Product Support
DR® Wood Chipper
Ordering Parts navigatedown
Order parts online at the link below. For assistance please call 1-800-687-6575
Find PartsManuals, Parts Lists, Schematics navigatedown
If you have any questions or are unsure of your model, please contact one of our experienced Technical Support Specialists via phone or email.
| PREMIER 375 (7.0 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); Oct 2015-presentPREMIER 375 (7.0 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); Oct 2015-present | Owner's Manual |
| PRO 475 & PRO XL575 (11.5 HP/16.5 ft-lbs & 21 ft-lbs); Oct 2015-presentPRO 475 & PRO XL575 (11.5 HP/16.5 ft-lbs & 21 ft-lbs); Oct 2015-present | Owner's Manual |
| PRO 475P (3-Point Hitch); Oct 2015-presentPRO 475P (3-Point Hitch); Oct 2015-present | Owner's Manual |
| PREMIER 300 (6.5 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); June 2018-presentPREMIER 300 (6.5 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); June 2018-present | Owner's Manual |
| PRO 400 (7.0 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); June 2018-presentPRO 400 (7.0 HP/11.5 ft-lbs); June 2018-present | Owner's Manual |
| PRO XL501 (13.5 HP/21.0 ft-lbs); June 2019 to presentPRO XL501 (13.5 HP/21.0 ft-lbs); June 2019 to present | Owner's Manual |
Troubleshooting navigatedown
Self-feeding models
Most problems are easy to fix. Consult the troubleshooting table for common problems and their solutions.
- 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.)
- 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.)
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The gap between the knife and the wear plate is set incorrectly; adjust the knife to wear plate gap. See your Owner's Manual.
- 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.
- 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
Most problems are easy to fix. Consult the troubleshooting table for common problems and their solutions.
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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- The gap between the knife and the wear plate is set incorrectly; adjust the knife to wear plate Gap. See your Owner's Manual.
- 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 navigatedown
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
- The chipper is designed to accept wood only. The chipper knife mounted on a revolving flywheel turns branches fed into the chipper hopper into "chips". The chipper can chip branches ranging in size up to 5-3/4" in diameter. Cut your materials into manageable lengths before feeding them into the chipper hopper.
warning Warning:
The chipper hopper must be securely bolted to your DR® Wood Chipper and the blowback shield in place before using the machine!
Use common sense when using the machine. Learn to recognize the change in sounds when overloaded. Turn off the engine immediately if the machine becomes jammed to prevent damage to the drive system.
- Your DR® Wood Chipper can process dry or green wood up to 5-3/4" in diameter.
- The chipper will self-feed the wood once it contacts the knife edge so forcing the branches into the hopper is not necessary if the knife is sharp.
- Green material will process quicker and easier than dry material.
- Softwood processes easier than hardwood.
- When chipping branches, sometimes a tail will develop at the end of a branch. To avoid this, rotate the branch while feeding it into the chipper hopper.
- Rotating the branch as you feed it into the machine will improve chipping performance.
- Use caution with small diameter green saplings and branches less than 2" in diameter. Chip these grouped or bundled together to provide support for each other. If the material is 2" or larger, feed only one at a time into the chipper hopper.
- Make sure the DR® Wood Chipper finishes processing material in the Hopper before shutting the engine off.
- Do not force material into the chipper. If the machine does not chip well, the knife may need sharpening or replacement, or the gap between the knife and the wear plate needs adjusting. See "Removing, Replacing and Adjusting the Chipper Knife and Wear Plate" in your Owner's Manual.
Never throw remaining stubs or knots into the chipper hopper; damage will result.
- Extremely hard knots will not process very well. Push any short stubs that have not self-fed through the chipper, with the next branch to be chipped.
- Cut the material to be chipped into manageable lengths of no more than five or six feet long before chipping them. As the branch or tree is fed into the chipper hopper, keep it at the same angle as the hopper for optimal chipping performance
- Overloading the chipper hopper will cause the rotor speed to decrease. If you hear the engine RPM decreasing, stop feeding material into the chipper hopper until the engine has returned to full speed.
- Always wear gloves when chipping. This can prevent blisters and scrapes and help reduce the effects of vibration as you chip. Properly fitting leather or lined gloves work best.
- Run the engine at full throttle when chipping. If the chipping action seems too slow, the engine speed may be too slow causing the belt to slip.
- Feed branches with green leaves and conifer/pine boughs slowly and shut off the engine immediately if the chipper begins to clog.
- When feeding material into the chipper hopper, be careful that pieces of metal, rock or other foreign objects are not included.
- If the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object or if the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration, immediately shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop (the flywheel will continue rotating for while after the engine is shut down), disconnect the spark plug wire, keeping the wire away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting, then wait 5 minutes before inspecting for clogging or damage. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. Clean and repair and/or replace damaged parts. See your Owner's Manual for detailed instructions.
- If the machine becomes clogged, the belt smokes or burns or the flywheel won't turn, immediately shut down the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop (the flywheel will continue rotating for while after the engine is shut down), disconnect the spark plug wire, keeping the wire away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting, disconnect the negative battery cable, then wait 5 minutes before removing processed material, leaves, or debris from the machine. See your Owner's Manual for detailed instructions.
Three-Point Hitch Models
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 navigatedown
Self-Feeding Models
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.
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.
| Procedure - All Models | Before Each Use | Every 8-10 hours | Every 18-20 hours | Every 40 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check engine oil level | check | |||
| Check general equipment condition | check | |||
| Check that flywheel turns freely (with a long stick only) | check | |||
| Visually inspect knife for damage | check | |||
| Check knife and wear plate for sharpness | check | |||
| Check knife and wear plate attachment screws | check | |||
| Check flywheel bearing collar set screws | check | |||
| Check knife to wear plate gap | check | |||
| Lubricate flywheel bearings | check | |||
| Check belt tension and condition | 1st time: 1 hour | check | ||
| Clean engine exterior and cooling fans | check | |||
| Check the tire pressure | check | |||
| Check the battery voltage (electric start only) |
check | |||
| Change engine oil (and filter, if equipped) |
1st time: 5 hours | check | ||
| Inspect or replace drive belt | check | |||
| Inspect or replace spark plug | check | |||
| Inspect or replace air filter and pre-cleaner | check |
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.
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.
| Procedure | Before Each Use | Every 8-10 hours | Every 18-20 hours | Every 40 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check general equipment condition | check | |||
| Check that flywheel turns freely (with a long stick only) | check | |||
| Visually inspect knife for damage | check | |||
| Check knife and wear plate for sharpness | check | |||
| Check knife and wear plate attachment screws | check | |||
| Check flywheel bearing collar set screws | check | |||
| Check knife to wear plate gap | check | |||
| Lubricate flywheel bearings | check | |||
| Lubricate PTO shaft grease fittings | check | |||
| Lubricate PTO sheave bearings | check | |||
| Check belt tension and condition | 1st time: 1 hour | check | ||
| Lubricate PTO shaft spline ends and center overlap |
check | |||
| Inspect or replace drive belt | check |
End of Season and Storage navigatedown
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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 navigatedown
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.
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® 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.
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® Chipper/Shredder.
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.