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DR^® Wood Chipper

Ordering Parts

Manuals, Parts Lists, Schematics

Troubleshooting

Self-feeding models

A guide to solving common problems with your DR^® Self-Feeding Chipper.

Most problems are easy to fix. Consult the troubleshooting table for common problems and their solutions.

Shut down the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, wait 5 minutes, disconnect the spark plug wire(s), keeping wire away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting and disconnect the negative battery cable before performing any maintenance procedure or inspection on the chipper. Read the safety considerations section of your Owner's Manual before performing any repairs or maintenance.

The engine turns over, but does not start

Check to see if the fuel shut-off valve is in the ON position.
Check to see if the spark plug wires are attached.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.

(Please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for engine-specific procedures.)

The engine won't start using electric start

Review the "Electric Starting" section in your Owner's Manual.
Check to see if the fuel shut-off valve is in the ON position.
Check to see if the spark plug wires are attached.
Check the wire connections - especially the ground connection, the large black wire coming from the battery, where it connects to the engine.
Check the wire connections to the solenoid. Disconnect the black battery ground wire first to avoid sparks. Check to be sure that all of the connections are clean and tight. Reconnect the battery ground wire.
Check the ground connection on the solenoid where it is bolted to the frame. Using a wrench or socket, tighten the bolts to ensure a good connection to the frame.
The battery may not be charged. Check the voltage yourself or at a service station. If the voltage is low, charge the battery with a 12-volt, 1- to 2-amp trickle charger. If you don't run your machine for at least 45 minutes at a time, the battery may need to be periodically charged. See the Battery Care section in your Owner's Manual.

(Please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for engine-specific procedures.)

Engine lacks power or is not running smoothly

Check the throttle lever travel and adjustment. Make sure throttle lever in the Run position.
Check the air filter. If it is dirty, clean or replace it following the procedure in the Engine Owner's Manual.
Check spark plug(s). If it is dirty or cracked, change it. If it's oily, leave it out, hold a rag over the plug hole(s) and crank the Engine over a couple of times using the electric starter or pull your recoil cord several times (if equipped) to blow out any oil in the cylinder. Then wipe off the plug(s) and reinsert it.
The gas must be fresh and clean. If the gas is old, change it. Use DR^® Ethanol Fuel Treatment if you keep gas longer than one month.
The engine may not have the right amount of clean oil. If the oil is dirty, change it following the procedure in your Owner's Manual.

(Please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for engine-specific procedures.)

The engine smokes

Check the oil level and adjust as needed.
You may be operating the machine on too great an incline. The machine should be level.
Check the air filter. If it is dirty, clean or replace it following the procedure in the Engine Owner's Manual.
You may be using the wrong oil - too light for the temperature. Refer to your Engine Owner's Manual for detailed information.
Clean the engine cooling fins if they're dirty.

Chipping action seems too slow or flywheel stalls

The engine speed is too slow causing the belt to slip. Run the engine at full throttle.
Check for loose or damaged drive belt; tighten or replace as needed. See your Owner's Manual.
Check for a dull or damaged knife; sharpen or replace the knife. See your Owner's Manual.

The belt frays or rolls over the drive pulley

The drive pulley groove may be nicked. File off any nicks on the pulley.
Check the drive belt for wear and hard spots.
The drive belt may be stretched; replace it. See your Owner's Manual.
The pulleys may be misaligned. See your Owner's Manual.

Belt burns. Flywheel won't turn

Immediately stop the engine, wait 5 minutes and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Turn the flywheel with a wooden stick to be sure it turns freely.
Check for a loose drive belt. See your Owner's Manual.
Remove any built-up debris from the chipper hopper inlet and discharge chute.

The machine has excessive vibration

Check for a dull or damaged knife; sharpen or replace the knife. See your Owner's Manual.
The knife is not properly seated on the flywheel. Loosen the knife mounting screws, reset the knife and tighten the screws. Also, check the knife to wear plate gap. See your Owner's Manual.

When chipping, the log seems to vibrate excessively and "hammers" my hands

Check for a dull or damaged knife; sharpen or replace the knife. See your Owner's Manual.
The gap between the knife and wear plate is too great; adjust the gap. See your Owner's Manual.
Check engine RPMs; run engine at full throttle when chipping.

Chipper knife is hitting the wear plate

The gap between the knife and the wear plate is set incorrectly; adjust the knife to wear plate gap. See your Owner's Manual.

