Forest-Master FM9DD User manual

Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD
IMPORTANT: Read this manual fully before assembly and use and observe all safety
rules and operating instructions
Forest Master Direct
Drive Wood Chipper

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD2
Your Product
Thank you for purchasing the Forest Master Direct Drive Wood Chipper. We hope you are 100% satisfied with
your product but if you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Forest Master Ltd Sales Tel: [phone]
Industry Road Email: [email protected]
Heaton Website: www.forest-master.com
Newcastle Upon Tyne Technical Enquiries Tel: [phone]
NE6 5XB
About Your Product
This manual is for models:
FM9DD - 9hp 306cc Petrol Engine with Pull Start or Electric Start
FM14DD - 14hp 460cc Petrol Engine with Electric Start
FM18DD - 18hp 478cc Petrol Engine with Electric Start
The FM9DD, FM14DD and FM18DD are wood chippers specifically designed to chip all kinds of wood that has
been freshly cut up to diameters of 75mm (FM9DD), 100mm (FM14DD) & 125mm (FM18DD). NOTE: Do not
insert wood over the diameter specified, roots, trunks or knots, stones, plastic, metal or any other objects that
are not specifically wood branches. Do not insert seasoned wood as the chippers are designed for freshly cut
soft and hard wood.
Please thoroughly read the safety instructions and guidelines and make sure you are familiar with them before
use.

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 3
Contents
Contents
Title Page No.
Specifications 4
Safety Instructions 5
Assembly 7
Operation 13
Maintenance 18
Troubleshooting 19
Warranty 21
Exploded Diagram 22
Parts List 23

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD4
Specifications
Specification FM9DD FM14DD FM18DD
Engine LCT Maxx 9hp 306cc
4 Stroke
LCT Maxx 14hp
460cc 4 Stroke
LCT Maxx 18hp
478cc 4 Stroke
Fuel Petrol Petrol Petrol
Engine Oil Amount 1.1 litre 1.1 litre 1.1 litre
Chipper Blade Twin Reversible
Blades
Twin Reversible
Blades
Twin Reversible
Blades
Overall Height 1200mm 1220mm 1220mm
Overall Length 1690mm 1690mm 1690mm
Overall Width 690mm 700mm 730mm
Weight 92kg 97kg 106kg
Max Drum RPM 3600rpm 3600rpm 3600rpm
Max Wood Diameter 75mm (3 inch) 100mm (4 inch) 125mm (5 inch)
Starting Mechanism Pullstart / Eletcric
Start Electric Start Electric Start

