The Forest Master Direct Drive Wood Chipper, available in models FM6DD (6hp Petrol Engine) and FM4DDE (4hp Electric Motor), is designed for chipping freshly cut wood up to 50mm (2 inches) in diameter. It is not intended for chipping seasoned wood, roots, trunks, stones, plastic, metal, or any other non-wood objects.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
FM6DD (Petrol) |
FM4DDE (Electric) |
| Engine/Motor |
LCT Maxx 6hp 208cc 4 Stroke |
Forest Master 4hp 2800W Electric Motor |
| Fuel/Input |
Petrol |
230V |
| Chipper Blade |
Twin Reversible Blades |
Twin Reversible Blades |
| Overall Height |
780mm |
780mm |
| Overall Length |
910mm |
910mm |
| Overall Width |
480mm |
390mm |
| Weight |
38kg |
35kg |
| Max Drum RPM |
3600rpm |
3000rpm |
| Max Wood Diameter |
50mm (2 inch) |
50mm (2 inch) |
Usage Features
General Safety:
Operators must be over 18 years old and not under the influence of substances affecting reaction speed. The machine should only be fed wood free from nails, screws, etc. It must be positioned on dry, level ground, free from tripping hazards. All bolts, especially on the hopper and discharge chute, must be tight and secure. Operation should only occur in adequate lighting.
Operation Safety:
Always wear gloves, ear protection, safety glasses, and appropriate clothing. Operate the chipper with only one person, keeping bystanders at least 50 feet away. Do not chip wood exceeding 50mm (2 inches) in diameter or seasoned wood. The FM6DD (petrol model) should not be operated indoors or in confined spaces due to carbon monoxide exhaust. Avoid overloading the chipper. Never place any body part inside the feed hopper or discharge chute. Use other wood pieces to push fragments that haven't self-fed. If the chipper jams, immediately stop the engine/motor. Obstructed fragments should only be removed when the motor is off and the drum has stopped rotating. Never leave the chipper unattended while running. Do not move in front of the discharge chute. Ensure no wood fragments remain inside when turning off, and account for the time delay for the knife drum to halt.
Starting the FM6DD (Petrol Engine):
Position the chipper on flat, dry ground, ensuring it cannot move. Manually turn the drum to check for obstructions. Set the fuel shut-off valve to "ON." Move the choke control lever to "CHOKE" (if the engine is cold or not starting). Move the throttle control lever to "FAST." Turn the ignition switch to "ON." Grasp the recoil starter handle, pull slowly until resistance is felt, let it retract, then pull rapidly to start. Once running, slowly move the choke lever back to "RUN." For a cold engine, warm it up at half throttle for 3-4 minutes before advancing to chipping speed. The optimal chipping speed for maximum torque is around 2500 rpm; exceeding this can reduce engine life and increase fuel consumption.
Stopping the FM6DD (Petrol Engine):
Move the throttle lever to "IDLE," then turn the ignition switch to "OFF."
Starting the FM4DDE (Electric Motor):
Position the chipper on flat, dry ground, ensuring it cannot move. Manually turn the drum to check for obstructions. Plug the power cable into a 230V mains socket or an extension cable (max 10m, 2.5mm² wire size) with a 13 amp fuse. Press the green "ON" button.
Stopping the FM4DDE (Electric Motor):
Press the red "OFF" button, then disconnect the power cable from the mains socket.
Wood Chipping Operation:
Feed wood and branches no greater than 50mm (2 inches) in diameter. Never place any body part into the chute or reach/step across the exit chute while running. The chipper performs best with the discharge chute pointing upwards to reduce blockages. Avoid using the chipper in wet conditions or with wet wood, as this can cause clogging. When loading, place wood against the bottom side of the chute and allow the machine to draw it in; do not push wood into the blades. Do not overload the chipper; allow previous material to clear before adding more. Always wear gloves, ear protection, safety glasses, and appropriate clothing. Do not feed foreign materials (stones, metal, plastic, string, textile, etc.). Do not use implements (forks or shovels) to push wood through.
