DR TreeChopper User Manual

Read and understand this manual and all instructions before operating the DR® TreeChopper™.

Original Language

TreeChopper™

SAFETY & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

DR Power Equipment

Toll-free phone: 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) Fax: 1-802-877-1213 Website: www.DRpower.com

Serial No.

Order No.

This indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Table of Contents

This information is important in the proper use of your machine. Failure to follow this instruction could result in damage to your machine or property.

This indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

Chapter 1: General Safety Rules ....................................................................................................................................................................3

Chapter 2: Setting Up The DR® TreeChopper™ ..........................................................................................................................................8

Chapter 3: Operating the DR® TreeChopper™ ............................................................................................................................................16

Chapter 4: Maintaining The DR® TreeChopper™ .......................................................................................................................................18

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................................................................................21

Chapter 6: Parts Lists and Schematic Diagrams .........................................................................................................................................22

Conventions used in this manual

Serial Number and Order Number

A Serial Number is used to identify your machine and is located on the Serial Number Label on your machine. An Order Number is used to check and maintain your order history and is located on your packing slip. For your convenience and ready reference, enter the Serial Number and Order Number in the space provided on the front cover of this manual.

Additional Information and Potential Changes

DR Power Equipment reserves the right to discontinue, change, and improve its products at any time without notice or obligation to the purchaser. The descriptions and specifications contained in this manual were in effect at printing. Equipment described within this manual may be optional. Some illustrations may not be applicable to your machine.

2 DR

TreeChopper™

Read this safety & operating Instructions manual before you install or use the DR TreeChopper. Failure to read this manual could result in personal injury or equipment damage. Become familiar with the operation and service recommendations to ensure the best performance from your machine. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at www.DRpower.com or

call toll-free 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637) and one of our Technical Support Representatives will be happy to help you.

Chapter 1: General Safety Rules

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Labels

Your DR TreeChopper carries prominent labels as reminders for its proper and safe use. Shown below are copies of all the Safety and Information labels that appear on the equipment. Take a moment to study them and make a note of their location on your TreeChopper as you set up and before you operate the unit. Replace damaged or missing safety and information labels immediately.

Operating this TreeChopper safely is necessary to prevent or minimize the risk of death or serious injury. Unsafe operation can create a number of hazards for you as well as anyone else in the nearby area. Always take the following precautions when operating this TreeChopper:

 Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their property, and

themselves.

 Read the ATV operators manual, the Winch operators manual and all warning labels before operating.  Prior to use remove the blade guard and ensure that the blades are properly adjusted as outlined in your TreeChopper’s

operation manual.

 Stay clear of all moving parts or joints that may be a potential pinch point hazard.  Never allow bystanders to stand, or ride on the chassis or the head assembly of the TreeChopper.  Always reinstall the blade guard after use and prior to transport.  Never operate the TreeChopper without the tree guard properly affixed and adjusted per the instructions outlined in your

operators manual.

 Never attempt to cut trees larger than 4" in diameter.  Never operate the TreeChopper without the extension arms installed.  Never equip a TreeChopper to an ATV that is less than 400cc and always operate the ATV in four wheel drive.  Inspect all hardware, mounting brackets, blades and guards for loose, bent, broken or failing components prior to operation.

If any component is damaged, or missing, replace it immediately prior to operation.

 Always follow all warnings outlined in your ATV’s operation manual and on the machines warning labels.  Never exceed 15 mph (24 kph) even with the TreeChopper in the raised transport position.  Keep bystanders at least 100 feet away from your intended work area and always be aware of their location.  Never attempt to cut a tree larger than 4" in diameter. The TreeChopper is designed to only cut trees. Do not attempt to cut

wooden fence posts, rebar, or any object other than a 4" diameter or smaller tree.

 Always wear an approved motorcycle helmet that fits properly and is equipped with a face shield in conjunction with

protective goggles to protect your eyes and face from stray branches or debris.

 Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry, which can catch on moving parts.  We recommend wearing gloves while using the TreeChopper. Be sure your gloves fit properly and do not have loose cuffs or

drawstrings.

 Wear shoes with non-slip treads when using your TreeChopper. If you have safety shoes, we recommend wearing them.

Never work on or use the TreeChopper barefoot or while wearing open toed shoes/sandals (footwear).

 Wear a long sleeve shirt or riding jacket and long pants while operating the TreeChopper.

Protective Gear

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children and pets. Children are often attracted to the machine and the chopping activity.

Never

assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Always follow these

precautions:

 Never operate the TreeChopper with children or pets present. Keep children and pets at least 100 feet from the working area

and ensure they are under the watchful care of a responsible adult.

 Be alert and put the ATV in “Park”, set the parking brake, turn the ATV off, lower the TreeChopper and install the guard if

children or pets enter the work area.

 Never allow children under the age of 16 to operate the TreeChopper.

Safety for Children and Pets

Protecting yourself and those around you

4 DR

TreeChopper™

Protecting yourself and those around you (continued)

 Never cut trees near power lines, gas lines, or any other obstacle that may pose a fire, explosion, or electrical hazard. Never

assume a tree will fall where you intend it to.

 Always stop the ATV, place the transmission in park (when applicable) set the parking brake, replace the blade guard and

lower the TreeChopper to the ground prior to allowing another person or pet to approach.

 Never allow passengers to ride on the ATV while the TreeChopper is installed on the machine, even if the ATV is designed to

safely transport passengers.

 Prior to chopping trees inspect the area you will be intending to cut in for any debris or objects that may pose a hazard.

Inspect all trees prior to chopping them by following the practices outlined in the TreeChopper operation manual.

 Never attempt to cut a tree without first surveying the tree for branches that may cause an impalement hazard. Remove all

branches that pose such hazards prior to cutting. Failure to do so can cause serious injury or even death.

 Always inspect the tree(s) you are intending to cut for ingrown hazards such as rocks, metal rebar, or fencing. Never attempt

to cut a tree that has an ingrown object.

 Do not operate the ATV on slopes greater than 10° with the TreeChopper installed.  Always begin cutting on small diameter trees that are in the early stages of growth to learn the characteristics and techniques

of the TreeChopper equipped to your atv

 Never operate the atv with one hand while the TreeChopper is mounted  Always approach all ravines, pot holes and ditches at a slow speed and head on to prevent rollover. Avoid all obstacles and

never attempt to chop a tree that lies near or in a ravine, ditch or other hazardous terrain feature.

 Do not operate your TreeChopper with material wedged in the blades. Safely remove any stuck or jammed material prior to

using your TreeChopper. Once material is removed, inspect your TreeChopper Blades for damage, alignment, and spacing.

 Never stand or ride on the TreeChopper head or chassis – never allow passengers or bystanders to do so either.  Always reinstall the blade guard after use and prior to transport. The blade guard should only be removed prior to cutting

trees and should be promptly reinstalled after use.

 Never operate the TreeChopper without first inspecting all hardware connections for bent bolts, missing hardware, or

loosened components. Tighten or replace before use with DR components.

 Learn to properly operate your ATV prior to using your TreeChopper.  Prior to and after use, always check the condition of the cutting blades. Sharpen or replace any damaged blade per the

instructions found in your operators manual.

 When readying to cut a tree make sure you are firmly seated on the ATV. Never attempt to cut a tree in a slightly raised or

standing position.

 Your TreeChopper is a powerful tool, not a plaything. Exercise extreme caution at all times. The machine is designed to chop

small trees. Do not use it for any other purpose.

 Always follow ATV warning and riding instructions in your ATV manual. Failure to read your ATV manual could result in

personal injury or equipment damage.

 Do not attempt to cut Trees with trunks larger than a 4 inch diameter.  Prior to use, check the TreeChopper to be sure all bolts are tight and the blades are properly adjusted. Floating head bolts

should be snug, but loose enough to allow the head to float and follow the contours of the ground.

