CBI has produced a compact, yet extreme-duty drum chipper for the biomass market.
The ChipMax 484 has been designed to ensure that the rotor, chipper box and feed system are more robust than other chippers in its class. Depending on the raw material, production rates in excess of 100 tonnes per hour are predicted. It has two rotor options, which allow it to produce either high quality fuel chips sized from 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 in) with a 2-knife rotor, or micro-chips from 2 to 12 mm (0.1 to 0.5 in) with a 4-knife rotor. The micro-chips produced have consistent fibre length to reduce the costs of producing pellets and improving the functioning of small boilers.
Owners have an option between an apron-style conveyor (prevents material spillage) feed system, or a four-strand heavy-duty chain, which allows rocks and dirt to be screened prior to chipping. The chip discharge chute is hydraulically adjustable and top or end loading of chip trailers can take place. A hydraulically driven blower allows stronger chip discharge. The blower automatically increases power when needed without damaging chips or increasing fuel consumption. The chip deflector is hydraulically actuated into position when top loading chip trailers. The discharge chute is available in either a flex configuration (adjustable for distributing chips to minimise truck movement during loading), or in straight configuration.
A Cat C-18 engine provides power to the 484. Other design features include an extra large radiator, an auto-reversing fan, PT Tech PTO clutch, IntelliGrind control system by Parker IQAN for machine monitoring and protection, and radio remote control with full mechanical backup for vital machine functions. The ChipMax 484 is available as a portable, track, or truck-mounted unit and is road legal for width and weight. Selected specifications are included in the table below.
| Engine power | 570 kW (765 hp) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 946 l (250 gal) |
| Weight | Portable unit - 20,200 to 23,600 kg (44,600 to 52,000 lb) Track unit - 22,800 to 26,800 kg (50,400 to 59,000 lb) |
| Feed conveyor | Length – 12’ (3.7 m) Width – 48 in (122 cm) |
| Top feed roller dimensions | 48 in wide by 30 in diameter (122 x 76 cm) |
| Rotor dimensions | 48 in wide by 40 in diameter (122 x 102 cm) |
Source: www.cbi-inc.com