The provided document is an owner's manual for a Bear Cat 5" Chipper/Shredder, specifically models 71020 and 70554.
Function Description
The Bear Cat 5" Chipper/Shredder is a robust outdoor power equipment designed for processing organic materials. It functions as both a chipper and a shredder, capable of reducing branches and other yard waste into smaller, manageable pieces. The machine is available in two main configurations: towable models, which are self-contained units with an engine and trailer for mobility, and PTO (Power Take-Off) models, which connect to a tractor's PTO for power.
The shredder hopper (A) is used for feeding materials like grass, leaves, garden refuse, and sticks/branches up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter to the shredding knives. The chipper chute (B) is designed for feeding larger branches, between 3/4 and 5 inches in diameter, to the chipper blades. The processed material is discharged from the unit.
Important Technical Specifications
Models: 71020 and 70554
Chipping Capacity: Up to 5 inches in diameter
Shredding Capacity: Branches up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter
PTO Speed (for PTO models): Two models available, 540 RPM and 2000 RPM. Operating speeds must not exceed 540 RPM for the 540 RPM model.
PTO Shaft Overlap: Minimum 18" to 26" telescoping, leaving a 4-inch overlap at maximum telescoping distance.
Battery (for towable electric start models):
- Category: Lawn and Garden
- BCI Group Size: U1
- CCA: 200-250
- Dimensions: 7-3/4" X 5-3/16" X 7-5/16"
- Charging: 3 amperes for 4 hours (over 60°F) or 6 hours (under 60°F)
Bolt Torque: Detailed tables for English (SAE 2, 5, 8) and Metric (4.8, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9) bolts are provided, with specific torque values depending on diameter and grade. For example, a 5/16" SAE 5 bolt requires 25 ft-lbs (18 ft-lbs dry), while an M8 8.8 bolt requires 28 Nm (20 Nm dry).
Noise Emissions (70554S model):
- Sound Pressure Level: 99 dB LPA
- Guaranteed Sound Power Level: 113 dB LWA
Usage Features
Starting (Towable Models):
- Move to a clear, level, outdoor area.
- Check engine oil and fuel levels (unleaded regular gasoline only, no oil mix).
- Disengage clutch by pressing the foot clutch pedal.
- Set engine throttle to 3/4 - full open and choke to choke position.
- Activate starter switch; release when engine starts.
- Move choke to run position after engine starts.
- Slowly release foot clutch pedal to engage drive belt and rotor.
Starting (PTO Models):
- Start tractor engine and engage PTO drive clutch.
- Increase engine speed to rated PTO RPM position.
Shredding:
- Feed materials evenly into the shredder hopper.
- Use a leaf tamper or similar object to push material through inlet guards if necessary.
- Avoid lugging down the engine or plugging the shredder; feed material evenly.
Chipping:
- Select limbs between 3/4 and 5 inches in diameter, trimming side branches as needed.
- Place limb, butt end first, into the chipper chute until it contacts the blades.
- Rotate the branch as it is fed to improve cutting action.
- Do not hold onto material once it's placed in the chute due to the machine's aggressiveness.
Stopping (Towable Models):
- Move throttle to slow position.
- Disengage rotor clutch by pressing foot pedal.
- Move throttle to stop position or turn off ignition switch and remove spark plug wire.
- Allow machine to come to a complete stop.
Stopping (PTO Models):
- Move tractor throttle to slow position.
- Disengage PTO lever and shut off tractor engine.
- Allow machine to come to a complete stop (rotor has inertia and will continue to turn for some time; can be slowed by inserting a branch into the chipper chute).
Maintenance Features
General Maintenance Schedule:
- Before Each Use: Check engine oil level, fill fuel tank, check and clean air cleaner, check nuts and bolts, clean pre-cleaner.
- Every 8 Hours: Check and clean air intake, check and clean cooling shrouds.
- Every 25 Hours: Change engine oil, check spark plug condition and gap.
- Every 50 Hours: Service Bendix starter drive, disassemble and clean solenoid shift starter, grease PTO cross journals, PTO inner tubes, PTO shield bearings, grease 2-bolt flange bearings, grease belt tensioner pivot, check PTO shaft grease zerks.
- Every 100 Hours: Replace fuel filter.
- Every 200 Hours: Service engine (Honda engine service dealer recommended).
- Every 500 Hours: Check and sharpen chipper blades (or as needed), check shredder knives condition.
- Every 1500 Hours: Replace chipper blades (or as needed).
Specific Maintenance Tasks:
- Discharge Screen Removal: Remove two 5/16 in. retaining bolts from the bottom, pull outward, and rotate off the lip. Reinstall by placing the top lip into the slot and rotating to align bolt holes.
- Chipper Blade Sharpening: Recommended every 5-15 hours. Blades should be ground to a 45-degree angle on a slow-speed wet grinder to prevent overheating. Replace blades if cracked or too deeply chipped.
- Chipper Blade Clearance Adjustment: Set clearance between 1/16 to 1/8 inch. Involves removing guards, loosening pulley and lock collars, tapping rotor shaft, and then re-securing.
- Shredder Kit Replacement: Involves removing discharge cover, screen, and rear side access cover. Knife shafts are driven out, spacers and knives replaced, and then reassembled. Torque #10-24 bolts to 36 in-lbs.
- Cleaning Plugged Rotor: Shut off engine/PTO, remove discharge screen, clean debris, and reinstall.
- Rotor Removal: Involves removing discharge screen, belt guards, rotor shaft end cover, loosening pulley and lock collars, removing bolts from rotor shaft, and driving the shaft out.
- Drive Belt Replacement (Towable Models): Depress foot clutch, shut off engine, remove spark plug wire, remove belt guard and inner belt guide, disconnect fuel line, adjust engine position to loosen belts, replace, and re-tension.
- Drive Belt Replacement (PTO Models): Disengage PTO, shut off tractor, remove PTO shaft, loosen jack shaft pillow block bolts, replace belts, and re-tension.
- Trailer Service Tips: Check wheel bolt torque and tire pressure every 10 hours of towing. Repack wheel bearings annually.
- Additional Service Tips: Grease rotor shaft and main jack shaft bearings annually. Remove discharge screen daily to clean material buildup.
Safety Decals: Located on the chipper frame and engine; replace if damaged or unreadable.
Accessories: Various accessories are available, including different discharge screens (fine, medium, coarse, wet debris), goggles, leaf tamper, chipper blades, shredder kit, light kit, and collection bag.
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