MechMaxx GS1500 Wood Chipper Operator's Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new MechMaxx Wood Chipper. Constructed with premium materials and engineered for durability, this wood chipper is designed to provide years of reliable performance.

Specifications

Overall Dimensions

The overall dimensions of the wood chipper are: Height: 56.0 inches (1423mm), Width: 46.0 inches (1170mm), Length: 103.3 inches (2625mm).

Safety

Safety Signs

The rating plate on your machine may show symbols representing important information or instructions. Key safety signs and their meanings include:

• Fueling Safety: "FUEL HERE. RISK OF FIRE. ALLOW ENGINE TO COOL FOR 1 MINUTE BEFORE REFUELING. USE UNLEADED PETROL." Indicates the need for caution when refueling and to allow the engine to cool.
• Belt Tension: "Check belt tension before operating chipper. Belt deflection should be less than 10mm when 4kg of pressure is applied to the belt. The belt will loosen after the first 1-2 hours use. You must re-check and adjust accordingly or the belts will begin to slip and wear. For best performance check for proper belt tension every 20 hours of use." Emphasizes regular belt tension checks.
• Chipping Diameter Limit: "DO NOT place wood or branches over 5 inch in diameter into the in-feeding bin. The blades may get stuck or jammed." Sets the maximum size for materials to be chipped.
• Carbon Monoxide Warning: "BREATHING IN CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES CAN KILL YOU! Engine exhaust fumes contain Carbon Monoxide. This is a poisonous gas and can kill in minutes. NEVER use inside a building or in an area with poor ventilation. NEVER use inside a confined space, such as but not limited to a house, garage, vehicle, boat or tent. ONLY use outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read the user manual before operating." A critical warning about the dangers of operating the engine indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.

General Safety Rules

• Read this manual and labels to understand limitations and hazards.
• Be familiar with controls and their operation; know how to stop the machine quickly.
• Read and understand the Engine Manufacturer's manual.
• Provide manual and safety training if the unit is loaned, rented, or sold. The user is responsible for accidents.
• Use the correct machine for the job; do not force it.

Personal Safety

• Keep children and pets away from the work area. Shut off the unit if anyone enters the area.
• Do not operate under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or impairing medication.
• Dress properly: wear heavy long pants, boots, and gloves. Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and secure long hair. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
• Protect eyes, face, and head with safety goggles or glasses with side shields.
• Wear appropriate hearing protection.
• Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts and pinch points during operation.
• Do not touch hot parts; allow them to cool before maintenance.
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense.
• Do not overreach. Do not operate barefoot or in sandals; wear protective footwear. Maintain proper footing and balance.

Inspect Your Machine

• Check the machine before starting. Keep guards in place. Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight.
• Never operate a machine in need of repair or in poor mechanical condition. Replace damaged or missing parts.
• Check for fuel leaks.
• Ensure the engine switch functions correctly to turn the engine on/off.
• Remove keys and adjusting wrenches before starting.
• Avoid accidental starting: ensure the engine switch is OFF before transporting or performing maintenance.
• Stop the engine immediately if the machine vibrates abnormally and check for the cause.

Engine Safety

• Do not use on or near unimproved, forest-covered, or brush-covered land unless an approved spark arrester is installed.
• Never start or run the engine inside a closed area due to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. Operate only in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
• Do not tamper with engine speed settings; maximum speed is preset within safety limits.
• Keep a Class B fire extinguisher on hand in dry areas.

Fuel Safety

• Fuel is highly flammable; handle with extreme care.
• Refill or drain fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area using an approved container. Do not smoke or allow ignition sources near fuel. Never fill the fuel tank indoors.
• Keep conductive objects away from electrical parts to avoid sparking.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Never remove the cap or add fuel while the engine is running or hot.
• Do not operate with known fuel system leaks.
• Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve pressure.
• Never overfill the fuel tank; leave space for expansion (approx. 1/4 inch below filler neck).
• Replace caps securely and clean up spilled fuel. Never operate without the fuel cap in place.
• If fuel is spilled, do not start the engine; move the machine away and wait for vapors to dissipate.
• Wash skin and change clothes immediately if fuel is spilled on you.
• Store fuel in approved containers in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources.
• Never store fuel or a machine with fuel indoors where fumes can reach ignition sources. Allow the engine to cool before storing in an enclosure.