Removing Blockage:
Never attempt to unblock the machine while it is running. If the drum stops, immediately stop the engine/motor and disconnect the spark plug (FM6DD) or power cable (FM4DDE). Unhinge either the feed hopper or discharge chute by loosening the bottom bolt and lifting it to access the drum. Remove blocking wood or branches. If manual removal is difficult, the drum can be rotated in reverse by removing the plastic cap on the drum side with a flathead screwdriver and turning the nut underneath with an appropriate socket.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity. Always stop the engine/motor, wait 5 minutes for parts to cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire (FM6DD) or power cable (FM4DDE) before any maintenance.
Regular Maintenance Checklist:
| Procedure |
Before Each Use |
Every 25 Hours |
Every 100 Hours |
| Check Engine Oil Level |
X |
|
|
| Check General Equipment Condition |
X |
|
|
| Check Blades for Sharpness and Wear |
X |
|
|
| Clean Engine Exterior and Cooling |
|
X |
|
| Change Engine Oil |
|
X |
|
| Replace Air Filter |
|
X |
|
| Replace Spark Plug |
|
|
X |
Engine Oil (FM6DD):
The FM6DD does not have a dipstick. To check the oil level, remove the oil cap on the side of the engine (next to the discharge chute) and ensure oil is full to the brim. Add oil until it flows out, then replace the cap and wipe off excess.
Engine/Motor Servicing:
For FM6DD petrol engine servicing, refer to the engine manufacturer's user manual. Contact Forest Master for assistance in accessing the manual.
Replacing and Sharpening the Blades:
To remove blades, use a socket with no leading taper to avoid rounding the shallow bolt heads. Undo the bolt at the bottom of the feed hopper and lift it on its hinge to access the drum. Loosen the bolts holding the blade to the drum and remove it. Both blades must be maintained equally. Blades are reversible, allowing use of the second side before re-sharpening. If blades are re-sharpened, adjust the base block at the bottom of the drum to create a 1/4mm gap between the knives and the base block. Ensure the drum rotates freely by hand or with a socket on the outside nut. When refitting blades, use a small amount of mild thread lock on each bolt.
Storage:
Prior to storing, ensure the machine is clean and free from debris. Apply oil to the knives, knife drum, and bearings to protect against corrosion, especially during long periods of inactivity. Store the machine in a dry, closed room, out of children's reach.
Troubleshooting
Common problems and solutions are provided in the manual. For further assistance, check the Forest Master website or contact their technical line.
Common Issues:
- Engine won't start (Petrol): Check ignition switch, fuel shut-off valve, fresh fuel, spark plug condition, oil level, carburettor cleanliness, and drum for blockages.
- Motor won't start (Electric): Check power outlet connection, extension cable specifications (max 10m, 2.5mm²), fuse, power cable/plug/switch damage, and motor overheating (wait 10 minutes for cool down).
- Engine lacks power/runs rough (Petrol): Check throttle lever position, air filter cleanliness, spark plug condition, fresh fuel, oil level, and cooling fins.
- Engine smokes (Petrol): Check oil level, air filter, and ensure correct oil type for temperature.
- Insufficient drawing/bad chipping performance: Check if knives are blunt/worn, branches are too thick (max 50mm), and adjust the gap between knives and base plate.
- Motor cuts out/does not start (Electric): Check for motor overheating (wait 10 minutes), blockages in the drum, and press the reset button on the motor.
CE Regulation Parts
For use in EU countries, the Hopper Safety Plate (9) and M3 Discharge Chute Safety Bolts (39) must be installed for safety. For non-CE regulation use (e.g., in the United States or outside Europe), these parts can be removed for easier use, but this is at the user's own risk. Forest Master Ltd will not be responsible for injuries resulting from using the chipper without these parts installed.
Warranty
The product carries a limited parts warranty for 1 year from the date of purchase. Proof of purchase is required for any claim. If defective, contact the store for replacement parts, repair, or replacement. The warranty is voided by incorrect use or unauthorized modifications.
The Warranty Does Not Cover:
- Parts inoperative due to misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, or alteration.
- Units not operated/maintained according to the owner's manual.
- Normal wear.
- Routine maintenance items like lubricants and blade sharpening.
- Normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure.
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