Daily checks provide the foundation for safe and productive machine operation – Peterson tells us what to check. 
A machine inspection should be a part of the daily routine and never neglected. Daily inspection of your chipper or grinder before and after operation should be incorporated into the daily schedule for all operators. A 15- to 20-minute walk around the machine can end up saving you thousands of dollars in repairs. Always make safety your first priority.
- Where to begin: Begin your daily inspection by ensuring the battery disconnect switch is disengaged and a lockout tag is used so it is clear that the machine should not be prepped for operation.
- Fire hazards: Start by looking for potential fire hazards. Material buildup around the engine and the fuel and hydraulic tanks can ignite under the right conditions. Always remove these threats either manually or using compressed air to blow away the debris from the machine.
- Hydraulic leaks: Hydraulic oil is expensive so you want be sure to keep the oil in the tank. Major leaks need to be addressed immediately but if you feel the leak is minor, make notes and correct the problem at your earliest convenience.
- Grinding bits: Always check the tips of the grinding bits to make sure the cutting edges contain sufficient carbide to make it through a shift. A worn bit is unproductive and should be turned or changed out immediately. On a chipper, sharp knives are critical to maintain chip quality. Inefficient bits or dull knives create excessive vibration on a machine. Vibration adds stress to welds and fasteners which can lead to cracks or breaks. All components are impacted, including fittings, hoses, tubes, pumps, motors. Minimize vibration stress as much as possible.
- Fasteners: Pay special attention to fasteners, which secure bits to holders and fasteners and clamps holding chipper knives in place. Losing a bit or a chipper knife during operation can be catastrophic, loose steel tumbling free in a grinder or chipper mill creates expensive repair bills. Replacing inexpensive fasteners is low-cost insurance compared to the damage that can result from a dislodged bit or knife.
- The anvil: The anvil works with the grinding bits or chipper knives to cut the feed material. When the anvil is worn, your end product suffers and a dull anvil in a chipper will also contribute to the vibration stress. Maintaining the proper gap between your cutting tool and the anvil will ensure efficient processing of your feed material.
- Grinder grates: Grates are used to size the product once the grinding bits and anvil have reduced the feed material. Wear will dull the edges of the grate openings and material impacts can crack and weaken the webbing so change out grates when needed.
- Infeed conveyor: Clean away any material buildup under the chains. Check for loose or cracked links and link pins. Consult the owner’s manual so you are familiar with how to test the take-up tension. If the tension is too tight or too loose, adjust the tail pulley jacking bolts as needed. Your in-feed chain should run smooth without surges.
- Drive and discharge belts: Material buildup will disrupt the smooth operation of your belts. Check inside the drive belt guard and clear away any wood debris around the sheaves. Wood fragments can lodge in banded v-belts without penetrating the fabric wrap and should be removed. A buildup of these fragments can cause the belts to slip and smoke in this high-speed application. As with all belts, check for proper tension and adjust accordingly. Check conveyor belts for any rips or tears and remove any material buildup under return idlers. When your inspection is complete, and you start up the machine, observe the running discharge belt to determine if the belt is tracking properly. A belt that is walking will sustain damage to the edges resulting in shorter belt life.