Northern Tool and Equipment Powerhorse 63388 User manual

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3-in-1 Wood Chipper
Owner’s Manual
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety
precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Item #63388

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Thank you very much for choosing a Powerhorse™ product!
For future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Serial Number/Lot Date Code: ________________________________
Purchase Date: ____________________________________________
Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual. It is important that you read
the entire manual to become familiar with this product before you begin
using it.
This wood chipper is designed for certain applications only. Northern
Tool & Equipment is not responsible for issues arising from modification
or improper use of this product such as an application for which it was
not designed. We strongly recommend that this product not be modified
and/or used for any application other than that for which it was designed.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381.

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Table of Contents
Intended Use .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 4
Important Safety Information ............................................................................................................... 5
Specific Operation Warnings ............................................................................................................... 7
Safety Labels ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Main Parts of Wood chipper ............................................................................................................... 11
Wood Chipper Identification .............................................................................................................. 11
Site Considerations ............................................................................................................................ 14
Assembly Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 14
Before Each Use .................................................................................................................................. 17
Operating Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 18
After Each Use ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 23
Parts Diagram ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Parts List .............................................................................................................................................. 28
Replacement Parts .............................................................................................................................. 29
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................................................. 30

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Intended Use
The Powerhorse 3-in-1 Wood Chipper is a gas engine-powered chipper shredder that breaks up
leaves and wooded pieces such as tree branches, brush, and limbs into smaller volume via a high-
speed rotor containing chipping blades and shredding hammers. It should not be used for any other
purpose.
Technical Specifications
Property Specification
Maximum Chipping Capacity 3”
Shredder Capacity 1/2”
Chipping Knives 2
Shredder Hammer 4 Y-HAMMERS
Reduction Rate 15:1
Chipper Knife Material CR12MoV
Hopper Dimensions (In.) 16.7X15.2
Limb Chute YES
Wheel Size (In.) 10x3
Wheel Material PU
Wheel Type SOLID
Net Weight (Lb.) 121
Gross Weight (Lb.) 130
Assembled Dimension (In.) 30x24.1x41
Packing Dimension (In.) 31.9x23.8x22.2
Engine Specifications
Engine Brand Rato
Engine Type OHV
Power 6.5HP
Displacement 212cc
Starting Recoil
RPM 3600
Fuel Capacity 0.7Gal
Oil SAE 30W
EPA3 Approval YES
CARB Approval YES
⚠CAUTION
HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATION
Operating at an altitude of greater than 6000 feet (1828 meters) may affect your engines performance,
fuel consumption, and emissions. To remain emissions compliant and improve engine performance at
higher altitudes, a high-altitude kit is required. A high-altitude kit includes a carburetor jet resized to
help correct air / fuel mixture at altitude. To order a high-altitude kit or if you have additional questions,
go to www.northerntool.com or contact us at 1-866-443-2576. Please note, engines with the high-
altitude kit installed operated at lower altitudes could cause severe engine damage and affect
emissions compliance. When modified, a tag or decal should be added to the product stating that a
high-altitude kit was installed and to remind you to re-service the carburetor (re-jet) when operating in
lower altitude environments.

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Important Safety Information
⚠WARNING
 Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury
or property damage.
 The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or
situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this tool. Always be
aware of the environment and ensure that the tool is used in a safe and responsible manner.
 Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the product until they have read this manual and
have developed a thorough understanding of how it works.
 Do not modify this product in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function and/or
safety and could affect the life of the product. There are specific applications for which the product
was designed.
 Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger
industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this equipment was designed. This
product will be safer and do a better job at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use
this equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended.
 Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
⚠WARNING
WORK AREA SAFETY
 Inspect the work area before each use. Keep work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit.
Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury. Using the Wood chipper in confined work
areas may put you dangerously close to other cutting tools and rotating parts.
 Do not use the wood chipper where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g., in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. The product can create sparks, which may ignite
the flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
 Make sure no children or bystanders are within 50 ft. of chipping operation.
 Protect cars, windows and other objects within 50 ft. from flying debris.
 This machine is to be operated by one person only. When operating the machine, only stand in
the operator feed area.
 Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the tool. Do not allow
children to handle the wood chipper.
 Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your
work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury
and/or property damage if contacted.
 Do not tilt or transport the machine while it is operating. Only operate this machine in open space
(e.g. not close to a wall or other fixed object) on a flat, level surface away from.

