Are Power King chippers any good?

Power King chippers are an affordable and dependable option for chipping branches and brush on residential properties. For homeowners looking to clear their yard of fallen branches or trim back overgrown trees and shrubs, a chipper like those made by Power King can make quick work of reducing debris to mulch. But how good are Power King chippers compared to other brands? What are the pros and cons of their features and performance? Are they worth the investment for casual yard maintenance and periodic debris removal? Let’s take a closer look at what Power King chippers have to offer.

What are the key features of Power King chippers?

Power King chippers are available in electric and gas-powered models. Their horsepower ranges from about 5 HP on the low end to 20 HP on the high end. This gives you flexibility to choose the right chipper for your workload. Some of the key features found on Power King chippers include:

– Feed chute size: From 9-3/4 inches on smaller models up to 14 inches on larger models. Wider feed chutes allow you to process bigger branches without trimming them down first.

– Electric or gas engine: Electric chippers are convenient for smaller urban yards while gas models offer more power and are better suited for large estates and rural properties.

– Chipper blade: Power King outfits its chippers with hardened steel chipping blades that are designed to provide a consistent mulch texture while resisting wear.

– Auto-feed capability: More expensive Power King chipper models have an auto-feed function that uses rubber rollers to self-feed branches and debris into the blade. This makes the chipping process easier.

– Mobility: Most Power King chippers are mounted on two pneumatic tires that make it easy to tow the chipper around your property.

– Collection bag: Higher-end Power King chippers may include a discharge chute with a collection bag to conveniently capture the wood chips as you work.

How powerful are Power King chippers?

When it comes to chipping power, Power King chippers perform well for residential debris clearing but have some limitations when tackling very large branches. Here’s a quick look at their power capabilities:

– 5 HP electric models can chip branches up to 1.5 inches thick. Good for light yard debris.

– 7-10 HP gas models can handle 2-3 inch diameter branches. Suitable for most homeowner chipping tasks.

– 15-20 HP industrial-grade models can chip branches up to 4-5 inches thick. Best for large properties with big debris.

– Auto-feed feature improves chipping efficiency on thicker branches.

– Chipping rate is slower than high-end commercial chippers but sufficient for periodic use.

– Not recommended for extremely dense hardwood branches over 3 inches thick.

The chipping power is adequate for most homeowners but commercial tree services and municipal operations may want a more robust drum-style chipper.

How does the chipping performance compare?

Here are some key points regarding the chipping performance of Power King chippers:

– Produces consistently sized wood chips ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inches.

– Chipping blade stays sharp for a long time with proper maintenance.

– Clogging is minimal unless putting through very knotty or twisted branches.

– Low vibration levels reduce hand/arm fatigue during extended chipping jobs.

– Chip scattering is contained for safety and ease of cleanup.

– Noise level ranges from 100-110 dB which is typical for this size of chipper. Can allow short conversations.

– Minimal fine dust since chips tend to be on the larger side. Helps reduce airborne particles.

– Models with a chip collection bag make cleanup simple.

Overall, the chipping action of Power King chippers is very good for the occasional user. It’s really only challenged when trying to chip extremely dense or knotty wood. The chips produced are ideal for mulching and composting applications.

Are Power King chippers safe to operate?

Here are some of the safety features and design elements of Power King chippers:

– Feed chute safety bars help prevent accidental hand/limb insertion.

– Chute access panels have interlock switches that prevent operation when opened.

– No exposed moving parts that aren’t shielded for operator safety.

– Most models have a emergency stop cable within easy reach.

– Engine and blades automatically shut down if the chipper tilts or tips over.

– Gas models have a centrifugal clutch that prevents kickback when starting.

– Low center of gravity and pneumatic tires for stability when towing.

– Electric models have circuit breaker overload protection.

– Includes safety instructions and warnings in the operator’s manual.

Power King chippers are about average when it comes to safety. As always, it’s vital to read the manual, wear protective gear, focus on the task at hand, and avoid distractions when operating any wood chipper. Proper maintenance and awareness of safety zones will keep the risk of injury low.

What maintenance do Power King chippers require?

To keep a Power King chipper performing at its best for years to come, here are the key maintenance tasks owners should plan on:

– Check engine oil and air filters regularly. Change oil every 50 hours of operation or annually.

– Inspect tire pressure and tread condition periodically. Inflate to manufacturers recommended PSI.

– Lubricate all grease points about every 10 hours of use. Keep gears, bushings and pivots well greased.

– Check and change fuel filters on gas models per manufacturer instructions.

– Sharpen or replace chipping blades when they become dull. This may be annually with moderate use.

– Adjust blade clearance if chip size becomes inconsistent. Proper clearance = better chipping.

– Clean air intake screens and prevent debris buildup on a regular basis.

– Wash machine after each use to prevent corrosive buildup of sap/debris.

– Store indoors or under a cover when not in use to prevent corrosion.

Some owners choose to remove blades and perform complete tune-ups annually to maximize performance and service life. Follow all manufacturer maintenance guidelines.

What safety gear should you use with a Power King chipper?

Here is the recommended safety gear to use when operating a Power King chipper:

Eye Protection

– Safety goggles or wraparound glasses to shield eyes from flying chips and debris.

Hearing Protection

– Earplugs or muffs to prevent hearing damage from prolonged exposure to noise over 85-90 dB.

Hand Protection

– Sturdy work gloves to protect hands from blisters, splinters, sharp branches.

