How to Safely Operate a Wood Chipper Step by Step

Using a wood chipper can be risky if you miss key steps. Each year, about 120 people in the U.S. go to the hospital after wood chipper accidents. Most people hurt their fingers and hands when putting brush into the chipper. These facts show how dangerous it can be:

To stay safe, always wear the right PPE. Learn how to use machines like the Landworks Compact Wood Chipper, Landworks 3-in-1 Wood Chipper, Landworks Mini Wood Chipper, GreatCircleUSA 3-in-1 Wood Chipper, and GreatCircleUSA Mini Wood Chipper. Always follow wood chipper safety rules. Check the manufacturer’s instructions every time.

Key Takeaways

• Always wear the right safety gear like helmets, goggles, and gloves. This helps stop injuries.

• Look at the wood chipper before you use it. Check if any parts are loose. Make sure the blades are sharp. Check that all safety features work.

• Keep your work area neat and safe. Take away things that might make you trip or slip when using the chipper.

• Put branches into the chipper slowly and carefully. Stand next to the hopper. Never use your hands to push things in.

• Follow safe steps to turn off the chipper. Turn off the machine. Let it cool down. Clean it well to keep it working and safe.

Wood Chipper Safety Gear

Before you start any work with a wood chipper, you need to put on the right safety gear. This equipment protects you from flying debris, loud noise, and moving parts. You lower your risk of injury when you use proper gear every time.

Essential PPE

You must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) that meets OSHA standards. The table below shows what you need for wood chipper safety:

Tip: Always wear a hard hat, safety glasses, and earplugs when you operate wood chipper shredders. These items help prevent head injuries, hearing loss, and eye damage. Ear protection blocks loud sounds from the machine. Safety goggles keep your eyes safe from flying wood chips. A helmet protects your head from projectiles.

Proper Glove Selection

Choose gloves that fit well and offer strong protection. Avoid gauntlet-style gloves because they can get caught in moving parts. Pick gloves made for handling wood and brush. These gloves help prevent punctures and cuts. You need gloves that let you grip branches without slipping.

Loose clothing can get pulled into the wood chipper. Tie back long hair and tuck in shirt tails. Remove jewelry before you start. You stay safer when you keep everything close to your body.

Wearing the right safety gear makes a big difference. You protect yourself from common injuries and follow wood chipper safety rules. You also meet legal requirements for commercial landscaping work.

Inspect the Wood Chipper

Before you start your wood chipper, you need to inspect it carefully. This step helps you spot problems before they cause accidents or damage. A quick check can save you time and keep you safe.

Pre-Use Checklist

Go through this checklist before each use:

• Place the wood chipper on flat, level ground. Stable ground keeps the machine from tipping or moving while you work. This stability helps you avoid accidents and keeps the chipping process smooth.

• Look over the entire machine for loose bolts, missing parts, or leaks. Fix any issues before you start.

• Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer. Grease bearings, belts, and other components to prevent friction and wear.

• Inspect the blades for dullness, chips, or cracks. Dull blades can cause poor chip quality and increase the risk of kickback. Sharpen or replace blades if needed.

• Check the belts and chains for proper tension and signs of wear. Replace any that look damaged or worn out.

• Examine the engine. Change the oil, replace the air filter, and check the spark plug as needed. Keep the engine clean and free of debris.

• Inspect fuel lines, filters, and the tank for leaks or blockages. Use fresh fuel to prevent engine problems.

Tip: Poor chip quality often means the blades are blunt or set at the wrong distance. If the wood chipper does not eject chips well, check for worn drive belts or blockages.

Check Guards and Damage

You must check all guards, covers, and shields before you use the wood chipper. These safety controls protect you from moving parts and flying debris. Never remove or bypass any safety device. Make sure the emergency stop button or lever works and that you know how to use it in an emergency.

Familiarize yourself with all controls and operation procedures. Knowing how to stop the machine quickly can prevent serious injuries. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

Prepare the Work Area

Clear Hazards

You need to clear all debris and obstacles from your work area before you start using a wood chipper. Remove rocks, branches, and tools that could cause tripping or slipping. A clean workspace helps you move safely and reduces the risk of accidents. If you work near a street, set up cones and warning signs to alert others. Wear a high-visibility vest or shirt so people can see you easily.

Tip: Always use your personal protective equipment (PPE) when you prepare the area. PPE keeps you safe from flying debris and loud noise.

Weather can change how safe your work area is. Warm, humid days make wood easier to chip, and blades last longer. Cold weather can thicken fluids in the machine, so you may need to warm up fluid lines. Icy ground makes wood harder to process and can wear down chipper knives quickly. Check the weather before you begin and adjust your plan if needed.

Position the Chipper

Place the wood chipper on level ground. This keeps the machine stable and prevents it from tipping over. If you must work on a slope, chock the wheels to stop the chipper from rolling. Make sure you have enough space around the machine for safe movement. Keep the area clean to avoid slipping hazards.

Set up a safe work zone. Use cones or barriers to mark where you will operate the chipper. Make sure bystanders stay outside this zone. Position the chipper so you can feed branches easily and move away quickly if needed.

• Place the chipper so the discharge chute points away from people and property.

• Keep the feed area clear and free of clutter.

• Check that you have a clear path to move branches and brush.

A well-prepared work area helps you operate the wood chipper safely and efficiently. You lower your risk of injury and keep your jobsite organized.

Using a Wood Chipper: Operation Steps

Start the Machine

You need to follow the right steps to start a wood chipper. Always read the operating manual first. Each machine has its own controls and safety features. If you use a Landworks model, check the instructions for your chipper.

