Tree Care

Merchandise returns can have a significant impact on a business and its product offering.

From transportation and warehouse costs to restocking and customer service labor, there's no question that the costs associated with returns can add up. These increased costs often lead to higher prices for customers. It's estimated that managing the cost of a return can be from 17 to 30% of the prime cost, which is why many companies issue restocking fees for items that are sent back.

One of the things we speak of often is the importance of measuring blades before you purchase. Many wood chipper

When it comes time to change your wood chipper blades, there are a few things tree care professionals need to take into consideration. There's more to consider as your blades begin to wear than just popping on a new set.

After many conversations with our customers, our team has rounded up the topics that come up when it's time for a blade change.

Life of the Blades

How many hours of service have you run on the current set of blades? It's beneficial to keep track of the run time for your chipper knives so you can understand if you're getting enough time out of them. Many of our customers keep a log for each machine in service to record not only the number of hours the blades are in use but also the materials being cut and environmental conditions.

Like fir and western red cedar, softwoods cause less wear and tear on blades. Harder woods and fibrous

There are many factors that influence the performance of your wood chipper blades. These range from the material you're chipping to weather and your routine maintenance schedule. It's a well-known fact that hardwoods like red oak and fibrous materials like palm trees can take a heavy toll on blades, making them wear out quickly. Rocks, nails, and fence posts can also decrease the life of your chipper knives in a hurry.

Follow the OEM recommendation for blade maintenance and change for your wood chipper. It doesn't hurt to track the hours between blade changes and the types of wood you're running through your chipper to make sure that you're keeping up with knife changes. This type of historical information helps keep tree care professionals prepared to avoid unpleasant surprises when it comes to the condition of their blades.

Dull Blades – Know the Signs

Even with tracking chipper runtime and materials, awareness of the warning signs of dull

No matter which brand of wood chipper you use in your tree care business, eventually you're going to need to replace your blades. The question we receive most often is, “How often do I need to change my blades?” And the answer is: it depends. It all depends on what you're running through your chipper. Harder woods like oak are going to wear out your blades faster, as are the things that may go into your wood chipper on a job that shouldn't.

There are some tell-tale signs that you should check your blades. Are you seeing irregular wood chips? Dull wood chipper blades shred and pull wood apart rather than cutting it. This creates poor-quality wood chips and regrinds.

This type of action puts more stress on the wood chipper engine, causing it to need more energy to force the blade through the wood. When more energy is needed to drive the engine, the chipper

Arborist and tree care professionals have a tough job to do. Most balance managing a crew and ensuring safety guidelines are followed with running a profitable business.

On any given day, you may be hiring new employees, ordering parts, implementing a new procedure, climbing and trimming a tree, or meeting with your accountant.

Keeping your business running like a well-oiled machine is both an art and a skill. To help you simplify this process, we have quick answers to your top five chipper blade questions. Get the information you need and get back to work.

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” – Warren Buffett

1. How Much Is It?

Business owners need to know.

How much is this blade going to cost?

Is it cheaper to order from someone else?

Your wood chipper blades are an important part of your tree care business. You can't afford to be caught without replacements when you need them or with inferior quality knives when your shipment arrives. The rigors of storm season place a high demand on your schedule and your equipment. To help you be prepared for the hectic, unpredictable nature of your business, you need to have a dependable source for your wood chipper blades.

With so many options, how do you know which wood chipper blade supplier to choose? It's a great question. Not all suppliers are created equally. When you take a look at the following three criteria, you'll be on your way to making the right choice to grow your business.

Experience

You might think that price would be the number one consideration when you're purchasing a necessary item for your business. And, while it's important, it's not the main thing you should be concerned about when you're sourcing something

Wood chipper blade suppliers play an essential role in any arborist's business. Without a reliable and knowledge supplier, you may be left without a critical tool for your business when it matters most.

For many tree trimmers, landscapers, and arborists there are times when the demand for your services increases dramatically, such as after a heavy storm. At these times, and throughout the year, it is important to have a dependable source for your wood chipper blades, one that can meet your inventory demands and provide thoughtful advice based on decades of experience.

What is the best way to select a wood chipper blade supplier? While price plays an important role, there are many other considerations to take into account. How long has the supplier been in business? Is the supplier capable of making blades to OEM specifications? Does the supplier provide precision sharpening services?

The answer to each of these questions provides insight

As a busy business owner, you probably do not spend much time thinking about your wood chipper blades, until something happens and then that is all you think about. How much should you be paying for chipper blades? Does it matter which supplier you choose?

Your wood chipper is a workhorse, without it, your business does not run. So why not maintain it in the best possible way, starting with the right blades. In this post, we answer a few of the common questions we get from arborists and tree care owner/operators just like you.

Why Do Replacement Wood Chipper Blades Vary Significantly in Price?

First, know that high-quality blades are going to last longer, perform better, and ease the burden on your motor. But that does not mean that your blades should be unreasonably expensive. Before selecting a supplier, check the prices on your exact blades with a few different

Are your chipper blades providing the performance you need? When blades are dull or damaged, the chips produced are inconsistent and are torn, instead of cut. When your customer sees that your chips are not consistent, the entire order may be rejected. Even worse, your customer may look to find another supplier.

Small business owner-operators, rental warehouses, and large-scale forestry and debris removal companies face the same question: How can I maximize the life of my chipper blades without compromising product quality?

Before you replace your next set of chipper blades, consider how these five areas impact the life and performance of your knives.

1. Are you operating within the specifications of your machinery and your blades?

Review the specifications of your wood chipper with everyone who will operate the machine. Doing so increases job site safety and can improve the overall life of your wood chippers and chipper blades.