Mechmaxx P4206 Wood Chipper Operator's Manual

Introduction

Your new wood chipper is constructed with premium materials and engineered for safe, efficient operation. With proper use and maintenance, it will provide years of reliable performance. Prepare to experience the durability to take on any job with the ease, portability, and convenience of your new Wood Chipper! MAX performance, MAX Value, MAX Support that's Wood Chipper. Enhanced design features come standard, Engineered for the best user experience, Quality metal parts are used instead of plastic, A robust warranty supports all products, Budget-friendly prices make it practical.

Specifications

Overall Dimensions

Approximate dimensions: Height: 47.9 inches (1217mm), Length: 108.8 inches (2764mm), Width: 57.2 inches (1453mm).

Safety Signs

The rating plate on your machine may show symbols. These represent important information about the product or instructions on its use.

• WARNING: EMERGENCY STOP
• Belt Tension Check: Belt deflection should be less than 3/8 inch when 10 lb of pressure is applied. Belts may loosen after the first 1-2 hours of use and require re-adjustment. Check and adjust belt tension every 20 hours of use for best performance.
• Diameter Limit: DO NOT place wood or branches over 6 inches in diameter into the in-feeding bin. Blades may get stuck or jammed. (MAX. 6 inch)
• Fueling Safety: ⛽ RISK OF FIRE. ALLOW ENGINE TO COOL FOR 1 MINUTE BEFORE REFUELING. USE UNLEADED PETROL. (UN1203)

General Safety Rules

Read this manual and labels affixed to the machine to understand its limitations and potential hazards. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage the controls quickly. Read and understand all instructions and safety precautions in the Engine Manufacturer's manual. Do not operate until fully understanding the engine and machine operation and how to avoid injuries or damage. If loaned, rented, or sold, provide this manual and safety training. The user is responsible for accidents or injuries. Always use the correct machine for the job; forcing it may cause damage. The correct machine is more efficient and safer.

Personal Safety

• Do not permit children to operate this machine.
• Keep children, pets, and other people away from the work area. Be alert and shut off the unit if anyone enters the work area.
• Do not operate under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications that impair judgment.
• Dress properly: Wear heavy long pants, boots ?, and gloves ?. Do not wear loose clothing, short pants, or jewelry. Secure long hair above shoulder level. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
• Protect eyes ?, face, and head from thrown objects. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields.
• Wear appropriate hearing protection ?.
• Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts during operation. Moving parts can cut or crush body parts.
• Always keep hands and feet away from all pinch points.
• Do not touch parts that might be hot from operation. Allow parts to cool before maintenance or adjustment.
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense.
• Do not overreach. Do not operate while barefoot or wearing sandals. Wear protective footwear that protects feet and improves footing. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

Inspect Your Machine

Check your machine before starting. Keep guards in place and working. Ensure all nuts, bolts, etc., are securely tightened. Never operate a machine in need of repair or in poor mechanical condition. Replace damaged, missing, or failed parts before use. Check for fuel leaks. Keep the machine in safe working condition. Do not use if the engine switch does not turn it on or off. Machines with uncontrollable switches are dangerous. Regularly check that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the machine area before starting. A wrench or key left attached to a rotating part can cause injury. Avoid accidental starting: ensure the engine switch is OFF before transporting or performing maintenance. Transporting or servicing with the switch ON invites accidents. If the machine vibrates abnormally, stop the engine and check for the cause immediately. Vibration is a warning sign.

Engine Safety

This machine has an internal combustion engine. Do not use on or near unimproved, forest-covered, or brush-covered land unless the exhaust system has a spark arrester. Never start or run the engine inside a closed area; exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Operate only in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Do not tamper with the engine to run it at excessive speeds; maximum speed is preset by the manufacturer within safety limits. Keep a Class B fire extinguisher ? on hand when operating in dry areas.

Fuel Safety

Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take precautions to reduce the chance of serious personal injury. When refilling or draining the fuel tank, use an approved container in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area. Do not smoke or allow sparks, open flames, or other ignition sources near the area while adding fuel or operating. Never fill the fuel tank indoors. Keep grounded conductive objects away from exposed 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 fuel system leaks. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve pressure. Never overfill; fill to no more than 3/8 inch below the filler neck for expansion space. Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely and wipe up spilled fuel. Never operate without the fuel cap securely in place. Avoid creating ignition sources for spilled fuel. If fuel is spilled, do not start the engine; move the machine away and avoid ignition sources until vapors dissipate. If fuel spills on you or your clothes, wash skin and change clothes immediately. Store fuel in approved containers in a cool, well-ventilated area, safely away from ignition sources. Never store fuel or a machine with fuel in a building where fumes can reach ignition sources.

