MechMaxx B150 Wood Chipper
Operator's Manual
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
Model | B150 |
---|---|
Engine | Ducar DH420E |
Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Air-Cooled, OHV |
Displacement | 420 cc; 15 HP |
Start | E-Start |
Battery | 12V 20Ah Lead-Acid |
Belt | 2 x V-Belts |
Belts Material | Kevlar |
Clutch | Centrifugal Clutch |
Cutting Method | Drum |
Chipping Dia. | 6 in |
Roller | 13.8 in |
Reduction Ratio | 20:1 |
Blades Nos. | 2 x Blade; 1 x Anvil |
Blades Material | A8 (5CrMoVSi) |
Blades Type | Double Edge Blade |
Discharge Chute | 360 Degree Rotating |
Emergency Stop | Stop Bar +Button |
Feed Chute Opening Method | Hinge |
Discharge Chute Opening Method | Hinge |
Towing | Tow Bar With 2 in Coupler |
Tire | 19 x 7.00-8 Tubeless |
Wheelbase | 48 in |
Package Method | Plywood Case |
Weight (N.W./G.W.) | 573 / 639 lbs |
Packing Size (L*W*H) | 43 x 31 x 50 in |
Machine Warranty | 2 Year |
Engine Warranty | 2 Year |
Overall Dimensions
The overall dimensions of the wood chipper are approximately: Length 108.8 inches (2764mm), Width 47.9 inches (1217mm), and Height 57.2 inches (1453mm).
Safety Signs
The rating plate on your machine may show symbols representing important information. These symbols provide crucial instructions for product use and safety. Key safety signs include:
- DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
- WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
- WARNING: EMERGENCY STOP: Features a prominent stop button for immediate shutdown.
- Fuel Safety: Indicates specific precautions for handling fuel, such as refueling outdoors, allowing the engine to cool, and using approved containers. RISK OF FIRE.
- Capacity Limit: A warning not to place wood or branches over 6 inches in diameter into the in-feeding bin to prevent jamming.
- Belt Tension Check: Advises checking belt tension before operation and periodically thereafter, as belts may loosen after initial use.
Safety
General Safety Rules
Read this manual and all labels affixed to the machine to understand its limitations and potential hazards. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and their proper operation, including how to stop the machine quickly. Always read and understand the engine manufacturer's manual. Never operate the machine until you fully understand its operation and maintenance, and how to avoid injuries. If the unit is loaned or rented, provide this manual and safety training. The user is responsible for accidents. Always use the correct machine for the job; forcing it can cause damage.
Personal Safety
- Do not permit children to operate the machine.
- Keep children, pets, and bystanders away from the work area. Be alert and shut off the unit if anyone enters the area.
- Do not operate under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication that impairs judgment.
- Dress properly: wear heavy long pants, boots, and gloves. Avoid 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: always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields.
- Wear appropriate hearing protection .
- Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts and pinch points .
- Do not touch hot parts; allow them to cool before maintenance.
- Stay alert, use common sense, and do not overreach.
- Do not operate barefoot or in sandals. Wear protective footwear for better footing.
Inspect Your Machine
- Check the machine before starting: ensure guards are in place, 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 for starting and stopping.
- Remove keys and wrenches from the machine area before starting.
- Avoid accidental starting: ensure the engine switch is off before transporting or servicing.
- If the machine vibrates abnormally, stop the engine immediately and check for the cause.
Engine Safety
- Operate only in well-ventilated outdoor areas. Exhaust fumes contain deadly carbon monoxide.
- Do not tamper with the engine to run it at excessive speeds.
- Keep a Class B fire extinguisher nearby in dry areas.
Fuel Safety
- Fuel is highly flammable; vapors can explode. Take precautions to prevent injury.
- Refill or drain fuel outdoors in a clean, well-ventilated area. Do not smoke or allow ignition sources near fuel. 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 fuel 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.
- Replace fuel tank and container caps securely and wipe up spilled fuel.
- If fuel is spilled, do not start the engine; move the machine away from the spillage area until vapors dissipate.
- Wash skin and change clothes immediately if fuel spills 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 inside a building where fumes can reach ignition sources. Allow the engine to cool before storing.
