Country Amateur Woodchipper Safety
A woodchipper blows chips into the back of a truck.
How to Choose Your Chipper
Not every woodchipper works the same way, and not all are geared for home or noncommercial use. Choosing the right size and model will make your work safer and more efficient.
First, the size of your chipper matters. For most homeowners, one that can handle branches up to three inches in diameter is big enough. Think about the size of branches you’ ll likely want to break down before you invest in a woodchipper. Underpowered machines are more prone to jams or damage.
Since you’ ll probably be working in various areas of your property, consider portability. Woodchippers are heavy, so look for one that has at least one handle and sturdy wheels so you can easily move it where you need it.
Also consider safety mechanisms. Some woodchippers self-feed and prevent users from having to manually push debris into the hopper. This is a safety feature that minimizes hand contact with the feeding area, and it’ s often worth paying extra for. Likewise, every woodchipper should have safety shields, particularly around the feed chute and chip discharge area. These prevent accidental contact with moving parts and keep debris from flying out.
Most of all, look for a woodchipper that includes an emergency shutoff button. It should be easily accessible in case of jams and emergencies.
How to Use Your Chipper
After you bring your woodchipper home, your next task is learning how to safely use it. Woodchippers generally come with user manuals, and they’ re typically available online, as well. Read through the instructions before you start so you understand how to operate the machinery. If you’ re not comfortable with the directions or the process, don’ t use your chipper. They can be dangerous, so don’ t take chances.
Always wear the right safety gear. Anyone near the machinery should also gear up. Wear eye protection like safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection like earmuffs or earplugs, heavy-duty gloves to prevent splinters and hand injuries, fitted clothing that can’ t get caught in the machine and closed-toed shoes( preferably steel-toed boots, if you have them).
Before turning on the chipper, clear the work area of unnecessary items such as tools, logs and branches. If you have kids and pets, make sure they’ re at least 50 feet away from the machine. They may find it exciting and want to help, but woodchippers eject debris at high speeds, so keep everyone at a safe distance. Stay away from the discharge opening and aim it in a safe direction and away from people, vehicles and buildings.
Begin by feeding branches into the hopper. Stand to the side and never directly in front of the feed chute. Use a push stick or long branch to push smaller branches, twigs and
18 AcreageLife November 2024 AcreageLife. com