Specific Safety Rules

Identify hazards and take preventive steps to avoid accidents and minimize risk. Possible hazards include moving parts, thrown objects, machine weight, and operating environment.

Prior to Starting

Thoroughly inspect the work area, keeping it clean and free of debris. Operate on flat, level ground. Before starting: ensure the feed hopper and cutting housing are empty, check oil level, ensure all nuts and bolts are tight, and check tire air pressure.

Operation Safety

Never place any part of your body where it could be endangered by movement during assembly, installation, operation, maintenance, repair, or moving. Keep bystanders and pets at least 75 feet away from the discharge chute and feed hopper. Never place hands, feet, or any body part in the chipper hopper, discharge opening, or near moving parts while the machine is running. Keep the discharge area clear of people, animals, buildings, glass, or anything that obstructs discharge, causing injury or damage. Wind can change discharge direction. If pushing materials into the hopper, use a small-diameter stick, not your hands. Keep face and body back from the hopper and discharge chute to avoid injury from material bounce-back. Never reach hands inside the feed hopper past the rubber flap while operating. Keep combustible substances 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.

This machine is self-feeding; do not force branches. Allow the machine to feed automatically. Allow the machine to reach maximum RPMs before feeding the next load.

Feeding Materials

Feed only clean materials. Foreign matter like soil, sand, grit, stones, or metal will damage knives. Root balls and dead wood dull blades quickly. Avoid feeding pine needles, flax, and cabbage tree leaves; these stringy materials can wrap around the rotor shaft and enter the bearing. Avoid feeding short, stubby pieces of wood alone; feed them with longer pieces. Prune to suit machine capabilities. It is advisable to process freshly cut materials, as dry wood dulls blades faster. Keep a wooden stick (approx. 1 inch diameter, 2 feet long) handy to push short, brushy, or leafy materials and keep the feed hopper clear. Do not force material. If it doesn't chip well, knives may need sharpening/replacement, or the knife-to-wear plate gap needs adjustment. Do not overload by feeding too much material at once. If engine speed decreases, stop feeding immediately until the engine returns to full speed. Stringy material wrapping around the rotor shaft must be removed before it reaches the bearing.

Unclogging

Never allow processed material to build up in the discharge area, as this can prevent proper discharge and cause kickback. Never attempt to unclog the feed hopper or discharge chute while the engine is running. Immediately shut off the engine, wait for the cutting disk to stop completely, then remove clogged material. Inspect for damage and check for loose parts. Whenever leaving the operating position or removing material, always shut down the engine, ensure the switch is OFF, and wait for all moving parts to stop. Before opening the cutting disk housing, ensure the engine is OFF, the cutting disk is at a complete standstill, and the belt drive is disengaged.

Moving

Move the machine at least 10 feet away from the refueling point before starting the engine. This wood chipper is for movement by hand only. Never attempt to tow on public highways or roads. Always stop the engine before moving, and watch out for sharp objects that could pierce tires.

Machine Use and Care

Position the machine so it cannot move during maintenance, cleaning, adjustment, assembly, or storage. Always use the correct machine for your job. Do not adjust engine governor settings or operate the engine above recommended speed. The governor controls maximum safe operating speed. This machine has two rotating cutting knives capable of amputating hands/feet and throwing objects. Keep hands/feet out of openings while running. Failure to observe safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. Avoid contact with hot fuel, oil, exhaust fumes, and hot surfaces. Do not touch the engine or muffler; they get extremely hot and remain hot after shutdown. Allow the engine to cool before maintenance. If the machine makes unusual noise or vibrates, shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, and check for the cause. Use only manufacturer-approved attachments/accessories. Keep the engine and muffler free of grass, leaves, grease, or carbon buildup to reduce fire hazard. Never douse or squirt the unit with water. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from debris. Clean after each use. Observe proper disposal laws for gas, oil, etc. Store out of reach of children and do not allow untrained persons to operate. This machine can be dangerous with an untrained user.

Maintaining Your Machine

Some parts are plastic or rubber and should be kept away from chemicals. Never cover the machine while the muffler is hot. Do not alter or adjust sealed parts. Only qualified technicians may adjust parts that affect governed engine speed. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, or broken/worn parts affecting operation. Repair or replace damaged/worn parts before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained equipment.

Unpacking the Container

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

Contents Supplied

Your Wood chipper comes partially assembled and contains the following:

• 1x Engine and base frame
• 1x Infeed chute
• 1x Tower bar mount
• 1x Lower discharging chute
• 1x Tow bar and Guiding wheel
• 1x 360 degree upper expulsion chute
• 1x Wheels
• 1x Battery
• 1x Axle

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

To-Scale Hardware

Hardware graphics are printed at 1:1 scale for ease of identification. Place hardware over the image to verify size.