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⚠WARNING
PERSONAL SAFETY
 Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the tool. Do not use
the tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of
inattention while operating the tool may result in serious personal injury.
 Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing
and gloves secure. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in branches and pulled into
the shredder.
 Keep hands and feet away from inlet and discharge openings.
 Avoid burns from engine by not touching hot exhaust.
 Check that the split housing is fastened shut.
 Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant safety
goggles (not safety glasses) with side shields, or when needed, a face shield. Use a dust mask in
dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection systems,
and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all persons in the work area.
 Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Never stand at a higher level than
the base of the machine when feeding material into it. Ensure that there are no tripping hazards in
the feed area.
 Carbon monoxide warning. The running engine gives off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that
can kill you. You CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while
using the chipper, shut off the engine and get to fresh air immediately. See a doctor. You may have
carbon monoxide poisoning.
⚠WARNING
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
 Place the wood chipperr on a flat, level, sturdy surface capable of supporting the weight of the
Chipper/Shredder and any additional tools and equipment.
 Make sure that the machine is properly adjusted, set up correctly and the hopper and funnel are
empty before starting the machine.
 Never place your hands, fingers, feet, or any other part of your body close to the Discharge
Opening while the wood chipper is in operation.
 Do not look in the hopper, chipper chute, or discharge opening when the machine is running.
 Always maintain secure footing and solid balance while starting or operating the wood chipper.
Never lean directly over the machine.
 Do not feed metal, rocks, bottles, cans or any other non-botanical objects into the machine.
Inspect wood for nails or other foreign objects.
 Do not feed excessively long materials. Cut wood to at most 4 ft before feeding into machine.
 Never direct discharge material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator.

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 Make sure the machine has come to a complete stop and disconnect the spark plug wire before
freeing a jam or clog, emptying the bag, filling the gas tank, or performing any maintenance or
repairs.
 Never leave the machine running unattended. Always turn off the engine, wait for the impeller to
come to a complete stop, and disconnect the spark plug before leaving the area. Always move the
unit to a safe storage area when not in use.
 Never attempt to reposition or move the debris loader unit while it is running. Doing so could
cause the machine to tip over and cause unexpected injury.
⚠CAUTION
WOOD CHIPPER USE AND CARE
 Do not force the wood chipper. Products do a better and safer job when used in the manner for
which they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct product for the job.
 Check for damaged parts before each use. Carefully check that the wood chipper will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never
operate the wood chipper with a damaged part.
 Do not use a product with a malfunctioning switch. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with
the power switch is dangerous and must be repaired by an authorized service representative
before using.
 Disconnect the power/air supply from the product and place the switch in the locked or off position
before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
 Store the wood chipper when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of
children. Inspect the tool for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use.
 Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for use with your wood chipper.
Accessories that may be suitable for one product may create a risk of injury when used with
another tool. Never use an accessory that has a lower operating speed or operating pressure than
the tool itself.
 Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the product without the guards in place.
 Do not leave the wood chipper running unattended.
Specific Operation Warnings
⚠WARNING
 READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL AND MOTOR MANUAL: These manuals contain proper operating
and safety instructions for this chipper/ shredder.
 SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves when operating a
wood chipper. Make sure any bystanders are also wearing safety equipment.
 ENGINE OPERATION: Refer to the engine manual for operating instructions and gasoline engine

