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Five Ways to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Mill Equipment.

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Your wood-processing machinery is a significant investment and the heart of your business. Keeping your equipment in optimum condition is fundamental to increasing your ROI and extending the life of your machines. You know unplanned downtime can mean heavy financial costs and lengthy production delays. A regular maintenance schedule can help identify potential safety problems, prevent costly breakdowns, optimize performance, and maintain product quality.

Optimize Your Mill Equipment

Below are our top five ways to extend the lifespan of your Brunette Chippers, Grinders, BioSizers and other wood-processing machines to help you get more from your mill.

1. READ YOUR PARTS AND SERVICE MANUAL
We provide a manual that contains information about your specific machine, including safety instructions, installation and start-up instructions, maintenance & lubrication schedules, mechanical drawings, spare parts lists and more.

2. PERFORM DAILY CHECKS
A daily checklist of maintenance tasks completed at the beginning or end of the workday can identify signs of wear or other minor problems that require attention. These tasks are in your Parts and Service manual. It’s a good practice to keep records of the dates/times of the completed tasks.

3. FOLLOW A LUBRICATION SCHEDULE
Proper lubrication is essential for peak machine function. Lubricant reduces friction between moving parts, protecting them from wear and tear. Monitoring and replacing your machines’ lubrication levels will significantly increase your equipment’s lifespan. Recommended lubrication schedules are found in your Parts & Service manual.

4. PROVIDE OPERATOR TRAINING
Your operators and technicians must understand the operation and safety procedures of every machine in your mill. Training should include knowledge of equipment limitations and the workings of all systems and controls. Trained operators/technicians are often the first to notice minor problems before they become major failures. Training programs also ensure that operators learn the proper usage of the machines, thereby minimizing the chance of unintentional damage.

If you or your team have questions, our fully qualified service technicians can provide technical expertise. We can also provide on-site or remote training and instructional sessions if required.

5. STOCK KEY PARTS
To increase your mill’s efficiency, Brunette recommends stocking an inventory of parts. A supply of critical spare parts can allow your team to quickly get your machine running and minimize downtime and service costs. We provide a list of spare parts you can purchase to have on hand to prevent untimely shutdowns.

PARTS & SERVICE DEPARTMENT

We have a reputation for excellent customer after-sale care. Our team members are experienced professionals who take pride in providing the best customer service possible.

PARTS:

If you need help getting an emergency part because of a breakdown or ordering recommended spare parts, trust our team of qualified experts to get you what you need — fast!

SERVICE:

We want to help you get more from your mill, which means keeping your machines running at optimum performance. Our qualified service technicians are OEM factory-trained and available for commissioning, startup assistance, and on-site maintenance. Our on-site service includes complete machine inspections, detailed follow-up reports and preventative maintenance recommendations.

Explore our Parts & Service page on this site for more details. Find order forms, service bulletins, maintenance sheets and more, available for download.

To contact our Parts & Service Department during regular business hours, please call 604.522.3977 or toll-free 1.800.686.6679 — we are ready to assist you. You can also reach us online through our online contact form or email us at .

If you require our Prince George facility, please call 250.563.0596 or email the Prince George office or the Prince George shop.

Our Parts & Service Department has a 24-hour emergency contact for unexpected after-hours incidents that require immediate attention. To reach us in an emergency, call 604.813-3394

Maintaining your wood-processing equipment is critical to your bottom line. By developing a regular maintenance schedule and following our maintenance tips and the guidelines in your parts and service manual, you can expand the working life of your machinery, maximize the efficiency of your operations and eliminate costly downtime.

QUESTIONS?

Want to know more about our wood-processing systems including rebuilds, upgrades, and our innovative product line, please contact our sales team.

This article was adapted from the Brunette Machinery email campaign “Our Top Five Maintenance Tips To Help You Get More From Your Mill” Oct. 25, 2023

Tags: Brunette Machinery, Chippers Hogs & BioSizers, Forestry Equipment, Lumber Mill Equipment, Maintenance Tips
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We’re Going to San Antonio for the 2024 EWTA Info Fair!

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

We’ll be in San Antonio, Texas for the Engineered Wood Technology Association (EWTA) Info Fair 2024 this September.

EWTA’s  Info Fair is the association’s biggest networking event of the year. The show, held in conjunction with APA’s Annual Meeting, is an opportunity to meet and network with key decision-makers among the APA membership.

