Abstract: A material reduction machine includes a prime mover driving a cutting mechanism. A drive system receives a signal to initiate rotation of a cutting mechanism. A sensor senses a machine load parameter and reports a signal to a controller operatively coupled to the clutch to control sequential engagement cycles from the engine to the cutting mechanism. The controller utilizes a stored first disengagement threshold value for stopping a first engagement cycle and continues monitoring the signal as the machine load parameter increases momentarily after reaching the first disengagement threshold. The controller determines and adopts a second disengagement threshold value based on observation of the machine load parameter indicative of maximum load during the continued monitoring after the first disengagement threshold is realized, and further being based on a stored correction factor. The second disengagement threshold value is used for a second engagement cycle.

Abstract: A material reduction machine including an engine, a material reduction tool, a drivetrain, and a control system. The drivetrain is between the engine and the material reduction tool, and includes a coupling and a power transfer element, the coupling having an engaged state and a disengaged state. When engaged, the coupling enables power transfer through the power transfer element and when disengaged, the coupling inhibits power transfer through the power transfer element. The control system includes a sensor to detect a speed of the engine or the material reduction tool, a drivetrain protection system to protect the power transfer element by disengaging the coupling, and a controller to enable the drivetrain protection system based on a first signal from the sensor indicating the speed is at or above a first threshold, and to disengage the coupling based on a second signal indicating the speed is below a second threshold.

Abstract: A cutter wheel includes a drive plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A wear plate is coupled to the first side of the drive plate for rotation with the drive plate. First and second cutters are coupled to the wear plate such that the wear plate is at least partially between the first side of the drive plate and the first and second cutters. Each cutter includes a cutter tip and a fastener-mounting aperture. A first fastener extends through the fastener-mounting aperture of the first cutter, through a first fastener-receiving aperture in the wear plate, and into a first aperture in the drive plate. A second fastener extends through the fastener-mounting aperture of the second cutter, through a respective fastener-receiving aperture in the wear plate, and into a respective aperture in the drive plate.

Abstract: A cutter includes a first end configured to engage an object along a dominant force vector, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The cutter further includes an outer side, an inner side, and an aperture extending from the outer side to the inner side along a fastener axis that is substantially perpendicular to the dominant force vector. The cutter also includes a cutter tip on the first end and having a first cutting edge, a second cutting edge, and a third cutting edge, the cutting edges defining therebetween a cutting face. The cutting face defines a cutting swath having a width between the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge as the cutter rotates with the apparatus. No portion of the first side or the second side extends outside the width of the cutting swath.

Abstract: A material reduction machine including an engine, a material reduction tool, a drivetrain, and a control system. The drivetrain is between the engine and the material reduction tool, and includes a coupling and a power transfer element, the coupling having an engaged state and a disengaged state. When engaged, the coupling enables power transfer through the power transfer element and when disengaged, the coupling inhibits power transfer through the power transfer element. The control system includes a sensor to detect a speed of the engine or the material reduction tool, a drivetrain protection system to protect the power transfer element by disengaging the coupling, and a controller to enable the drivetrain protection system based on a first signal from the sensor indicating the speed is at or above a first threshold, and to disengage the coupling based on a second signal indicating the speed is below a second threshold.

Abstract: A cutter includes a first end configured to engage an object along a dominant force vector, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The cutter further includes an outer side, an inner side, and an aperture extending from the outer side to the inner side along a fastener axis that is substantially perpendicular to the dominant force vector. The cutter also includes a cutter tip on the first end and having a first cutting edge, a second cutting edge, and a third cutting edge, the cutting edges defining therebetween a cutting face. The cutting face defines a cutting swath having a width between the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge as the cutter rotates with the apparatus. No portion of the first side or the second side extends outside the width of the cutting swath.

Abstract: A cutter wheel includes a drive plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A wear plate is coupled to the first side of the drive plate for rotation with the drive plate. First and second cutters are coupled to the wear plate such that the wear plate is at least partially between the first side of the drive plate and the first and second cutters. Each cutter includes a cutter tip and a fastener-mounting aperture. A first fastener extends through the fastener-mounting aperture of the first cutter, through a first fastener-receiving aperture in the wear plate, and into a first aperture in the drive plate. A second fastener extends through the fastener-mounting aperture of the second cutter, through a respective fastener-receiving aperture in the wear plate, and into a respective aperture in the drive plate.

Abstract: A hammer support system for a rotary tool has a hammer receiver including a first alignment opening having a first curved alignment surface. A first wedge part has a curved surface, and a second wedge part is configured to interact with the first wedge part. A fastener is provided for drawing down the first wedge part against the second wedge part such that the curved surface of the first wedge part engages the first curved alignment surface to self-align the first and second wedge parts as the first wedge part is drawn down by the fastener.

Abstract: A cutter for use with a comminuting apparatus includes a body, a body slot, and a bore hole. The body has first and second opposing surfaces, a first edge adjoining the first and second surfaces, and a cutting edge opposite the first edge. The body extends from the cutting edge to the first edge. The body slot extends through the cutter body from the first surface to the second surface. The bore hole is enclosed by the first and second surfaces, and extends from the body slot to the first edge.

Abstract: Mounting blocks for attaching reducing elements to a rotary drum of a comminuting apparatus are disclosed. The mounting blocks may be mounted in multiple positions to vary the bite of the reducing elements of the rotary drum.

Abstract: The field of the disclosure relates to anvils for comminuting apparatus such as grinders or chippers. In some embodiments, the anvil is adjustable in length to maintain a clearance between a comminuting drum and a shear edge of the anvil.

Abstract: A hammer support system for a rotary tool has a hammer receiver including a first alignment opening having a first curved alignment surface. A first wedge part has a curved surface, and a second wedge part is configured to interact with the first wedge part. A fastener is provided for drawing down the first wedge part against the second wedge part such that the curved surface of the first wedge part engages the first curved alignment surface to self-align the first and second wedge parts as the first wedge part is drawn down by the fastener.

Abstract: Mounting blocks for attaching reducing elements to a rotary drum of a comminuting apparatus are disclosed. The mounting blocks may be mounted in multiple positions to vary the bite of the reducing elements of the rotary drum.

Abstract: The field of the disclosure relates to anvils for comminuting apparatus such as grinders or chippers. In some embodiments, the anvil is adjustable in length to maintain a clearance between a comminuting drum and a shear edge of the anvil.

Abstract: A cutter for use with a comminuting apparatus includes a body, a body slot, and a bore hole. The body has first and second opposing surfaces, a first edge adjoining the first and second surfaces, and a cutting edge opposite the first edge. The body extends from the cutting edge to the first edge. The body slot extends through the cutter body from the first surface to the second surface. The bore hole is enclosed by the first and second surfaces, and extends from the body slot to the first edge.