Waste Processing Machine Winch Docking Safety System

A waste processing machine for reducing waste material and having a winch docking safety system, comprising:

• a frame;
• a cutting assembly disposed on said frame for reducing waste material;
• a feed system disposed on said frame for directing waste material toward said cutting assembly;
• a winch assembly for selectively directing waste material toward said feed system, said winch assembly comprising a winch line extending to a distal line end for securing waste material, and a winch driver coupled to said frame and in communication with said winch line to urge said line end toward said winch driver;
• a keeper fixedly coupled to said frame and remaining stationary relative to said frame to secure said line end to said frame;
• a docking subassembly spaced from said keeper and movable between a docked position with said winch line tensioned against said docking subassembly between said winch driver and said line end and with said line end secured to said keeper, and an undocked position with said winch line loosened against said docking subassembly;
• and
• a control unit in communication with said feed system and said docking subassembly to allow operation of said feed system when said docking subassembly is in said docked position, and to at least partially limit operation of said feed system when said docking subassembly is in said undocked position.