Face Protection

– Face shield if operating without feed control bar for protection from thrown chips.

Respiratory Protection

– Dust mask to filter fine airborne particles if operating chipper for extended periods or producing excessive dust.

Head Protection

– Hard hat to prevent head injuries if working under trees or other overhead hazards.

Foot Protection

– Steel-toe boots provide protection if heavy branches fall on feet.

Clothing

– Close-fitting shirts and pants clear of dangling elements that could catch on machinery.

Always thoroughly read the safety instructions in the Power King operator’s manual before use. Your dealership can also advise on appropriate protective gear for your chipper model. NEVER operate a wood chipper without proper safeguards in place.

What is the warranty coverage on Power King chippers?

Here are the key details on the warranty that comes standard with new Power King chippers:

– Engine: Up to 2 years of coverage on gas engine components.

– Chipper parts: 1 year limited warranty on knives, belts, bearings and other non-engine parts.

– Frame: Up to 5 years of warranty coverage on the chipper frame against defects.

– Accessories: Any included tow bars or discharge chutes are covered for 1 year.

– Electronics: Ignition modules, wiring, and electric components have a 1 year warranty.

– Exclusions: Filter elements, tires and normal wear items are generally excluded after 90 days.

– Claims: Warranty is provided by authorized Power King dealers, not big box retailers.

– Registration: Warranty coverage requires online registration within 30 days of purchase.

– Limits: Warranty is void if damage is due to improper use or lack of maintenance.

As with any power equipment, adhering to the operating instructions and regular upkeep will get the best performance and life from a Power King chipper. Check with your dealer about options for extended warranty coverage.

How much does a Power King chipper cost?

Power King chippers range in price from about $300 up to $2,000 depending on the model. Here’s an overview of what influences the costs:

– Engine type: Electric models start around $300-$500. Gas-powered units range from $800 up to $2,000. More power equals higher cost.

– Feed chute size: Chippers with larger chute openings tend to cost more than compact models.

– Mobility: Chippers with pneumatic tires cost more than non-wheeled units.

– Auto-feed: Models with powered feed rollers add $200-$500 over manual feed designs.

– Collection: Built-in discharge chutes and collection bags raise the price over basic chuteless chippers.

– Capacity: Industrial-grade 20 HP models cost significantly more than standard residential 7-10 HP chippers.

– Additional features like dual chutes, extended warranties, and aftermarket accessories will also increase the total purchase price.

For most homeowners, a gas-powered Power King chipper in the 10 HP range with auto-feed and pneumatic tires provides the best value at around $1,200-$1,500. Higher capacity industrial models appeal to tree services and municipalities.

What are the benefits of owning a Power King chipper?

Some of the benefits that Power King chipper owners enjoy include:

– Ability to recycle downed branches and debris into free organic mulch for gardens and landscaping. Saves money.

– Avoid paying tree services for routine branch chipping. More self-sufficient clearing of yard debris.

– Power King’s chipping capacity handles most residential debris removal tasks.

– unit mobility allows you to bring the chipper to the branches and operate anywhere on your property.

– Electric models provide a lower noise option for suburban settings over gas.

– Chipper knives stay sharp for 1-2 years with proper maintenance.

– durable components like pneumatic tires and hardened steel blades provide years of productivity.

– designed, engineered and supported in the USA.

– Optional powered feed mechanisms make chipping thick debris almost effortless.

For homeowners who regularly need to prune trees and clear yard debris, a Power King chipper is an affordable way to turn waste into mulch and reclaim your yard.

What safety tips should you follow when using a Power King chipper?

Here are some important safety tips when operating a Power King chipper:

– Read owners manual and heed all safety warnings prior to starting machine.

– Wear protective eye, ear and head protection at all times.

– Allow only responsible trained adults to operate chipper. Keep children and pets away.

– Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could catch on moving parts.

– Keep hands, feet and other body parts away from infeed and discharge areas.

– Maintain a safe operating zone of at least 10 feet around chipper.

– Never reach into feed chute while unit is running. Use a branch or paddle to push in debris if needed.

– Stop engine before removing any clogs, debris or making repairs.

– Refuel gas models only after allowing unit to cool to prevent fire hazard.

– Operate chipper on level ground with good footing and balance.

– Follow all manufacturer guidelines for service and maintenance.

– Shut down immediately if unusual noise, vibration or flying debris occurs. Inspect and have repaired before resuming work.

– Let material clear discharge area before shutting down to avoid clogs.

Your safety is priority #1 when using a Power King chipper. Focus on the task at hand and operate this power equipment with the respect it deserves!

Conclusion

For homeowners seeking an efficient and economical way to dispose of lawn debris, Power King chippers represent a solid value. Models equipped with optimized features like pneumatic tires, powered feed rollers, and large chip collection bags simplify the process of reducing branches and brush into reusable wood mulch.

Power King chippers compare well to competitors in power, safety, and durability. Their chipping performance and capacity is suitable for most residential debris chipping needs. Key advantages include the sharp hardened steel blades, quieter electric models for neighborhood use, and overall robust construction.

Initial purchase cost plus fuel and maintenance is very reasonable for the benefits gained in yard waste disposal and landscaping mulch production. With proper operating precautions and regular service, a Power King chipper should deliver years of reliable performance. If you’re looking to clear branches and limbs without the hassle of hauling debris, Power King’s line of chippers is worth considering.