked Questions

The main product type presented on this page is hot air weed removers. These devices are used for thermal weed control.

The page specifically highlights two distinct product series for hot air weed removers: the Ripagreen series and the Hoaf series.

Users are directed to 'Find the product series here' on the page, indicating that further details for both the Ripagreen and Hoaf series are available within the site.

The Ripagreen series is identified as one of the available lines of hot air weed removers. It represents a specific range of products within this category of thermal weed control.

The Hoaf series is presented as another available line of hot air weed removers. It constitutes a distinct range of products for thermal weed removal, alongside the Ripagreen series.