Asplundh Wood Chippers (5 Pro Tips for Optimal Performance)
Okay, here we go. I’m ready to dive into the world of Asplundh wood chippers and share some hard-earned wisdom.
It was a crisp autumn morning, the kind where the air bites at your cheeks and the leaves crunch under your boots like brittle bones. I was knee-deep in a mountain of brush – the remnants of a week-long clearing project. My back ached, my hands were blistered, and the sheer volume of debris seemed to mock my efforts. That’s when I realized I needed a better solution than just muscle and a wheelbarrow. That’s when I decided to invest in a wood chipper.
I’d heard whispers about Asplundh chippers – legendary machines known for their power and durability. But legends don’t always tell the whole story. Over the years, I’ve learned that even the best equipment needs the right touch to perform at its peak. Through countless hours of operation, maintenance, and a fair share of troubleshooting, I’ve gathered some pro tips that can make all the difference.
So, let’s get down to it. Whether you’re a seasoned arborist, a small-scale logger, or a homeowner tackling yard waste, these five pro tips will help you unlock the optimal performance of your Asplundh wood chipper.
Asplundh Wood Chippers: 5 Pro Tips for Optimal Performance
1. Understanding Your Material: The Key to Efficient Chipping
Before you even fire up your Asplundh, it’s crucial to understand the material you’re feeding it. Wood isn’t just wood; it’s a complex matrix of fibers, moisture, and density, all of which significantly impact chipping performance.
Wood Anatomy and Properties
Let’s briefly touch on wood anatomy. Hardwoods, like oak and maple, possess a denser structure due to their smaller cell size and higher lignin content. This makes them stronger and more resistant to decay but also tougher to chip. Softwoods, such as pine and fir, have a less dense structure, making them easier to process but generally less durable.
Moisture Content Matters: The moisture content of the wood is also a critical factor. Green wood, freshly cut, can have a moisture content exceeding 100% (based on dry weight). This high moisture content can clog the chipper, reduce its efficiency, and even damage the blades. Drier wood, ideally below 20% moisture content, chips much more cleanly and efficiently.
I’ve found that air-drying wood for a few weeks, or even months, before chipping dramatically improves the machine’s performance. Using a moisture meter (you can find decent ones for around $30-$50) can give you a precise reading and help you avoid overloading the chipper with wet material.
Data Point: Studies have shown that chipping green wood can reduce a chipper’s throughput by as much as 30% compared to chipping seasoned wood.
Sorting and Preparing Your Material
Before feeding wood into the chipper, take the time to sort and prepare it properly. Remove any foreign objects like rocks, metal, or plastic. These can severely damage the blades and other internal components.
Branch Management: When dealing with branches, try to remove smaller twigs and leaves. These tend to clog the chipper and reduce the quality of the chips. Feed larger branches butt-end first for smoother processing.
Diameter Considerations: Pay attention to the chipper’s maximum diameter capacity. Exceeding this limit can strain the engine, damage the feed rollers, and even cause the machine to stall. If you have larger pieces of wood, consider using a chainsaw to reduce them to a manageable size.
Personal Story: I once made the mistake of trying to chip a branch with a hidden nail embedded in it. The resulting spark and screech nearly gave me a heart attack, and I ended up having to replace a damaged blade. Lesson learned: always inspect your material carefully!
2. Blade Maintenance: The Sharpest Tool in the Shed
The blades are the heart of your Asplundh wood chipper. Keeping them sharp and properly maintained is essential for optimal performance and safety.
Sharpening Techniques
Dull blades not only reduce chipping efficiency but also put unnecessary strain on the engine. Sharpening the blades regularly is a must.
Frequency: How often you need to sharpen the blades depends on the type and volume of material you’re chipping. As a general rule, I recommend sharpening them after every 8-10 hours of use. However, if you’re chipping a lot of hardwood or material containing dirt and grit, you may need to sharpen them more frequently.
Tools: You can sharpen chipper blades using a variety of tools, including:
- Angle Grinder: This is a common and relatively inexpensive option. Use a grinding wheel specifically designed for sharpening blades. Be careful not to overheat the blade, as this can damage the temper of the steel.
- Bench Grinder: A bench grinder provides more stability and control than an angle grinder. This is a good option if you sharpen blades frequently.
- Professional Sharpening Service: If you’re not comfortable sharpening the blades yourself, you can take them to a professional sharpening service. This is a good option if you want to ensure that the blades are sharpened to the correct angle and specifications.
Technique: Regardless of the tool you use, it’s important to maintain the original bevel angle of the blade. Use light, even strokes and avoid applying too much pressure. Check the blade frequently to ensure that it’s sharpening evenly.
Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when sharpening blades.
Blade Inspection and Replacement
In addition to sharpening, it’s important to inspect the blades regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or excessive wear. If you find any damage, replace the blades immediately.
Blade Alignment: When replacing blades, make sure they are properly aligned and torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. Improperly aligned blades can cause excessive vibration and damage to the chipper.
Data Point: A study by a leading chipper manufacturer found that replacing worn blades can increase chipping efficiency by as much as 20%.