Engine runs but the flywheel doesn't rotate

The inner shoes of the clutch are worn. Replace worn or broken clutch parts. See your Owner's Manual.
Loose drive belt; adjust the drive belt tension, or replace belt. See your Owner's Manual. Remove any built-up debris from the chipper hopper inlet and discharge chute.

The machine's wheels track left or right while being towed

Check tire pressures and be sure not to exceed the maximum safe pressure marked on the tires by the manufacturer. There should be 60 psi in each tire if you have the road towing option.

Three Point Hitch / PTO Models

A guide to solving common problems with your DR^® 3-Point Hitch Chipper.

Most problems are easy to fix. Consult the troubleshooting table for common problems and their solutions.

Warning:

Disengage the PTO, shut down the tractor engine, remove the key, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop and disconnect the PTO shaft from the tractor before performing any maintenance procedure or inspection on the chipper. Read the safety considerations section of your Owner's Manual before performing any repairs or maintenance.

Flywheel won't turn

The flywheel may be jammed. Immediately disengage the PTO and stop the tractor engine. Remove any built-up debris from the chipper hopper inlet and discharge chute.
Check the drive pulley alignment and adjust if necessary.
Replace the drive belt or reinstall if the Belt has come off the pulleys.
Turn the flywheel with a wooden stick to be sure it turns freely.

The belt frays or rolls over the drive pulley

The rotor drive pulley groove may be nicked. File off any nicks on the Pulley.
Check the drive belt for wear and hard spots.
The drive belt may be stretched; replace it. See your Owner's Manual.
The pulleys may be misaligned. See your Owner's Manual.

Chipping action seems too slow or flywheel stalls

The PTO speed is too slow causing the belt to slip. Run the PTO at 540 RPM.
Check for loose or damaged drive belt; tighten or replace as needed. See your Owner's Manual.
Check for a dull or damaged knife; sharpen or replace the knife. See your Owner's Manual.

Belt burns. Flywheel won't turn

Immediately disengage the PTO and shut off the tractor.
Turn the flywheel with a wooden stick to be sure it turns freely.
Check for a loose drive belt. See your Owner's Manual.
Remove any built-up debris from the chipper hopper inlet and discharge chute.

The machine has excessive vibration

The knife is dull; sharpen or replace it. See your Owner's Manual.
The knife is not properly seated on the flywheel. Loosen the knife mounting screws, reset the knife and tighten the screws. Also, check the knife to wear plate gap. See your Owner's Manual.

When chipping, the log seems to vibrate excessively and "hammers" my hands

Check for a dull or damaged knife; sharpen or replace the knife. See your Owner's Manual.
The gap between the knife and wear plate is too great; adjust the gap. See your Owner's Manual.
Check PTO RPMs; run PTO at 540 RPM when chipping.

Chipper knife is hitting the wear plate

The gap between the knife and the wear plate is set incorrectly; adjust the knife to wear plate Gap. See your Owner's Manual.

PTO turns but the flywheel doesn't rotate

Loose drive belt; replace belt. See your Owner's Manual.
Remove any built-up debris from the chipper hopper inlet and discharge chute.

Tips & Tricks

The following information is provided to demonstrate proper techniques when operating your DR^® Wood Chipper.

Note: This information pertains to the most recent DR^® Wood Chipper models. Please refer to your Safety & Owner's Manual for instructions specific to your machine. Please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for engine specific instructions.

Warning:

Always wear protective goggles or safety glasses with side shields while chipping to protect your eyes from possible thrown debris.

Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry, which might catch on moving parts or the material fed into the chipper hopper.

We recommend wearing gloves while chipping. Be sure your gloves fit properly and do not have loose cuffs or drawstrings.

Wear shoes with non-slip treads when using your chipper. If you have safety shoes, we recommend wearing them. Do not use the machine while barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear long pants while operating the DR^® Wood Chipper.

Use ear protectors or ear plugs rated for at least 20 dBA to protect your hearing.

Processing Material

Three-Point Hitch Models

Warning:

Disengage the PTO, shut down the tractor engine, remove the key, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect the PTO shaft from the tractor, then wait 5 minutes before performing any maintenance procedure or inspection on the chipper. Read the safety considerations section of your Owner's Manual before performing any repairs or maintenance.