 Approach trees to be cut from a safe distance, approximately 10 feet.  Approach tree at a safe speed and accelerate through the tree during cutting.  Know how to stop your ATV quickly; see your ATV owners Manual.  Never operate TreeChopper in slippery, wet, muddy, or icy conditions.  See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by DR

Power Equipment.

 Never use the machine without ensuring that all guards and shields are in place.  Never, under any conditions, remove, bend, cut, fit, weld, or otherwise alter standard parts on the TreeChopper. This

includes all shields and guards. Modifications to your machine could cause personal injuries and property damage and will void your warranty.

Protecting yourself and those around you (continued)

 Allow only one person on the ATV to operate the TreeChopper at any time.  If the TreeChopper should start making an unusual noise or vibration, stop the ATV and put it in park, lower the TreeChopper

to the ground, turn the ATV ignition to the “Off” position, remove the key and set the emergency brake, then inspect for damage. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. Check for damaged parts and clean, repair, and/or replace as necessary.

 Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.  Before performing any maintenance or inspection procedure on the TreeChopper, stop the ATV and put it in park, lower the

TreeChopper to the ground, turn the ATV ignition to the “Off” position, remove the key and set the emergency brake.

 Never allow people who are unfamiliar with these instructions to use the TreeChopper. Allow only responsible individuals

who are familiar with these rules of safe operation to use your machine.

 Never overload or attempt to chop material beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation. Personal injury or damage to the

machine could result.

 While using the TreeChopper, don't hurry or take things for granted. When in doubt about the equipment or your

surroundings, stop the machine and take the time to look things over.

 Never operate the machine when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.  Use the machine only in daylight.  Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.  Keep all nuts and bolts tight and keep the equipment in good operating condition.

A Note to All Users

No list of warnings and cautions can be all-inclusive. If situations occur that are not covered by this manual, the operator must apply common sense and operate this DR TreeChopper in a safe manner. Contact us at www.DRpower.com or call 1-800-DROWNER (376-9637) for assistance.

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TreeChopper™

Figure 1

Tree Guard

Chassis

Extension Arm

Cutting Head Assembly

Universal Mount

Universal Cross Bar

Adjusting Bolt

Rear Blade

Circular Front Blade

Front Blade

Blade Guard

Chapter 2: Setting Up The DR® TreeChopper™

It may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the controls and features of your DR TreeChopper as shown in Figure 1 before beginning these procedures. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us at www.DRpower.com.

DR TreeChopper Controls and Features

8 DR

TreeChopper™

Specifications

Max Tree Size

4" Diameter

Frame

1-1/4" Diameter Pipe reinforced with a 14 Ga Steel Skid Plate

Cutting Blades

3 Fixed Blades and 2 Rotating Cutting Blades

Weight

160 lbs

Dimensions

Head: 27" L X 22" W X 5" H Chassis: 52" L X 43" W X 8" H

Figure 3

14 6 13

10 9 12

Figure 2

Common Parts Supplied: (Figure 2 and List below)

Note: These parts are supplied with every TreeChopper package. For assembly

reference, the item numbers below match the item numbers of the applicable exploded illustration in Chapter 6.

Item Description Qty

01.............. Guard, Tree .................................................................1

02.............. Chassis .......................................................................1

03.............. Cutting Head Assembly .............................................1

04.............. Arm, Extension............................................................2

05.............. Bolt, 1/4-20 X 2.25", GR5, ZP....................................2

06.............. Pin, Pivot .....................................................................2

07.............. Bolt, 1/2-13 X 2.75", GR5, ZP....................................2

08.............. Bolt, HCS, 3/8-16 X 1-1/2", Gr5, ZP .........................4

09.............. Nut, Nylon Lock, 3/8-16, ZP......................................4

10.............. Washer, Fender, 3/8 X 1.5" OD ................................8

11.............. Nut, Nylon Lock, 1/2-13 ............................................2

12.............. Washer, Flat, 1/2", USS .............................................4

13.............. Pin, Hairpin Cotter, .12" Dia 2-3/8" .........................2

14.............. Nut, Nylon Lock, 1/4-20, ZP......................................2

15.............. Washer, Flat, 1/4", USS .............................................4

Compare the contents of the shipping package with the parts supplied list above and Figure 2. If you have any questions, contact us at www.DRpower.com or call 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637).

