Getting the best wood chipper to help with your yard work is one of the home essentials you need. As a result, your access to correct information about this tool is what determines whether or not you succeed. Therefore this buying guide will show you all you need to know to make an excellent choice.
A wood chipper is an all-purpose tool that breaks down wood, trunks and other debris into minor chips. They make lawn and yard work which most people do not particularly like to do a lot easier, and clean-up after vegetation a breeze. Therefore if you own a house or are somewhat involved in forestry, you are more likely to invest in a wood chipper to make things a lot easier. As a result, you need to consider certain factors before you make the purchase. This buying guide will answer all your questions and assist you with relevant information concerning securing the best wood chipper on the market.
Types of wood chippers
Regardless of the various brands of wood chippers available, Getting to know the major types is the first step to making a worthwhile purchase and getting value for your money. Essentially, there are three types of wood chippers: the drum, the disk, and the screw chipper.
The drum wood chipper
The primary feature of this type is its parallel-sided drum and the knives attached in a horizontal direction. Behind the rotating knives or blades, there is a delicate arrangement of chip breakers perpendicular to the blades. Essentially, those engaged in forestry like Park workers and land developers mostly use the drum wood chipper.
The disk wood chipper
This type of wood chipper can take care of various debris such as larger branches and tree truck products. It uses a flywheel together with steel disks and chopping blades that spin perpendicularly through wood debris. That way, it cuts the material first to bite-sized chunks, and then they are finally furthers processed into more acceptable chips. They are very effective to use and come in a variety of sizes.
The screw wood chipper
It is the most common and varied type of wood chipper and is perfect for domestic and commercial usage. Essentially, its functionality is directly proportional to its size and power consumption. The blades of the screw chipper are set in a conical shape to rotate into and cut the materials. For some screw designs, the further the screw gets into the material, the finer the output. As a result, they are perfect for homeowners, portable and work for all material sorts.
Things to keep in mind when buying a wood chipper
Getting the best chipper can be pretty challenging, especially with so many brands out there. So here are certain factors to consider when trying to make up your mind.
Branch diameter
Most wood chippers have a maximum branch diameter they can handle. Therefore you need to consider the diameter of branches for which you intend to use the device. That way, you can get a wood chipper that matches the size of materials you want to process.
Power source
Just as there are various types of wood chippers, there are also powered differently. As a result, some wood chippers are powered by electric motors, gasoline engines or the PTO on your tractor. Therefore, the power source dramatically influences the requirements for maintenance and associating cost.
Bag Capacity
If your chipper comes with a bag to collect the wood chips that emerge from the machine, you are in luck because of the added convenience. Whether big bags or small bags, the capacity matters since with big bags, you would not have to empty them regularly compared with a smaller bag.
Benefits of using a wood chipper
A wood chipper makes the overall lawn or yard work better by enhancing the appearance and general layout of the work. Here are a few benefits of using a wood chipper
- Saves effort
- Removes unwanted debris and waste
- It is ecofriendly
How to care for your wood chipper
Like any other piece of machinery, regular maintenance and care are essential for your wood chipper if you want it to last. Therefore the manufacture or operator manual is necessary and should never be ignored. If you have succeeded in getting the best wood chipper available, here are a few steps to help you care for your machine.
Never underestimate the effect of oil and grease.
Because your wood chipper consists of parts always in motion, oil and grease are essential for the moving parts. As a result, you should regularly check and change the oil when it is due. Your owner's manual should guide you on the type of oil to use. Additionally, you should grease all moving parts regularly and never forget to change the oil filters.
Always change the spark plug.
The spark plug needs to be regularly changed and replaced. Also, they are cost-effective and easy to procure. Therefore if you own a wood chipper, you should always keep a few in-store since they come in handy on those days you seem to find it challenging to start the engine.
Take care of the air filters.
Because the air filters can quickly become clogged because of the machine's functionality, wood particles and dust can prevent air from flowing normally. Therefore you should endeavor to have them cleaned out regularly or change them if needed.
Keep your blades sharp.
Essentially, you should sharpen the blades of the machine every 10 to 12 hours of use. Regular sharpening will keep them functionally active and preserve them for a long time.
FAQS
Q. How do I choose a wood chipper?
A: Choosing a wood chipper requires considering several factors like the types and brands available in the market and how much you are willing to spend. Other factors to help you make the right choice are the branch diameter the machine would be processing, power source, whether or not it comes with a bag, and bag capacity.
Q. Are wood chippers any good?
A: If you have to do your yard work without adequate tools, then you probably know how frustrating it can be. As a result, a wood chipper is beneficial for cutting tree trunks, branches, etc., into smaller chunks to make lawn or yard work more manageable and neater.
Q. Is it better to chip wood wet or dry?
A: Wood is better chipped when it is cool and still moist. The reason is that a fresh cut appears to chip better because of increased flexibility. When you chip dry wood, you increase the likelihood of igniting a spark.