5 questions about high-speed grinding

1. What should you consider when choosing a grinder?

There are many variables to consider when choosing a grinder, but most come down to the question, “What are your goals?” You will need to consider the type and volume of material being processed, your desired end product, project scope, equipment budget and other considerations like if your operation is mobile or stationary or if your area has special requirements on noise or emissions. Answering these questions will help you and the manufacturer or salesperson you’re working with determine the correct grinder size and configuration that will work best for you.

2. What are the advantages of tub grinders and horizontal grinders?

Tub grinders are a popular choice when production and ease of operation are your top priorities. Tubs can handle items like large stumps that would have to be broken down for a horizontal grinder. Horizontal grinders are better at containing debris and can process longer material with less chainsaw work or pre-processing. Wood Hogs also provide an increased screening area and longer insert wear life when compared to tub grinders.

3. What are typical grinding problems you see and how can they be overcome?

The easiest way to handle a grinding problem is to avoid it in the first place. Many issues can be avoided by making sure that operators are doing routine maintenance and setting up the grinder properly before processing. Your equipment should have built-in safety features to help protect against driveline and hammermill damage caused by contaminants. Also, look for equipment that is easy to work on and maintain.

4. What kinds of features improve efficiency and promote cost savings?

An integrated control system to allow automatic feed rate speed control will greatly help your efficiency, while considering the cost, quality and longevity of your wear parts will improve your bottom line over the long term. Having a local dealer for service and parts support is also important for any downtime occurrences.

5. When is an electric grinder a good choice?

If you have a stationary operation, an electric grinder could be a good choice. Electric-powered equipment can help you reduce emissions, suppress noise levels and minimize operation costs while maintaining similar performance and output as diesel-powered equipment. Plus, with no oil and filter changes, engine tune-ups or coolant demands, an electric motor can reduce your maintenance downtime, which means you can get more work done in less time.