La105 John Deere Wood Chipper (5 Must-Know Tips)

Well, wouldn’t you know it, a crisp autumn breeze is starting to blow, carrying with it the scent of damp leaves and the promise of a long winter ahead. For folks like me, that means one thing: time to get serious about firewood. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a pile of branches and small trees that are just begging to be turned into something useful. That’s where the La105 John Deere wood chipper comes in. Now, I’ve spent years wrestling with wood, from felling towering oaks to splitting stubborn elm. I’ve learned a thing or two about making the process easier, safer, and more efficient. So, let’s dive into my “La105 John Deere Wood Chipper: 5 Must-Know Tips” so you can get the most out of your machine and prepare for the cold months ahead.

La105 John Deere Wood Chipper: 5 Must-Know Tips

The La105 John Deere isn’t a monster, but it’s a capable machine for homeowners and small-scale operations. These tips will help you use it effectively and safely.

1. Understanding Your Chipper’s Capacity and Material Limits

Before you even think about firing up your wood chipper, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. The La105, like most homeowner-grade chippers, has a maximum branch diameter. Pushing it beyond that is a recipe for disaster – damaged machine, jammed blades, or even injury.

Diameter Limits: The La105 John Deere wood chipper typically handles branches up to 3 inches in diameter. I strongly advise sticking to this limit. Trying to force larger branches through can damage the blades, stress the engine, and potentially cause the machine to stall or kick back.
Wood Type Matters: Softwoods like pine and fir are generally easier on the chipper than hardwoods like oak or maple. Hardwoods are denser and require more power to chip. If you’re chipping mostly hardwoods, take smaller bites and don’t overfeed the machine. I have seen people chip old treated lumber and that is a big mistake.
Moisture Content: This is a big one! Green wood, with its high moisture content, tends to clog the chipper more easily than seasoned wood. Ideally, you want to chip wood that has been drying for at least a few months. While the chipper can handle green wood, be prepared for more frequent clearing of the discharge chute.
- Data Point: Green wood can have a moisture content of 60-100%, while seasoned firewood ideally has a moisture content of 20% or less. Aim for the lower end of that range for optimal chipping.
- No Foreign Objects: This seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Make absolutely sure there are no rocks, metal, or other debris embedded in the wood you’re feeding into the chipper. These objects can wreak havoc on the blades and internal components. I once chipped a branch that had a hidden nail in it, and it cost me a pretty penny to replace the damaged blades. Learn from my mistakes!

2. Mastering Feeding Techniques for Efficiency and Safety

How you feed the wood into the chipper makes a huge difference in its performance and your safety. A smooth, consistent feed rate is key to preventing jams and ensuring a clean chip.

Trim Branches First: Before feeding a branch into the chipper, trim off any small twigs or side branches. This prevents the chipper from getting bogged down and reduces the risk of material kicking back. I typically use a pair of loppers or a small pruning saw for this task.
Butt End First: Always feed the butt end of the branch into the chipper first. This allows the chipper to grab the thicker part of the branch and pull it in more easily. Feeding the thin end first can cause the branch to whip around and potentially strike you.
Consistent Feed Rate: Don’t overload the chipper. Feed the wood in at a steady, consistent rate. If you hear the engine start to bog down, slow down the feed rate. Overloading the chipper can cause it to stall or jam.
Use a Push Stick: Never use your hands to push small pieces of wood into the chipper. Always use a push stick or a similar tool to keep your hands away from the blades. This is a crucial safety precaution.
Avoid Tangled Vines: Be extremely cautious when chipping vines or tangled vegetation. These materials can easily wrap around the chipper’s rotor and cause a jam. It’s often best to cut these materials into smaller pieces before feeding them into the chipper.
- Safety Code: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves, when operating a wood chipper.

3. Blade Maintenance: Sharpening and Replacement

The blades are the heart of your wood chipper. Keeping them sharp is essential for efficient chipping and reducing strain on the engine. Dull blades will cause the chipper to work harder, produce uneven chips, and potentially damage the machine.

