human-powered chipper-shredders

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What would be an efficient way to chip or shred woody materials for composting withn the following guidelines: the materials are pencil-thick or less the system does not require fossil fuel inputs

I envision a human powered machine, run perhaps by pedaling a stationary bicycle. At the moment I am using a hand bypass clipper, but I would like to be able to do a lot more material very quickly.

Thank you Angela W (my last name is too unique for me to post it on the net. Sorry.)

-- angela w (awilsc@hotmail.com), September 12, 2001

Answers

Ah! Here's a unique request. I'm always interested in human-powered alternatives. Anyone know of a website or organization that pursues them? How about an engineering company or retail catalog dedicated to them (other than Lehman's)? Since no solutions have been presented, let's see if we can get some discussion going on possible solutions.

My first thought is that such a machine could not be a direct or chain drive to a set of teeth or blades. You simply would get stuck chopping woody materials unless you had the leg strength of a bear. You'd need a weighted flywheel perhaps to carry momentum and reduce shock to the pedaler.

Also, if one is pedaling, how would you feed materials into the grinder? Doubtless they'd have to be fed, for a pile of branches - if that is your material - tends to catch in a tangle. Off hand, some sort of "feeder" mechanism sounds like too much complexity for a human-powered tool. Too much energy would be taken away from the job of grinding. It might just have to be a two-person job. But then, that's more fun and, to my way of thinking, part of the reason for homesteading anyway.

How about animal power? some sort of horizontal wheel with tethers to an animal could be used to power any number of devices, including a grinder.

How much material angela? Are you just trimming a 100 foot line of hedges once a year, or do you have a 10 acre woodlot full of debris that you'd like to turn into wood chips?

-- Bob (robertblessum@netscape.net), September 12, 2001.


Thanks for your reply, Bob. The amount of material would be limitless, as I want to use this equipment in a business. Also, yes, I agree, a direct link to the pedals is not suitable for human legs! I haven't used a power shredder-chipper yet, but I understand your point about needing another person to feed the machine.

I've seen a machete used for smaller woody material. I can't really justify using a petroleum fuel powered machine for chipping ... perhaps solar power modification is an answer, even though that's resource-intensive in its own way!

-- Angela W (awilsc@hotmail.com), September 12, 2001.


Instead of shredding consider crushing. Crush the fibers with a roller mill type device to increase the materials surface area for rapid composting.

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), September 12, 2001.

Why not use a small animal treadmill to operate the machine? They are apparently not terribly expensive and are available here and there. A dog or goat or similarly sized animal could run the machine just by walking. Now we know what dalmations are really good for!!!

-- Sheryl in Me (radams@sacoriver.net), September 12, 2001.

Since you've opened up the question to alternative fuels why not search the web for a diesel-driven chipper and use the new veggie-oil based fuel? If you are using this for a business then it's worth spending some money on a good tool.

The human powered alternative is quite intriguing, but I suggest that you rent a large gas powered shredder for half a day and get a feel for how they work. For one thing they are sinfully fun to operate, (big toy, big toy, munch munch munch) and it will help you get some insight into the design end of it. Even the large industrial tree munchers get jammed easily if you are not careful.

Good luck with your design and building your machine...make sure to let us know if you succeed!

gilly

-- gilly (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), September 12, 2001.



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