The DR^® Three-Point Hitch Chipper is designed to be run with the weight of the unit on level ground. Chipping with the unit off the ground or on uneven ground can result in injury to the operator or others, or unsatisfactory chipping performance.
To activate the chipper, engage the PTO drive with the tractor running at idle. Gradually increase tractor engine speed until you achieve a PTO speed of 540 RPM. PTO speeds less than 540 RPM will result in poor chipping performance. Chipping with greater than 540 RPM can damage the equipment.
Whenever you leave the operating position or if you have to remove processed material, leaves, or debris from the machine, always disengage the PTO, shut down the tractor, remove the key, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect the PTO shaft from the tractor, then wait 5 minutes before removing processed material, leaves, or debris from the machine.
Disengage the PTO drive when leaving the operating position or moving the chipper.

Maintenance

Self-Feeding Models

Regular maintenance is the way to ensure the best performance and long life of your DR^® Self-Feeding Chipper.

For engine maintenance, please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual that came with your machine. Service intervals listed in the checklist below supersede those listed in the Engine Owner's Manual.

Warning:

Shut down the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, wait 5 minutes, remove spark plug wires and disconnect the negative battery cable before performing maintenance on the chipper.

Regular Maintenance Checklist

Procedure - All Models	Before Each Use	Every 8-10 hours	Every 18-20 hours	Every 40 hours
Check engine oil level
Check general equipment condition
Check that flywheel turns freely (with a long stick only)
Visually inspect knife for damage
Check knife and wear plate for sharpness
Check knife and wear plate attachment screws
Check flywheel bearing collar set screws
Check knife to wear plate gap
Lubricate flywheel bearings
Check belt tension and condition	1st time: 1 hour
Clean engine exterior and cooling fans
Check the tire pressure
Check the battery voltage (electric start only)
Change engine oil (and filter, if equipped)	1st time: 5 hours
Inspect or replace drive belt
Inspect or replace spark plug
Inspect or replace air filter and pre-cleaner

Note: Consider that service intervals shown are the maximum under normal operating conditions. Increase frequencies under extremely dirty or dusty conditions.

Three Point Hitch / PTO Models

Regular maintenance is the way to ensure the best performance and long life of your DR^® 3-Point Hitch Chipper.

Warning:

Disengage PTO, shut down the tractor engine, remove the key, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop and disconnect the PTO shaft from the tractor before performing any maintenance procedure or inspection on the Chipper.

Regular Maintenance Checklist

Procedure	Before Each Use	Every 8-10 hours	Every 18-20 hours	Every 40 hours
Check general equipment condition
Check that flywheel turns freely (with a long stick only)
Visually inspect knife for damage
Check knife and wear plate for sharpness
Check knife and wear plate attachment screws
Check flywheel bearing collar set screws
Check knife to wear plate gap
Lubricate flywheel bearings
Lubricate PTO shaft grease fittings
Lubricate PTO sheave bearings
Check belt tension and condition	1st time: 1 hour
Lubricate PTO shaft spline ends and center overlap
Inspect or replace drive belt

End of Season and Storage

Self-Feeding Models

The following information is provided to demonstrate proper techniques when storing your DR^® Self-Feeding Chipper.

Note: Please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for engine-specific procedures.

Warning:

Shut down the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, wait 5 minutes and remove spark plug wire before performing any maintenance procedure or inspection on the chipper

Never store the DR^® Self-Feeding Chipper with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers and the like. If you are going to drain the fuel tank, do this outdoors. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

When not in use, your DR^® Self-Feeding Chipper should be stored out of the reach of children.

Read the safety considerations section of your Owner's Manual before performing any repairs or maintenance.

End-of-Season Procedure

Change the oil (and oil filter, if applicable).
If your DR^® Self-Feeding Chipper will be idle for more than 30 days, we recommend using DR^® Ethanol Fuel Treatment. This will prevent sediment from gumming up the carburetor. If there is dirt or moisture in the gas or tank, remove it by draining the tank. Completely fill the tank with fresh, unleaded gas and add the appropriate amount of fuel treatment. Run the engine for a short time to allow the additive to circulate. Close the fuel shut-off valve to prevent carburetor overflow and leakage.
Remove the spark plug and pour about 1 ounce of motor oil into the cylinder hole. Reinstall the plug and pull the starter cord a few times. This will coat the pistons and seat the valves to prevent moisture buildup.
Clean or replace the air filter.
Lubricate all grease fittings.
Clean any dirt and debris from the cylinder head cooling fins, blower housing, debris screen and muffler area of the engine.
If your engine has a fuel filter, replace it.
Check the drive belt for wear.
Check the chipper knife and wear plate for nicks and wear.
For electric start models remove the battery or store your DR^® Self-Feeding Chipper in a dry environment where the temperature is between -10° F (-23° C) and +85° F (+23° C). Make sure the storage temperatures will never be outside these limits.
Clean any debris from the hopper and discharge chute.