Specific Safety Rules
Identify hazards and take preventive steps to avoid accidents. Hazards include moving parts, thrown objects, machine weight, and the operating environment.
Prior to Starting
- Thoroughly inspect the work area, keeping it clean and free of debris.
- Operate on flat, level ground.
- Ensure the feed hopper and cutting housing are empty and free of debris.
- Check oil level, ensure all nuts and bolts are tight, and check tire pressure.
Operation Safety
- Never place any part of your body where it could be in danger if movement occurs.
- Keep bystanders and pets at least 75 feet away . Stop the unit immediately if approached.
- Never place hands, feet, or body parts 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 could obstruct discharge or cause injury. Be aware of wind direction.
- Use a small-diameter stick to push materials into the chipper hopper, not your hands.
- Keep your face and body back from the chipper hopper and discharge chute to avoid injury from accidental bounce-back.
- Never reach with your hands inside the feed hopper past the rubber flap while operating.
- Keep combustible substances away from the engine when it is hot.
- Do not tilt the machine while the engine is running.
- Never operate without the feed hopper or discharge chute properly attached.
Feeding Materials
- Feed only clean materials. Foreign matter like soil, sand, grit, stones, or metal will damage knives. Root balls and dead wood will dull blades quickly.
- Avoid feeding pine needles, flax, and cabbage tree leaves as they can wrap around the rotor shaft and damage bearings.
- Avoid feeding short, stubby pieces of wood; feed them with longer pieces.
- Prune materials to suit the machine's capabilities.
- The machine is self-feeding; do not force branches. Allow it to feed automatically. Wait for full spinning revolutions before feeding the next load.
Unclogging
- Never allow processed material to build up in the discharge area, as this can cause kickback.
- Never attempt to unclog 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 loose parts.
- Whenever leaving the operating position or removing material, shut down the engine completely and ensure it is switched off. Wait for all moving parts to stop.
- Before opening the cutting disk housing, ensure the engine is off, the disk is stopped, 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 tow it on public highways.
- Always stop the engine before moving and watch out for sharp objects that could pierce tires.
Machine Use and Care
- Position the machine securely during maintenance, cleaning, adjustment, or storage.
- Always use the correct machine for the job.
- Do not adjust the engine governor settings or operate the engine above the recommended speed.
Maintaining Your Machine
- Keep parts away from chemicals, as some are plastic or rubber.
- Never cover the machine while the muffler is still hot.
- Do not alter or adjust sealed parts. Only qualified technicians should adjust engine speed settings.
- Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts. Repair or replace broken or worn parts before use. Poorly maintained equipment causes accidents.
- Avoid contact with hot fuel, oil, exhaust fumes, and hot surfaces. 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 the cause.
- Use only manufacturer-approved attachments and accessories.
- Keep the engine and muffler free of grass, leaves, and excessive grease to reduce fire hazards.
- Never douse or squirt the unit with water. Keep handles dry and clean. Clean after each use.
- Observe proper disposal laws for gas and oil.
- Store the machine out of reach of children. Do not allow untrained users to operate it.
Unpacking the Container
Use scissors or a knife to cut and remove the straps. Remove the wooden plate in the 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 assembling the Wood chipper.
To-Scale Hardware
Hardware graphics are printed at 1:1 scale for ease of identification. Simply place the hardware over the image in the tables to verify it is the correct size.
