Chipper Operation Guidelines - Echo BEARCAT SC5540 Owner's Manual

4.3 CHIPPER OPERATION GUIDELINES

WARNING
Read and follow all safety instructions in this manual.
Failure to operate the machine in accordance with
the safety instructions MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY!
The machine chips a variety of materials into a more
readily decomposed or handled condition. The following
guidelines will help you get started.
1. Gradually increase engine speed to rated PTO
RPM.
2. ALWAYS run engine at rated PTO RPM before
starting to chip material.
3. If the chipper rotor slows, stop feeding material.
Allow the rotor to process backed up material. Feed
material more evenly.
4. If the chipper jams, remove the branch and rotate
it before reinserting into the chute. Alternately insert
and retract the limb or insert continuously at a rate
that will not kill the engine.
5. Sharpen the chipping blades periodically. Check
the sharpness of the blades every 5-15 hours. Refer to
the Service and Maintenance section for sharpening
instructions.
6. Limbs fed in to the chipper chute must be 5"
(12.7 cm) in diameter or less. Trim side branches
that cannot be bent enough to feed into the chipper
chute. Hold small diameter branches together in a
bundle and feed in simultaneously.
7. Material fed into the shredder chute must be 3/4"
(1.9 cm) in diameter or less. Common shredding
materials include grass, leaves, garden refuse, sticks,
and small branches.
WARNING
DO NOT INSERT BRANCHES LARGER THAN 3/4"
(1.9 cm) INTO SHREDDER OR MACHINE DAMAGE
MAY OCCUR.
8. Alternate green or fresh cut material with dry
material to lubricate the chipping blades for
longer life and better performance. Chipping dead,
dry material will create heat and dull the chipping
blades quicker.
9. ALWAYS feed brush from the side of the chipper
chute, rather than from the front. Step aside to avoid
being hit by the brush moving into the chipper.
10. ALWAYS place limb, butt end first, into the
chipper chute until it contacts the chipper blades.
The actual feed rate of the limb into the chipper will
depend on the type of material fed and sharpness of
the cutting blades.
11. NEVER use the belt engagement to clear a
plugged rotor. This may cause belt damage. Refer
to the instructions for clearing a plugged rotor in the
Service and Maintenance section.
12. NEVER attempt to clear a plugged rotor or discharge
with the engine running. ALWAYS shut engine
OFF and remove the PTO shaft from tractor before
servicing any part of this machine.
13. NEVER attempt to chip pieces of metal, rock, bottles,
cans or other foreign objects.
● Never lean over the chipper chute to push objects
into the cutting device. Use a push stick or brush
paddle.
Never use shovels or forks to feed brush. They
●
can cause extensive damage if they contact the
blades. In addition, metal pieces can be ejected
from the chipper chute and cause serious injury
or death.
● Never feed brush into the chute with your feet.
Never use hands or feet to clear materials that
●
build up in the chute.
● Obtain and wear safety glasses at all times when
operating the machine.
● Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
● The operator should always wear heavy boots,
gloves, pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
● Use common sense and practice safety to protect
yourself from branches, sharp objects, and other
harmful objects.
5 INCH CHIPPER/SHREDDER
OPERATION
CAUTION
CAUTION
9