Three-Point Hitch / PTO Models

The following information is provided to demonstrate proper techniques when storing your DR^® 3-Point Hitch Chipper.

Note: Please refer to the Safety and Operation Manual that came with the PTO shaft for specific PTO shaft procedures.

Warning:

When not in use, your DR^® 3-Point Hitch Chipper should be stored out of the reach of children.

Read the safety considerations section of your Owner's Manual before performing any repairs or maintenance.

End-of-Season Procedure

Lubricate PTO shaft grease fittings.
Lubricate two flywheel bearings.
Lubricate two PTO sheave bearings.
Check the drive belt for wear, replace as needed.
Release drive belt from tensioner to relieve belt stress.
Check the chipper knife and wear plate for nicks and wear. Sharpen or replace as needed.
Check the general condition of the machine, e.g. nuts, bolts welds, etc. Replace parts or tighten hardware as needed.
Clean any debris from the hopper and discharge chute.
Store in a dry covered area to protect from moisture.

Warranty

DR^® Wood Chipper 2-Year Limited Warranty - Terms and Conditions

Unless otherwise stated in the materials that arrive with your product, DR^® Wood Chippers are warranted for two (2) years against defects in materials or workmanship when put to ordinary and normal consumer use; ninety (90) days for any other use.

For the purposes of all the above warranties, "ordinary and normal consumer use" refers to non-commercial residential use and does not include misuse, accidents or damage due to inadequate maintenance.

DR^® Power Equipment certifies that your DR^® Wood Chipper is fit for ordinary purposes for which products of its type are used. DR^® Power Equipment however, limits the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness in duration to a period of two (2) years in consumer use, ninety (90) days for any other use.

The 2-Year Limited Warranty on a DR^® Wood Chipper starts on the date the machine ships from our factory. The 2-Year Limited Warranty is applicable only to the original owner.

The warranty holder is responsible for the performance of the required maintenance as defined by the manufacturer's owner's manuals. The warranty holder is responsible for replacement of normally wearing parts such as belts, batteries, air filters, oil filters, knives, wear plates, highway tires or spark plugs. Accessories to the machine are not covered by this warranty.

During the warranty period, the warranty holder is responsible for the machine transportation charges, if required. During the warranty period, warranty parts will be shipped by standard method at no charge to the warranty holder. Expedited shipping of warranty parts is the responsibility of the warranty holder.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON THE LENGTH OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

DR^® Power Equipment shall not be liable under any circumstances for any incidental or consequential damages or expenses of any kind, including, but not limited to, cost of equipment rentals, loss of profit, or cost of hiring services to perform tasks normally performed by your DR^® Wood Chipper.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

DR^® Chipper/Shredder 2-Year Limited Warranty - Terms and Conditions

Unless otherwise stated in the materials that arrive with your product, DR^® Chipper/Shredders are warranted for two (2) years against defects in materials or workmanship when put to ordinary and normal consumer use; ninety (90) days for any other use.

DR^® Power Equipment certifies that your DR^® Chipper/Shredder is fit for ordinary purposes for which products of its type are used. DR^® Power Equipment however, limits the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness in duration to a period of two (2) years in consumer use, ninety (90) days for any other use.

The 2-Year Limited Warranty on a DR^® Chipper/Shredder starts on the date the machine ships from our factory. The 2-Year Limited Warranty is applicable only to the original owner.