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safety warnings.
 HAND SAFETY: DO NOT put hands or other body parts into hopper, funnel, or outlet while the
blades are turning. The wood chipper can drag you into the blade, causing amputation of fingers,
hands or other body parts. DO NOT touch the exhaust during or immediately after operation to
prevent burns.
 CLOTHING: DO NOT wear loose clothing, neckties, scarves, or jewelry which may get caught in
moving parts. DO NOT wear clothing or gloves with pull ties or straps. This type of clothing could
get tangled with material that is being shredded, pulling you into the wood chipper.
 OPERATING LOCATION: Set up the wood chipper on firm, level, grass or dirt. DO NOT set up the
wood chipper on gravel, asphalt, concrete, or stone. The chips are expelled from the machine with
enough force to ricochet off of hard surfaces and cause serious injury. DO NOT set up the Wood
chipper in a location where sparks or heat from the motor could cause a fire.
 SECURE FOOTING: Placing the wood chipper on a slope or slippery surface may cause the
operator to fall into the machine, causing burns from the motor, or an amputation if an arm
accidentally goes into the hopper. Wear non-slip, closed toed shoes or boots to maintain secure
footing.
 JAMS AND CLOGGING: Turn the wood chipper OFF, allow all moving parts to come to a complete
stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire before attempting to free a jam or clog.
 FEEDING MATERIAL: Hold branches and brush loosely, and allow the wood chipper to draw the
material in. The machine sometimes will draw material in very quickly and your hand may be
drawn in if you are holding tightly. If the blades hit a hard object, or if the machine begins to make
an unusual noise or vibration, immediately shut the wood chipper OFF.
 TURN OFF WOOD CHIPPER: Turn OFF the machine, allow all moving parts to come to a
complete stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire before moving the machine, emptying the bag,
unclogging the inlets or outlets, filling the gas tank, or performing maintenance and repairs.
 STARTING THE WOOD CHIPPER: Make sure the hopper and funnel are empty when starting the
machine. The pull start cord may stop suddenly causing the wood chipper to fall over or injure
your hand or arm.
 CLEANING WOOD CHIPPER: Allow the motor to cool off, then brush dust and chip build-up off of
the motor to prevent fire or motor overheating.

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Safety Labels

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Main Parts of Wood chipper
Wood Chipper Identification
Part No. Description Quantity Part No. Description Quantity
1 Engine 1 15 Discharge guard 1
2 Chipper cone 1 16 Flange nut M6 17
3 Cone cap 1 17 Flange bolt M6x20 17
4 Support stand 1 18 Damper attachment 1
5 Stand pad 2 19 Damper 1
6 Flange nut M8 11 20 Flange bolt M8x20 4
7 Flange bolt M8x60 4 21 Retainer hopper guard 1
8 Flange 2 22 Hopper guard 11

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Part No. Description Quantity Part No. Description Quantity
9 Wheel 2 23 Flange hopper guard 1
10 Washer 2 24 Handle 1
11 Cotter pin 2 25 Hopper 1
12 Handwheel 1 26 Bag 1
13 Spring washer 1 27 Screw plate 1
14 Washer 1 28 Socket cap screw M6x40 2
Parts Breakdown – Engine and Rotor Group
Part No. Description Quantity
1 Engine 1
2 Flange 2
3 Engine plate 1
4 Spring washer 8 4
5 Hex bolt 4
6 Key parallel pin 1
7 Bearing spacer 1
8 Rotor assembly kit 1
9 Spring washer 10 1
10 Socket head cap screw 1
Part No. Description Quantity
1 Socket head cap screw M10x50 4
2 Spring washer 10 4
3 Spacer 4
4 Y hammer 4
5 Bearing sleeve 4
6 Knives plate 1
7 Locknut M8 4
8 Spring washer 8 4
9 Washer 8 4
10 Knife 2
11 Screw 4

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Parts Breakdown – Wood Chipper Housing Group
Part No. Description Quantity
1 Engine plate 1
2 Rotor assembly kit 1
3 Rotor house 1
4 Chipper back cover 1
5 Flange bolt M8x20 11
6 Flange nut M8 18
7 Vacuum inlet cover 1
8 Hex bolt M8x15 6
9 Spring washer 6
10 Washer 6
11 Wheel rack 1

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Site Considerations
Location
The wood chipper must be placed on a firm, flat, grass or dirt surface to prevent the machine from
tipping. DO NOT place the machine on concrete, asphalt, or other hard surfaces. The chips could
bounce up from the hard surface and cause injury.
Working Clearances
Consider the length of the material to be processed through the machine and make sure that there is
enough height above the wood chipper to accommodate the material.
Make sure the unit is located close to the area where the chips are going to be used to reduce
carrying.
Stay clear of the discharge area. Make sure all bystanders, children, pets, or objects that you do not
want damaged or covered in chips, are clear of the discharge area.
Assembly Instructions
⚠WARNING
This machine presents serious injury hazards to untrained users. Read through this entire manual to
become familiar with the controls and operations before starting the machine!
The major components of the wood chipper have been assembled at the factory. Some minor
assembly is required. The assembly process will use all the parts and hardware listed in the inventory.

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DO NOT attempt to start this machine until all assembly has been completed. Serious personal injury
and damage to the machine could occur.
Install Stand (See Figure 1)
1. Position the stand (A) underneath the engine base.
2. Using the four M8x60 bolts (C) and four nuts (D), tighten the stand with the engine base plate.
Install the Wheels (See Figure 2)
1. Place the wheel onto the axle (B). Make sure the wheel disc flat side faces the machine.
2. Slide the washer (A) onto the axle against the wheel.
3. Insert the cotter pin (C) into the hole to secure the wheel on the axle.

