Chipper Knives

Tomcat supplies premium-quality knives designed specifically for your brush chipper. Manufactured from high-grade steel and treated with a specialised dual-tempering heat-treatment process, our knives achieve the ideal balance: hard enough to maintain a sharp edge, yet tough enough to handle demanding jobsite materials. Each knife is precision-hardened and machined to exacting specifications, delivering superior wear resistance and extended service life.

The Challenge of Bolt Holes

Creating the bolt holes is the most demanding aspect of chipper knife production. The cutting edge must remain exceptionally hard and strong, while the bolt holes require carefully controlled hardness to prevent cracking or splintering under load. Achieving this balance is both complex and time-intensive—many manufacturers take shortcuts, but Tomcat refuses to compromise.We’ve invested in a unique dual-process technique to produce the finest knives available, maximising productivity while safeguarding your equipment investment. This is why we proudly put the Tomcat name on every genuine knife.

When to Replace Your Knives

Recognising the signs of dull knives early helps prevent machine damage and reduces operating costs. Key indicators include:

• Chip Size – Sharp knives produce consistent chip sizes through the main body of the material. Inconsistent or overly fine chips suggest the knives need attention.
• Stringy Material & Blockages– Excessive stringy output, variable chip sizes, or frequent blockages often mean the knives have become too dull.
• Chips and dents – Inspect the cutting edges daily. Any visible chips, dents, or nicks require immediate replacement—continuing to run damaged knives risks serious machine damage and higher costs.
• Always consult your operator’s manual for specific knife-changing procedures.

Tips to Maximise Knife Life

• Monitor Feed Material – Stay vigilant about what enters the chipper. Sand, metal, dirt, or other contaminants accelerate dulling.
• Replace Dull Knives Promptly – Don’t push dull knives further. Continued use weakens the edge, increasing the risk of chipping, denting, or catastrophic failure—and may render the knives unsharpenable.
• Regular Checks and Adjustments – Inspect knives daily, retorque bolts, and check the anvil condition and clearance. Proper anvil adjustment and bolt tension are critical every time knives are changed.
• Change as a Complete Set – To maintain drum balance and even wear, always replace knives in full sets. Knife bolts have a limited service life—use new bolts after they have been torqued twice.

By following these practices, you’ll extend knife life, optimise performance, and protect your Tomcat chipper investment.