wood chipper infeed rate

1720BlueBell · Jan 5, 2017

I'd like to adjust the brush feeding rate of my Brush Bandit 250 wood chipper. The 2 hydraulic motors that power the feed rollers at times pull material into the machine too quickly.
Do I need to install an adjustable flow control valve such as the Prince RD 100 or RD 1900, the RDRS 100 or RDRS 1900, or can I simply install a Prince Inline Flow Control such as the WFC 800?
The present hydraulic lines appear to be 1/2 inch.
What other info is necessary to make the right decision?
I imagine restricting the flow will generate quite a bit of heat. Presently there is a large (several gallon) oil reservoir on the machine. I'd prefer to not have to add an oil cooler.
Thanks in advance.

groundcover · Jan 5, 2017

I would check with Bandit. Do you have the auto feed that stops the rollers if the RPM's drop down to let the engine catch up ? My 250xp has it but it doesn't need to stop too often , only a 10"or better hardwood slows it down. Running a 140hp Cat. Can always stop the rollers with the feed stop bar too.

1720BlueBell · Jan 5, 2017

I just watched the youtube video on Flow Control Methods in the RET 120 Hydraulics series recommended elsewhere on this TBN forum. If what I understand is correct, I will need the pressure compensated FCV for this application, as downstream load varies dramatically during chipper operation.
Now I must decide if I need a simple RD valve or an RDRS. What determines that?

1720BlueBell · Jan 5, 2017

Thanks groundcover; I was typing or watching the video when you posted.
I do have the autofeed. However the gasoline engine (Ford 300 ci 6 cylinder industrial) is getting rather tired. It may have developed its rated 119hp many years ago, but it certainly doesn't crank out that much now, especially up here at 6500 feet.
Oh, would I like to have a diesel cat motor!

jenkinsph · Jan 6, 2017

You might consider a Brand flow control 1-16gpm for the feed motor. With the adjustable relief setting you should be able to lower the pressure needed to limit the over heating of fluid. It also has the dump line to tank. About $95 at Surplus Supply.

About the worn engine, I would price a diy rebuild kit. Probably cheaper than adapting and changing out motors. Those 300 six cylinder motors are loafing in the industrial applications. I am at 6500 ft. in New Mexico and think you should be fine if the engine is repaired.

groundcover · Jan 6, 2017

And keep the knives sharp . I touch my up between changes with Bandit's knife saver. Looks like something you would sharpen scissors with but it really helps.

1720BlueBell · Jan 7, 2017

Thanks Jenkins and groundcover for your thoughtful replies.
It appears Surplus Supply may be out of business. However, Surplus Center has the Prince valve for under $100.
I do touch up my knives between sharpening. That certainly is the right thing to do.
I'm not positive my Ford motor is worn. It doesn't use oil; I'll be running a compression test on it soon.
There is a governor issue I haven't resolved. RPMs will often drop or rise with no apparent compensation by the governor. I can set fast idle at 2700 and have it slowly climb to 2850 or 2900.
If feeding heavy material pulls the RPMs down to 2500, the governor often will not open the throttle enough to rapidly raise engine speed back to fast idle setting. This is the third governor I've had on the chipper. The replacements for the original were from oilfield pump engines. It could sell be that some further adjustments are necessary. Do you have a working knowledge of how to adjust these governors?

jenkinsph · Jan 7, 2017

Blue Bell,
Sorry about that I meant Surplus Hydraulics, a forum supporter here.

I am not a Ford mechanic by any means but have enough experience to know that the detuned industrial version of the 300 six should do the job at this altitude. Might want to find a good mechanic knowledgeable with your engine, should be able to fix your woes.