Stupid chipper question.

TreeBarber

TreeBarber

Location
NW Washington
I have a question about chippers, sorry for the simplicity of this question.
I am looking to get into the tree business and am shopping for a chipper.
My question is; On the drum type chippers that do not have a hydraulic feed wheel, do they feed them selfs? Once the limbs get into the drum does the drum pull everything in or do you have to continually feed the limbs in.
I have a 13 hp disc chipper (for home use) without a feed wheel and you have to tend the limbs into the chipper.
I appreciate any constructive information or help.
Thanks for your time.
Pat.
 

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This is based on the last 2.5 years of having a 1975 drum chipper. The name Chuck and Duck applies. You don't want to be holding on to the brush when its being pulled in. The high speed of the drum pulls things in Fast. Green branches chip better than dead wood. Blade sharpness and proper clearance to the anvil bar (the bar that the blades skim past very closely as the chips squeeze through to the chute) are required for good chipping. It will eat a lot when its set right.

Its really, really important on the old chippers without the hydraulic feed wheels to Chuck and Duck. I can't say about the better safety features that might be available on some newer models. FEED FROM THE SIDE as much as possible. Chuck it. Duck out of the way. Yes, its amazing watching it disappear!
Very simple to stay relatively safe actually. Come in with the brush, feed from the side where there is a protective metal wall between you and the brush, once its biting, keep moving forward so you don't get hit by high-speed brush.

Never wear gauntlet style gloves. Beware of strong jackets with open pockets like Carhart type, as a limb can grab you. I wear zip hoodies- the pockets will rip off before any chance of pulling you in, I think.
Hammer loops can be a concern.
Carabiner with keys on the beltloop could get ripped off and pulled into the machine.

Did I say, feed from the side, like you are supposed to?

I buy hardhats with face mesh shields and earmuffs (to double up with safety glasses and ear plugs) specifically for chipping with a high speed feed. Maybe overkill to some, but I figure 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 back per lifetime.

Simple machine. Engine, PTO, clutch lever, belt to drum. When drum with blades turns, so does the blower fan. No hydraulic hoses, fluid, leaks.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvZliAsIkWE&feature=related


I heard that you should check the drum by gently prying on it in order to see if the main drum bearings are tight. Anyone?

I didn't see the attached photo at first. Mine was green, oh yeah with some yellow, and...uh red. You'll be amazed what a little scrubbing with coarse steel wool and 2 gallons of Ace Rust Stop paint can do for an old piece of equipment. Some basic, inexpensive lettering from a sign shop, and you'd be looking decent.

A variety of brush to chip and see how it does, larger, smaller, green, dry.

I had a 5 hp craftsman for a few months. Let's hear it for a V8!
 
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