Unique Insight: I’ve found that keeping a spare set of blades on hand is a lifesaver. That way, when one set gets dull or damaged, I can quickly swap them out and get back to work without any downtime.
3. Engine Care: Keeping the Powerhouse Running Smoothly
The engine is the powerhouse of your Asplundh wood chipper. Proper engine care is essential for reliable performance and longevity.
Regular Maintenance
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug inspections.
Oil Changes: Change the oil regularly to keep the engine lubricated and prevent wear. The frequency of oil changes depends on the type of engine and the operating conditions. Consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Filter Replacements: Replace the air filter and fuel filter regularly to ensure that the engine is getting clean air and fuel. Clogged filters can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Spark Plug Inspections: Inspect the spark plugs regularly for signs of wear or fouling. Replace them as needed to ensure proper ignition.
Fuel Considerations
Use the correct type of fuel for your engine. Most Asplundh chippers use gasoline engines, but some may use diesel engines. Consult your owner’s manual for specific fuel recommendations.
Fuel Stabilizer: If you’re not going to be using the chipper for an extended period, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent the fuel from breaking down and clogging the fuel system.
Ethanol: Avoid using fuel containing ethanol, as it can damage the engine components. If you must use fuel containing ethanol, make sure it’s a low-ethanol blend (E10 or less).
Cooling System Maintenance
Keep the engine’s cooling system clean and properly maintained. Check the coolant level regularly and add coolant as needed. Clean the radiator fins to ensure proper airflow.
Overheating: Overheating can cause serious damage to the engine. If the engine overheats, stop using the chipper immediately and allow it to cool down before attempting to restart it.
Case Study: I once neglected to check the coolant level in my chipper’s engine. As a result, the engine overheated and the head gasket blew. The repair cost me several hundred dollars and a week of downtime. Lesson learned: don’t neglect the cooling system!
4. Hydraulic System: Maintaining Smooth Operation
Many Asplundh wood chippers utilize hydraulic systems to power the feed rollers and other components. Maintaining the hydraulic system is crucial for smooth and efficient operation.
Hydraulic Fluid Level
Check the hydraulic fluid level regularly and add fluid as needed. Use the type of hydraulic fluid recommended by the manufacturer.
Leaks: Inspect the hydraulic lines and fittings for leaks. Repair any leaks immediately to prevent fluid loss and potential damage to the system.
Filter Maintenance
Replace the hydraulic filter regularly to keep the fluid clean and prevent contaminants from damaging the hydraulic components.
Contamination: Contaminated hydraulic fluid can cause premature wear and failure of the hydraulic pump, cylinders, and valves.
Pressure Relief Valve
The hydraulic system is equipped with a pressure relief valve that protects the system from overpressure. Do not adjust or tamper with the pressure relief valve.
Data Point: A survey of chipper repair shops found that hydraulic system problems are one of the most common causes of downtime.
Practical Tip: I always keep a supply of hydraulic fluid and filters on hand so I can perform routine maintenance quickly and easily.
5. Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Others
Safety is paramount when operating an Asplundh wood chipper. Follow these safety guidelines to protect yourself and others from injury.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear appropriate PPE, including:
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Hearing Protection: To protect your ears from the loud noise of the chipper.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
- Long Sleeves and Pants: To protect your skin from scratches and cuts.
- Steel-Toed Boots: To protect your feet from injury.
Operating Procedures
Follow these operating procedures to ensure safe operation:
- Read the Owner’s Manual: Familiarize yourself with the chipper’s operating instructions and safety precautions.
- Clear the Area: Clear the area around the chipper of any obstacles or bystanders.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from the chipper’s infeed chute and discharge chute.
- Never Reach into the Infeed Chute: Use a push stick or other tool to feed material into the chipper.
- Shut Down the Chipper Before Performing Maintenance: Always shut down the chipper and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance or repairs.
Emergency Procedures
Know what to do in case of an emergency. Keep a first-aid kit nearby and know how to use it.
Emergency Stop: Familiarize yourself with the location of the emergency stop switch and know how to use it.
Accidents: In the event of an accident, call for medical assistance immediately.
Statistics: According to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), wood chipper accidents are a leading cause of injury and fatality in the tree care industry.
Call to Action: Take a safety course on wood chipper operation. Many organizations offer training programs that cover safe operating procedures and emergency response.
Final Thoughts: Operating an Asplundh wood chipper can be a rewarding and efficient way to manage wood waste. By understanding your material, maintaining your equipment, and prioritizing safety, you can unlock the optimal performance of your chipper and get the job done safely and efficiently.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the properties of the wood you’re chipping and prepare it accordingly.
- Keep your blades sharp and properly maintained.
- Maintain your engine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Keep your hydraulic system clean and properly maintained.
- Always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate PPE and following safe operating procedures.
Now, armed with these pro tips, go forth and conquer that mountain of brush! Remember, a well-maintained and properly operated Asplundh wood chipper is an invaluable tool for any arborist, logger, or homeowner. And always, always prioritize safety. Your wellbeing is worth more than any pile of wood chips.
