Kubota wood chipper

Types of Kubota wood chippers

A Kubota wood chipper is a machine used to chip wood into small pieces or mulch, and it is powered by a Kubota engine. Usually, a wood chipper has a fixed anvil and a rotary cutter that moves rapidly. The rotary cutter then breaks down the tree branches and trunks against the anvil to produce the wood chips. There are numerous kinds of wood chippers on the market, including:

• Drum wood chipper:It is a machine that is designed to chip wood using a chipper drums as the main cutting component. The drum rotates horizontally, and it is powered an electric motor or a gas engine. As the drum rotates, the wood logs and branches are fed into the chipper through a feed opening. The drum chipper then chips the wood by striking it against stationary blades or anvils.
• Qf-8 tractor wood chipper: This chipper is typically towed behind a tractor and operated by the tractor’s hydraulic system. The QF-8 tractor chipper is commonly used in forestry and agriculture such as land clearing and orchard maintenance. One of the advantages of a QF-8 tractor wood chipper is that it can chip large volumes of wood efficiently. It also produces quality mulch that can be used for gardening and erosion control.
• Disc wood chipper: It is a wood chipping machine that utilizes a cutting mechanism in the form of a disc. When the wood chipper machine is fed with branches and bushes, the moving knives on the disc chip the wood by cutting and shredding it. Some of the features of a disc wood chipper include, heavy duty build to withstand tough wood chipping applications, feed rollers to pull the wood tightly and disc brake that are used to stop the chipping disc safely.
• Diesel wood chipper: It is a chipper that uses a diesel engine as its power source. A wood chipper can operates on various types of engines, such as gasoline and electric. Diesel wood chippers are typically larger in size, and they are great choices for high volume wood chipping tasks.

Specifications and Maintenance

Generally, the specifications of a wood chipper vary according to its type, model, and brand. Key specifications include the chipper's size and weight, as well as the rotor disc or drum diameter and the feed capacity.

The feed capacity is the maximum amount of biomass the chipper can process per hour. It enables users to determine the efficiency of the machine based on their needs. The rotor disc or drum diameter indicates the chopper's cutting power. A larger drum or disc diameter means the machine can process larger branches. Size and weight are important for considering transportation and storage. Some wood chippers are very heavy and bulky and will need a special truck to move them to another location.

Regardless of type and specification, all wood chippers need regular maintenance to operate effectively and safely. Routine maintenance prolongs the machine's lifespan and prevents downtime. Guideline maintenance tips should be enough for the average operator. Therefore, it is essential to hire professionals for more complicated servicing routines.

• Daily Checks: Do a visual inspection of the chipper each day before use. Look out for any loose, worn out, damaged, or missing parts. Check hydraulic hoses and belts for leaks or cracking. Ensure all safety guards are in place.
• Lubrication: Apply grease to all lubrication points marked with a specific grease interval. Lubricate PTO shafts on VHS models each time after use.
• Fluid Changes: Change engine oil and hydraulic fluid at the intervals recommended in the user manual. Check and replace oil filters as required.
• Blades and Belts: Sharp blades improve efficiency. So, inspect the chipper blades for dullness or damage and sharpen as necessary. Check drive belts for excessive wear or tightening as required.
• Clean: Remove any debris that collects around the engine area. Do a thorough clean after every use to prevent build-up of material.
• Storage: When storing the chipper, protect it from the elements by using a tarp or keeping it indoors. Drain all liquids if storing it for a long time.

Scenarios of using a Kubota wood chipper

• Chipping branches after tree trimming or landscaping

  After tree trimming or landscaping, there are usually many branches left lying around that can create a mess. Using a Kubota wood chipper to chip these branches can help clear the yard quickly and easily.

• Managing fallen tree limbs after storms

  Severe storms sometimes cause damage by breaking off tree limbs or even uprooting trees. A wood chipper can help restore order after such an event by chipping the remains of fallen trees into mulch.

• Clearing underbrush and saplings in wooded areas

  Over time, saplings and underbrush can become dense and difficult to walk through. One solution is to use a wood chipper to clear the area of any unwanted vegetation. This will make it much easier to traverse the land.

• Preparing firewood from small trees and shrubs

  A wood chipper can be used to turn the branches of small trees and shrubs into valuable firewood. This is an excellent way to make use of the wood rather than letting it go to waste.

• Cleaning up after logging operations

  When trees are harvested for their timber through a process known as logging, there is often a large amount of leftover bramble and branches. A wood chipper can be used to clean up this mess quickly and efficiently. This will return the land to a natural state.

How to choose a Kubota wood chipper

Choosing a Kubota wood chipper can be an overwhelming task as there are several things to keep in mind. First and foremost, buyers need to determine whether they need an all-in-one, portable, or stand-alone product. An all-in-one solution, such as a wood chipper shredder, is great for dealing with branches and leaves. On the other hand, a portable wood chipper is better suited for smaller, less frequent jobs, whereas a stand-alone product can deal with large-scale projects with greater capacity.

Buyers need to identify the power source of the wood chipper they require. A well-maintained and properly chosen wood chipper can run efficiently on any of the following power sources: gas or petrol engines, diesel engines, electrical sources, or hydraulic power. This will depend on the intended use.

It is important to consider the size and type of wood the chipper will process. Rotary blade shredders are suitable for branches and trunks, while hammers are ideal for processing leaves. Buyers should also consider the diameter and length capacity of the chipper.

Another important factor to consider is the flow of the machine, which can be either in-branch or out-branch. Generally, in-branch flow machines are more efficient but can be more expensive. Out-branch flow machines are affordable but may not be as efficient as their in-branch counterpart.

Do thorough research regarding knife quality, number, and grinding techniques, too, as this can impact the performance of the chipper.

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between a chipper and a chipper shredder?

A1. A wood chipper processes larger branches and trees into wood chips. A chipper shredder handles smaller debris, such as twigs and leaves, and produces finer particles. Some machines combine both functions.

Q2. What type of maintenance does a wood chipper require?

A2. Regular maintenance includes engine checks, lubrication, belt inspections, cleaning, and blade sharpening or replacement as needed. Chipper parts should be examined closely and repaired or replaced to keep the machine running properly. Scheduling with a qualified technician who knows wood chippers will help it stay in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Q3. Are there safety features on a wood chipper?

A3. Yes. Modern wood chippers have safety features like emergency stop switches, guards to prevent access to rotating parts, and anti-restart mechanisms that let the engine restart only after the stoppage of the chipper. Operators should always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines and use the chipper as intended.

Q4. Can a wood chipper process bamboo?

A4. Yes, a wood chipper can process bamboo provided that the bamboo is within the size range capacity of the chipper. However, if the bamboo is large, it may need to be cut into smaller pieces first. Also, because bamboo is quite flexible and doesn't break easily, it may jam some wood chippers. So, it's best to use a wood chipper with a powerful processor and strong blades.