How to choose the right clapper machine for your business or personal use? The answer depends on your needs, the size of your batch, and your productivity goals.
Choosing a folding machine is not necessarily an easy task. The countless features, functionalities, differences, and sizes of the clippers available on the market can easily get the beginner clipper owner confused.
In this list, we list the three most important features that you should consider, whether you are upgrading your fleet from a disc mower to a more professional mulching machine, or looking for a new clapper for your company or for your own use.
Determine your needs
If you are buying a folding bike for your own needs or for shared use, Ease of use, quick setup, and effortless storage are essential features. Instructions for use and safety features should be carefully reviewed to maximize the lifespan of the equipment. If you own a tractor, consider also using a three-point-clamping folding model for tractor use instead of a machine equipped with a combustion engine.
If you need a small or medium-sized clapper machine for professional or semi-professional use,Choose a machine that allows you to increase your production output without exceeding your budget. Determine the resale value of the machine and take it into account when purchasing it, so that moving to a larger machine can be done flexibly as your business grows.
If you need a large machine for demanding industrial production or professional use, Essential features include automatic chain tensioner, spacious beam tables and sufficient power to cut even the thickest wood species. Owning several clippers of various sizes can be a sensible choice to achieve maximum productivity.
Diameter of the blocks
The folding machine should be chosen according to the size of the tarpaulins. By choosing a clapper machine with a diameter that is one to two sizes larger than your tree’s average diameter, you ensure that even the largest of your trees will be cut into pieces. Buying a machine that is too large is not cost-effective: branches that are wider than the average diameter should be cut off and cut into pieces separately with a manual clapper machine.
Large supports need to be cut into eight, twelve, or even more parts. Some clapper machines offer high cutting power but require re-bending of the trees, which causes unnecessary additional work. Well-designed supports and a fast cutting cycle increase production efficiency and minimize the need for additional tree handling.
Cutting small trees with a large folding machine is not cost-effective, and it is not worth buying a machine too large for home or cottage use. Large folding companies should invest in several folding machines of different sizes and sort their wood to achieve the best production efficiency, profitability, and speed of work.
Operating costs and productivity
When purchasing a clapper machine, keep in mind that the purchase price is only part of the product’s life cycle costs. The maintenance needs of clapper machines depend on the structure and features of the machine you choose. Advanced hydraulic features often lead to high power and low fuel costs. Reliable electronically controlled systems are durable and generally require little maintenance or spare parts.
The productivity of a folding machine depends on efficient handling of the wood, a smooth material flow, and user ergonomics. The larger the bulk table, the more time your staff has for other tasks such as handling and packing the finished firewood. Smooth wood supply and guided wood falling reduce the amount of extra manual work.
The convenient tree lift lifts even the heaviest trees from the ground to the feeding table, reducing manual effort. The lifts are easily transported on the machine even during road transport. Smart user interfaces prevent unnecessary interruptions and human errors that cause production downtime.
In Hakki Pilkki's range you will find the right firewood for industrial production, professionals, semi-professionals, and those who make firewood for their own needs. Check out our selection!