Chipper knife package allows for both chipping, grinding

The Key Knife Chipper knife package from Rotochopper and Key Knife allows horizontal grinder owners to chip and grind with a single machine, according to Rotochopper.

The chipper knife package comes in a bolt-in option that works with the same replaceable mount rotor for the Rotochopper B-66 and B-66 E horizontal grinders. The chipper knife system makes it simple to diversify into chipping applications without a complex conversion kit or a secondary machine.

“Unlike other grinder to chipper conversion packages, the Rotochopper Key Knife system is simple, reliable and adds more flexibility to the B-66,” says Steve Marks, who uses the system at Marks Lumber in Clancy, Mont. “Because this system is so simple, there are fewer problems the operator has to deal with when downtime occurs.”

To switch from grinding to chipping, the operator does not need to swap the whole rotor drum or assemble a complex overlay onto the grinding rotor. Instead, the operator simply swaps the grinder tooth mounts with chipper knife mounts. An operator can switch from grinder teeth to chipper knives quickly and easily, Rotochopper says.

The system uses Key Knife technology to minimize knife replacement costs. By loosening the knife clamp bolts, the operator can flip the knife to use a second chipping edge. A Key Knife insert uses less steel than a traditional chipper knife, making handling and replacement easier. The chipper blade on each mount is narrower than traditional chipper knives, minimizing maintenance costs.