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Tips for Using a Wood Chipper
admin July 3, 2024 0 Comments

What Are Some Tips for Using a Wood Chipper Effectively?

Wood chipper machine are widely used in industrial timber operations to recycle wood and produce sawdust as part of manufacturing processes. They are also employed in the agriculture sector to maintain properties and land. An industrial wood chipper consists of various components including a hopper, a collar, a chipper, and a collecting bin, typically powered by a combustion engine.

The speed at which a wood chipper can reduce large tree branches to dust is remarkable. However, accidents can occur; without proper precautions, the machine’s pull can cause serious injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about the best safety practices for using wood chippers, whether you are a novice or an experienced operator.

How Does a Wood Chipper Work?

Wood Chipper Machine

As its names indicate, a wood chipper is a machine that breaks down tree trunks, twigs, and branches into chips. Powerful engines operate the blades on spinning drum sets that slice wood.

 

Industrial wood chippers use to suck in branches at a rate of approximately 20 inches per second due to the blend of torque and velocity. The feeding system and drum blades catch everything into the machine while the worker physically pushes wood and tree limbs via the feed shaft or into the hopper. 

Safety Tips for Wood Chipper Machine

Avoid Overloading

To keep your hands away from the blades, it’s recommended to carefully insert materials into most wood chippers and use a large pole to push any waste through. It’s essential to adhere to the specific guidelines that differ for each model of chipper. It’s also important to keep in mind that each chipper has its own load capacity.

Remove Any Hazardous Clothing

Wearing inappropriate attire can entangle you and pull you towards the blades of the chipper, leading to severe injuries. To mitigate this risk, remove any dangerous clothing. Wear snug, tucked-in clothing to protect your legs and hands, and ensure your footwear is secure. This helps reduce the risk of being struck by flying debris. Accessories and clothing items such as pendants, earrings, wristbands, belts, bulky work gloves, and scarves can become caught in the machine and should be avoided.

Keep the Area Around the Wood Chipper Machine Clear

When operating the wood chipper, debris will accumulate on the ground near the worksite. To minimize the risk of tripping and falling, it’s important to regularly sweep this area with a broom or brush. This safety measure is often overlooked, but neglecting it can lead to serious injuries. Therefore, always ensure the vicinity is thoroughly cleaned before using a wood chipper.

Always Wear Your Safety Gear

One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of accidents while operating a wood chipper is to consistently wear appropriate safety equipment. Essential safety items include safety goggles, a helmet, and earmuffs. Safety goggles and a hard hat help protect against flying debris and prevent small particles from entering your eyes. These precautions are crucial for ensuring your safety during wood chipper operation.

Never Operate a Wood Chipper by Yourself

Operating machinery like a wood chipping should never be a solo task. Always have another person present who can administer first aid and call for help in case of an accident. Having someone with you while using the chipper is crucial to follow this safety protocol and prevent incidents that could have severe consequences for your life.

Feed Manageable Amounts

It’s important to only load the wood chipper with materials it can comfortably handle without overloading. When choosing your machine, take into account the needs of your work environment, as industrial chippers can typically handle wood with diameters ranging from about 6 inches to 12 inches. Place smaller pieces of material in the dustbin, rather than in the wood chipper, to ensure efficient operation.