Maximizing chip truck space

[southsoundtree]

I heard somewhere that if you fill the side of the truck, then the other side, then the middle (repeat until full) that you will get more chips in the truck. Anyone have any ideas on this as a way to compact the chips more.


I had trouble with my carb the other day on my chuck and duck drum chipper.

I was curious to see what seemed like an undersized pile of chips when I had to rent a Vermeer 620 disc chipper. Does a disc chipper make more densely packing chips, or was it a function of the size of chipper, or both??

 

[jim454]

I think a smaller chip packs better Sean but doesn't make much of a noticeable difference.

 

[TANNER]

I don't no that they pack any better. But they are easier to spread out. If you shoot at different spots as it is filling up then you are more certain to have less empty space.

One crew that I work with, has a woodchuck speed chipper. I am not crazy about it, but it does the job. The only way to spread it out is to kick the chipper to one side or the other.

My dad has a Vermeer 1250A disk chipper. I like it. I am constantly turning the shoot.

Probably the best feature of that chipper is that it curbs. If any one isn't familiar with that, this is how it works. You have a pin by the tong that you pull. You pull a handle and the whole chipper turns, to the curbside. By hydrollics of course.

The best thing of that is, when working along side of a road, you turn it so you don't have to go into the road to feed it! Another, you can turn it so you have an easier pull to feed it.
And the reason that I am talking about it. When stuffing your box, and getting every last limb you can use it to turn the shoot inches at a time. It can be a lot more percise than just turning the shoot!

 

[FlashTreetop1]

Jim I have to disagree with you. When the blades on my morbarks are ultra sharp and the chips are all perfect quarter size i notice that you get way more chips in a truck than usual.

And yes filling both sides b4 filling the middle will get more chips in a truck. You have to watch 4 voids that can still get created and if need be move chips around. It is really no biggie and usually only takes a minute or less. Those small voids could mean a yard or 2 of chips so it is important to keep that from happening.

D.W.H

 

[treebing]

I agree with that. My morbark 6 inch makes itsy bity chips that pack real tight.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Many years ago I read an article about using a stone for sharpening knives and chisels. One line in the article has served me well while doing treework. There are tons of stones out there that are dished/radiused because the use is concentrated in the center. The author of the article said:

Use the corners first, the center will take care of itself.

This works for:

Stacking brush by hand or with a grapple
Blowing chips into a box
Flaking ropes and throwlines
Pruning trees...eliminates gutting/lions tailing
Raking

Wasted space in the front of the chip box, or the bottom corners of the brush trailer, will haunt you later in the day when you need those precious cubic feet to make a full load instead of having a tiny bit extra at the end of a long day.