Best PTO Chipper for JD2520

BethesdaEC · Sep 16, 2011

When I purchased my property several years ago and well before I bought the tractor, I thought that a DR 4 1/2 inch chipper would be a good purchase. Well it is underpowered and the feed hole is square which can make feeding smaller branches difficult when the crook of the branch is spread wide.

I am looking at a Wallenstein BX62 or similar chipper in the 6" range. I know that the HP requirements are beyond my 20.5 PTO HP but I believe the extra weight in the fly wheel and the larger opening will be beneficial and generally if it is 5 inches or more than it is firewood anyways.

Do you think I am asking too much of my 2520?

jenkinsph · Sep 16, 2011

Don't know if you can handle the 62 series but I have the smaller DR chipper and agree the throat is to small to stuff branches through. I would much prefer to get more use out of mine but most of the time it is easier to haul the branches away than to stand there and chip.

I suspect if you use the larger chipper for small stuff that is hard to feed through the smaller throat you would be allright. Big stuff would be tough with a low hp tractor imo.

RoyJackson · Sep 16, 2011

BethesdaEC said:
Do you think I am asking too much of my 2520?

The Woods 5000 Chipper/Shredder is rated (IIRC!!) for 15 to 30 PTO HP. Bearcat, who actually manufactures the chipper/shredder, rates them a bit higher (around 40 PTO HP).

I have the Woods 5000 and ran it behind a Deere 790 with 24 PTO HP. Worked fine...
I think you'd find 20 PTO HP would run 3" branches with no problem. 4-5 inch stuff (the 5000 has a 5" capacity) would bog your 2520 down.

BradGad · Sep 16, 2011

Hi Roy,

Do you know how much the Woods 5000 runs? I'm having a little trouble finding a price online.

Thx

RoyJackson · Sep 16, 2011

BradGad said:
Hi Roy,

Do you know how much the Woods 5000 runs? I'm having a little trouble finding a price online.

Thx

I bought mine off Craigslist for $1000, but I think they're $3000-$3500 new.

nspec · Sep 16, 2011

I run that unit (bearcat label - they make them for woods) with 20 pto hp no problem at all. Heaviest flywheel in is class - that's why I bought it. Flawless with heavy use for the past two years.

Stonehaller · Sep 16, 2011

I have a BX62. I am quite happy with it but it taxes my Case DX45 which has about 37 PTO HP. I expect that you would be disappointed with only 20 PTO HP. There a quite few users here that are happy with the smaller Wallenstein BX42. It has a 4 x 6 inch opening. You might want to search this forum for comments on the BX42.

Ductape · Sep 16, 2011

I'm going to recommend the Wallenstein BX42 also. Even though you are not looking to use the BX62 to capacity, I think you are not going to be happy with it on your tractor. It's heavier, and you will really feel it on even small hills. Your tractor will feel very tippy moving it around. Do a search here on the BX42..... lots and lots of members here are very happy with theirs. It's really more appropriately sized for your tractor.

grsthegreat · Sep 16, 2011

well, no matter what anyone says, i still love my Jimna pto chipper. Easily eats 6" logs on my old JD870 (24 hp pto), and destroys 6" stuff on the new DK45 i have. Ive had it many years and its always been flawless. I finally replaced the blades and anvil with a set i got here from Ranchhand Supply. Ill get the old ones resharpened for a spare set.

BethesdaEC · Sep 16, 2011

So I guess I am down to the Wallenstein BX42 or the Bear Cat CH5540 and I think that I am leaning toward the Bear Cat. Now I just need to sell my DR 16.5 Pro Chipper, I am hoping that I can get $2000 for it.

BethesdaEC · Sep 28, 2011

I just ordered the Wallenstein BX42r, the one with the hydro feed rollers. Look like it will take about a month to deliver.

JDGreenGrass · Sep 28, 2011

BethesdaEC said:
I just ordered the Wallenstein BX42r, the one with the hydro feed rollers. Look like it will take about a month to deliver.

Boy, am I jealous. Congrats and post an action picture when time permits.

I would love to have chipper...got money.??

BethesdaEC · Sep 29, 2011

Does anybody have a BX42r? I was told it will plug right into my power beyond on my JD2520. Also do you know if the system is primed with hydro fluid? If not what would the procedure be? Thanks.

JDGreenGrass · Sep 29, 2011

BethesdaEC said:
Does anybody have a BX42r? I was told it will plug right into my power beyond on my JD2520. Also do you know if the system is primed with hydro fluid? If not what would the procedure be? Thanks.

Curious to know....What do the hydraulics run on a chipper.??

BethesdaEC · Sep 29, 2011

JDGreenGrass said:
Curious to know....What do the hydraulics run on a chipper.??

The auto feed rollers.

kennyd · Sep 29, 2011

There is no "priming" as the system is self-bleeding/purging/priming. Is there a valve on the chipper? If so, then as long as it's an OC (open center) valve then it will work plugged into the PB lines, you will probably have to get the correct QD's though.

BethesdaEC · Sep 29, 2011

kennyd said:
There is no "priming" as the system is self-bleeding/purging/priming. Is there a valve on the chipper? If so, then as long as it's an OC (open center) valve then it will work plugged into the PB lines, you will probably have to get the correct QD's though.

Yes, there is a valve, the hopper has the safety bar that start, stops and reverses the hydro motor. The power beyond loops through the backhoe, but when it is disconnected it is looped back on itself. It has one male and one female connector and a short length of hose that gives just enough hose to make a loop.

Ductape · Sep 29, 2011

BethesdaEC said:
Yes, there is a valve, the hopper has the safety bar that start, stops and reverses the hydro motor. The power beyond loops through the backhoe, but when it is disconnected it is looped back on itself. It has one male and one female connector and a short length of hose that gives just enough hose to make a loop.

Like Ken said, just get the correct quick connects to mate to your tractor and go. It may take some trial and error, as you have a 50/50 chance of getting the lines right the first time. With the lines connected, you want the chipper feed rollers reversing when the safety bar is pushed forward. That way should you ever get snagged and pulled toward the hopper, you only need to catch, or push the bar to make the feed reverse. Pulling the bar back toward you should make it feed again.

Congratulations.... that is a very nice chipper! :thumbsup:

BethesdaEC · Sep 29, 2011

I emailed Wallenstein today. The lines are primed and quick connects are ready to plug in. Now I just have to wait.

IslandTractor · Sep 29, 2011

I have the small BearCat (probably the one Roy says is the same as the Woods). It is a nice chipper with a pretty hefty flywheel. Only complaint is that it dumps chips underneath so you need to move periodically.