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 5
Safety
General Safety
• The person using the machine must have adequate knowledge of the functioning and operation of the
machine and must have read the manual.
• Operators must be over the age of 18 and must not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other
substance that has an adverse effect on reaction speed.
• The material to be fed into the machine should only be wood that is free from nails, screws etc.
• The machine should be positioned on dry, level ground in the proper upright position and there must be
no tripping or slipping hazards in the vicinity that could cause harm to the operator.
• Make sure the blades are in good condition and secure.
• Check that all bolts are tight and secure, especially on the hopper and discharge chute.
• Only use the chipper in adequate lighting (i.e. sunlight or sufficient artificial light).
Operation Safety
• When operating the chipper, always wear gloves, ear defenders, helmet and visor or safety glasses and
appropriate clothing. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery.
• The chipper should be operated by one person only. Any other bystanders must always be at least 50 feet
from the work area.
• Do not chip wood over the specified maximum diameter.
• Do not chip seasoned wood, the chippers are designed for freshly cut soft and hard wood.
• Do not operate the chipper inside or in a confined space; the exhaust from the engine contains carbon
monoxide which is poisonous.
• Never overload or attempt to chip woods beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation. It could result in
personal injury or damage to the machine.
• Never place any part of your body inside the feed hopper or the discharge chute. Fragments of wood that
have not self-fed into the machine should only be pushed with other pieces of wood that you are feeding
into the chipper.
• If the chipper gets jammed you must immediately stop the engine or motor.
• Obstructing fragments inside the hopper should only be removed after the motor is turned off and the
drum has stopped rotating.
• Never leave the chipper unattended while the motor is running.
• Never stand or move in front of the discharge chute.
• Ensure no wood fragments remain inside the chipper when turning it off.
• Always take into account the time delay needed from switching the machine off for the knife drum to
come to a halt.
• If the machine starts to make an unusual noise or vibrate, shut down the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire, wait 5 minutes for the engine to cool down, then inspect for damage. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble. Check damaged parts and clean, repair and/or replace as necessary.
• If the machine topples over during operation, immediately turn off the engine.
Safety with Maintenance
• Inspection and maintenance must be done with the engine off and the spark plug cap removed. Wait 5
minutes for the engine or motor to cool down.
• Any worn or damaged parts must be replaced, to ensure that the chipper is maintained and in a safe state.
Only use Forest Master spare parts for replacements. Contact us to arrange.
• Never use the wood chipper with damaged or worn cables.
• Never, under any conditions, remove, bend, cut, fit, weld or otherwise alter standard parts on the wood
chipper. This includes all shields and guards.
• Modifications to your machine could cause personal injuries and property damage and will invalidate your
warranty.
• Do not use any aggressive cleaning products. The inside of the input hopper, output chute and drum can
be cleaned with a hosepipe.
• Never transport the chipper with the motor still running.
• Prior to transport, use appropriate fixing materials to fasten the chipper to the fixing points on the load
surface.
Safety Instructions

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD6
• Prior to storing the machine, make sure that it has been restored to a sufficient state (i.e. clean and free
from debris). Apply oil to the knives, the knife drum and the bearings to protect them from corrosion. This
is especially the case for storage during long periods of inactivity of the appliance.
• Store the machine in a dry, closed room, out of children’s reach.
Safety with Petrol
Petrol is a highly flammable liquid. Petrol also gives off flammable vapour that can be easily ignited and cause
a fire or explosion. Never overlook the hazards of petrol. Always follow these precautions:
• Never run the engine in an enclosed area or without proper ventilation as the exhaust from the engine
contains carbon monoxide, which is an odourless, tasteless and a deadly poisonous gas.
• Store all fuel and oil in containers specifically designed and approved for this purpose and keep away from
heat, open flame and the reach of children.
• Replace rubber fuel lines and grommets when worn or damaged and after 5 years of use.
• Fill the petrol tank outdoors with the engine off and allow the engine to cool completely. Don’t handle
gasoline if you or anyone nearby is smoking, or if you’re near anything that could cause it to ignite or
explode. Re-install the fuel tank cap and fuel container cap securely.
• If you spill petrol, do not attempt to start the engine. Move the machine away from the area of the spill
and avoid creating any source of ignition until the gas vapours have dissipated. Wipe up any fuel to
prevent fire hazard and properly dispose of the waste.
• Allow the engine to cool completely before storing in any enclosure. Never store a machine that has gas
in the tank, or a fuel container, near an open flame or spark such as a water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer or furnace.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Shut down the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire, keeping it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting, wait 5 minutes before
making adjustments or repairs.
• Never tamper with the engine’s governor setting. The governor controls the safe operation speed and
protects the engine. Over-speeding the engine is dangerous and will cause damage to the engine and
to the other moving parts of the machine. If required, see your authorised dealer for engine governor
adjustments.
• Keep combustible substances away from the engine when it is hot.
• Never cover the machine while the exhaust is still hot.
• Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner or carburettor air intake cover removed. Removal of such
parts could create a fire hazard. Do not use flammable solutions to clean the air filter.
• The exhaust and engine become very hot and can cause a severe burn; do not touch.
This list of warnings and cautions cannot be all-inclusive. If situations occur that are not covered by
this manual, the operator must apply common sense and operate the wood chipper in a safe manner.
Contact the dealers for assistance in your area.
Safety