The Engineered Wood Technology Association (EWTA) is a nonprofit trade association representing product, equipment and service providers to the North American engineered wood products manufacturing industry. Based in Tacoma, Washington, the EWTA is a related organization of APA – The Engineered Wood Association, the leading North American association of structural engineered wood product manufacturers.

We’ll be at Booth #305— we hope to see you there!

Tags: Brunette Machinery, EWTA Info Fair, Forestry Equipment, Trade Show
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Join Us at the Timber Processing & Energy Expo in Portland

Monday, August 26th, 2024

The Timber Processing & Energy Expo is produced by Hatton-Brown Expositions an affiliate of Hatton-Brown Publishers and Timber Processing magazine, Panel World magazine, and Wood Bioenergy magazine.  This year’s show features exhibitions from major equipment companies and suppliers; and a supporting forum — Productivity & Efficiency: A Conference — on September 26, 2024 as an add-on for attendees. This one-day conference is designed for sawmill operators of all sizes. From morning sessions on sawmill byproducts, to afternoon presentations that will include seminars and workshops from top industry professionals covering mill operational issues and technologies.

This is a one-of-a-kind must attend event for professionals in the lumber, panel and engineered wood products and wood-based energy and biomass industries.

We’ll there and we look forward to connecting with you! Be sure to stop by and visit us at Booth#349. Find out about our forestry equipment and wood-processing systems.

Tags: Brunette Machinery, Forestry, Forestry Equipment, Forestry Industry, Trade Show
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2024 Annual WPAC Conference: Powering Sustainability: The Role of Biomass in Electrification

Monday, August 26th, 2024

The focus of this year’s Wood Pellet Association of Canada AGM and Conference is Powering Sustainability: The Role of Biomass in Electrification.

Each year, WPAC attracts hundreds of wood pellet, biomass and bioenergy professionals from around the globe to discuss the issues that impact the wood pellet industry. Join with these professionals from across the country, the US, Europe, and Asia in Victoria, British Columbia, to explore the role of biomass in the provision of responsible, renewable and clean energy

This event offer an opportunity to learn from international experts about new research and development that is improving the science of biomass in the domestic and global wood pellet industry. Meet companies that produce innovative technologies for wood pellet production and network with peers and colleagues across the Canadian and international wood pellet industry.

Brunette Machinery will be there! We hope to connect with you — ask us how our wood-processing systems can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Tags: BioEnergy, Biomass, Brunette Machinery, Trade Show
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Everything You Need to Know About Brunette Chippers

Friday, April 19th, 2024

We don’t need to tell you that wood processing machinery operates under demanding conditions. When you are in the business of producing quality pulp chips you need Chippers that can handle the toughest jobs and deliver the highest production rates.

Today’s sawmills are faced with ever-increasing demands for capacity, efficiency and availability. They require custom solutions and rugged machines that are easy to maintain and perform well under rigorous use. While the main purpose of a sawmill is processing softwood or hardwood logs into quality lumber, they also need the means to process the sawdust, chips and bark as additional value streams.

Brunette Machinery offers a full line of drum chippers available in various sizes and model configurations. With their rigid structural frame and powerful high-inertia rotor, Brunette Chippers are built for optimal performance, lower maintenance costs, and the best quality chips at the highest capacities.

Our Chippers are renowned for producing quality pulp chips from short material that is difficult to control. Some of our models are capable of producing “micro-chips” — giving you access to more markets, and more flexibility.

Designed with a wide throat, Brunette Chippers can accommodate large pieces such as logs, lily pads, cores, and spinouts. The single piece tapered knives process material across the full width of the drum providing even wear and longer life.

Brunette Chippers have many features making them ideal for your application including adjustable chip length and the Brunette Quick-Change knife system for one-person changeouts.

The Benefits

Superior Chipping Performance: Brunette Drum Chippers combine high capacity and excellent cutting geometry to easily process green and dry trim ends, shorts, overs, lily pads, small logs, and butt ends.

High Quality Chips – Minimal Maintenance Costs: Brunette Chippers are furnished with first-class arbor bearings that ensure close knife to anvil clearance for optimum chip quality. The contour of the drum creates a clamping force to securely hold the material between the anvil and the knife path. This prevents the material from tipping up toward the drum, reducing maintenance costs.

Save Time & Money: The swing-away anvil saves valuable production time and repair costs associated with tramp metal.