Specific Safety Rules

• Identify hazards and take preventive steps. Hazards include moving parts, thrown objects, machine weight, and the operating environment.
• Prior to Starting: Inspect the work area for debris; operate on flat, level ground. Ensure the feed hopper and cutting housing are empty. Check oil level, tightness of nuts/bolts, and tire pressure.
• Operation Safety: Never place any body part where it could be endangered by movement. Keep bystanders and pets at least 75 feet away; stop the unit if approached. Never place hands, feet, or body parts in the chipper hopper, discharge opening, or near moving parts while running. Keep the discharge area clear. Use a stick, not hands, to push materials. Keep face and body back from the hopper and discharge chute. Never reach past the rubber flap in the feed hopper. Keep combustibles away from a hot engine. Do not tilt the machine while the engine is running. Never operate without the feed hopper or discharge chute properly attached.
• Operating Zone: This machine is self-feeding; do not force branches. Allow the machine to feed automatically. Wait for maximum revolutions before feeding the next load.
• Unclogging: Never allow processed material to build up in the discharge area. Never attempt to unclog while the engine is running. Shut off the engine, wait for the cutting disk to stop completely, then remove clogged material. Inspect for damage. Always shut down the engine and ensure it's OFF before leaving the operating position or removing material. Before opening the cutting disk housing, ensure the engine is OFF, the disk is stopped, and the belt drive is disengaged.
• Feeding Materials: Feed only clean materials. Foreign matter (soil, sand, grit, stones, metal) will damage knives. Root balls and dead wood dull blades quickly. Avoid feeding pine needles, flax, and cabbage tree leaves as they can wrap around the rotor shaft. Avoid feeding short, stubby pieces alone; feed them with longer pieces. Prune to suit machine capabilities.
• Moving: Move the machine at least 10 feet away from refueling points before starting. This chipper is for hand movement only; never tow on public highways. Always stop the engine before moving and watch for sharp objects that could pierce tires.
• Machine Use and Care: Position the machine to prevent movement during maintenance or storage. Use the correct machine for the job. Do not adjust engine governor settings or operate above recommended speed. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Avoid contact with hot fuel, oil, exhaust fumes, and hot surfaces. Allow the engine to cool before maintenance. Shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire if unusual noise or vibration occurs. Use only manufacturer-approved attachments. Keep the engine and muffler free of debris to prevent fire hazards. Never douse the unit with water. Keep handles dry and clean. Observe proper disposal laws for gas, oil, etc. Store out of reach of children and do not allow untrained persons to operate.
• Maintaining Your Machine: Keep plastic/rubber parts away from chemicals. Never cover a hot muffler. Do not alter sealed parts. Only qualified technicians may adjust governed engine speed. Check for misalignment, binding, broken, or worn parts and repair before use.

Unpacking the Container

To unpack the wood chipper:

1. Use scissors or a knife to cut and remove the straps.
2. Remove the wooden plate from the top of the package.
3. At least two people should hold up the package and move it from the top.

Contents Supplied

Your Wood Chipper comes partially assembled and includes the following components:

• 1x Infeed chute
• 1x Engine and base frame
• 1x Lower discharging chute
• 1x Wheels
• 1x Tow bar

Verify all component and hardware quantities are correct prior to assembly.

To-Scale Hardware

Hardware graphics are printed at 1:1 scale for easy identification. Place hardware over the image in the tables to verify its size.

Hardware List:

• Hex lock nut M10 (12X)
• Flat washer 10 (12X)
• Hex bolt M10 X 25mm (12X)

Assembly

Wheels

Attach the wheel axle to the base frame using 8x M10x25 hex bolts, 8x 10mm flat washers, and 8x M10 lock nuts. (Refer to Figure 1 in the original document for visual guidance).

Tow Bar

Attach the tow bar to the base frame using 4x M10x25 hex bolts, 4x 10mm flat washers, and 4x M10 lock nuts. (Refer to Figure 2 in the original document for visual guidance).

Lower Discharging Chute

Install the discharge bucket onto the base and secure it with a safety clip. (Refer to Figures 3 and 4 in the original document for visual guidance).

Infeed Chute

Install the infeed chute onto the base frame and secure it with the two safety clasps. (Refer to Figures 5 and 6 in the original document for visual guidance).

Emergency Stop

The Emergency Stop wiring is located near the engine. Connect the wires as required.

Electric Start

For the Electric Start wiring, route the wire from the engine area through the triangular post beneath the infeed chute. Remove the Electric Start switch before connecting the wires. Once wiring is complete, reinstall the switch.

Know Your Machine

Identify the key components of your wood chipper:

• Deflector: Directs the flow of chipped material.
• Deflector Lever: Adjusts the deflector.
• Emergency Stop: Button to quickly shut down the engine in emergencies.
• Engine Switch: Key switch to turn the engine ON or OFF.
• Feed Chute: The opening where material is inserted for chipping.
• Battery: Powers the electric start system.
• Wheels: For mobility.
• Recoil Starter Handle: Manual pull-start mechanism.
• Throttle Control: Adjusts engine speed (FAST/SLOW).
• Choke Control: Used for cold engine starts.
• Fuel Shut-Off Valve: Controls fuel flow to the engine.

