Bandit INTIMIDATOR 15XP/1390 Operating & Parts Manual page 11

PROCEDURE FOR UNPLUGGING YOUR CHIPPER
If your chipper is plugging, it is usually caused by allowing the engine to drop below required R.P.M.'s.
This can be resolved by simply shutting the feedwheel(s) off when the engine begins to lug down. Operating
the engine at speeds lower than full R.P.M.'s causes your chipper to plug. Always run the chipper at full
engine speed. If your chipper is equipped with the optional autofeed feature, make sure it is set correctly. The
setting for the low R.P.M. stop must be high enough not to allow the chipper discharge to plug. Dull chipper
knives also contribute to chipper plugging. Dull knives can create slivers and chunks, causing the engine to
lug excessively. Both of the aforementioned conditions cause a plugging situation.
DANGER
!
If the chipper is properly maintained and operated correctly, the chipper should not plug. In the unlikely
event that the chipper becomes plugged, do not attempt to clean out the discharge or chipper housing in the
field. Take the machine to a local dealer or professional shop. If the machine is a rental, take it back to the
rental company.
DANGER
!
If the discharge or hood need to be removed, always use some sort of mechanical device like an overhead
hoist, loader, lift truck, etc. that is rated for lifting that component. Follow all OSHA instructions for lifting.
DANGER
!
Pinch points are created between the disc/drum and the housing for the disc/drum. Use a pry bar or wood
bar to turn the disc/drum during the unplugging process. Do not use your hands to try to break free and turn
a jammed disc/drum. The disc/drum could break free suddenly and your hand could become injured in the
pinch point.
DANGER
!
The knives are very sharp and can cause injury if you come in contact with the knives during the unplugging
process.
STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN UNPLUGGING YOUR CHIPPER
1. Before attempting any type of maintenance, disengage clutch, wait for the disc/drum to come to a complete
stop, turn off engine, remove the ignition key, make sure the ignition key is in your possession, install
the disc/drum lock pin, and disconnect the battery.
2. There should, also, be at least two people on site during maintenance and service procedures in case
an accident should occur.
3. Make sure the chipper disc/drum is NOT turning and then open the hinged portion of the chipper hood.
4. Using gloved hands and some type of raking tool, dig the chips out of the chipper housing.
5. If the discharge chute is plugged, use a raking tool to pull the majority of chips out of the open outlet end
of the chute. If the discharge chute needs to removed, use some sort of mechanical device like an
overhead hoist, loader, lift truck, etc. that is rated to lift the discharge. Follow all OSHA instructions for
lifting.
6. Never allow a person to turn the chipper disc/drum when someone else is working inside the chipper
housing. More than likely, the chipper disc/drum will turn hard then loosen causing it to turn faster. If
another person is anywhere near the chipper disc/drum, they may be injured.
7. Never turn the chipper disc/drum by hand. Always use a pry bar or wood bar. This will prevent the
person turning the disc/drum from being injured should the disc/drum break loose.
8. Reinstall the discharge chute, mount securely and point it in a safe direction away from anything.
9. Never leave the chipper hood open and try to start the engine in order to engage the chipper disc/ drum
to blow chips out of the housing, this is very hard on the P.T.O. of the chipper and may burn clutch plates.
Also, the flying debris is very dangerous. An exposed chipper disc/drum turning very fast creates an
unsafe condition. In other words, DO NOT start the chipper with the hood open because it is just too
dangerous.
10. Once the disc/drum turns freely, close the chipper hood, insert the hood pin, install the padlock in the
hood pin, reinstall the chipper hood engine disable plug, make sure the spring lock for hood pin
springs back to the correct operating position on disc chippers, pick up all tools, make sure the chipper
is free of all debris, start engine, properly engage clutch and throttle to full speed. Insert a small branch
into the feedwheel(s). If the chips discharge properly, the chipper is clear and normal operation may
resume.
Safety Booklet
Bandit Industries, Inc.
viii