Ram Chipper?

[Steve Frazier]

I need to repair a Ram 30/25DH chipper but am having no luck finding any information on it. I have a feeling the company has gone out of business. I need to see a wiring diagram, I have a solenoid on the feed wheel loop that I suspect is not opening completely so the feed wheel stalls. Anyone know anything about this company?

 

[moakley]

The RAM outdoor power products have been discontinued. This line was dropped shortly after Rohr Mfg. was sold.
The good news, I was one of two mfg engineers employed there and I also was the designer of the electronics for the feed system.

The feed system was designed "fail safe". The hydraulic soleniod valve, in the de-energized state, bypasses hydraulic pressure from the feed rollers. When it "fires" it blocks the bypass and forces pressure throught the feed roller hydraulic motors. If you simply connect 12 volts to the solenoid and your feed rollers turn, your hydraulics are fine. The balance of the system, is encapsulated electronics so they basically either work or don't. The electronics derive speed by sensing frequency of the engine's alternator or on later models from a sensor. When the chipper slows to a minimum speed, feed stops. The engine then builds speed (energy) and the feed then engages again. I may have some controllers here but would have to double check.

 

[Steve Frazier]

Thanks for your response!! This unit is owned by a municipality and I was hesitant to bypass what could be considered a safety feature in the event of an accident. Your description is exactly what I surmised on inspecting the system when I discovered what appeared to be a speed sensor on the hydraulic pump similar to those found on automotive ABS systems. My employment there ended in January when my entire department was eliminated due to "budget cuts", I don't know the current status of this machine. I do appreciate your input, it confirms my suspicions.

 

[robertiverson]

Ram Chipper 16/24 by Posiquip Inc 16hp kohler towable trailer chipper

I own a former college-owned Ram chipper with 16 hp Kohler single. I'd love to have an owner or service manual for the unit.
I'm sure the blades are due for a sharpening and would especially appreciate information on the blades and sourcing replacements.

Thanks.

Bob I

The RAM outdoor power products have been discontinued. This line was dropped shortly after Rohr Mfg. was sold.
The good news, I was one of two mfg engineers employed there and I also was the designer of the electronics for the feed system.

The feed system was designed "fail safe". The hydraulic soleniod valve, in the de-energized state, bypasses hydraulic pressure from the feed rollers. When it "fires" it blocks the bypass and forces pressure throught the feed roller hydraulic motors. If you simply connect 12 volts to the solenoid and your feed rollers turn, your hydraulics are fine. The balance of the system, is encapsulated electronics so they basically either work or don't. The electronics derive speed by sensing frequency of the engine's alternator or on later models from a sensor. When the chipper slows to a minimum speed, feed stops. The engine then builds speed (energy) and the feed then engages again. I may have some controllers here but would have to double check.

 

[Steve Frazier]

I'm bringing this thread back, I've been rehired by the Town that owns this machine and there's been no change in status. There is an electronic control module that has gone bad that I need to replace and have had no luck in finding one. If anyone has a source for something like this I'd sure appreciate some help. Thanks

 

[Sigurd]

Hi do you have a pic of the control module, can it be opened. I may be able to fix it for you.
Sigurd

 

[lumberjack]

Does the controller start and stop the feed wheels based on engine RPM? If so, it's likely an Autofeed or LOR tach could replace the faulty controller fairly easily.

 

[LorMan]

If you can send me some photos of the control module, harnessing, etc. I'll see if our PDC tachs would be a suitable replacement. www.lormfg.com/contact-us

 

[Steve Frazier]

I'm sorry, for some reason I've missed the posts here. There's a sensor on the cutter flywheel that looks like an ABS brake sensor, I believe the hydraulic branch feed kicks out when the flywheel RPM drops below a certain level. I'll try to get some pics of the control module tomorrow, it doesn't look like much except a square box filled with epoxy and connector.

 

[lantraxco]

Any tach with an overspeed output would probably work?

 

[Steve Frazier]

Got a picture of the module. I've been away from the machine for 2 years, I can't remember if all the tabs had wires to them or not.

 

[Birken Vogt]

https://www.fwmurphy.com/uploaded/00-02-0286.pdf

 

[Steve Frazier]

That looks like it might work if I can figure out which wire should go where!

 

[Aoakley]

That looks like it might work if I can figure out which wire should go where!

Sorry to say but I highly doubt it will work, my father was hired in and made the control boxes over 20 years ago in his shop. We still have some parts and pieces laying around and if he is up to it he may be able to throw together a control box for you. Let me know and I can get you into contact with him.



-Adam

 

[Steve Frazier]

Thanks for responding. Your Dad built the originals for Ram? That would be great if he can get me going!