Here is how to start a wood chipper safely:

1. Check the machine for damage or loose parts. Make sure blades are sharp and set right.

2. Get the work area ready. Take away anything that could hurt you or break the machine.

3. Get the wood ready. Cut it into smaller pieces. Take off any metal from the branches.

4. Start the engine. Use the choke lever if the engine is cold. Let the engine warm up before you chip wood.

5. Feed the wood slowly into the hopper. Do not push it hard.

6. Stand beside the hopper. Keep your hands and body away from moving parts.

7. Listen and watch for strange sounds. If you hear or see something odd, stop the machine right away.

8. When you finish, turn off the engine. Let it cool down before you clean up.

Tip: Always let the engine warm up. A cold engine can stall or run badly. This can cause jams or accidents.

Feed Material Safely

Feeding branches and brush into the chipper is the most risky part. You must use safe methods every time.

• Use your hands to feed material. Never use your feet or push with your body.

• Stand beside the hopper, not in front. This keeps you safe from kickbacks.

• Feed branches slowly and let the chipper pull them in. Do not force big or bent pieces.

• Cut big branches into smaller parts before chipping.

• Take out rocks, metal, or other hard things from the wood.

Feeding the chipper the wrong way can cause jams or kickbacks. These problems often lead to accidents. The table below shows how unsafe feeding can cause injuries:

Alert: If the chipper jams, turn off the engine. Wait for all moving parts to stop before you clear the blockage. Never reach into the hopper when the machine is running.

Stay Alert During Use

You need to stay alert when using a wood chipper. Always pay attention to what is happening around you and with the machine.

• Check for things in the area that could get in your way before you start.

• Listen for strange sounds from the chipper. Odd noises can mean something is wrong.

• Turn off your phone and ask others not to bother you while you work.

• Take breaks if you feel tired or lose focus.

If you are new to wood chippers, ask someone to watch you. Good training helps stop accidents. Many injuries happen when people do not know how to use the machine or do not have enough help. For example, a worker died on his first day because he did not get training. OSHA found that not having training and supervision caused the accident.

Training for wood chipper shredders should include:

Note: After you finish a training course, you get a certificate. This certificate proves you know how to use a wood chipper safely. It helps you meet job rules.

Always watch new users. Make sure everyone gets good training before using a wood chipper. This step lowers the chance of accidents and keeps everyone safe.

Shut Down and Store

Safe Shutdown

You need to follow safe steps when shutting down your wood chipper. This keeps you and others safe from injury. Always turn off the machine and let it cool down before you touch any part. Remove the ignition key so no one can start it by accident. If your chipper has a lockout or tagout system, use it to prevent accidental startup during cleaning or maintenance.

Here is a simple checklist for shutting down:

• Turn off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

• Remove the ignition key and store it in a safe place.

• Use lockout/tagout procedures if available.

• Wear close-fitting gloves, long pants, and heavy-duty boots.

• Put on safety glasses or a face shield to protect against flying debris.

• Use ear protection if you work near loud machines.

• Wear a hard hat if you work around trees.

Tip: Never rush the shutdown process. Take your time to make sure the machine is completely off and safe to handle.

Clean and Store

Cleaning and storing your wood chipper shredders the right way helps prevent damage and keeps you safe. Start by making sure the machine is off and the spark plug wire is disconnected. Check for cracks, loose bolts, and make sure the blades are secure. Use a dry cloth or vacuum to remove dust. Clear any debris from the hopper and discharge chute.

Follow these steps for best results:

1. Turn off the machine and disconnect the spark plug wire.

2. Inspect for cracks, loose bolts, and blade security.

3. Clean dust and debris from all parts.

4. Check and replace the spark plug and change engine oil as needed.

5. Clean inside and outside to prevent blockages.

6. Check the air filter daily, especially in dusty areas.

7. Change the air filter every 25 hours of use.

8. Replace blades and spark plug every year.

9. Wash the collection bag at the end of each season.

Regular maintenance extends the life of your chipper. Daily checks of safety features and blades, regular lubrication, and proper belt tensioning keep the machine running well. Clean machines help you spot leaks and damage early. This reduces the risk of grease, chip, or dust buildup that can cause safety hazards.

Store your chipper in a dry, covered area. Wet materials can clog the discharge system. Metal objects and rocks can damage blades and the flywheel housing. Vines may wrap around and jam the drive shaft. Proper storage prevents costly repairs and keeps you safe.

Note: A clean and well-maintained chipper works better and lasts longer. You lower your risk of injury and avoid expensive repairs.

You can keep yourself safe when using a wood chipper if you follow these safety tips:

• Wear tight clothes, safety goggles, a helmet, and earplugs.

• Check the chipper before you use it. Make sure all safety parts work.

• Read the owner’s manual and follow Landworks rules.

• Keep your work area clean. Always have someone else close by.

• Go over safety steps each time. Skipping them has caused bad injuries and even deaths.

Most accidents happen when people forget simple steps or do not wear the right gear. Always pay attention and put safety first.

FAQ

What should you do if the wood chipper jams?

Turn off the engine right away. Wait until all moving parts stop. Never reach inside while the machine runs. Use a stick or tool to clear the jam. Always follow the safety steps in your manual.

Can you chip wet or green wood?

You can chip wet or green wood, but it may clog the machine more easily. Dry wood chips faster and cleaner. Always check the manual for your model before chipping different types of wood.

How often should you sharpen the chipper blades?

Check the blades before each use. Sharpen them when you see dull edges or poor chip quality. Dull blades make the machine work harder and can cause jams or accidents.

Is it safe to use a wood chipper alone?

You should not use a wood chipper alone. Always have someone nearby in case of an emergency. This person can help if you get hurt or need to stop the machine quickly.