Chipper Bearcat 73554 Chipper Demo - Very Disappointing

[clarksvilleal]

I was very eager to purchase a lightly-used Bearcat 73554 that was advertised on Craigslist for $2500 - with only about 20 hours of use - right in my backyard - 20 minutes away. Went over today for a demo. Considering all of the accolades the 73554 has gotten on some of the posts on this forum, I was expecting to be wowed by its performance. But in fact I was very disappointed in what I saw .

Oh, it can spew out finely cut chips from here to kingdom come. But the chipper opening (down at the bottom) was so small the owner could not put some modestly branching limbs through it without first cutting off some of the side branches. In addition, even though he said he had just turned the blades around so they presented a newly sharpened cutting edge, the self-feed did not seem to work all that well. He had to force some of the branches in a ways to get them going.

After seeing the demo, I have decided to take another look at the Wallenstein BX42 and BMX42, both of which have a 4" x 10" chipper opening. In the end I'll probably opt for the BX42, because of the big difference in price, and the fact that I really don't think I need the shredder feature, though it would be nice to have once in a while, I can't see paying $1000 more for it. Plus the BX42 is direct drive, so no belts to adjust, wear or break.

BTW, the 73554 is still for sale, so if anyone in or near Maryland really craves having one for a great price, you might want to go take a look at it. It was in really good condition, almost like new. I think the Craiglist post has expired, but if you send me a private message within the next week or two I'll give you the seller's contact info.

 

[Ductape]

You'll like the Wallenstein, they make a great chipper.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

There is alot to be said for the power feed option too.
Ken

 

[studor]

I bought a Bearcat 554 from Craigslist about a month ago for less than half that price. I had read about chippers extensively and had used Wallenstein, Jinma, Befco (very pricey) and Bearcat machines beforehand. If you truly want a self feeding machine, try the Jinma or Befco-- the others do not have feeders so some pushing is required. Regardless of make, unless you go with the big industrial chippers, you will get your exercise using these machines
I find that it works well for stuff that is not firewood and for cleanup of yard waste prior to composting.
With a little patience you will probably find one that you like for a better price -- seems people often sell them after they discover how much work it is to chip versus pile it and torch it

 

[clarksvilleal]

I bought a Bearcat 554 from Craigslist about a month ago for less than half that price. I had read about chippers extensively and had used Wallenstein, Jinma, Befco (very pricey) and Bearcat machines beforehand. If you truly want a self feeding machine, try the Jinma or Befco-- the others do not have feeders so some pushing is required. Regardless of make, unless you go with the big industrial chippers, you will get your exercise using these machines
I find that it works well for stuff that is not firewood and for cleanup of yard waste prior to composting.
With a little patience you will probably find one that you like for a better price -- seems people often sell them after they discover how much work it is to chip versus pile it and torch it

Can't torch it legally here, unfortunately. Not interested in the Jinma based on what I've read. Without the power feed, which I am not willing to pay the required king's ransom for (at least on a new machine), I really want the extra large chipper opening that a machine like the Wallenstein has. I don't really want to expend that much energy trimming side branches, and I would expect the pushing required to be somewhat easier with the larger opening. However I might reconsider the 73554 if I could get one for that low a price. So I'll keep looking. Thanks for the advice.

 

[amigauser]

If you truly want a self feeding machine, try the Jinma or Befco-- the others do not have feeders so some pushing is required. Regardless of make, unless you go with the big industrial chippers, you will get your exercise using these machines

I agree completely. Pretty much all of the PTO chippers (regardless of brand) that work on a cut are going to require the side branches be trimmed on hardwoods. Softwoods like pine self feed fairly well depending on the size of the side branches. All will require some pushing without power feed.

Although I am not a big fan of Chineese goods the Jimna and clones appear to be the best bang for the buck if you want a PTO powered unit. A used tow behind industrial unit is probably the second best option.

