Maintenance and Repair
19
1. Chipping Knife
The blade (or knife) is called the flywheel blade. It is mounted on the large spinning wheel which
drives the blade (knife) past the incoming material at a high rate of speed and causes the “chipping”
action. Routine inspection of the chipper blade for sharpness will ensure the chipper is operating at
full efficiency. Operating with a worn or damaged knife or blade will cause extreme stress and
vibration to the machine and make chipping difficult for the operator.
While the chipper knife is made from the highest grade of chipper knife steel, which is heat treated
and ground to a very sharp edge, its life is relative to what is chipped. It may dull the first day or
last for months. The life span depends on the amount of dirt and rocks that enter the chipper.
Sometimes trees will have nails or wire embedded into the surface.
The knife should be checked for damage before each use. It should be turned or changed as
necessary.
A dull knife can:
Cause excessive fuel consumption.
Cause unnecessary stress and strain on the machine.
Produce poor quality chips.
Reduce production rate slowing the feed rate.
Actually wear further and faster.
To check, turn or change the chipper wheel knife you will have to remove the access plates.
Removing Belt Guard and Access Plates
Remove Belt
Guard
Remove (6) 5/16-18 x 3/4" bolts and (6) 5/16" split lock washers from the
top and toward the bottom of the belt guard.
Remove (4) 5/16-18 x 1/2" bolts and (4) 5/16" split lock washers from
underneath the frame.
5/16" x 3/4" bolts
5/16" split lock washers
5/16" x 1/2" bolts