The Construction

Frame: The rugged main frame is welded with reinforced steel plate bearing mounts and connecting flanges for infeed and rear discharge chutes. It is stress relieved and jig machined for accurate alignment of bearings, knives, and anvil. Heavy-duty bosses are spigotted into frame for pivot pins and shear pins.

Rotor: Constructed with welded steel plate segments, the high inertia rotor processes high volumes and uses less energy than other industrial chippers. The rotor is mounted to a HTSR shaft by two B-LOCs and the entire rotor assembly is supported by Pillow Block bearings. The rotor is adjustable for optimum knife-to-anvil clearance.

Access Hood: The hood opens with a hydraulic cylinder operated from a Hydraulic Power Unit with a 1.5HP 1800 rpm motor for safe, ergonomic, and easy knife changes.

Anvil: The swing away anvil assembly is secured by shear pins and comes complete with a bolt-on hardened, reversible anvil.

Knives: Brunette Chippers are equipped with solid, flat tapered knives, and quick-release knife clamps for easy knife changes. The knives process material across the full width of the drum for even wear and longer life.

Drive: V-belt transmission (where supplied)

Colour: Brunette Blue

The Options

Pneumatic Disk Brakes: These air adjustable, heavy-duty caliper brakes are built to bring the rotor to a stop quickly and safely. This quick stop action also speeds up knife changes. Guard is included for safety.

Screen: A bottom screen is available as an option for all Brunette Drum Chippers. Made from AR400 plate, this rugged bolt-on screen is designed to reduce overs — typically 0% to 3%.

Chute: The infeed chute mounts directly to the Drum Chipper ensuring a smooth transition for material entering the drum from a conveyor. The chute features one-piece construction with a 45-degree slope and comes complete with a large inspection door. The chute is equipped with a containment curtain to prevent debris blow back, heavy duty ribs for durability and an abrasion-resistant liner.

Key Knife Uni-Ridge System: This disposable turn-knife system is an alternative to Brunette’s standard quick-change flat tapered knives. The Key Knife system comes complete with Uni-Ridge Drum Chipper pocket assemblies including Uni-Ridge starter knives, counter knives, holders, and hardware. The Key Knife Uni-Ridge system is compatible with standard Brunette OEM knife clamps & studs.

The Safety Features

All Brunette Drum Chippers are equipped with the following safety features:

Electrical Safety Interlocks
• Hood lift
• Swing-away anvil
• Shaft motion sensor

Mechanical Safety Locks
• Hood lock
• Rotor lock
• Anvil restraints

Automatic shutdown
Devices wired to common junction box

Which Brunette Chipper is Right for Your Mill?

The Brunette Drum Chippers are available in various sizes, models, and both drop feed and horizontal configurations to suit your needs. Find out which one is right for you

Brunette Drum Chipper Model 3230

This Drum Chipper is built for the production of high-quality pulp chips from oversized chips, trim blocks, and small edgings. The precision machined, high inertia rotor and the large infeed ensures high capacity and optimum chipping performance that yields a consistently uniform, quality product. The 3230 Drum Chipper comes with three or four knives and is available with a drop feed or a horizontal feed and either a bottom or rear discharge.

Technical Data:
• Rotor Size: 32″ diameter
• Rotor Speed: 650 RPM (Nominal)
• Knives 3 or 4
• Infeed Width: 30″
• Shaft End Diameter: 4.9375″
• Chip Length, adjustable: 0.625″ to 1.25″

Brunette Horizontal Drum Chipper Model 4840H

The newest Chipper in our Drum Chipper line is the 4840 Horizontal Drum Chipper. This Chipper is designed with a horizontal feed (including feedworks), and either a bottom or rear discharge. Available in two models: the 4840HV Veneer and the 4840HT Sawmill. Both models are built with the same robust features as our other Chipper models. They are available with 3,4, or 6 knives.

The 4840H4V model features an anvil that is raised closer to the rotor so that the knives hit at an angle for thinner material. This model processes veneer waste rejects, round-up, cores, and spinouts all in one machine.

The 4840HT model significantly reduces overs from trim blocks and reject boards.