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 7
Assembly
Part Name Part
No. Qty.
Engine with Drum 8 1
Base 1 1
Feed Hopper 21 1
Feed Hopper Tray 22 1
Discharge Chute 36 1
Axle 3 1
Wheels 2 2
Split Pin 43 2
20mm Washer 4 4
Dome Cap 44 2
M10x45 Bolts 48 4
Part Name Part
No. Qty.
M10 Washers 47 8
M10 Spring Washer 49 4
M10 Nut 50 4
M8x20 Bolt 55 4
Battery Box 56 1
Battery 57 1
M5x125 Bolt 58 2
M5 Nut 59 2
M8 Flat Washer 45 4
M8 Spring Washer 33 4
M8 Nut 46 4
Assembly Parts
Assembly
Note that the majority of bolts specified are loosely fitted in their correct location for shipping.
1. Lay all the parts out flat in a suitable assembly area and check to make sure all parts are there.
2. Slide the axle (3) into the square tubing of the base (1) and place a 16mm flat washer (4) on each end of
the axle. Note you should only need two washers but four are provided in case the wheels are a bit loose.
3. Next, place the wheels (2) on each end of the axle (3) and secure with a split pin (43) through the small
holes on the outer end of the axle (3). Bend the ends of the slit pins back against the axle to secure.
4. Finally, place each dome cap (44) on the ends of the axle (3) and secure the cap by tapping it with a mallet
or hammer.
1
44
44
2
2
3
4
4
43
43

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD8
Assembly
5. Place the engine (8) on top of the base (1), lining the engine mounting holes with the bolt holes of the
base. Note that the base is drilled with the holes to fit all three engines. See the diagrams below for the
correct holes.
6. Fasten the engine (8) with the M10 bolts (48), M10 washers (47), M10 spring washers (49) and M10 nuts
(50). The order of assembly is from below is:
[Bolt] – [Washer] – [Base] – [Engine] – [Washer] – [Spring Washer] – [Nut].
1
48
48
48
48
47
47
47
47
47
47
47 47
49
49
49
49
50
50
8
FM18DD
FM14DD
FM9DD

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 9
Assembly
7. Note that this step only applies to the FM14DD & FM18DD. The FM9DD does not have an electric start.
Attach the battery box (56) to the base (1) using the 4 M8x20 bolts (55), M8 washers (45), M8 spring washers
(33) and M8 nuts (46).
Place the battery in the box and secure using the two M5 x 125 bolts (58) and nuts (59). Connect the battery
wires to the terminals on the battery (red to positive(+)).
56
555
55
58
59
RED WIRE TO +VE
4646 4646
33
33
33
33
45
4545
45
55
55 55

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD10
Assembly
8. Insert the hinge pins on the feed hopper (21) into the ferules on the drum housing (9). The pins are
inserted into the ferules from the outside of the housing.
21
9
21
9
51
33
45
9. Fasten the bottom of the feed hopper (21) to the drum housing (9) using the M8 bolt (51) the M8 spring
washer (33) and the M8 washer (45). There is a thread in the flange of the drum housing to fasten the
bolt into. The order of assembly is: [Bolt] – [Spring Washer] – [Washer] – [Feed Hopper] – [Drum
Housing]. This bolt must be tight for the engine to start as it deactivates the engine cut out. If it is loose
the engine will not start

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 11
Assembly
22
3232
32
32323232
4545
45
45454545
46464646464646
10. Attach the hopper tray (22) to the end of the feed
hopper (21). The flanges on the hopper tray fit inside
the feed hopper. Secure using 7 x M8x13 bolts (32),
7 M8 washers (45) and 7 x M8 nyloc nut (46). Fit
the bolts through the holes in the feed hopper and
hopper tray from the outside and fit the washers and
nuts on the inside.
11. Insert the top flange (without bolt holes) of the discharge chute (36) between the upper bolt on the drum
housing (9) and the top surface of the drum housing (9). Lower the discharge chute so that it is sitting on
the drum housing.
FLANGE UNDER BOLT