 

[smfcpacfp]

I have the Wallenstein DX 42. I like it, but I think you will disappointed with it also, because many of the branches have to forced in. I have chipped mostly jack pine which has pretty nasty branches, and I definitely get a wrkout.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I have the Wallenstein BX42, and power it with my B2620. At first I had some problems with it plugging when fed very limber small branches, or small limbs that were mostly leaves. I first solved the problem by running it at the 960 pto setting, and then another member here suggested that I should check the factory knife clearance setting. When I did I found the clearance to be much more than the manual suggested so I readjusted it. Now I see no real need to buy the shredder option. ( I have fed armloads of weeds through mine with no problems) Do you have to help the feed a bit with wildly branching limbs like some apple trees, yes, but the wider opening makes it possible, and it still beats the alternatives both price, and storage wise. I've gotten a lot of use from mine, and like it a lot. It will feed most moderately branched limbs with no assistance. I'm cleaning up some small things in the pictures, but they were long enough to enable me to stick them in the chipper, get out my camera, and take the pictures while they were feeding themselves as you can see by the chips coming out of the chute.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I have the Wallenstein DX 42. I like it, but I think you will disappointed with it also, because many of the branches have to forced in. I have chipped mostly jack pine which has pretty nasty branches, and I definitely get a wrkout.

Why don't you simply add the power feed to your chipper? It can be done at any time, and you certainly can afford it.

 

[smfcpacfp]

Why don't you simply add the power feed to your chipper? It can be done at any time, and you certainly can afford it.

So do you have the power feed?

I actually don't mind the workout. I didn't mean to imply it was horrible, but jackpine is nasty stuff with most branches at 90 degress to the limbs. Most things go through very easily. I couldn't be happier with the chipper. Just lugging the branches out of the pile to the chipper is a bit of a work out. I recently cut down about a dozen jackpines and the power company cut down a dozen or so, so I have some serious chipping to do when we get from a 10 day scuba diving trip to Honduras this Friday.

 

[Deerlope]

I was very eager to purchase a lightly-used Bearcat 73554 that was advertised on Craigslist for $2500 - with only about 20 hours of use - right in my backyard - 20 minutes away. Went over today for a demo. Considering all of the accolades the 73554 has gotten on some of the posts on this forum, I was expecting to be wowed by its performance. But in fact I was very disappointed in what I saw .

Oh, it can spew out finely cut chips from here to kingdom come. But the chipper opening (down at the bottom) was so small the owner could not put some modestly branching limbs through it without first cutting off some of the side branches. In addition, even though he said he had just turned the blades around so they presented a newly sharpened cutting edge, the self-feed did not seem to work all that well. He had to force some of the branches in a ways to get them going.

After seeing the demo, I have decided to take another look at the Wallenstein BX42 and BMX42, both of which have a 4" x 10" chipper opening. In the end I'll probably opt for the BX42, because of the big difference in price, and the fact that I really don't think I need the shredder feature, though it would be nice to have once in a while, I can't see paying $1000 more for it. Plus the BX42 is direct drive, so no belts to adjust, wear or break.

BTW, the 73554 is still for sale, so if anyone in or near Maryland really craves having one for a great price, you might want to go take a look at it. It was in really good condition, almost like new. I think the Craiglist post has expired, but if you send me a private message within the next week or two I'll give you the seller's contact info.

I have a Bearcat chipper 5" and hyd feed. PTO. It sounds like the owner did not kown how to maintain it. If the Hyd pump belt becomes worn or loose it sure will not feed right. That is what the problem sounds like to me. That one of mine will eat brush faster that 5 guys can feed it. Please do not rate the machine because of poor maitanenece on someone eles part.

 

[ChuckinNH]

So do you have the power feed?

I actually don't mind the workout. I didn't mean to imply it was horrible, but jackpine is nasty stuff with most branches at 90 degress to the limbs. Most things go through very easily. I couldn't be happier with the chipper. Just lugging the branches out of the pile to the chipper is a bit of a work out. I recently cut down about a dozen jackpines and the power company cut down a dozen or so, so I have some serious chipping to do when we get from a 10 day scuba diving trip to Honduras this Friday.

No, I don't have the power feed, and don't see any need for it in my use. I mentioned it because you said you felt the OP would be disappointed in this model chipper, and that made it sound like you had been a bit disappointed in yours. Sorry for the misinterpertation.

