Wood Chipper Machine Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Fixes
Wood chippers are essential for efficient land clearing, tree pruning, and turning yard waste into compost. However, problems can occur when using this equipment. If you encounter such difficulties, do not panic. This article will provide you with quick fixes for the most common issues you may encounter when using a wood chipper.
- DULL BLADES
If you notice that your machine is not chipping the wood properly or producing sawdust instead of chips, it is likely due to dull blades. A blunt blade can make the machine work harder than necessary, leading to machine damage and substandard output, resulting in more significant expenses. The solution to this issue is straightforward and involves sharpening the blades regularly. - CLOGGED FEED CHUTE
Through continuous feeding, it is common to have tree limbs or other debris tying up the feed chute. The first sign of a feed chute clog is reduced or irregular chip output. The solution to this issue is to turn off the machine, release the blockage carefully and safely, and resume operation. - ENGINE FAILURE OR INCAPACITY
The engine of your wood chipper can shut down unexpectedly due to several reasons. The primary cause of engine issues is often inadequate oil or gas. Another reason your engine may fail is a dirty air filter. An engine not receiving sufficient oil can lock up or even cause the machine to stop all together. Always make sure to keep the gas or diesel topped off, and do a thorough check of oil and air filter before starting the machine. - DEAD BATTERY
Traditional pull-start chippers do not have this problem, but chippers with electric starters may fail to start. A dead battery is a common cause of this issue. Do not think of replacing the battery immediately before consulting the owner's manual as this could be a complicated system to remove and reinstall batteries. You may need to troubleshoot the lighting system for a drain on the battery, bad wiring, or a weak alternator. - WORN BELTS
Worn or broken belts can lead to numerous issues on your machine. According to the manual, inspection of belts should be done before using your chipper and regularly during maintenance. If you've never done this inspection before, your first sign of worn belts will likely be a loss of power, hydraulic leaks, or even a broken belt. This mistake is avoidable by replacing the belts with high-strength synthetic belts that provide superior shock load absorption and an extended service life.
CONCLUSION
In summary, using a wood chipper is easy, but you must troubleshoot it and carry out regular maintenance to avoid more significant problems. Dull blades, clogged feed chutes, engine failure, dead batteries, and worn belts are among the issues you may encounter when using a wood chipper. These problems have quick fixes that you can do efficiently on your own. Ensuring that the machine is circular oiled and clean before use, and you carry out routine inspections or preventative maintenance such as replacing belts and following the owner’s manual. Taking these measures prevents disruptions in your wood chipping operation and maintains your equipment's longevity without much expense. With a little care and attention, your wood chipper will serve you well for years to come.<!--markdown-->