• Hex lock nut M10 (14X)
• Hex lock nut M14 (2X)
• Hex bolt M10 X 25mm (8X)
• Hex bolt M12 X 35mm (8X)
• Flat washer 10 (16X)
• Flat washer 12 (8X)
• Flat washer 14 (2X)
• Hex bolt M10 X 70mm (2X)
• Hex bolt M10 X 80mm (2X)
• Hex bolt M14 X 140mm (2X)

Assembly

Axle: Attach the wheel axle to the cutter base using M14 x 140 hex bolts, 14 mm flat washers, and M14 lock nuts (see Figure 1).

Wheels: Attach the wheels to the wheel axles using M10 x 25 hex bolts, M10 lock nuts, and 10 mm flat washers (see Figure 2).

Tower bar mount: Attach the tow bar mount to the base frame using M12 x 35 hex bolts, 12 mm spring washers, and 12 mm flat washers (see Figure 3).

Tow bar and Guiding wheel: Attach the tow bar to the tow bar mounts using M10 x 70 hex bolts, M10 lock nuts, and 10 mm flat washers (see Figure 4).

Lower expulsion chute: Attach the lower expulsion chute to the cutter base using two lock catches (see Figure 5).

360 degree upper expulsion chute: Attach the upper expulsion chute to the lower expulsion chute using an adjustable locking handle (see Figure 6).

Battery: Attach the battery box to the wheel axle using M10 x 80 hex bolts, M10 lock nuts, and 10 mm flat washers (see Figure 7).

Infeed chute: Attach the infeed chute to the cutter base using two lock catches (see Figure 8).

Emergency Stop: The Emergency Stop wiring is located near the engine. Connect the two wires (one for the button, one for the lever) as required.

Limit Switch: The limit switch wiring is located near the engine. Connect the wires for the two limit switch circuits (one for the infeed chute, one for the discharge chute) as required.

Know Your Machine

Identify the main components:

• Deflector
• Deflector Lever
• Emergency Stop Button/Bar
• Engine
• Feed chute
• Battery
• Wheels
• Recoil Starter Handle
• Throttle Control Lever
• Choke Control Lever
• Fuel Shut-Off Valve

Operation

Add Oil to Engine

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

Add Gasoline to Engine

Fill the fuel tank outdoors, never indoors, as gasoline vapors can ignite and cause an explosion. With the engine OFF and cool, remove the fuel filler cap and fill the tank. (Refer to the engine manual for fuel capacity, recommended fuel type, and cap location.) Do not overfill; this can damage evaporative emissions control systems and prevent proper function. Fill to the recommended level to ensure 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. Reinstall and tighten the fuel cap, and clean up any spilled fuel.

Starting Engine

1. Move the engine switch to the [ON] position.
2. Open the fuel shut-off valve.
3. Move the choke lever to the [CLOSED] position (unless the engine is hot).
4. Move the throttle lever slightly to the [FAST] speed.
5. Pull the recoil starter until resistance is felt, then slowly release it to the home position before pulling quickly to start. Rapid retraction (kick-back) can cause injury.

Operating

After the engine warms up, pull the throttle lever to accelerate engine speed. The wood chipper can process dry and green organic materials like branches, stalks, vines, leaves, and roots, up to 6-inch diameter branches (depending on wood type/hardness). Rotating branches as you feed them can improve performance. Feed limbs or branches cut-end first, leaving the bushy head on, to guide material down the feed hopper and reduce spinning. Some side branches may need pre-cutting. Process freshly cut materials for better performance and less blade dulling. Keep a wooden stick (approx. 1 inch diameter, 2 feet long) handy to push short, brushy, or leafy materials and keep the feed hopper clear. Do not force material. If chipping is poor, knives may need sharpening/replacement, or the knife-to-wear plate gap needs adjustment. Do not overload; if engine speed decreases, stop feeding until the engine returns to full speed. Stringy material wrapping around the rotor shaft must be removed before it reaches the bearing. If the chipper stalls due to overloading or clogging, turn off the engine switch, wait for the cutting disk and belt drive to stop completely. Allow the engine to cool, switch the engine OFF, open the housing cover, clear material, lock the cover, switch engine ON, and restart. As discharge material piles up, move the chipper away from the pile to prevent backup. Do not position the deflector vertically, as this impedes discharge and causes blockage. Ensure the machine is level and stable to avoid vibrations. Do not open the housing cover unless the engine and cutting disk are stopped and the belt drive is disengaged.

