Ram-Style Wood Chippers and Their Role in High-Volume Debris Processing

[MikePhua]

The Mechanics Behind Ram Chippers
Ram chippers are a specialized type of industrial wood chipper designed to process large volumes of brush, limbs, and logs with consistent feed pressure. Unlike gravity-fed or disc-style chippers, a ram chipper uses a hydraulic or mechanical ram to push material directly into the chipper blades. This method ensures uniform contact with the cutting drum or disc, reducing clogging and improving throughput.
The ram mechanism typically consists of a steel platen driven by a hydraulic cylinder. As the operator loads material into the feed chute, the ram advances, compressing and feeding the wood into the chipper knives. Once the cycle completes, the ram retracts, ready for the next load. This design is especially effective for irregular or bulky material that would otherwise jam or stall in conventional systems.
Applications and Industry Use
Ram chippers are commonly found in:

• Municipal brush disposal sites
  
• Land clearing operations
  
• Utility line maintenance crews
  
• Logging yards and biomass facilities
  
• Disaster cleanup zones after storms or wildfires
  

Their ability to handle oversized and twisted material makes them ideal for post-storm debris, where branches and trunks are tangled and inconsistent. A crew in Louisiana used a ram chipper to process hurricane debris that overwhelmed standard drum chippers, reducing downtime and fuel consumption.
Advantages Over Traditional Chippers
Key benefits include:

• Consistent feed rate regardless of material shape
  
• Reduced operator fatigue due to automated feed
  
• Lower risk of kickback or clogging
  
• Improved chip uniformity for biomass or mulch production
  
• Enhanced safety with enclosed feed systems
  

Operators often report smoother operation and fewer jams, especially when processing hardwoods or forked limbs. The ram’s force can exceed 10,000 lbs, enough to crush and feed even knotty sections that would stall a disc chipper.
Maintenance Considerations and Wear Points
Ram chippers require regular attention to:

• Hydraulic fluid levels and filter condition
  
• Ram seals and cylinder integrity
  
• Knife sharpness and anvil clearance
  
• Feed chute cleanliness and debris buildup
  
• Safety interlocks and emergency stop systems
  

Hydraulic systems should be inspected every 250 hours, with fluid changes every 1,000 hours. Knife edges must be maintained to factory spec, typically between 30–35 degrees, to ensure clean cuts and prevent fiber tearing.
A contractor in Oregon extended knife life by switching to tungsten-carbide tipped blades, reducing sharpening intervals by 40% and improving chip quality for biomass contracts.
Operational Tips for Efficiency and Safety
To maximize performance:

• Pre-cut oversized logs to manageable lengths
  
• Avoid feeding rocks, metal, or soil-contaminated material
  
• Use consistent loading patterns to prevent ram binding
  
• Train operators on cycle timing and emergency procedures
  
• Monitor chip discharge for signs of blade wear or feed inconsistency
  

Some crews install cameras or sensors to monitor feed chamber activity, allowing remote supervision and reducing the need for manual inspection.
Retrofit and Upgrade Options
Older ram chippers can be modernized with:

• Variable-speed hydraulic controls
  
• Auto-reverse systems for jam clearing
  
• Digital load monitoring and cycle counters
  
• LED lighting and safety strobes
  
• Enclosed operator stations with climate control
  

A municipality in Michigan retrofitted their 1990s-era ram chipper with a programmable logic controller (PLC), allowing automated cycle timing and reducing operator error. The upgrade paid for itself in reduced maintenance costs within 18 months.
Conclusion
Ram-style wood chippers offer a robust solution for high-volume, irregular debris processing. Their mechanical advantage, safety features, and adaptability make them indispensable in environments where consistency and power matter most. With proper maintenance and thoughtful operation, these machines can transform chaotic piles of brush into uniform, usable material—turning waste into resource with every cycle.