Item | Quantity | Image Placeholder |
---|---|---|
Hex lock nut M10 | 15X | [Hex lock nut M10] |
Hex lock nut M14 | 2X | [Hex lock nut M14] |
Hex bolt M10 X 25mm | 8X | [Hex bolt M10 X 25mm] |
Hex bolt M12 X 35mm | 8X | [Hex bolt M12 X 35mm] |
Flat washer 10 | 17X | [Flat washer 10] |
Flat washer 12 | 8X | [Flat washer 12] |
Flat washer 14 | 2X | [Flat washer 14] |
Spring washer 12 | 8X | [Spring washer 12] |
Hex bolt M10 X 70mm | 3X | [Hex bolt M10 X 70mm] |
Hex bolt M10 X 80mm | 3X | [Hex bolt M10 X 80mm] |
Hex bolt M14 X 140mm | 2X | [Hex bolt M14 X 140mm] |
Assembly
Axle
Attach the wheel axle to the cutter base with M14x140 hex bolts, flat washer 14 and M14 lock nuts. (See Figure 1)
Tower bar mount
Attach the tower bar mount to the base frame with M12x35 hex bolts, Spring Washer 12 and flat washer 12. (See Figure 3)
Wheels
Attach the wheels to the wheel axles with M10x25 hex bolts, M10 lock nuts, and flat washer 10. (See Figure 2)
Tow bar and Guiding wheel
Attach the tow bar to the tow bar mounts with M10x70 hex bolts, M10 lock nuts, and flat washer 10. (See Figure 4)
Attach the module to the tow bar mounts with M10x80 hex bolts and pin R 12x25. (See Figure 4)
Attach the wheels to the module with split pin 5x32. (See Figure 4)
Lower expulsion chute
Attach the lower expulsion chute to the cutter base using two lock catches. (See Figure 5)
Infeed chute
Attach the feeding chute to the cutter base with two lock catches. (See Figure 8)
360-degree upper expulsion chute
Attach the upper expulsion chute to the lower expulsion chute with an adjustable locking handle. (See Figure 6)
Battery
Attach the battery box to the wheel axle with M10x80 hex bolts, M10 lock nuts, and flat washer 10. (See Figure 7)
Know Your Machine
Identify the main components of your wood chipper:
- Deflector
- Deflector Lever
- Emergency Stop
- Engine
- Feed chute
- Battery
- Wheels
- Recoil Starter Handle
- Throttle Control
- Choke Control /
- Fuel Shut-Off Valve
Operation
Note: The engine is shipped without oil. Do not start the engine before adding oil. Check the engine oil level daily and add as needed. Do not overfill.
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. (Refer to engine manual for capacity, type, and location.)
- Using a funnel, add oil up to the FULL mark on the dipstick.
Add Gasoline to Engine
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. Use extreme care when handling fuel.
- Fill the fuel tank outdoors, never indoors. Gasoline vapors can ignite inside an enclosure, causing an explosion.
- With the engine off and cool (at least two minutes), remove the fuel filler cap and fill the tank. (Refer to engine manual for capacity and type.)
- Fill the fuel tank outdoors. Gasoline vapors can ignite in enclosed spaces.
- Reinstall and tighten the fuel cap, and clean up any spilled fuel.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVERFILL! Overfilling may damage evaporative emissions control system components. Filling to the recommended level ensures a vapor gap for fuel expansion. Use a portable gasoline container with an appropriately sized dispensing spout.
Starting Engine
- Move the engine switch to the ON position.
- Open the fuel shut-off valve.
- Move the choke lever to the CLOSED position (unless the engine is hot).
- Move the throttle lever slightly to the FAST speed .
- Pull the recoil starter until engine compression is felt. Let the recoil return, then pull quickly to start. Repeat as needed. Fully open the choke and set the throttle to FAST before operating.
Rapid retraction of the starter cord (kick-back) may pull your hand and arm toward the engine, potentially resulting in broken bones, fractures, or bruises.
Operating
- After the engine warms up, pull the throttle lever to accelerate engine speed.
- The chipper can process dry and green organic materials (branches, stalks, vines, leaves, roots, vegetable matter) up to 6-inch diameter branches. Performance may vary with wood type and hardness. Rotating the branch as you feed it can improve performance.
- Feed limbs cut-end first, leaving the bushy head on to guide the limb and reduce spinning. Pre-cut side branches if necessary.
- Process freshly cut materials; dried wood becomes springy and dulls knives faster.
- Keep a wooden stick (approx. 1-inch diameter, 2-feet long) handy to push in short, 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 gap between knives and wear plate may need adjusting.
- Do not overload the machine. If the engine speed decreases, stop feeding material until the engine returns to full speed.
- The chipper can clog with soft, wet, or fibrous materials. Feed these intermittently with branches to help clear residue.
- If stringy material wraps around the rotor shaft, remove it before it damages the bearing.
- If the wood chipper stalls due to overloading or clogging, turn off the engine switch. Wait until the cutting disk and belt drive are completely stopped. Allow the engine to cool, then switch the engine off. Open the housing cover to clear materials. Lock the cover, switch the engine on, and restart.
