Method for replacing cutting members

A method enabling a maintenance intervention to be carried out on a chopping machine, the method comprising:

• drawing a strand through a first chopping assembly in operation, the first chopping assembly including a first chopping wheel and a first anvil wheel, the first chopping assembly being secured to a chassis mounted to move about an articulation axle;
• separating a portion of the strand upstream of the first chopping assembly to form a first separated strand portion;
• chopping the first separated strand portion in the first chopping assembly;
• gathering a portion of the first separated strand portion to form a gathered strand portion prior to movement of the chassis;
• moving the chassis about said articulation axle until a second chopping assembly initially in a position of non-operation is brought into a vicinity of the gathered strand portion, the second chopping assembly being secured to the chassis and including a second chopping wheel and a second anvil wheel, wherein the strand remains drawn through the first chopping assembly in operation during movement of the chassis;
• setting the second chopping assembly in operation and leading the gathered strand portion in between the second chopping wheel and the second anvil wheel;
• separating the gathered strand portion upstream of the second chopping assembly to form a second separated strand portion;
• chopping the second separated strand portion in the second chopping assembly;
• and
• bringing the first chopping assembly into the position of non-operation,
• wherein the chopping of the first separated strand portion continues throughout the movement of the chassis.