Operation

Add Oil to Engine

1. Ensure the wood chipper is on a flat, level surface.
2. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick.
3. Using a funnel, add oil up to the FULL mark on the dipstick. (Refer to the engine manual for specific oil capacity, recommended oil type, and location of the fill cap.)

Add Gasoline to Engine

Gasoline is highly flammable. Handle with extreme care.

1. With the engine OFF and cool (wait at least two minutes), remove the fuel filler cap and fill the tank outdoors. Gasoline vapors can ignite in enclosed spaces. (Refer to the engine manual for fuel capacity, recommended fuel type, and location of the fuel cap.)
2. IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVERFILL! Overfilling can damage evaporative emissions control system components. Fill to the recommended level, ensuring a vapor gap for fuel expansion. Use a portable gasoline container with an appropriately sized dispensing spout. Do not use a funnel that obstructs the view of the filling process.
3. Reinstall and tighten the fuel cap, and clean up any spilled fuel.

Starting Engine

1. Move the engine switch to the ON position. [Power symbol ON]
2. Open the fuel shut-off valve. [Fuel symbol ON]
3. Move the choke lever to the CLOSED position (for cold starts). If the engine is hot, closing the choke is not necessary. [Choke symbol CLOSED]
4. Move the throttle lever slightly to the FAST speed. [Throttle symbol FAST]
5. Pull the recoil starter until engine compression is felt. Let the recoil return to the home position, then pull quickly to start the engine. Repeat as needed. Fully open the choke and set the throttle to the FAST position before operating.

Caution: Rapid retraction of the starter cord (kick-back) may pull your hand and arm toward the engine, potentially causing injury.

Operating

After the engine warms up, pull the throttle lever to accelerate engine speed.

The wood chipper can process dry or green organic materials such as branches, stalks, vines, leaves, and roots. The maximum capacity is 5 inches in diameter, which can vary based on wood type and hardness.

• Feed limbs or branches cut-end first, leaving the bushy head on to help guide material and reduce bouncing.
• Process freshly cut materials for best results; dried wood becomes springy and dulls knives faster.
• Keep a wooden stick (approx. 1 inch diameter by 2 feet long) handy to push short, brushy, or leafy materials and keep the feed hopper clear.
• Do not force material into the machine. If chipping is poor, knives may need sharpening/replacement, or the gap between knives and wear plate needs adjustment.
• Do not overload the machine. If engine speed decreases, stop feeding material until the engine returns to full speed.
• Stringy material can wrap around the rotor shaft; remove it before it reaches the bearing.
• If the chipper stalls due to overloading or clogging: turn off the engine switch, wait for the cutting disk to stop completely, and disengage the belt drive. Allow the engine to cool, switch it OFF, open the housing cover, clear material, lock the cover, switch the engine ON, and restart.
• As discharge material piles up, move the chipper away from the pile.
• Do not position the deflector vertically, as this reduces airflow and impedes discharge.
• Ensure the machine is level and stable. Do not operate on concrete or other hard surfaces.
• Do not open the housing cover unless the engine and cutting disk are completely stopped and the belt drive is disengaged.
• The engine has a low-oil sensor and will not start if oil is insufficient. It may also stop if operated on a steep slope.

Stop Engine

For emergency stops, turn the engine switch to the OFF position. For normal shutdown:

1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position. [Throttle symbol SLOW]
2. Let the engine idle for one or two minutes.
3. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position. [Power symbol OFF]
4. Turn the fuel valve lever to the OFF position. [Fuel symbol OFF]

Sudden stopping at high speed under heavy load is not recommended and may cause engine damage. Do not use the choke to stop the engine; this may cause backfire or engine damage. Wait until the machine completely stops and the engine has cooled before cleaning.

Idle Speed

Set the throttle control lever to the SLOW position to reduce engine stress when chipping is not being performed. This conserves fuel and reduces noise.

Transporting

Your wood chipper has two large pneumatic wheels for easy hand movement. Grip the handles and tilt the chipper slightly. Ensure the oil tank cover is tightened before moving. Never attempt to tow the machine on public highways.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures long life for your wood chipper and its components.

Preventive Maintenance

1. Turn off the engine; ensure it is cool.
2. Set the engine's throttle lever to SLOW and remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
3. Inspect the general condition: check for loose screws, binding parts, cracks, or other safety-affecting conditions.
4. Remove all debris using a soft brush, vacuum, or compressed air. Lubricate all moving parts with a premium quality lightweight machine oil.
5. Replace the spark plug wire.