Technical Data:
• Rotor Size: 48″ diameter
• Rotor Speed: 533 RPM (Nominal)
• Knives: 3, 4, or 6
• Infeed Width: 40″
• Infeed Height: 18″
• Powered Top Press Roll, with a standard 7½ HP reducer, & a hydraulic cylinder to adjust down pressure
• Powered Bottom Feed Rolls with electric motor/reducer, roll to roll chain drive,
• Bottom Feed Rolls have replaceable chromed bed plates and bolt-on side liners. Optional speed up roll
• Upper frame has a large access door for maintenance, and a bolt-on removable section for rotor access
• Upper feedworks are contained in a pivoting modular housing (removeable)

Brunette Whole Log Drum Chipper Model 6040

The Brunette Whole Log Chipper is a horizontal-feed extreme-duty machine that can process logs up to 26″ in diameter. Hydraulic-driven powered feedworks — a top pressroll and two lower bedrolls — control log feed to produce high quality pulp chips for pulp and paper mills or micro-chips consistent in thickness and size for biomass and pellet industries.

Two rotors are available for our Whole Log Chipper – the standard rotor, for up to 1″ nominal pulp chip, and our unique MicroChip rotor which is designed to produce a ¼” nominal chip. Each rotor can be outfitted with either our standard Brunette quick-change knife system or the Key Knife disposable turn-knife system.

Technical Data:
• Rotor Size: 60″ diameter
• Rotor Speed: 375 RPM (Nominal)
• Knives: 4, 6, or 8
• Infeed Width: 40″
• Infeed Height: 26″
• Pulp Chip Length, adjustable: 0.625″ to 1″
• “Micro” Chip Length, adjustable: 0.25″ to .875″
• Powered Top Press Roll has two hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motor mounted into roll
• Powered Bottom Feed Roll has 7.5HP electric motor/reducer, and standard flex insert coupling
• Bottom Feed Roll also has replaceable chromed bed plates and bolt-on side liners

Whole Log Chipper 6040 Optional Feature

The Brunette Whole Log Chipper can be supplied in a modular format complete with infeed conveyor, chipper drive motor and hydraulic power unit, all designed on a rigid-structured, one-piece frame suitable for containerizing.

Questions?

Would you like more information about our Drum Chipper Line? Do you want to get more from your mill?
Call us at 604.522.3977 or Toll Free: 1.800.686.6679 or email us at:
Our sales team can answer all your questions. Ask us about our complete line of wood processing equipment.

This article is reprinted from our Brunette Machinery email campaign “Everything You Need to Know About Brunette Chippers” published Feb. 27, 2023

Tags: Brunette Machinery, Drum Chippers, Forestry Equipment, Forestry Industry
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We’re Going to the Annual COFI Convention in Vancouver, BC

Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Did you know that COFI (BC Council of Forest Industries) Convention is the largest gathering of the forest sector in Western Canada?

We are excited to be a networking sponsor of this annual event happening at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Hotel and Conference Centre in Vancouver, BC from April 10-12, 2024.

This year’s convention will feature an exciting line-up of keynote addresses from notable leaders such as the Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, Terry Teegee; Canada’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States, Arun Alexander; and the Premier of British Columbia, the Honourable David Eby.

We are looking forward to the panel discussions on Economic & Investment Outlook, BC’s Strategy for Stabilizing Fibre Supply, A Conversation with BC Forest Industry Leaders, and the Forestry’s Future from a Local Government Perspective

The convention starts at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, April 10th to 2:00 pm on Friday, April 12.
See the program at a glance.

Drop by and visit us at Booths #30 & 31. Ask us about our Brunette BioSizer^®, Flare Butt Reducer or our other wood processing equipment.

Tags: Brunette Machinery, Forestry, Forestry Industry, Trade Show, Trade Shows
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The 17th Annual International Biomass Conference & Expo

Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

Brunette Machinery will be exhibiting at the 17th annual International Biomass Conference & Expo taking place March 4-6, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia.

Organized by BBI International and produced by Biomass Magazine, this event hosts professionals from the global biomass utilization industries including biobased power, thermal energy, fuels and chemicals.

17th annual International Biomass Conference & Expo
March 4th – 6th, 2024
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Richmond, Virginia

Known as the world’s premier educational and networking junction for all biomass industries, this event provides an arena where international bioenergy producers will meet with industry suppliers, equipment manufacturers, project developers, investors and other stakeholders in the biomass industries for two days of networking, learning and information sharing.

If you will be attending this exciting event, you can find us at Booth 333. Drop by and say hello!

Tags: BioEnergy, Biomass Industry, BioSizer, Brunette Machinery, Trade Show
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Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE)

Thursday, February 8th, 2024

The biennial Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE) is the educational event for the worldwide wood products industries including Veneer, Plywood, OSB, MDF, Particleboard, Engineered Wood Products, Mass Timber and Value Added.