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD12
Assembly
IMPORTANT
The engine is shipped dry of oil. It must be filled with oil before use, see page 4 for the correct
amount. It must be filled with the chipper on level ground, do not tilt it. Use 5W-30 in winter
and 10W-30 in summer for best results.
12. Insert the short flange (without bolt holes) of the Lower Blanking Plate (34) between forwardmost lower
drum mounting bolt and the underside of the drum housing (9). Place two M6x16 (42) bolts through the holes
on the larger flange and through the holes in the drum housing flange. Secure with two M6 washers (28) and
two M6 nuts (29.)
29
28
42
34 42
13. Connect the socket on the end of the cable from the emergency stop switch (30), to the matching socket
in the wiring harness of the engine.

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 13
• Position your wood chipper on flat, dry ground and make sure the machine cannot be moved.
• Before starting, the lower hopper bolt (51) must be nipped tight or the chipper will not start. Tighten
tighten finger tight then by a 1/4 turn at a time until it starts.
• Before starting, manually turn the drum to make sure it is not obstructed and moves smoothly. Twist off
(anticlockwise) the black plastic cover in the centre of the drum housing. Use a 17mm socket or spanner
on the hexagonal part of the drum shaft (not the black bolt in the centre), rotate the drum both ways.
Operation
ENGINE OPERATION
DO NOT START THE ENGINE FOR THE FIRST TIME WITHOUT FILLING WITH THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF
OIL. The engine may have oil residue from testing but the chipper is not supplied pre-filled.
STARTING THE ENGINE FM14DD & FM18DD ELECTRIC START
• Make sure the fuel shut-off valve is in the “ON” position.
• Move the choke control lever to the “CHOKE” position (As this is a lean burn engine, it may require some
choke when starting warm).
• Move the throttle control lever towards the “FAST” position.
• Before starting you should test the pull start to ensure that the cord isn’t tight. If it is tight then the drum
is blocked and should be cleared before starting.
• Turn the ignition key to the “Start” position. As soon as the engine starts, allow the key to turn back to the
“Run” position. If the engine does not start straight away, DO NOT HOLD THE KEY IN THE “START” POSI-
TION AS YOU WILL FLOOD THE ENGINE.
TURN
DO NOT
TURN
Operation

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD14
Operation
• Move the choke control lever (if used for cold engine) slowly back to the “RUN” position when the engine is
running well.
• If the Wood Chipper has not been running (cold engine), warm up the engine by running the engine at half
throttle for 1 to 2 minutes, then advance the engine throttle control to the maximum speed.
• If the electric start does not turn the engine over then the battery may have insufficient charge. Start the
engine using the pull start. The engine will trickle charge the battery, 30 minutes of running should pro-
vide sufficient charge to start the next time.
FM9DD OULL START
Make sure the fuel shut-off valve is in the “ON” position.
• Move the choke control lever to the “CHOKE” position (As this is a lean burn engine, it may require some
choke when starting warm).
• Move the throttle control lever to the “FAST” position.
• Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
• Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull until you feel resistance. If the pull start is tight and does
not pull, the chipper has a blockage and should be cleared before starting. Let the cord retract a little bit
then pull the cord rapidly to start the engine. One or two pulls usually starts the engine.
• Move the choke lever (if used for cold engine) slowly back to the “RUN” position when the engine is
running well.
• Warm up the engine by running the engine at half throttle for 1 to 2 minutes, then advance the engine
throttle control to mulching speed.
Stopping the Engine
Ensure no fragments remain inside the mulcher when turning it off. Allow to run for 1 minute without feeding
in any material before stopping the chipper. This will help to avoid the risk of blockage for the next time you
start the machine.
• Move the throttle lever to “IDLE”
• Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position.
Engine Does Not Start
The LCT engine is a reliable engine that starts very easily. There are two safety cutouts that inhibit the
ignition, one is the hopper microswitch, the other is the engine oil level alert, if the engine does not fire then
it is almost certainly one of these cutouts is in operation.
• Check that the hopper bolt(51) is tightened, if this is loose the ignition is inhibited.
• Check that the chipper is level. If it is at an angle then the oil level sensor could misread and cut the
ignition.
• Check the oil level, (the FM9DD requires a minimum of 600ml of oil, the FM14DD & FM18DD require 1.1
litres of oil) any less than this and the engine will not fire. Add the required minimum amount of oil and
if the engine does not fire or runs erratically gradually add a little more. Do not add anymore than an
additional 50ml.
• Check that the air filter element is clean and not obstructed. If there is oil in the air filter then the engine
has been overfilled with oil. With the machine standing level, remove the crankcase oil filler plug and
allow any excess oil to run out until it is just dripping over the lip.
See the Troubleshooting guide in the maintenance section for other problems.

