Split-fire 4090 User manual

1

Thank You for Purchasing a Split-fire 4090
Woodchipper!
We appreciate having you as our customer and wish
you many years of safe and satisfactory operation
with your machine.
SPLIT-FIRE SALES INC.
285633 Airport Road
Norwich, ON N0J 1P0
Canada
1-877-548-3473 / 519-468-3647
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Split-Fire experience

Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
1.1 How to use your Owner’s Manual 4
1.2 Product Identification 6
1.3 Warranty 8
2. Safety 9
2.1 Safety Labels 9
2.2 Wood Handling Safety 15
2.3 Operation Safety 16
2.4 Worksite Safety 18
2.5 Option Safety / Operation 19
2.51 Engine Guard 19
2.52 Heavy Duty Tire/4-Bolt Hub 20
2.53 Lights & Fenders 21
2.54 Rear Hitch 22
2.55 Caster Wheel 23
3. Chipping Capacity 24
4. Operating Instructions 25
4.1 Before Operation 26
4.2 Operation 27
4.3 After Operation 29
4.4 Operation Troubleshooting 30
5. Maintenance 33
5.1 Engine Maintenance 33
5.2 Woodchipper Maintenance 33
5.21 Blades / Rotor 33
5.22 Rotor 34
5.23 Anvil 34
5.24 Bearings 35
5.25 Clutch 35
5.26 Belt 36
5.27 Wheels 38
5.28 Latch Maintenance 38
5.29 Torque Spec Chart 39
6. Storing your Chipper 40
7. Towing your Chipper 41
8. Checklists 44
9. Parts Breakdowns 46

4090 Woodchipper
Introduction Owners Manual
4
1.1 How to use your Owner’s Manual
This owner’s manual is a very important part of your new machine
and should remain a permanent part of it. If the machine is sold, the
operator’s manual must go with it.
By reading the operator’s manual you will help yourself and others
avoid unnecessary personal injury and/or damage to the machine
and will also allow you to perform maintenance to keep your machine
operating properly. The information recorded in this manual will help
you use this machine safely and effectively. Once you know how to
operate the machine correctly and safely, you can train others to
operate the machine as well.
If your machine has been ordered with any options or attachments,
please refer to the option safety section of the individual operator’s
manual that is included with that specific accessory.
The machine that is used in this manual for illustration may differ
slightly from your model. It will be similar enough to help you
understand our instructions.
Throughout this manual the terms “Left Hand” and “Right Hand” will
be used. These sides are determined when standing in front of the
engine by the hitch. The “Throttle Control” side of the engine is the
right side. Also “Back” and “Front” will be used. On the 4090
woodchipper the “Back” is referred to the chip discharge side. So the
discharge chute would be located on the back left of the 4090
woodchipper.
Your machine has been tested and inspected to pass quality control
at Split-fire’s Manufacturing facility to ensure good performance prior
to leaving the factory.

4090 Woodchipper
Owners Manual Introduction
5
While reading the manual, important messages are used to bring the
operator’s attention where there may be safety concerns relating to
machine damage and important servicing information. Please read
all these messages to avoid personal injury and machine damage.
The three main messages will start with:
WARNING!!!: which suggests, a strong chance of personal
injury or death to the operator or bystanders if procedures are
ignored.
IMPORTANT: which suggests, a strong chance of potential
damage to the machine may occur if procedures are ignored.
NOTE: suggests to the operator, General information given to
help the operator to operate or service the machine.

4090 Woodchipper
Introduction Owners Manual
6
1.2 Product Identification
If you ever need to contact your dealer or the manufacturer for parts
or questions regarding the operation or servicing of the machine, it is
important to have the model number as well as all the necessary
identification numbers. Using the sample pictures on page 7 you can
find the necessary numbers to complete the spaces below.
Date of Purchase:
______________________
Dealer Name:
___________________________________________
Dealer Phone Number:
______________________
Frame Serial Number: ( XX XX XX )
______________________
Engine Serial Number (If equipped with engine): ( XXXXXXX )
______________________

4090 Woodchipper
Owners Manual Introduction
7
Engine Serial Number
Frame Serial Number

4090 Woodchipper
Safety Owners Manual
8
1.3 Warranty
Split-Fire Sales Inc. guarantees the original purchaser of any new
Split-Fire machine, that the same is free of defects in workmanship or
materials that may cause performance failure, subject to the
condition’s hereafter.
Split-fire must be contacted before the problem on the machine has
been fixed. Split-fire will diagnose the problem and authorize any
warranty work that will be allowed. If Split-fire does not authorize or
parts are not sent from Split-Fire, warranty will not be applicable.
This guarantee is limited to a period of one year from the date of
purchase. Replacement of any defective part is free of charge FOB
Split-Fire Sales Inc. If Split-Fire requires the parts to be returned to
Split-Fire, Split-Fire will pay for return shipping.
This guarantee does not apply to engines or other parts that are
manufactured and guaranteed by the manufacturer thereof, nor does
this apply with respect to any part or product that:
1. has original parts removed or otherwise altered without
specific authorization beforehand from Split-Fire Sales Inc.
2. has had placed upon or attached to it, any part or product not
sold or approved by Split-Fire Sales Inc.
3. has been damaged or is not used in conformity with the
applicable instruction for the machine.
4. has not been properly adjusted or maintained by the owner.
5. has been adjusted or altered to increase the performance of
the machine.
This guarantee is in lieu of, and excluded all other guarantees and
conditions of merchantability and fitness for a purpose. Acceptance
of a Split-Fire Sales product constitutes an agreement that Split-fire
Sales shall have no liability for any special or consequential damage.