The 2024 Panel & Engineered Lumber (PELICE), will be held March 14-15 in Atlanta, Georgia, immediately following the Wood Bioenergy Conference & Expo.

Hosted by Panel World magazine and Georgia Research Institute, this event caters to wood products producers and equipment and technology providers.

The theme of this year’s biennial event is “A Higher Level of Focus.” Nearly 40 speakers will present an exciting array of sessions including new or refined technologies, new project development, project implementation and post-project analysis, and more. With an expected attendance of more than 450 people including 100 exhibitors, this show promises to be a not-to-be missed event.

We are proud to be a Silver sponsor of the 2024 Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE.) We will be at Booth 205 and drop by and say hello!

Tags: Brunette Machinery, Forestry Equipment, Forestry Industry, Trade Show, Trade Shows
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Wood Bioenergy Conference & Expo 2024

Thursday, February 8th, 2024

“The educational event for the Wood Bioenergy Industry, including industrial wood pellets, biomass power, biofuels, in-woods chipping and biomass procurement.”

The biennial Wood Bioenergy Conference & Expo is coming up fast! This year’s event will be held on March 12-13 in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be immediately followed by the Panel & Engineered Lumber International Conference & Expo (PELICE), March 14-15. Both events are supported by Wood Bioenergy and Panel World magazines.

The Wood Bioenergy Conference & Expo caters to industry professionals from the industrial wood pellet, biomass power, biofuels and in-woods chipping sectors. This year more than 40 speakers will address topics such as the big picture of wood pellets; sourcing and sustainability practices; growth avenues for biomass; future projects and their impacts to fiber allocation; and the ongoing and future development of multiple co-products from wood and non-woody biomass sources.

We are excited to support this event as a Silver sponsor and an exhibitor. We will be at Booth 209.

Hope to see you there!

Tags: BioEnergy, Brunette Machinery, Forestry Industry, Trade Show
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We’re Hiring!

Wednesday, February 7th, 2024

We’re hiring! Are you a Journeyperson Machinist or Apprentice working your way to Journeyperson status? Are you looking for a position that will offer you the opportunity to work in a full-service machine shop, learn a variety of different types of machining work and be challenged with creative repair methods? Our machine shop in beautiful Prince George has an opening that might be the opportunity you have been searching for.

Journeyperson Machinist / Apprentice

Are you a Journeyperson Machinist or an Apprentice working your way to Journeyperson status? Our machine shop in Prince George, BC has an opening for a machinist.

We are looking for someone who has a minimum of two years machinist or related trade experience and is comfortable working in a manufacturing environment. If you have a comprehensive knowledge of trades math/trigonometry, can use precision measuring devices, perform quality checks, and have a strong desire to succeed in a vibrant, collaborative environment, you may be ideal for this position! Find out more on our careers page or read the full Machinist job description here.

Ready to apply, but curious if working at Brunette Machinery would be right for you? Check out the top five reasons to come work with us in Prince George, BC.

Top Five Reasons to Join Our Team in Prince George, BC

1. Our shop is a full-service welding and machine shop specializing in logging, mining, and the wood fiber industries.
You will gain experience working on lathes, milling machines, radial drill and vertical and horizontal boring mills. Working at Brunette Prince George means you will be part of a creative, collaborative team using a variety of different types of machining work and challenged with creative repair methods.

2. Brunette has been in business since 1942
Brunette Machinery has enjoyed many successes in its 80-year history.  One of those successes was the addition of our Prince George facility in 1965. When you join our team, you will be working with a diverse, committed group in a long-standing, thriving company.

3. Working at our Prince George shop comes with perks
Brunette PG offers a full benefit package and flexible shifts available including 4/10s or 5/8s. Overtime is all optional and paid at double time. And Prince George is located in the beautiful North Coast-Nechako region and nicknamed the “Northern Capital of BC.”

4. Brunette has a great reputation
We live and work by our corporate values. Brunette employees expect excellence and take pride in their work. Brunette Machinery strives to make the team better by providing an open and honest environment where the diverse talents of the team are recognized and appreciated.  As a result, our reputation in the industry for quality workmanship, exceptional customer service and a synergetic workplace, is bar none.

5. What’s the best thing about working at Brunette?
Simple. It’s the people. We’re a dynamic, supportive, diverse group committed to delivering extraordinary value. And, we are a fun, cooperative team that values and respects each other!

Tags: Brunette Machinery, Brunette Prince George, new job, Prince George BC, we're hiring
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