Today’s logging world differs in many ways from that if the past. Technology has played a significant role in bringing about many of these changes. Among the many tools found in this industry are those that require grinder bits. For some, these objects are found in stump cutters. For others, the term refers to the “teeth” or cutting edges of equipment called grinders. The former removes stumps; the latter is a piece of machinery designed to grind and process.
Grinders
Grinders are logging or construction equipment with one purpose in mind. This is to process (grind) a variety of substances. The material may be any of the following:
* Green wood
* Seasoned timber
* Industrial waste
* Municipal solid waste
* Plastic pallets
* Pallet waste
* Shingles
* Stumps
* Sorted construction and demolition debris
* Tires
Depending upon the construction, the model and size, grinders chomp through almost everything the forest and construction industries can throw at it. They can shred it, mulch it or perform a variety of actions upon the designated material. In all instances, the purpose is to reduce it into smaller and more compact and usable components. The intended result of these actions is usually a product the company can sell. Grinders therefore, are a means through which waste or presumed waste products can become a valuable and even profitable commodity. They are a viable means of recycling what, in previous years, a logging or other industry would have simply abandoned as useless.
Types of Grinders
Grinders come in two essential types. These are tub and horizontal. Tubs are best employed when it comes to grinding shorter, larger and heavier materials. If you are dealing with a stump or large root, the better suited piece of equipment is a tub grinder.
A horizontal grinder is often used when the material is long. However, many horizontal grinders are very versatile. Companies produce horizontal machines that can virtually process everything. This is particularly true of purpose-built grinders. The models have grinder bits or teeth that can chew up and spit out a wide array of materials. These range from stumps to municipal, commercial and industrial waste products.
Grinder Bits
Grinders are important tools in the logging and other industries. However, they cannot perform accurately and consistently without properly honed blades, bits or teeth. Grinder teeth are responsible for the cutting/grinding/processing of the materials. Some are designed to produce microchips or sawdust for such things as the production of pellet fuel. In order to provide consistency, it becomes essential to make certain the grinder teeth are not dull or become damaged. When this occurs, replacement bits are essential. It is up to all companies and their operators to make sure, they repair and/or replace the grinder bits whenever required to maintain a quality and safe production level.