4090 Woodchipper
Owners Manual Safety
9
2.1 Safety Labels
The machine safety labels shown in the section below are very
important. They are placed in areas on the machine that draw the
attention of the operator to potential safety hazards on the machine.
If at any time the stickers are removed, or come off, contact your
dealer or the manufacturer immediately for replacement decals.
The operator’s manual explains the potential safety hazards in detail
associated to each decal. Special attention should be kept for these
recommendations. They are outlined for your safety.
The Emergency Stop switch is a safety switch that is an easy access
switch to turn off the woodchipper in case of an emergency. The
emergency switch is situated just above the engine for easy access.
The engine will shut off when pushed and can be reset to the run
position by twisting and pulling lightly.

4090 Wood Chipper
Safety Owners Manual
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This sticker is located in the infeed chute. Do not remove or modify
safety guards on this machine or serious injury or death may occur.
Safety guards have been put in place for safe operation and must not
be removed at any time during operation.
This sticker is located in the infeed chute. Do not put hands, arms,
feet, legs or any body part in the infeed chute. If material needs to be
pushed down to engage the chipping blades use a forked push stick.
This will allow you to push the material into the blades without risk of
injury or harm.

4090 Woodchipper
Owners Manual Safety
11
This sticker is located on the chip deflector on the back of the
machine. When chipping wood, chips will be discharged out of the
discharge chute at high rate of speed. Angle the discharge chute
toward the ground to control the chips, and do not walk through the
stream of chips while operating the machine.
This sticker is located on the safety switch on the lower infeed chute.
Safety switches have been located in areas to maintain safe
operation. Do not tamper, modify or remove any safety switches on
this machine.

4090 Woodchipper
Safety Owners Manual
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This sticker is located behind the infeed chute latches. When
operating the machine, only remove the infeed chute after the
emergency stop has been actuated, the engine is switched off, and
after both the engine and the chipping rotor have come to a full stop.

4090 Woodchipper
Owners Manual Safety
13
This sticker is located on the discharge chute. When operating the
machine, at no time put hands or any body part into discharge chute.
If hands or any body part are inserted into the discharge chute during
operation, serious injury or death may occur. If the woodchipper is
jammed, the woodchipper must have come to a complete stop, the
emergency stop must be activated (down) and the throttle control
must be in the engine stop position. Then any debris in the discharge
chute can be removed safely.

4090 Woodchipper
Safety Owners Manual
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This sticker is located on the back of the infeed chute. This sticker is
a visual pre-run checklist for operators to study before they operate
the machine. Even after reading the owners manual, this pre-run
checklist must be ready to ensure the operator is wearing proper PPE
and understands safe operation.
This sticker is located in the infeed chute. It states the requirement of
eye protection, and a full-face shield is recommended. Wood flyouts
may occur and the correct PPE will ensure that the operator is safe.

4090 Woodchipper
Owners Manual Safety
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2.2 Wood Handling Safety
It is important that the operator understand wood safety when
operating a woodchipper. A general understanding of wood chipping
practices will make the operation easier and safer.
When cutting trees and tree limbs always use the appropriate PPE
and correct tools. If the tree is large, get help to make the job easier
and safer. Stack the branches and sticks in an organized pile away
from muddy patches. Muddy branches and sticks could have dirt,
gravel and other foreign material stuck to them which could damage
the woodchipper. Always give the branches and sticks a quick visual
inspection before feeding into the chipper. Foreign material will
damage the woodchipper and could cause serious injury or death.
This 4090 chipper has been designed for a max capacity of 4”
diameter. If branches are larger than 4” diameter, utilize the oversize
sections as firewood. If the branches are 4” diameter and under, cut
the branches as follows:
✓Cut to a manageable length of no more than 6’ long.
✓If branches are twisted any curvy, it may be beneficial to cut the
branches into shorter lengths for ease of transportation and
feeding.
✓If the branches have large Y sections, these may need to be
trimmed to enable them to be fed into the chipper. Keep in mind,
any branches with a Y can be utilized as forked push sticks to
feed tough and stubborn material into the infeed chute.
✓A large armload of small sticks and leaves can be loaded into the
infeed chute. This type of material may need to be pushed in with
a forked push stick.
x Do not load branches with mud, dirt, nails, spikes, or foreign
material. This will cause damage to woodchipper and could cause
injury or death.
Safe operation with clean branches and sticks will allow for safe and
effective operation of the machine.

