06/26/2026
In our previous post, we discussed the multiple lines of defense we use to remove metal and other unwanted materials from our mulch. Occasionally, however, an object can make it through those initial safeguards.
This forestry mulcher tooth was mixed in with some of the single-ground material we received and managed to bypass our visual inspection and vibration monitoring systems before entering the grinding chamber.
Fortunately, our MC-266 grinder is designed with safety features to help protect the machine when this happens. Because the tooth is made from extremely hard steel, it caused the screen shear bolts to break away as designed. While this resulted in downtime and repairs, the breakaway system prevented much more extensive and costly damage to the rotor and other critical components.
Incidents like this are a good reminder of why we have multiple layers of protection built into our process and why routine equipment inspections are so important.
We’re thankful that the machine performed exactly as it was engineered to and that the damage was limited. Producing a quality mulch product takes more than simply grinding wood—it’s a process that requires careful attention every step of the way.
