Wood chippers are powerful and valuable machines. But how do you safely and successfully turn useless branches into mulch, and clean up your garden or worksite with ease?
Follow our ultimate guide for tips, tricks and general practices when operating you wood chipper.
Safety First
Operation of a wood chipper requires strict adhesion to safety protocols.
Wear PPE. We recommend the following as essential gear to be worn:
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Dust Mask: Keep dust and particles from irritating your lungs.
- Ear Protectors: Use earplugs or earmuffs to shield your ears from loud noises.
- Gloves: Choose heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands while handling materials.
- Sturdy Non-Slip Boots: Wear steel-toed or heavy-soled boots to safeguard your feet.
Always Perform Pre-Operation Safety Checks
- Examine the Blades: Check for dull or damaged blades. Sharp blades ensure efficient chipping, while worn blades require sharpening or replacement. If your blades are dull or chipped, Rotatech offer a speedy sharpening service that will see your blades sharp in no time, so you can get back to chipping.
- Inspect the Feed Chute: Check for blockages or debris in the feed chute. To prevent jams during operation, ensure this area remains clear.
- Check the Engine: Ensure the engine is functioning properly. Look for leaks, strange noises, or smoke, which could indicate mechanical issues and create a hazard.
- Test Safety Features: Check safety features like emergency stop buttons, and censure you know where they are located. Make sure they work correctly to reduce risk during operation.
- Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles, such as large rocks, other equipment or branches, from the work zone. Obstacles could cause tripping or make the machine unstable.
- Establish a Safe Area: Maintain a distance of at least 15 feet from the chipper during operation, and keep all children, pets and bystanders away from the machine. Ensure you keep an eye on the whereabouts of pets and children before, during and after operation.
- Ensure Good Lighting: If working in low-light conditions, use further lighting methods. Only operate the machine during daytime or in clear conditions. Good visibility helps you spot hazards and operate safely.
Getting Started
Now you've performed all necessary safety checks and have on the appropriate PPE, it's time to start chipping.
- Check the fuel level. Lack of fuel can cause serious damage to your machine.
- Set the choke to the correct position.
- If applicable, make sure you engage the safety switch to prevent an accidental start.
- Turn the ignition key or pull the start up cord firmly to start up the engine.
- Make sure you allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes before feeding in material.
- Prepare branches and waste by cutting them down to the correct lengths, no wider than your machines max width diameter.
- Stand to the side of the infeed chute, keeping hands, feet, pets, children, clothes and any other obstructions far away from the opening.
- Feed material into the chipper slowly and steadily, guiding them in with one hand. Use your other hand for stability.
- Avoid overloading the machine to prevent jamming and slowing down the machine.
- Remove any materials that jam the machine using the provided tools, never by hand. Always stop the machine and allow it to settle before inserting tools that are not waste material into the chipper.
Chipper Maintenance
Sharpen Your Blades
Blade sharpening is crucial for efficient cutting. Monitor their sharpness frequently, ideally after every 8 to 10 hours of use. Dull blades can put strain on the engine and produce lower quality chips.
Clean the Chipper After Each Use
Regularly cleaning your chipper prevents debris buildup. Use a brush or compressed air to remove wood chips from the feed chute and discharge area. Inspect the exterior for dirt and residue, then wipe it with a damp cloth. Ensure screens and guards are clear for smooth operation.
Conclusion
Using a wood chipper can be a game changer for landscaping, gardening and arborists. Prioritise safety and follow proper steps to chip the most efficiently. Regular maintenance ensures smooth operation and prolongs lifespan.
If you are looking for an affordable, good quality wood chipper to get the job done, explore our wood chipper collection.