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Install Chipper Cone (See Figure 3)
1. Position the chipper cone (B) over the three M8 thread studs protruding from the engine plate.
2. Attach the three M8 flange nuts (C) and tighten to secure the cone.
3. The rubber cone cover (A) can be used when using the vacuum function.
Install the Handle (See Figure 4)
1. Position the handle (A) by aligning the handle holes with the hopper holes on the two sides.
2. Using four flange bolts (C) and nuts (D), secure the handle on the hopper.
Install the Hopper Guard (See Figure 6)
1. Position the hopper guard assembly (C) by aligning the assembly holes with the holes in the hopper.
2. Use the three M6 flange bolts (A) and nuts (D) to secure the guard assembly (C) to the hopper.

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Before Each Use
⚠WARNING
 Inspect the unit for any signs of damage or foreign material in the machine. Remove any solid
material that may be preventing the unit from operating properly.
 Be familiar with the controls, how each functions, and what each operates.
 Check engine oil level. Add oil if necessary, following the engine manufacturer’s
recommendations. Refer to engine manual included with literature packet.
 Check the air cleaner for dirty, loose, or damaged parts. Clean or replace if necessary.
 Check the air intake and cooling area for dirt or debris and clean as necessary.
 Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive under certain conditions. BE SURE to
install fuel cap after refueling.
 Fill fuel tank with good quality, clean, unleaded regular gasoline to the level recommended by the
engine manufacturer.
Before operating, fill the motor with oil and gas according to the instructions.
⚠WARNING
 Never open the oil fill port while engine is running. Hot oil can spray over face and body.
 The exhaust from this product contains carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless,
odorless and tasteless gas that can cause dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness or even brain
damage and death if inhaled for prolonged periods.
 Operate the unit outdoors in a well-ventilated location only. Keep children, pets and bystanders
away.
 Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.

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Operating Instructions
⚠WARNING
 Never place your hands, fingers, feet, or any other part of your body close to the Discharge
Opening while the Chipper/Shredder is in operation.
 Do not look in the hopper, chipper chute, or discharge opening when the machine is running.
 Always maintain secure footing and solid balance while starting or operating the wood chipper.
Never lean directly over the machine.
 Do not feed metal, rocks, bottles, cans or any other non-botanical objects into the machine.
Inspect wood for nails or other foreign objects.
 Do not feed excessively long materials. Cut wood to at most 4 ft before feeding into machine.
 Never direct discharge material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator.
 Make sure the machine has come to a complete stop and disconnect the spark plug wire before
freeing a jam or clog, emptying the bag, filling the gas tank, or performing any maintenance or
repairs.
 Never leave the machine running unattended. Always turn off the engine, wait for the impeller to
come to a complete stop, and disconnect the spark plug before leaving the area. Always move the
unit to a safe storage area when not in use.
 Never attempt to reposition or move the debris loader unit while it is running. Doing so could
cause the machine to tip over and cause unexpected injury.
Chipper Operation
The wood chipper is designed to handle tree limbs and branches up to approximately 3” inches in
diameter. The chipping knives also permit the processing of course, organic matter, like corn stalks.
Tree branches must be inserted large-end first into the chipper cone. Since occasional kick-backs
may occur, always stand off to the side of the unit. Allow the self-feeding action of the unit to draw the
sticks in.
Shredder Operation
The wood chipper is designed to shred light brush, leaves, and other soft but bulky organic waste. As
material (no larger than 1/2 inch in diameter) is loaded into the shredder hopper, it is pulled into the
path of the hammers by air flow.
Vacuum Attachment (Optional)
In addition to the chipper cone and hopper, loose debris may be processed by the vacuum hose
adapter kit. Leaves may be raked directly into the leaf tray where vacuum action will draw them into
the shredder. Forward-to-reach areas, the nozzle and hose assembly may be used. The strength of
the vacuum may be changed using the rotating sleeve on the nozzle.
Operating Location
1. Select an area with firm, level ground, covered by dirt or grass.
2. Do not operate on wet or slick surfaces, or near bystanders.
3. Locate and organize the materials to be processed so that you don’t have to walk in front of the
inlet or discharge openings, and so you have adequate room to work safely.
Install the Hopper Guard (See Figure 6)
1. Position the hopper guard assembly (C) by aligning the assembly holes with the holes in the hopper.
2. Use the three M6 flange bolts (A) and nuts (D) to secure the guard assembly (C) to the hopper.