- As discharge material piles up, move the chipper away from the pile to prevent material backing up the discharge chute. Do not position the deflector vertically, as this impedes airflow and discharge.
- Ensure the machine is level and stable to avoid vibrations.
- Do not open the housing cover unless the engine and cutting disk are completely stopped and the belt drive is disengaged.
- To shut down: move throttle to idle speed, turn engine switch to OFF.
Idle Speed
Set the throttle control lever to the SLOW position when not chipping to reduce stress on the engine, conserve fuel, and lower noise. This extends engine life.
Stop Engine
- Emergency Stop: Turn the engine switch to the OFF position.
- Normal Stop: Move throttle to SLOW position, let engine idle for one or two minutes, turn engine switch to OFF, and turn fuel valve lever to OFF position.
Sudden stopping at high speed under heavy load is not recommended; engine damage may result.
Do not move the choke control to CLOSE to stop the engine; backfire or engine damage may occur.
Wait until the machine completely stops. Allow the engine to cool. Clean the interior and discharge chute.
Do not disengage the belt drive with the machine running, as this causes friction and vibration.
Transporting
Your wood chipper has two large pneumatic wheels for maneuverability. Grip the handles and tilt the chipper slightly. Ensure the oil tank cover is securely tightened beforehand.
Maintenance
Maintaining your Wood chipper ensures long life for the machine and its components.
Preventive Maintenance
- Turn off the engine; ensure it is cool.
- Keep the engine's throttle lever in the SLOW position and remove the spark plug wire.
- Inspect the general condition: check for loose screws, misalignment, binding parts, cracks, or breaks.
- Remove all debris with a soft brush, vacuum, or compressed air. Lubricate moving parts with premium quality lightweight machine oil.
- 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 frequency for dirty/dusty conditions.
Procedure | Before each use | Every 8-10 Hours | Every 40 Hours |
---|---|---|---|
Check engine oil level | ▲ | ||
Check general equipment condition | ▲ | ||
Check that cutting disk turns freely (with a long stick only) | ▲ | ||
Visually inspect knife for damage | ▲ | ||
Check knife and wear plate for sharpness | ▲ | ||
Check knife and wear plate attachment screws | ▲ | ||
Check for any loose nut and bolts | ▲ | ||
Check knife to wear plate gap | ▲ | ||
Check belt tension and condition | 1st time 1 hour | ||
Check tire pressure | 1st time 5 hours | ||
Change engine oil | ▲ | ||
Inspect or replace drive belt | ▲ | ||
Inspect or replace spark plug | ▲ | ||
Inspect or replace air filter and precleaner | ▲ |
Grease the Outside Bearing
There are two bearings. Grease them after a couple hours of use (one or two pumps). Be careful not to over-grease.
- 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 knives and wear plate for sharpness and edge condition for efficient operation. Dull knives or rounded wear plates decrease performance and cause excessive vibration.
If the machine's cutting disk strikes a foreign object, or if it makes unusual noise or vibrates excessively, immediately shut off the engine, wait for the disk to stop, switch the engine to "off", and then perform the following:
- Inspect for damage.
- Repair or replace damaged parts.
- Check for loose parts and tighten to ensure safe operation.
Knife Removal and Replacement
The chipper has two knives on the cutting disk. Replace dull or nicked knives to maintain self-feeding action.
- Remove the feed hopper.
- Remove the discharge chute.
- Rotate the cutting disc until the blade is visible from the feed hopper side.
- Remove the bolts and nuts fixing the blade.
- Remove dull/damaged knives. Inspect the cutting disk slot and mounting area for cleanliness and ensure knives mount flush. Remount new or sharpened knives with edges facing up.
If the cutting disk surface is not cleaned properly and 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 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.
- Remove belt guard.
- Loosen engine bolts.
- Tighten or loosen the nut until correct tension is achieved.
- Retighten engine bolts.
- Check alignment of the clutch with the drive pulley using a straight edge. Adjust alignment by moving the rotor pulley on the rotor shaft if necessary. Do not adjust the clutch on the engine shaft.
- Replace belt guard.
Belt Replacement
- Follow belt adjustment directions above.