The warranty holder is responsible for the performance of the required maintenance as defined by the manufacturer's owner's manuals. The warranty holder is responsible for replacement of normally wearing parts such as drive belts, air filters, spark plugs, clutches, chipper knives, wear plates, shredder hammers and wheels. Accessories to the machine are not covered by this warranty.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON THE LENGTH OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

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PRO 475P (3-Point Hitch); Oct 2015-presentPRO 475P (3-Point Hitch); Oct 2015-present	Owner's Manual

PREMIER 375 (7.0 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); Oct 2015-August 2022PREMIER 375 (7.0 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); Oct 2015-August 2022	Owner's Manual
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Chipper 30.00 CommercialChipper 30.00 Commercial	Owner's Manual
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Chipper 3-Point Hitch Top-DischargeChipper 3-Point Hitch Top-Discharge	Owner's Manual
Chipper 3-Point Hitch Bottom-DischargeChipper 3-Point Hitch Bottom-Discharge	Owner's Manual
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Chipper 10 HP Towable ModelChipper 10 HP Towable Model	Owner's Manual
Chipper 12 HP Towable ModelChipper 12 HP Towable Model	Owner's Manual
Chipper 13 HP Towable ModelChipper 13 HP Towable Model	Owner's Manual
Chipper 16 HP Towable ModelChipper 16 HP Towable Model	Owner's Manual
Chipper 18 HP Non-Road Towable ModelChipper 18 HP Non-Road Towable Model	Owner's Manual
Chipper 18 HP Top-Discharge ModelChipper 18 HP Top-Discharge Model	Owner's Manual
Chipper 18 HP Bottom-Discharge ModelChipper 18 HP Bottom-Discharge Model	Owner's Manual
Chipper 18 and 19 HP Road-Towable, Top-Discharge ModelChipper 18 and 19 HP Road-Towable, Top-Discharge Model	Owner's Manual
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PREMIER 320 & PRO 420; Nov. 2023-presentPREMIER 310 (6.6 HP/11.1 ft-lbs); Nov. 2023-present	Owner's Manual
PRO XL520 (12 HP); Nov. 2023-presentPRO XL501 (12 HP/21.0 ft-lbs); Nov. 2023-present	Owner's Manual

PREMIER 310 (6.6 HP/11.1 ft-lbs); August 2022-Oct. 2023PREMIER 310 (6.6 HP/11.1 ft-lbs); August 2022-Oct. 2023t	Owner's Manual
PRO 410 (9.2 HP/15.3 ft-lbs); August 2022-Oct. 2023PRO 410 (9.2 HP/15.3 ft-lbs); August 2022-Oct. 2023	Owner's Manual
PRO XL501 (13.5 HP/21.0 ft-lbs); June 2019-Oct. 2023PRO XL501 (13.5 HP/21.0 ft-lbs); June 2019-Oct. 2023	Owner's Manual
PREMIER 300 (6.5 HP/9.5 ft-lbs); June 2018-August 2022PREMIER 300 (6.5 HP/9.5 ft-lbs); June 2018-August 2022	Owner's Manual
PRO 400 (7.0 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); June 2018-August 2022PRO 400 (7.0 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); June 2018-August 2022	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 11.5 FPT (June 2017 - May 2018)Chipper/Shredder 11.5 FPT (June 2017 - June 2018)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 11.5 FPT (Oct 2015 - May 2018)Chipper/Shredder 11.5 FPT (Oct 2015 - Present)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 21.0 FPT (Oct 2015 - May 2019)Chipper/Shredder 21.0 FPT (Oct 2015 - Present)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 8 FPT (Before Oct 2015)Chipper/Shredder 8 FPT (Before Oct 2015)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 11.5 FPT (Before Oct 2015)Chipper/Shredder 11.5 FPT (Before Oct 2015)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 14.5 FPT (Before Oct 2015)Chipper/Shredder 14.5 FPT (Before Oct 2015)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 18 HP (Jun 2004 - Oct 2015)Chipper/Shredder 18 HP (Jun 2004 - Present)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 18 HP (Sep 2000 - May 2004)Chipper/Shredder 18 HP (Sep 2000 - May 2004)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 3-Point Hitch (Oct 2006 - Sept 2015)Chipper/Shredder 3-Point Hitch (10/27/2006 - Present)	Owner's Manual
Chipper/Shredder 3-Point Hitch (March 1999 - Oct 2006)Chipper/Shredder 3-Point Hitch (Mar 1999 - 10/26/2006)	Owner's Manual

Product Support

Product Support

DR® Wood Chipper

Ordering Parts navigatedown

Manuals, Parts Lists, Schematics navigatedown

Troubleshooting navigatedown

Tips & Tricks navigatedown

Maintenance navigatedown

End of Season and Storage navigatedown

Warranty navigatedown

DR^® Wood Chipper

Ordering Parts

Manuals, Parts Lists, Schematics

Troubleshooting

Tips & Tricks

Maintenance

End of Season and Storage

Warranty