Never use a pressure washer to clean your wood chipper, as water can damage internal components. Shut down the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, remove the spark plug wire, and wait five minutes before performing maintenance.

Regular Maintenance Checklist

Service intervals are maximums under normal conditions. Increase frequency in dirty or dusty environments.

Grease the Outside Bearing

The bearings are greased when new but require re-greasing after a few hours of use. Use one or two pumps; do not over-grease.

1. Open the plastic oil plug on the outside bearing housing.
2. Grease the outside bearing through the filling hole.
3. Close the plastic oil plug.

Grease the Inside Bearing

1. Loosen the lock nut that holds the discharge chute on the machine.
2. Slide down the fixing plate under the lock nut.
3. Open, then grease the inside bearing.

Knife and Wear Plate Inspection

Routinely inspect knives for sharpness and the wear plate for edge condition. Dull knives or worn plates reduce performance, cause vibration, and make chipping difficult.

Knife Removal and Replacement

The wood chipper has two chipper knives mounted on the cutting disk. Replace dull or nicked knives when the machine loses its self-feeding action or material comes out in long strips.

1. Remove the feed hopper.
2. Remove the discharge chute.
3. Rotate the cutting disk until a blade is visible from the feed hopper side.
4. Remove the bolts and nuts securing the blade. Wear gloves when working near knives.
5. Remove the dull or damaged knives. Inspect the cutting disk slot and mounting area for cleanliness. Ensure new or sharpened knives can mount flush against the cutting disk. Remount knives with edges facing up.

Note: If the cutting disk surface is not cleaned properly or knives are not mounted flush, knives could crack when hardware is tightened. The clearance between knives and wear plate should be approximately 0.04 inch at the closest point to the rotor shaft and 0.12 inch at the farthest point. They are tapered slightly to allow for movement as the disk bites into wood. Ensure all locknuts are tightened properly. Turn the cutting disk with a long wooden stick to ensure it rotates freely.

Belt Adjustment

The belt should deflect 3/8" under three pounds of pressure. If not, adjust as follows:

1. Remove the belt guard.
2. Loosen the engine bolts.
3. Tighten or loosen the nut until correct tension is achieved.
4. Retighten engine bolts.
5. Check alignment of the clutch with the drive pulley by placing a straight edge across both faces. If adjustment is needed, correct alignment by moving the rotor pulley in or out on the rotor shaft. Do not adjust by moving the clutch on the engine shaft. Replace the belt guard.

Belt Replacement

1. Follow belt adjustment directions above.
2. After loosening engine bolts, remove old belts and replace with new ones. Always replace both belts as they come in a matched set.
3. Set belt tension and alignment as instructed.

Note: Check and re-tighten belts after the initial break-in period (one hour of use).

Centrifugal Clutch Tech Tips

Clutch shoes and springs are wear items and should be checked and replaced if performance decreases. The clutch is designed for load-free engine starting and slippage under excessive load to protect the engine. Power is obtained from engine RPMs. Lower engagement speed and higher maintained engine speed transfer more torque. Do not operate at less than full RPMs. At engine start-up, the engine operates under no load until approximately 1400-1600 RPMs, when the clutch engages. Proper rotor speed is 2000-2200 RPMs at full engine RPM.

Do not tamper with the engine's governor setting, as it controls safe operating speed. Over-speeding is dangerous and will damage the engine and other parts. Consult an authorized dealer for governor adjustments. Become familiar with successful operating conditions and avoid those that overload or damage the machine. Do not overload or attempt to chip material beyond recommendations. Learn to recognize the sound of an overloaded machine. If the machine jams, stop it immediately. Jamming without stopping the engine can burn belts or ruin the clutch. Clutch damage is costly and not covered under warranty. Immediately shut off the machine if it jams.

Storage

If your Wood Chipper will not be used for more than 30 days, prepare it for storage as follows:

1. Drain the fuel tank completely. Stale fuel can clog the carburetor.
2. Start the engine and let it run until it stops. This removes fuel from the carburetor, preventing deposits.
3. Drain the engine oil while it is still warm. Refill with fresh oil recommended in the engine manual.
4. Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 60 ml of SAE-30 engine oil into the cylinder. Slowly pull the starter rope to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug.

Remove the spark plug and drain all oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the unit after storage.

1. Use clean cloths to clean the outside of the Wood Chipper and keep air vents free of obstructions. Do not use strong detergents or petroleum-based cleaners on plastic parts.
2. Store your wood chipper in an upright position in a clean, dry, well-ventilated building. Do not store with fuel in a non-ventilated area where fumes could reach ignition sources. Use only approved fuel containers.

Troubleshooting