Aftermarket Chipper Blades?

Your wood chipper is a workhorse, but its performance hinges on one critical component: the blades. Over time, they dull or chip, and now you’re wondering if you need to stick with original equipment or if aftermarket options are a smart choice.

Aftermarket chipper blades can be a viable option for replacement, but their suitability highly depends on the quality of the material and manufacturing process, as cheaper alternatives often compromise performance, safety, and the lifespan of your machine.

From my 22 years in the wood equipment manufacturing business, I’ve seen countless discussions about blades, and it’s a topic where cutting corners can lead to significant problems. Understanding what makes a good blade is essential, whether it’s original or an aftermarket purchase.

What is the best material for wood chipper blades?

You’ve got tough wood to process, and your chipper blades are taking a beating. You might be wondering, what makes some blades last longer and cut better than others? It’s all about the material.

The best material for wood chipper blades is high-carbon tool steel, such as D2 or A8B, which offers an optimal balance of hardness, wear resistance, and toughness to withstand the shock and abrasion of chipping wood efficiently.

When we design our wood chippers at TIROX, blade material is not just an afterthought; it’s a critical engineering decision that directly impacts performance and longevity. My experience has shown me that inferior materials lead to frequent sharpening, premature wear, and even dangerous blade failures. We specifically use A8B steel for our chipper knives [21]. This material is a high-alloy tool steel known for its excellent resistance to both abrasion (from the wood fibers and resins) and impact (from hitting knots or foreign objects) [21]. Other premium materials often used in high-quality blades include D2 tool steel or certain grades of high-speed steel (HSS). What makes these materials superior is their chemical composition and the heat-treating process they undergo during manufacturing. This process hardens the steel, allowing it to maintain a sharp edge for longer periods while still retaining enough flexibility to resist shattering upon impact. Cheaper blades are often made from lower-grade steels with inadequate heat treatment, meaning they dull quickly, chip easily, and can even deform, leading to inefficient chipping, increased stress on the chipper’s engine, and potential safety hazards [13]. Investing in quality blades made from the right material ensures your chipper operates at peak efficiency, reduces downtime for maintenance, and ultimately saves you money in the long run. Learn more about the quality components we use on our wood chippers product page.

Can you replace shredder blades?

Your shredder’s performance has dropped, and you suspect the blades are worn out. You might be hesitant, wondering if these components are even replaceable, or if you’re stuck with an underperforming machine.

Yes, you can absolutely replace shredder blades; they are consumable wear parts designed to be exchanged when they become dull, damaged, or when transitioning to process different types of material more effectively.

In our extensive range of machinery, we manufacture not only chippers but also comprehensive solutions, which often include shredders, especially in waste management and recycling applications. Unlike the solid knives used in wood chippers, shredders typically employ a different cutting mechanism—often a series of rotating discs with teeth or hammers, or counter-rotating shafts with intermeshing cutters [18]. These components, whether they are individual teeth, hammers, or full cutter segments, are designed for wear and tear, and therefore, they are always replaceable. The process usually involves opening the shredder’s chamber, disassembling the worn components, and installing new ones. Regular inspection of these blades, which are often referred to as “shredder teeth” or “hammers,” is crucial because their condition heavily influences the shredder’s efficiency and the quality of the output material. For example, if you’re shredding mixed waste or very tough materials, dull or missing teeth can significantly reduce throughput and increase energy consumption [18]. Manufacturers, like us, provide specific replacement parts, and it’s always recommended to use parts that meet the original specifications to maintain machine integrity and performance. You can find more detailed information on maintenance for such equipment, including replacement procedures, in the owner’s manual or on professional forums like Forestry Forum where users discuss practical aspects of machinery upkeep. You can check out more on our specific horizontal grinders, many of which utilize specialized shredding mechanisms.

Can you sharpen chipper blades?

Your chipper blades are performing poorly, producing stringy chips instead of clean cuts, and you know they’re dull. But before you rush to buy new ones, you’re asking if sharpening is even an option.

Yes, most wood chipper blades are designed to be sharpened multiple times, extending their lifespan and maintaining optimal chipping performance, provided the sharpening is done correctly with appropriate equipment and by skilled personnel.

From our long history of manufacturing, we design our chipper blades with enough material to allow for multiple sharpenings. This is a cost-effective way to maintain your chipper’s efficiency and prevent unnecessary downtime. Sharpening chipper blades is not like sharpening a kitchen knife; it requires specialized equipment, such as a surface grinder, that can precisely remove minimal material while maintaining the original blade angle and bevel [17]. A properly sharpened blade ensures clean, consistent chips, which is important for applications like biomass energy production or producing quality mulch. If a blade is dull, it forces the chipper’s engine to work harder, consuming more fuel and causing unnecessary wear on other components, similar to how a dull saw blade would strain a sawmill engine [15][19]. How often a blade needs sharpening depends on several factors: the type of wood being chipped (hardwoods dull blades faster than softwoods), whether foreign objects accidentally enter the chipper (rocks, metal), and the volume of material processed. It’s a balance—sharpen too often, and you wear out the blade; too little, and you strain the machine. I always advise our customers to follow the sharpening guidelines in their machine’s manual and to outsource sharpening to professionals if they lack the proper equipment or expertise. We often share maintenance tips on our blog to help customers get the most out of their machinery and maximize blade life.

Conclusion

Choosing quality aftermarket blades, understanding the best materials like A8B steel, knowing that shredder blades are replaceable, and regularly sharpening chipper blades are key to maximizing performance and machine longevity.