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 15
Operation
Wood Chipping Operation
• The diameter of wood and branches should be no greater than 75mm (3”) for the FM9DD, 100mm (4”) for
the FM14DD & 125mm (5”) for the FM18DD.
• For best results the wood should be freshly cut, less than 3 days old
• Do not place any part of your body into the chute when loading. This is a very unsafe method and could
result in serious injury.
• Do not reach or step across the exit chute whilst the wood chipper is running. This is very unsafe and could
result in serious injury.
• The chipper works best with the discharge chute pointing upwards as it reduces the chance of the chippings
blocking the discharge chute.
• Do not use the chipper in wet conditions or place wood that is wet in the feed hopper, this can cause the
wood to stick to the drum and discharge chute and clog up the chipper.
• When loading wood, place against the bottom side of the chute and let the machine take the wood into the
blades. Do not push the wood into the blades as this could damage the machine.
• Do not over load the wood chipper. Let previous wood and branches go through the blades before adding
more.
• Always wear gloves, ear defenders, helmet and visor or safety glasses and appropriate clothing when
operating the chipper.
• Do not feed the chipper any foreign materials (stones, metal, plastic, string, textile etc.)
• Do not use implements (i.e. fork or shovel) to feed the machine, especially not to push the wood through.
TURN
DO NOT
TURN
Removing A Blockage from the Chipper
Never attempt to unblock the machine whilst the chipper is running.
• If the drum stops while chipping, stop the engine IMMEDIATELY and remove the spark plug.
• Remove either or both of the feed hopper and discharge chute by removing the bolt and washers on the
bottom of chute and lifting it upward to allow access to the drum. Remove items that are blocking the
drum and then restart the machine.
• If the blockage cannot be removed by hand, then it is possible to rotate the drum in reverse. On the drum
side of the mulcher, remove the plastic cap by twisting off anticlockwise and beneath there is a hexagonal
section of the drum shaft that can be turned (use a 17mm socket) to rotate the drum in reverse.
• DO NOT rotate the drum by the smaller inner black bolt.

