Chipper chipping pine - sticky sap increases clogging frequency

[CWB]

I suppose this is old news to experienced users, but new to me - after chipping a lot of freshly cut pine limbs, the chute on my BX42 started clogging very easily with needles and small branchs. I surmise that it's due to a build up of sap in the chute which is quite sticky. I wiped it down with gasoline-soaked rags and much of it came off - we'll see today whether it makes a difference. Is this a common issue? What is the best sap-remover? Any other thoughts?

 

[Toyboy]

Pine sap is a PITA. I've found WD40 cuts it and helps slow down the build up.

 

[Localmotion]

The key is in your post - you are chipping fresh cut pine. We don't do a lot of chipping, but when we do, we always try to let the cut stands rest for 4-6 months before chipping. Also this makes it easier to block up any decent wood for the fire :thumbsup:

 

[leonz]

Buenos Tardes Local Motion,

Adding to what you have already stated by the benefit of experience
he can use some mowdeck or fluid film or cheap cooking spray if
you cannot wait to let the pine dryout,it will make the job
easier as it will be easier to use.

Mow deck and fluid film work wonders for coating mower decks to prevent grass build from the static charge created by mowing plus the wet stickies.

 

[JimRB]

I recall using kerosene to clean up and lube when we ran 1x4 pine though the saw to make 1/8" strips. Not a fan of gasoline especially around something that sparks, or could spark. You chipper could spark.

 

[tree farmer]

I have a BX42R (hydraulic feed) and constantly fight the "clogged chute syndrome". Most of my chipping is pruned limbs from Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce trees, both of which are full of sticky pitch (sap) all year. Periodically I open it up and spray the entire housing, rotor, and chute with engine degreaser, then close it back up, start the chipper and spray a garden hose into the hopper for a few minutes. Seems to help for quite awhile. Diesel helps too, but it makes a mess of the surrounding area....Dan.

 

[CWB]

these replies are very helpful - I'll try them. Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[bironacad]

Latest storm brought down many whit pine limbs an several cedar trees, ugh. PITA for sure. Waiting till dry helps, burning in the pit helps, but seems to be pita for sure. Patience is a virtue I have heard. #*%*^

 

[5030]

Sounds to me like dull knives or insufficient flywheel rpm.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

I used to have problems chipping freshly cut pine. Now I wait for it to dry about 3 to 4 weeks or until the needles just start to turn color. Chips fine with no plugging problems with very little drying time.

I would chip other wood with no pine to remove the sap, worked pretty good for me. I have 12 different tree species on my property though.