- After loosening engine bolts, remove old belts and replace with new ones. Always replace both belts as a matched set.
- 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. If performance decreases, check and replace if necessary. The clutch provides load-free starting and allows slippage under overload to protect the engine. The clutch engages around 1,000-1,200 RPM, driving the rotor at approximately 2,200 RPM ± 200 RPM at full engine speed.
Do not tamper with the engine's governor setting. Over-speeding the engine is dangerous and can cause damage. Consult your dealer for governor adjustments.
Avoid operating conditions that overload or damage the machine. Do not chip material beyond manufacturer recommendations.
Learn to recognize the sound of an overloaded machine. If jammed, stop the machine 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 under warranty. Immediately shut off the machine if it becomes jammed.
Storage
If the Wood chipper will not be used for more than 30 days, prepare it for storage:
- Drain the fuel tank completely. Stale fuel can clog the carburetor.
- Start the engine and let it run until it stops to ensure no fuel remains in the carburetor.
- Drain the oil from the engine while it is still warm. Refill with fresh oil of the recommended grade.
- Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug, put 60 ml of SAE-30 oil into the cylinder, and pull the starter rope slowly 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.
- Use clean cloths to clean the outside of the Wood chipper and keep air vents clear.
Do not use strong detergents or petroleum-based cleaners on plastic parts.
- Store the wood chipper upright in a clean, dry building with good ventilation.
Do not store the wood chipper with fuel in a non-ventilated area where fuel fumes could reach ignition sources. Use only approved fuel containers.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Cause | Remedy |
---|---|---|
Engine fails to start | 1. Spark plug wire disconnected. 2. Out of fuel or stale fuel. 3. Engine/Fuel valve not in ON position. 4. Choke lever not in CLOSE position. 5. Blocked fuel line. 6. Fouled spark plug. 7. Engine flooding. |
1. Attach spark plug wire securely. 2. Fill with clean, fresh gasoline. 3. Ensure Engine/Fuel valve are ON. 4. Ensure choke is in CLOSE position for cold start. 5. Clean fuel line. 6. Clean, adjust, or replace spark plug. 7. Wait a few minutes to restart, do not prime. |
Engine runs erratically | 1. Spark plug wire loose. 2. Unit running with Choke lever in CLOSE position. 3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. 4. Vent plugged. 5. Water or dirt in fuel system. 6. Dirty air cleaner. 7. Improper carburetor adjustment. |
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire. 2. Move choke lever to OPEN position. 3. Clean fuel line; fill with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Clear vent. 5. Drain fuel tank; refill with fresh fuel. 6. Clean or replace air cleaner. 7. Refer to engine manual. |
Engine overheats | 1. Engine oil level low. 2. Dirty air cleaner. 3. Air flow restricted. 4. Carburetor not adjusted properly. |
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil. 2. Clean air cleaner. 3. Remove housing and clean. 4. Refer to engine manual. |
Chipping action seems too slow, cutting disk stalls, or no material is discharged when engine is running | 1. Engine speed too slow causing belt to slip. 2. Drive belt loose or damaged. 3. Knives dull or damaged. 4. Cutting disk jammed by debris. 5. Discharge chute clogged. |
1. Run engine at full throttle. 2. Tighten or replace drive belt. 3. Sharpen or replace knives. 4. Remove debris; turn cutting disk with a wooden stick to ensure it turns freely. 5. Clean out debris. |
The belt frays or rolls over the pulley | 1. Rotor drive pulley groove nicked. 2. Drive belts stretched. 3. Pulleys misaligned. |
1. Check belts for wear/spots. File nicks on pulley. 2. Replace drive belts. 3. Adjust pulleys. |
When chipping, branch vibrates excessively with unusual noise | 1. Knives dull or damaged. 2. Knives not properly seated on disk. 3. Gap between knives and wear plate too large. 4. Rotor overloaded. |
1. Sharpen or replace knives. 2. Loosen knife screws, reset, and tighten. 3. Adjust the gap. 4. Allow unit to clear itself before adding more material. |
Chipper Knives are hitting the wear plate | The gap between the knives and wear plate is set incorrectly. | Adjust the gap. |
The machine's wheels track left or right while being towed | Low tire pressure. | Add air to tires. |