Performing proper maintenance on your equipment will extend the life of your chipper, and keep it running at its best. Here’s how to check and tighten the tension on your brush chipper’s belts:
The Tools you will Need for Checking and Tightening Brush Chipper Belt Tension Include:
• 9/16”, 15/16”, and 1 1/8” wrenches
• 9/16”, 15/16”, and 1 1/8” sockets with ratchets
• Belt tension tester (Morbark part #29841-099)
• Lock-out Tag-out
Before you Begin
Before performing any maintenance, always make sure you are wearing proper personal protection equipment, including a hard hat, OSHA-approved safety goggles, earplugs, and steel-toed work boots. Make sure clothing is close to the body and not loose. Proper fitting gloves are also recommended.
It is recommended to check the tension of your brush chipper’s belts every 40 hours of run time to prevent the belts from overheating. Overheating of the belts can lead to them stretching out over time and burning out. Before getting started, always make sure you perform the lock-out tag-out procedure before working on your chipper. Serious injury or death could occur if someone accidentally starts the engine while maintenance is being performed.