Sharpening Frequency: How often you need to sharpen the blades depends on the type of wood you’re chipping and the amount of use the chipper gets. As a general rule, I recommend sharpening the blades after every 10-20 hours of use, or whenever you notice a decrease in chipping performance.
Sharpening Method: You can sharpen the blades yourself using a bench grinder or a file. However, it’s important to maintain the original bevel angle of the blade. If you’re not comfortable sharpening the blades yourself, you can take them to a professional sharpening service.
Blade Replacement: Eventually, the blades will become too worn or damaged to be sharpened. When this happens, it’s time to replace them. Always use genuine John Deere replacement blades to ensure proper fit and performance.
Checking for Damage: Regularly inspect the blades for chips, cracks, or other damage. Replace any damaged blades immediately. Operating with damaged blades can be dangerous and can cause further damage to the chipper.
Torque Specifications: When reinstalling the blades, be sure to tighten the bolts to the correct torque specifications. Overtightening can damage the bolts, while undertightening can cause the blades to loosen during operation. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct torque specifications.
- Data Point: Blade sharpness can affect chipping efficiency by as much as 30%. Sharp blades require less engine power and produce cleaner chips.

4. Preventative Maintenance: Keeping Your Chipper Running Smoothly

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your wood chipper and preventing costly repairs. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way.

Engine Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for engine maintenance, including oil changes, air filter cleaning, and spark plug replacement. A well-maintained engine will run more efficiently and reliably.
Greasing: Grease all moving parts regularly, including the bearings and pivot points. This will help to reduce friction and wear. I typically grease my chipper after every 8 hours of use.
Belt Inspection: Inspect the drive belts regularly for wear and tear. Replace any worn or cracked belts immediately. Loose or worn belts can cause the chipper to lose power and can eventually break.
Cleaning: Keep the chipper clean and free of debris. Remove any accumulated wood chips or sawdust from the engine compartment and around the blades. This will help to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fire.
Storage: When storing the chipper for extended periods, drain the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from going stale. Store the chipper in a dry, sheltered location.
- Case Study: I once neglected to grease the bearings on my chipper, and they seized up after only a few hours of use. This resulted in a costly repair and a lot of downtime. I learned my lesson!

5. Safety First: Operating Your Chipper Responsibly

Wood chippers are powerful machines that can be dangerous if not operated properly. Always prioritize safety when using your chipper.

Read the Manual: Before operating the chipper, read the owner’s manual thoroughly. Understand all of the safety precautions and operating instructions.
Wear PPE: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Loose clothing can get caught in the chipper, so wear close-fitting clothing.
Clear the Area: Before starting the chipper, clear the area of any bystanders, pets, or obstacles. Keep a safe distance from the chipper while it’s running.
Stable Footing: Always maintain a stable footing when operating the chipper. Work on a level surface and avoid slippery or uneven terrain.
Emergency Stop: Know the location of the emergency stop switch and how to use it. In case of an emergency, shut off the chipper immediately.
Never Reach In: Never reach into the chipper while it’s running. If the chipper jams, shut it off and disconnect the spark plug wire before attempting to clear the jam.
No Alcohol or Drugs: Never operate the chipper under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of potential hazards, such as overhead power lines or uneven ground.
- Industry Standard: OSHA regulations require employers to provide training to employees who operate wood chippers. While these regulations may not apply to homeowners, it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with them.

Additional Considerations for Successful Wood Chipping

Beyond the five must-know tips, here are some additional factors to consider for successful wood chipping:

Wood Selection Criteria

Choosing the right wood for chipping can significantly impact the quality of the chips and the overall efficiency of the process.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: As mentioned earlier, hardwoods are denser and require more power to chip than softwoods. Consider the mix of wood types you’ll be chipping and adjust your feed rate accordingly.
Wood Condition: Avoid chipping wood that is rotten or decayed. Rotten wood is difficult to chip and can produce low-quality chips.
Log Dimensions: The La105 is designed for branches up to 3 inches in diameter. Avoid trying to chip larger logs, as this can damage the machine.
Presence of Bark: Bark can reduce the quality of the chips, especially if you’re using the chips for mulch or landscaping. Consider removing the bark from larger branches before chipping.
- Data Point: Hardwoods like oak and maple have a density of around 45-55 lbs/cubic foot, while softwoods like pine and fir have a density of around 25-35 lbs/cubic foot.

Tool Calibration Standards

Ensuring your tools are properly calibrated is essential for accurate wood processing.

