16
SELECTING A MULCHING MATERIAL
Several factors must be considered when selecting material to convey through the Material
Blower. The variety of the wood used, how it is processed, its moisture content, and the presence
of foreign objects all affect the ability of the Material Blower to convey the mulch at a uniform
rate.
The mulch material must be processed and/or screened so that a minimum amount of material
is over 2 in. (5.1 cm) in any direction with no material exceeding 4 in. (10.2 cm) in length. The
Material Blower is not a wood processor. It only reduces mulch fibers when they protrude above
the airlock vanes. As the vanes rotate past the knives, the protruding fibers are sheared off.
If the mulch contains long or large fibers, and / or if the wood fibers are harder to cut, then the
machine’s throughput is reduced. For example, if two mulches have the same mix of material
sizes that the Material Blower airlock rotor must cut, but one is softwood like pine, and one is
hardwood such as oak, the pine would go through at a higher rate because it is easier to cut.
There are many different types of material that can be successfully processed through your
Material Blower. These materials are categorized into three main groups. These classifications
are important when considering machine performance, material feed rate, and overall operation.
1. Dry Aged Material: Aged double- and triple-processed bark mulch, saw dust, or
wood shavings.
2. Green Material: Single-process hard wood mulch, green wood, or large
chunky material.
3. Wet or Heavy Material: Wet, heavy bark mulch and compost. Heavy fluid materials
such as sand, dirt or gravel.
Most importantly, when selecting a material, consider the greenness of the wood and its moisture
content. Wood that is well seasoned is easier to cut than green wood. It also processes better,
making a less stringy mulch. High moisture content in the mulch may also cause it to bridge
in the hopper, and pack in the airlock vanes and discharge hose which will reduce the overall
machine output.
Avoid using mulches that contain any hard foreign objects such as rocks, nails, steel, cans,
glass, etc. These objects could cause bodily injury as well as damage to machine components,
especially, the cutting knives in the airlock.
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