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD16
Operation
Insert the flange (without bolt holes) of the mulcher upper blanking plate, between the top bolt on the drum
housing and the upper face of the drum housing.
Insert the end flange of the mulcher chute, between the lower face of the drum housing and the forward drum
housing mounting bolt.
Locate the 2 bolts on the top of the mulcher chute, through the holes in the flange of the upper blanking plate
and secure with the 2 nuts(29) and 2 washers(28) removed in the previous step.
2929
2828
Mulching Operation
For mulching, follow the guidelines given on page 15.
• If mulching wet material the discharge chute should point fully down. A hosepipe can be put into the feed
hopper and running water used to help wet material feed in more easily.
• Do not feed the mulcher any foreign materials (stones, metal, plastic, string, textile etc.)
• The mulcher can be used to chop paper, cardboard, cartons, etc. Ensure all staples and tape are removed.
• If the machine blocks while mulching, see the instructions for removing a blockage on page 15.
Mulcher Accessory (Sold Separately)
An accessory to allow the mulching of green material, garden waster, kitchen waste, cardboard, etc, can be
purchased separately. Fitting this accessory is just a matter of removing the discharge chute and swapping
blanking plates.
Remove 2 nuts(29) and 2 washers(28), keep these as they are needed to attach the mulcher chute. Hinge
the discharge chute up and withdraw the flange from under the bolt. Remove the lower blanking plate and
keep the 2 bolts(42) for re-attaching the chipper discharge chute.
29
28
42

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 17
Operation
Changing the Feed and Discharge Angles
To slow down or speed up the feed rate, or to alter the discharge angle, the drum housing can be rotated
to change the angle of the feed hopper and the discharge chute. The drum housing can be rotated by a
maximum of 40 degrees.
Loosen the 3 nuts shown, just sufficiently
until the drum housing is free to rotate. DO
NOT remove the nuts.
Rotate the drum housing to the required angle
then tighten the nuts. To rotate the drum housing,
necessary to loosen the bolts, tap them through by
1 or 2mm, the square shoulder of the coach bolts
must remain located in the slots in the back plate.
Maximum Hopper Angle Position Minimum Hopper Angle Position
Cleaning after Mulching
If you have been working with wet material - you may wish to wash down the machine using a hosepipe.
To perform this simply spray water down into the hopper feed while the engine is running. After you have
finished hosing the mulcher down - leave the engine running for a few minutes to allow the machine to dry
itself off.
Cleaning after Chipping
You can clean the machine after chipping in the same way but you must remember to remove the lower
blanking plate before spraying water down, in order for the water to drain out.

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD18
Maintenance
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the way to ensure the best performance and long life of your machine. Please refer to
this manual and the engine manufacturer’s user manual for maintenance procedures.
Before performing any maintenance procedure or inspection, stop the engine, wait five minutes to allow all
parts to cool and disconnect the spark plug lead.
Regular Maintenance Checklist
Procedure Before Each Use Every 25 Hours Every 100 Hours
Check Engine Oil Level X
Check General Equipment Condi-
tion X
Check Blades for Sharpness and
Wear X
Clean Engine Exterior and Cooling X
Change Engine Oil X
Replace Air Filter X
Replace Spark Plug X
Engine Oil
Do not use the dipstick of the engine to check the oil level. Due to the conditions under which the chipper
may be used, the dipstick is not accurate enough, the engine must have the specified quantity of oil. FM9DD
600ml, FM14DD & FM18DD 1100ml. To change the oil, drain the old oil into a suitable container. Measure out
the required level of oil into a clean container, remove the filler bung and add the oil. Do not tip the chipper
up to fill with oil.
Engine/Motor Servicing
For the servicing of the petrol engine refer to the engine manufacturer’s user manual. If you need help
accessing the manual, contact Forest Master.
Replacing and Sharpening the Blades
To remove the blades for sharpening or replacement you will need an appropriate 16mm socket with NO
LEADING TAPER, as the bolt heads are shallow. If a socket with a leading taper is used, there is a possibility
of rounding the bolt head as the socket will slip. A suitable socket can be purchased on the Forest Master
website https://forest-master.com/product/hexagonal-impact-socket/.
Undo the bolt at the bottom of the feed hopper and lift the hopper upwards on the hinge to access the drum.
Loosen the bolts holding the blade to the drum and remove the blade. There are two blade positions on the
drum and both blades will need to be maintained equally.
Note: The blades are reversible so they can be turned around to use the second side before they need to be
re-sharpened.
If the blades are re-sharpened, you will need to adjust the base block at the bottom of the drum to close the
gap between the edge of the block and the knives. The base block will need to be moved inwards so that
there is a gap of around 0.25mm between the knives and the base block. Make sure the drum rotates freely by
moving it by hand using the nut on the outside of the drum.
When refitting the blades, you should use a small amount of mild thread lock to secure each bolt.