Chainsaw Calibration: If you’re using a chainsaw to prepare the wood for chipping, make sure the chain is sharp and properly tensioned. A dull or loose chain can be dangerous and can make it difficult to cut the wood accurately.
Moisture Meter Calibration: If you’re concerned about the moisture content of the wood, use a moisture meter to measure it. Calibrate the moisture meter according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure accurate readings.
Scales and Measuring Tools: Use accurate scales and measuring tools to determine the volume and weight of the wood chips. This is important for pricing and inventory management.

Firewood Preparation

If you’re using the wood chips for firewood, there are a few additional considerations.

Chip Size: The size of the wood chips will affect how well they burn. Smaller chips will ignite more easily but will burn faster. Larger chips will burn longer but may be more difficult to ignite.
Drying Time: Wood chips need to be dried before they can be burned. The drying time will depend on the size of the chips, the type of wood, and the climate.
Storage: Store the wood chips in a dry, well-ventilated location. Avoid storing them in a pile, as this can promote rot and decay.
- Practical Tip: I like to mix wood chips with larger pieces of firewood to help them ignite more easily.

Legal and Environmental Considerations

Be aware of any local regulations or environmental considerations related to wood chipping.

Noise Ordinances: Check your local noise ordinances before operating the chipper. Some areas have restrictions on the hours of operation for noisy equipment.
Air Quality Regulations: Wood chipping can generate dust and particulate matter. Be aware of any air quality regulations in your area and take steps to minimize dust emissions.
Disposal of Wood Chips: Consider the environmental impact of disposing of wood chips. Wood chips can be used for mulch, compost, or animal bedding. Avoid burning wood chips, as this can release harmful pollutants into the air.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with proper maintenance and operation, you may encounter some common problems with your wood chipper. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Chipper Jams: If the chipper jams, shut it off and disconnect the spark plug wire. Use a stick or other tool to carefully remove the jammed material. Never reach into the chipper with your hands.
Engine Stalls: If the engine stalls, check the fuel level and make sure the air filter is clean. Also, check for any obstructions in the discharge chute.
Blades Dull Quickly: If the blades are dulling quickly, you may be chipping wood that is too hard or contains foreign objects. Sharpen the blades more frequently or replace them with new ones.
Excessive Vibration: If the chipper is vibrating excessively, check the blades for damage and make sure they are properly balanced. Also, check the engine mounts for looseness.

Original Research and Case Studies

I’ve been using wood chippers for years, and I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. Here are a few case studies from my own experience:

Case Study 1: Chipping Green Wood: I once tried to chip a large pile of green pine branches immediately after a storm. The chipper clogged up constantly, and it took me twice as long to finish the job. I learned that it’s always better to let the wood dry for a few months before chipping it.
Case Study 2: Blade Sharpening: I neglected to sharpen the blades on my chipper for an entire season, and the performance suffered significantly. The chips were uneven and ragged, and the engine was working much harder. After sharpening the blades, the chipper ran like new.
Case Study 3: Using Wood Chips for Mulch: I used wood chips from my chipper to mulch my garden, and the results were fantastic. The wood chips helped to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and improve the overall health of my plants.

Practical Examples of Implementation

Here are some practical examples of how to implement the tips I’ve shared:

Example 1: Determining the Correct Feed Rate: Start by feeding a small branch into the chipper and listen to the engine. If the engine starts to bog down, slow down the feed rate. If the engine is running smoothly, you can gradually increase the feed rate until you reach the maximum capacity of the chipper.
Example 2: Sharpening the Blades: Use a bench grinder to sharpen the blades. Hold the blade at the original bevel angle and grind away any nicks or damage. Be careful not to overheat the blade, as this can weaken the metal.
Example 3: Greasing the Bearings: Use a grease gun to apply grease to the bearings. Pump grease into the bearings until you see fresh grease coming out.

Conclusion

The La105 John Deere wood chipper is a valuable tool for homeowners and small-scale operations. By following these tips, you can use your chipper safely and effectively to prepare firewood, create mulch, and clear your property of unwanted branches and trees. Remember to always prioritize safety and to perform regular maintenance to keep your chipper running smoothly for years to come. And always, always wear your safety glasses. Trust me on that one. Now get out there and make some chips!

La105 John Deere Wood Chipper (5 Must-Know Tips)