Woodland Mills WC68 feed roller stalling

[Dan_Shade]

We picked up a WC68 chipper, which is working well, but the feed roller seems to unpredictably stop rolling. 

It seems to be worse when I bunch of pine branches with needles are attempting to feed in.  It seems ok on solid branches. 

The hydraulic pump belt feels tight, and changing the feed rate does not seem to improve things. 

Any ideas on troubleshooting? 

[Dan_Shade]

I found a YouTube video that talks about setting the relief valve.

Fixing Woodland Mills wc68 Infeed Roller. Adjusting Woodland Mills wc68 Pressure Relief Valve. - YouTube

I'll see if it helps tomorrow. 

[Dan_Shade]

Adjusting the screw as shown in the video seems to have done the trick. 

[Dan_Shade]

Well, went back at it after lunch, and it's acting up again.

I'll reach out to woodland mills. 

[Tin Horse]

Years ago I rented an industrial chipper to clean up an area of white pine. Many green branches and needles. After a bit it just wouldn't feed. Had to find  and feed dry branches to help clear. I guess they gum up. I've had it happen with other chippers since.

[Dan_Shade]

I'm not sure what the problem is, the feed roller will stop turning.  I probably have another 25 hours or so on the chipper. 

[Farmer536]

Hi Dan,

[Farmer536]

Dan, I am curious how you made out with the infeed roller issue.  I am having the same problem - same chipper - extremely frustrating.  I have done the valve adjustments and bled the hydraulic line at the pump to no avail.  Thank you

[Dan_Shade]

It sort of cleared up on its own.  

I've put probably 30 hours on it with no problems. 

If it's not moving at all, check the belt that drives the pump.   I've had the belt pop off. 

[Farmer536]

I just put on a new belt even though it didn't need it.  I called Woodland Mills Tech support today and they said check the spring tension on the roller, adjust the tension on the red bar (both of which I have done) and then take off the supply hose to the roller and let it go in a pail to make sure there is a garden hose like flow - I cracked the fittings and got no air previously but I suppose there could be a bubble.  Feels like the roller drive is the problem which is a pump so tough to test.  If the hose purge isn't it not sure what to do.  Thanks for responding.  I'll get back with the results

[Dan_Shade]

I hope you get it sorted out.  I kind of think mine had air in the system that needed worked out. 

I like the chipper, it's not super fast, but it's nice for small cleanup jobs.