Kit Parts Supplied

The Kit that applies to your specific application has been determined by your interaction with our customer service team. You should now have a Kit reference number and the Kit name. Pick your Kit from the four Kits below to continue comparing with the shipping package.

Round Tube Frame Kit #31956: (Figure 3 and List below)

Note: For assembly reference, the item numbers below match the item numbers of

the applicable exploded illustration in Chapter 6.

Item Description Qty

01.............. Cross Bar, Universal ...................................................1

02.............. Mount, Universal ........................................................1

03.............. Washer, Flat, 3/8", USS .............................................10

04.............. Nut, Nylon Lock, 3/8-16, ZP......................................1

05.............. Washer, Lock, 3/8" .....................................................9

Parts List Continued on next page

06.............. U-Bolt, 1.25" Id, 3/8-16 X 4" L...................................2

Figure 5

10 9 4

5 2 10

11 2 Figure 4

1 8 7

07.............. Nut, 3/8-16, Zp ...........................................................16

08.............. U-Bolt, 1.25" Id, 3/8-16 X 2.25" L .............................2

09.............. Bolt, 3/8-16 X 2.75", Gr5, ZP .....................................1

Compare the contents of the shipping package with the parts supplied list above and Figure 3. If you have any questions, contact us at www.DRpower.com or call 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637).

Square Tube Frame Kit #31957: (Figure 4 and List below)

Note: For assembly reference, the item numbers below match the item numbers of

the applicable exploded illustration in Chapter 6.

Item Description Qty

01 ..............Cross Bar, Universal................................................... 1

02 ..............Mount, Universal........................................................ 1

03 ..............Washer, Flat, 3/8", USS ............................................. 10

04 ..............Nut, Nylon Lock, 3/8-16, ZP ..................................... 1

05 ..............Washer, Lock, 3/8" ..................................................... 9

06 ..............Nut, 3/8-16, Zp ........................................................... 16

07 ..............Bracket, Square Frame............................................... 4

08 ..............Bolt, HCS, 3/8-16 X 2-3/4", Gr5, ZP......................... 5

09 ..............Bolt, HCS, 3/8-16 X 3-3/4" ........................................ 4

Compare the contents of the shipping package with the parts supplied list above and Figure 4. If you have any questions, contact us at www.DRpower.com or call 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637).

Polaris Frame Kit #31958: (Figure 5 and List below)

Note: For assembly reference, the item numbers below match the item numbers of

the applicable exploded illustration in Chapter 6.

Item Description Qty

01 ..............Washer, Flat, 3/8", USS ............................................. 10

02 ..............Nut, Nylon Lock, 3/8-16, ZP ..................................... 1

03 ..............Washer, Lock, 3/8" ..................................................... 9

04 ..............U-Bolt, 1.25 ID, 3/8-16 X 4 L ..................................... 2

05 ..............Nut, 3/8-16, Zp ........................................................... 8

06 ..............Bracket, Square Frame............................................... 4

07 ..............Mount, Polaris ............................................................ 1

08 ..............Cross Bar, Polaris ....................................................... 1

09 ..............U-Bolt, 1.25 ID, 3/8-16 X 2.25 L ................................ 2

10 ..............Bolt, 3/8-16 X 2.75", Gr5, ZP..................................... 1

11 ..............Bolt, HCS, 3/8-16 X 3-3/4" ........................................ 4

Compare the contents of the shipping package with the parts supplied list above and Figure 5. If you have any questions, contact us at www.DRpower.com or call 1-800-DR-OWNER (376-9637).

10 DR

TreeChopper™

+ 22 hidden pages

DR TreeChopper User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual