Logging equipment really does take a beating, and horizontal grinders are no different. Finding the right grinder is one issue to consider, but also using the correct techniques to avoid damage to the equipment as well as the grinder teeth will also be another important factor.
The ideal types of teeth are going to be designed to be durable and strong, capable of handling a full workload day after day. However, the right teeth can do more than that since they will reduce the effort needed for cutting, reducing the time per log as well as reduce the cost of harvesting. While this may only be a very small amount per log, adding everything up leads to a lot of savings over time.
With the right type of teeth, productivity will be increased, which again decreases the cost of harvesting. With less wear and tear on equipment there is less chance of a major issue with downtime, particularly if the crew is well-versed in routine maintenance.
Choose a Trusted Brand
For any type of grinder teeth, choosing a brand you trust is critical. A low-cost brand is not really a cost saving if it ends up resulting in poor performance of the grinder or a continual need to replace the teeth. Replacing teeth not only adds to the cost of the operation but it also increases non-productive time in the field, something that is a significant factor to consider.
Choosing a third-party manufacturer for grinder teeth is often a very cost effective option. Since these companies specialize in manufacturing top quality teeth, they have innovative designs and features that may not be available as options from the grinder manufacturer.
Verify that third-party components will fit with your horizontal grinder. Some may require adaptors that are an easy installation option.
Operation Tips
To help extend the life of new teeth on the grinder, there are a few simple tips for operators to keep in mind. By using these tips and selecting quality teeth, you will see a notable increase in their life cycle.
Inspect the grinder teeth on a regular basis, typically before the start of each day. This allows you to chance out any damaged teeth and avoids putting additional stress on the other teeth, potentially increasing the damage to a larger number.
Be careful to operate the grinder away from the risk of hitting any hard objects. It is also important to avoid hitting the teeth with metal objects such as tools when inspecting or changing.