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Adding Oil
Refer to the engine’s manual for information on adding oil.
Adding Fuel
1. Remove the fuel cap.
2. Fill the tank. Do not overfill. Leave room in the tank for fuel expansion. Refer to the engine’s manual
for specific fuel recommendations.
3. Install and hand tighten the fuel cap.
Starting the Engine
1. See engine’s manual for starting up instructions.
2. Ensure the engine is running full throttle before beginning chipping operation. On some engines,
the throttle may not be adjustable.
⚠WARNING
Carbon Monoxide Warning. The running engine gives off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that
can kill you. You CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while
using the chipper, shut off the engine and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may
have carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stopping the Engine
1. See the engine’s manual for the shut-down procedure.
2. Stopping the engine is the only way to stop the rotor from turning. With engines equipped with an
adjustable throttle, move the throttle to the SLOW position and wait for the engine to be running a
slow RPM. Then switch to STOP ENGINE as shown in the engine manual.
1. Place the wood chipper on a flat, firm, dirt or grass surface and point the outlet in a safe direction.
2. Check the oil and gas levels before starting the motor.
3. Place the bag over the chute and tie it securely in place.
4. Make sure the hopper and funnel are empty before starting the engine. If there is material in the
hopper or funnel, the pull start cord may stop suddenly causing the wood chipper to fall over, or
causing injury to your hand or arm.
5. Put on eye, ear, and hand protection. Start the wood chipper as instructed in the manual and set
the throttle to FAST.
6. Stand to the side of the hopper and make sure you have a stable stance and firm footing.
After Each Use
When finished chipping, turn OFF the machine, allow all moving parts to come to a complete stop,
and disconnect the spark plug wire before moving the machine, emptying the bag, unclogging the
inlets or outlets, filling the gas tank, or performing maintenance and repairs.
Maintenance
⚠WARNING
Turn OFF the machine, allow all moving parts to come to a complete stop, and disconnect the spark
plug wire before moving the machine, emptying the bag, unclogging the inlets or outlets, filling the

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gas tank, or performing maintenance and repairs.
Schedule & Procedures
The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your unit.
SAFETY ITEMS BEFORE
EACH USE
EVERY
5
HOURS
EVERY
25 HOURS
EVERY
100
HOURS
EVERY
250
HOURS
SPRING &
FALL
Check for loose
hardware
X
X
Check all safety
labels
X
Inspect cone,
hopper, and
guards
X X
Clean debris from
engine and chipper
X
Inspect/rotate
shredding
hammers
X
Inspect/rotate
chipping knives
X
Engine Maintenance
Refer to the engine’s manual for information on engine maintenance. Your engine manual provides
information and a maintenance schedule for performing the following tasks:
1. Always check the oil level before starting the engine. Refer to the engine manual for capacity and
type of oil to use.
2. Change the oil after first 5-8 hours of operation. Change the oil while the engine is warm. Refill with
new oil of recommended grade.
4. Check the spark plug yearly or every 50 hours of operation.
5. Service the air cleaner.
6. Keep engine and parts clean.
7. Check engine and equipment often for loose nuts and bolts, keep these items tightened.
Check for Loose Hardware
1. Service Interval: Every 5 hours; every spring and fall.
2. Inspect the unit, checking for loose hardware or components.
3. Pay special attention to the hardware attaching the chipper cone, hopper, axle, and front leg.
Check Safety Labels
1. Service Interval: Every Spring and Fall.
2. Check that the safety labels are in place and undamaged.
3. Sample illustrations and part numbers of the decals can be found on page 6. Replace any
damaged or missing decals.
Inspect Cone, Hopper, and Guards
1. Service Interval: Every spring and fall.
2. Check that the chipper cone, shredder hopper, and discharge guards are in place, undamaged, and
secure. Replace any damaged or missing parts.
Clean Debris from Engine and Chipper
1. Service Interval: Before each use and every 100 hours.
2. The engine requires air flow to cool itself and for combustion.
3. Before each use, clean any debris from the unit especially from around the air shroud intake, air
filter, and muffler. Every 100 hours, remove the engine air shroud and clean out any debris from the