Safe operation of a chaff cutter comes down to a short list of habits, and they are worth following every working day. The points below cover blade care, feeding, the discharge port and the gear setting. They are also printed in the instruction book packed with the machine.
The blades need to be polished regularly. The best result comes from dressing them with a grinding wheel after each use. A sharp blade cuts cleanly and puts less load on the motor, while a blunt one tears the material and slows the work.
Hands must never reach into the safety cover while the machine is running. Feeding with a wooden stick or a piece of iron is forbidden as well. Keep clear of the discharge port, and do not pass by or stand in front of it during work.
The upper cover must not be opened while the machine is running. Before any maintenance or repair, cut off the power source and wait until every part has come to a complete stop.
To change gear, first cut the power, then turn the main wheel by hand, pulling the belt if needed, and only then change the gear. The handle has three positions for adjustable speed. While working, push it to the long position or the short position to suit the cut size you need. When the machine is not in use, set the handle to the empty position.
The instructions covering these points are attached to the package of the machine, so the operator can keep them at hand on site.