Stop Engine

Emergency Stop: Turn the engine switch to the [OFF] position.

Normal Shutdown:

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

Sudden stopping under heavy load at high speed is not recommended and may damage the engine. Do not use the choke to stop the engine. Wait until the machine completely stops. Allow the engine to cool. Clean the interior and discharge chute. Do not disengage the belt drive while the machine is running.

Idle Speed

Set the throttle control lever to the [SLOW] position to reduce engine stress when not chipping. Lowering engine speed helps extend engine life, conserves fuel, and reduces noise.

Transporting

Your wood chipper has two large pneumatic wheels for easy maneuverability. To move the unit, grip the handles and tilt the wood chipper slightly, ensuring the oil tank cover is securely tightened beforehand.

Maintenance

Maintaining your Wood chipper ensures long life for the machine and its components.

Preventive Maintenance

1. Turn off the engine. The engine must be cool.
2. Keep the engine's throttle lever in its [SLOW] position and remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug and secure it.
3. Inspect the general condition of the wood chipper. Check for loose screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, and any other condition affecting safe operation.
4. Remove all debris from the Wood chipper with 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. Water can penetrate tight areas and damage spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. 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 frequencies in dirty or dusty conditions.

Grease Bearings

There are two bearings: one outside and one inside the housing. They are greased when new, but it's recommended to grease them after a couple hours of use. One or two pumps is sufficient; do not over-grease, as it can damage bearings.

• Grease the outside bearing: Open the plastic oil plug. Grease the outside bearing through the filling hole. Close the plastic oil plug.
• Grease the inside bearing: Loosen the lock nut holding the discharge chute. Slide down the fixing plate under the lock nut. Open, then grease the inside bearing.

Knife and Wear Plate Inspection

Routinely inspect both knives (for sharpness) and the wear plate (for edge condition) for full efficiency. Dull knives or a rounded wear plate decrease performance and cause excessive vibration. If the machine's cutting disk strikes a foreign object, or if it vibrates excessively, immediately shut off the engine. Allow the cutting disk to stop completely. Switch the engine to "off". Inspect for damage, repair or replace damaged parts, and check for loose parts, tightening them.

Knife Removal and Replacement

This Wood chipper has two chipper knives on the cutting disk. When dull or nicked, the machine loses self-feeding action, requiring material to be pushed. Replace knives by following these steps:

1. Remove the feed hopper.
2. Remove the discharge chute.
3. Rotate the cutting disc until the blade is visible from the feed hopper side.
4. Remove the bolts and nuts securing the blade.

Ensure the cutting disk surface is clean and knives are mounted flush; otherwise, knives could crack when hardware is tightened. The clearance between knives and wear plate should be approximately 0.04 inch at the closest position to the rotor shaft and 0.12 inch at the farthest. They are tapered slightly to allow for disk movement. 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 inch under three pounds of pressure (see Figure 1). If not, adjust as follows:

1. Remove belt guard.
2. Loosen engine bolts.
3. Tighten or loosen the nut for correct tension (see Figure 1).
4. Retighten engine bolts.
5. Check alignment of the clutch with the drive pulley by placing a straight edge across both faces (see Figure 2). 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.
6. Replace belt guard.

Belt Replacement

1. Follow belt adjustment directions.
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

The clutch shoes and springs are normal wear items and should be checked/replaced if performance decreases. The clutch is designed for rugged service, providing load-free engine starting and slippage under excessive overloading to protect the engine. Clutch power comes 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 1,000-1,200 RPMs, when the centrifugal clutch engages. Proper rotor speed is 2,200 RPM ± 200 RPM at full engine RPM.

Do not tamper with the engine's governor setting, as it controls maximum safe operating speed and protects the engine. Over-speeding is dangerous and will damage the engine and other moving 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 chip material beyond recommendations. Learn to recognize the sound of an overloaded machine. If jammed, stop immediately. If the machine jams and the engine is not stopped, it can burn the belt or ruin the clutch. Clutch damage is costly and not covered by warranty.

Storage

If the Wood chipper will not be used for more than 30 days, prepare it for storage:

1. Drain the fuel tank completely. Stale fuel can clog the carburetor.
2. Start the engine and run until it stops, ensuring no fuel remains in the carburetor.
3. Drain the engine oil while warm. Refill with fresh oil as 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. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute oil. Replace the spark plug. (Remove spark plug and drain oil from cylinder before starting after storage.)
5. Clean the outside of the Wood chipper with clean cloths and keep air vents clear. Do not use strong detergents or petroleum-based cleaners on plastic parts.
6. Store the wood chipper upright 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