4090 Woodchipper
Safety Owners Manual
16
2.3 Operation Safety
Carefully read and understand all the instructions pertaining to the
woodchipper in the operator’s manual before operating your new
machine. Anyone who operates or services this machine must read
the owner’s manual first. If any doubt or question arises about the
safe and/or correct method of performing anything in this manual,
contact our representatives at the Split-Fire head office.
Avoid accidents by being alert and recognizing potential hazards. Not
all possible circumstances can be anticipated in this manual. Keep
your woodchipper and work area safe for yourself and others. Proper
PPE , care and safety are your responsibility.
NOTE! If your woodchipper is equipped with a Honda or Kohler
engine or any other attachments, be sure to read the appropriate
manuals. This 4090 chipper must never be used indoors or in a
unventilated area. The engine will produce harmful carbon monoxide
that can seriously injure or kill.
x Never allow untrained persons to operate or service this
woodchipper.
x Never let persons under the age of 18 operate this woodchipper.
✓The owner is responsible for accidents and injuries to themselves
and/or other persons operating their machine. If others are
permitted to use this machine it is the responsibility of the owner
to train and supervise users.
The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals
known to the Stateof California
to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm.

4090 Woodchipper
Owners Manual Safety
17
✓New users may operate this machine in a clear, unobstructed
area under the supervision of an experienced operator, only after
they have read and understand the owner’s manual.
✓Only allow responsible adults who have read the owner’s manual
and are familiar with the controls to operate the woodchipper.
✓Inspect your machine each time before use. Special attention
should be taken that all components are in place, damaged or
missing parts are replaced, and that all the safety decals
highlighted in the safety labels section are in place and visible on
the machine.
✓Only one person may operate the machine at any time. More than
one operator greatly increases the chance of personal injury or
death.
x Never leave machine unattended while running.
x Never operate the machine when under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
x Do not alter, add accessories, or attachements to your
woodchipper without the approval of the manufacturer. Doing so
without the manufacturer’s approval WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY. If attachments have been added with approval of
the manufacturer, be sure to keep safety labels visible.
✓Your machine is designed to chip wood only! Stones, metal,
gravel, and other foreign objects will cause damage to the
machine and will increase the chance of personal injury or death.
✓Always wear proper PPE before working on the worksite and
before starting and operating your 4090 woodchipper. Proper
PPE must include, but not limited to –Eye Protection, Ear
Protection, Foot Protection, Hand Protection.

4090 Woodchipper
Safety Owners Manual
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2.4 Worksite Safety
Worksite safety is very important for operator safety. A clean
organized worksite will allow the operator to work safely and
effectively.
✓Keep area around the woodchipper clear from tall grass, debris,
tools, and large pieces or wood at all times.
✓Operate woodchipper on a dry level surface only.
x Do not operate machine when distracted by others. Keep children
and pets at least 50 feet away from the work area to protect them
from possible injuries. Keep other distractions such as electronic
devices, cell phones, etc. away.
✓Only use machine during daylight hours. Use of this machine
without proper lighting can lead to personal injury or death.
✓Protect yourself at all times while operating your machine. Safety
glasses, a wood working face mask, hand protection, steel-toed
boots and ear protection must be worn at all times.
✓The operator must wear fitted clothing at all time. Loose clothing
can increase the risk of injury or possible death.
x Do not transport this machine while the motor is running. This
may cause permanent damage to your woodchipper.
✓Always disconnect the spark plug when the woodchipper is being
serviced.

4090 Woodchipper
Owners Manual Safety
19
2.5 Option Safety / Operation
2.51 Engine Guard
The Engine guard is an option to help increase protection of the
engine on your woodchipper. This option does not affect woodchipper
operation in any way. If installation is not completed by a Split-Fire
technician, follow the installation manual associated with the option.
Engine Guard Safety
- Ensure that the engine guard is fastened tightly via 4 bolts
- Do NOT hang tools or heavy items off the engine guard
- Verify that the emergency stop is properly fastened and
operating correctly
Engine Guard Operation
The engine guard is a static option that increases engine safety. For
more access to engine components, (Air Filter, exhaust, recoil start,
etc.) during service, the engine guard may be removed. This can be
completed by removing 4 bolts (2 on each side) that hold the guard in
position. Before operation starts, the engine guard must be securely
repositioned in place to ensure engine safety and emergency stop
functionality.

4090 Woodchipper
Safety Owners Manual
20
2.52 Heavy Duty Tire / 4 Bolt Hub
The heavy-duty tire / 4 bolt hub is an option to increase the duty of
the hubs and tires. The option does not affect woodchipper operation
in any way. If installation is not completed by a Split-Fire technician,
follow the instruction manual associated with the option.
Heavy Duty Tire / 4 Bolt Hub Safety
- Do NOT exceed 100 kph / 65 mph when towing the
woodchipper
- Do NOT exceed 25 PSI
- Tires pressure must be set to 20-25 PSI
- Torque wheel lug nuts to 65 ft/lbs
Heavy Duty Tire / 4 Bolt Hub Operation
The heavy-duty tire / 4 bolt hub is a static option that increases the
duty and weight rating of the woodchipper. The heavy-duty tire / 4
bolt hub can be used at higher speeds when towing over rough and
uneven terrain. Hubs should be greased every 5000 kms during
regular schedule maintenance.