Forestry Wood Chipper in Chile

Client Profile and Purchase Motivation

The client specializes in:

• Supplying uniform wood chips to biomass power plants
• Processing forestry residues for particleboard and fiberboard production
• Recycling branches and stumps into commercial wood products

The decision to purchase a single forestry wood chipper was motivated by several factors:

1. The need for a high-capacity machine capable of handling large-diameter logs and varied tree species, including radiata pine and eucalyptus.
2. The requirement to produce consistent 20–40 mm wood chips suitable for both energy production and industrial applications.
3. The flexibility to integrate the machine into existing processing lines while evaluating its performance before investing in a full-scale production line.
4. The desire to minimize labor and pre-cutting operations, which were causing inefficiencies in their workflow.

By purchasing a standalone forestry wood chipper in Chile, the client ensured immediate operational improvements while keeping options open for future expansion.

Equipment Selection and Specifications

After consultation with RICHI Machinery, the client selected the XPJ500*500 drum wood chipper, which was best suited to handle Chile’s dominant forestry species. Key specifications include:

• Feed inlet size: 500×500 mm
• Feed motor power: 4+3 kW
• Main motor power: 110 kW
• Hydraulic pump power: 1.5 kW
• Discharge conveyor power: 2.2 kW
• Flying knives: 6
• Fixed knives: 2

The XPJ500*500 drum forestry wood chipper in Chile is specifically designed for processing logs, branches, stumps, and wood strips efficiently. Its robust, high-strength welded steel frame provides stability during heavy-duty operations. The rotor is dynamically balanced, ensuring smooth operation with minimal vibration and noise. Both the flying and fixed knives are made of quenched 6GrW2Si alloy steel, providing excellent durability and wear resistance—critical when processing Chilean eucalyptus, which is harder and denser than radiata pine.

The chipper’s hydraulic-assisted feeding system ensures that logs and branches of varying diameters are securely gripped and fed into the chipping chamber without slipping. This feature is particularly valuable when handling irregularly shaped eucalyptus logs or stumps, ensuring consistent feed and preventing blockages.

Raw Materials and Processing Goals

The XPJ500*500 forestry wood chipper processes the following materials typical in southern Chile:

• Radiata pine (Pinus radiata): Predominant plantation species, used for particleboard and biomass fuel
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): Harder hardwood suitable for energy production and industrial wood products
• Logging residues: Branches, small stumps, and offcuts from thinning and harvesting operations

The client aimed to convert these materials into 20–40 mm wood chips suitable for multiple end uses:

1. Biomass fuel: Supplying local biomass power plants with consistent and high-quality chips.
2. Industrial raw materials: Providing particleboard and fiberboard manufacturers with uniform-sized chips for improved processing efficiency.
3. Mulch and landscaping: Offering high-quality wood chips for local landscaping projects and municipal use.

RICHI Machinery customized the chipper crusher machine screen to ensure the client’s wood chips met the size specifications required for their diverse applications.

Transportation and Logistics

The XPJ500*500 forestry wood chipper was shipped from China to Chile via sea freight, arriving at the Port of Valparaíso, one of the main industrial and commercial ports serving central and southern Chile. RICHI Machinery provided comprehensive logistics support, including:

• Securing the machine for long-distance transport
• Handling customs documentation and clearance
• Organizing inland transportation to the client’s facility in Los Ríos
• Supervising on-site installation, rotor alignment, and hydraulic calibration

RICHI engineers ensured that the machine was ready for immediate operation, providing operator training and maintenance guidance to guarantee long-term performance.

Operational Benefits and Client Feedback

“The XPJ500*500 has transformed our processing operations. It handles radiata pine and eucalyptus effortlessly, producing uniform 20–40 mm wood chips ideal for our biomass and particleboard clients. The hydraulic feed system works seamlessly, and RICHI’s installation and training were outstanding.”

Key operational improvements include:

• Throughput of approximately 5–7 tons per hour, sufficient for the client’s current production needs
• Reduced labor requirements due to the hydraulic-assisted feed system
• Consistent chip size, improving downstream processing efficiency
• Reduced maintenance and downtime thanks to durable construction and high-quality alloy knives

Technical Features and Advantages

The XPJ500*500 drum forestry wood chipper in Chile offers advanced technical features that make it ideal for Chilean forestry operations:

• Hydraulic-assisted feed rollers: Ensure secure and consistent feeding of logs, including irregularly shaped stumps and branches
• High-durability alloy knives: Quenched 6GrW2Si steel offers wear resistance and long service life, even when processing hard eucalyptus wood
• Dynamically balanced rotor: Reduces vibration and noise during high-speed operation
• High-strength welded steel frame: Maintains stability and reliability in heavy-duty applications
• Adjustable chip size: Allows flexibility for multiple downstream uses
• Compact, low-maintenance design: Easy knife replacement and routine upkeep minimize operational interruptions

These features enable the client to operate efficiently while maintaining a high standard of product quality.

Versatility and Industry Applications

The forestry wood chipper in Chile is a versatile machine used across several industries in Chile:

• Biomass energy: Supplying uniform wood chips for electricity and heat generation
• Particleboard and fiberboard manufacturing: Providing consistent-sized raw materials for improved production efficiency
• Forestry residue management: Recycling branches, stumps, and offcuts into commercially usable products
• Mulching and landscaping: Supplying local municipalities and landscaping companies with high-quality wood chips

Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to any Chilean forestry operation, capable of processing multiple wood species with minimal adjustments.

RICHI Machinery Services and Support

RICHI Machinery provides full-service support for Chilean clients:

1. Pre-sale consultation: Matching the right chipper model to local raw materials and production requirements
2. International logistics: Sea freight, customs clearance, and inland transportation
3. Installation and commissioning: Rotor alignment, hydraulic calibration, and operational safety checks
4. Operator training: Detailed guidance for optimal use, maintenance, and troubleshooting
5. After-sales support: Supplying spare parts and technical assistance for long-term performance

RICHI ensures clients maximize productivity and maintain consistent product quality throughout the equipment’s operational lifespan.

Conclusion

The forestry wood chipper in Chile demonstrates the value of investing in high-quality, durable equipment for modern forestry operations. The XPJ500*500 drum chipper has enabled the client to:

• Process radiata pine and eucalyptus efficiently into 20–40 mm wood chips
• Supply biomass power plants, particleboard manufacturers, and landscaping projects with consistent material
• Reduce labor, pre-cutting, and maintenance costs
• Achieve high throughput and reliable operation with minimal pre-processing
• Benefit from a hydraulic-assisted feed system, robust construction, and long-lasting alloy knives

This project highlights why Chilean forestry companies trust RICHI Machinery for reliable, versatile, and high-performance wood processing solutions.