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD 19
Charging The Battery
The engine will trickle charge the battery when it is running. If however the battery has insufficient charge, use
a trickle charger. Fully charged battery should be more than 12.9 volts. Charging will be easier if the battery is
removed from the battery tray.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Most problems are easy to fix. Consult the Troubleshooting Table below or the frequently asked questions on
our website https://forest-master.com/faq/ (which is continuously updated) for common problems and their
solutions. If you continue to experience problems, or your problem is not listed, contact our technical line on:
0191 276 6553.
Before performing any maintenance procedure or inspection, stop the engine, wait 5 minutes to allow all parts
to cool, disconnect the spark plug.
Symptom Possible Cause
The engine won’t start
(Petrol)
• Is the ignition switch in the “ON” position?
• Is the fuel shut-off valve on?
• Are you using fresh, clean fuel? If the fuel is old, change it. Use a fuel stabi-
lizer if you keep fuel longer than 30 days.
• Is the spark plug clean? If the spark plug is dirty or cracked, change it. If
it’s oily, leave it out, hold a rag over the plug hole and pull the recoil cord
several times to blow out any oil in the cylinder, then wipe off the plug and
reinsert it.
• Is there sufficient oil? Check the engine oil level and if necessary top up to
the correct level.
• Is there dirt in the carburettor? Undo the bolt holding the float chamber to
the carburettor, empty out any fuel and clean the inside using fresh, clean
petrol. Remove the jet in the bottom of the carburettor and clean it. Refit
the jet and the float chamber.
• Is the pull start stuck or has more resistance? Check the drum for block-
ages.
• Is the hopper securing bolt tight. If the lower bolt on the hopper is not
tightened then the safety cutout will be in operation and the engine won’t
start.
Pull cord is tight / starter
motor clicks, does not turn
• drum blocked. Refer to removing blockage on Page 14.
The engine lacks power or
is not running smoothly
(Petrol).
• Check that the throttle lever is advanced from the “Idle” position.
• Is the air filter clean? If it’s dirty change it following the procedure in the
engine manufacturer’s manual.
• Is the spark plug clean? If it’s dirty or cracked, change it. If it’s oily, leave it
out, hold a rag over the plug hole and pull your recoil cord several times to
blow out any oil in the cylinder, then wipe off the plug and reinsert it.
• Are you using fresh, clean unleaded fuel? If it’s old, change it. Use a fuel
stabilizer if you keep petrol longer than 30 days.
• Does your engine have the right amount of clean oil? If it’s dirty, change it
following the procedure in the engine manufacturer’s manual.
• Check the oil level and adjust if needed.

Forest Master Models: FM9DD/FM14DD/FM18DD20
Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause
Engine smokes. • Check the oil level and adjust as needed.
• Check the air filter and clean or replace if needed.
• You may be using the wrong oil – too light for the temperature. Refer to
your engine owner’s manual for detailed information.
• Clean the cooling fins if they are dirty.
Insufficient drawing
through of branches or bad
chipping performance.
• Wood is too hard. Is the wood seasoned. Chipping is more efficient with
green freshly cut wood less than 3 days old. Seasoned wood does not draw
as efficiently.
• Are the knives blunt or worn? Sharpen or replace if needed
• Are the branches too thick? Maximum diameter is 50mm
• Is there too much or too little space between the knives and the base plate?
Adjust the bolts on the knives to fit and manual rotate the drum to check if
it turns smoothly.
Chipper is producing saw-
dust
• trying to chip hard wood. Wood should be chipped fresh, ideally within the
first three days of cutting