If the branches I'm trimming are truly mean, I just do a bit more trimming before chipping, but it is very seldom necessary. I've cut small sections of logs just a bit large to fit lenghwise too to get them in there, but the opening is large enough for most things I don't burn.

 

[clarksvilleal]

I have a Bearcat chipper 5" and hyd feed. PTO. It sounds like the owner did not kown how to maintain it. If the Hyd pump belt becomes worn or loose it sure will not feed right. That is what the problem sounds like to me. That one of mine will eat brush faster that 5 guys can feed it. Please do not rate the machine because of poor maitanenece on someone eles part.

Deerlope - The 73554 I looked at did not have the hydraulic feed. I would probably have bought it if it did for $2500. It had manual feed. I may have used the term "self-feed" incorrectly. I had seen that term used for non-power feed chippers that were supposed to pull the material in mechanically just by the chipper design, not by a mechanical or hydraulic power feed mechanism. Sorry if I created any confusion .

I have the Wallenstein BX42, and power it with my B2620. ... I've gotten a lot of use from mine, and like it a lot. It will feed most moderately branched limbs with no assistance. I'm cleaning up some small things in the pictures, but they were long enough to enable me to stick them in the chipper, get out my camera, and take the pictures while they were feeding themselves as you can see by the chips coming out of the chute.

ChuckinNH - I appreciate your comments, and because of them am now even more strongly leaning toward the Wallenstein BX42. I have seen no other reviews of any chipper on any forum where the owner says "I've gotten a lot of use from mine, and I like it a lot." Most seem to say they use them very little and/or they hate to use them because its so hard. So your comments resonated with me.

And thanks to all for taking the time to give me your feedback.

Al

 

[ChuckinNH]

Mine is my most popular attachment with my Yankee neighbors too. So far I've gotten Jams, and jellys, gift certificates at my tractor dealer, and a gift certificate for a nice meal out from letting them use it. My son brings a pickup load of stuff from his place in town to run through it once in a while too. The deal is that you can chip as you trim, and keep up with things. I will agree that it is not as much fun to chip away at a huge pile for 10 hr days. I find myself trimming things that I would have let go rather than handling the brush several times, and cutting it all up small enough to handle. Working on my new trails in the woods I just back the tractor along as I go, and when I get enough to chip, I clean it up, and go back to cutting brush.

 

[woodchuckcanuck]

I have the Bearcat 70085. It will eat up to 3" sticks through the lower chute and shred 3/4" through the top hopper.

And yes, I like mine and get a lot of use out of it. 11 hours on it so far. Doesn't sound like much but if you've stood a couple hours at a chipper that is operating properly, you know who much it can go through.

"Self feed" is a standard term used to define "gravity fed". Its all a play on words anyway. "Roller fed", "hydraulic fed" are self defining.

If you own a Wallenstein chipper that does not have hydraulic feed, you cannot add hyd feed to it. I was told direct from Wallenstein that the cabinet of the hyd fed unit is different from a non-hyd fed unit. So if you are thinking about getting a BX42s and figure you can put a hyd feed on it like the BX42r, you might just want to ask Wally first. There was a guy selling a BX42s (used only twice) on kijiji locally for $1800 Cdn so I thought if I paid a grand for hyd parts, I'd still save 2 grand over a new unit.

Blade depth and proper maintenance are critical to a proper functioning unit.

I can see why you would want a wide mouth opening, it would reduce the trimming require. No argument there. If you want a wide mouth opening like the 4x10 offered on a BX, and you would also like to do some mulching, you can do it two ways. Get a BX42s and feed everything through the 4x10 opening, or, get the BXM32 or BXM42 BXM Chipper - Shredders - Wallenstein
The shredders can take some serious sized branches. 1 inch for the BXM32 and 2 inches for the BXM42.

I recently priced the BXM32 and it was $2494 Cdn.

 

[Ductape]

If you own a Wallenstein chipper that does not have hydraulic feed, you cannot add hyd feed to it. I was told direct from Wallenstein that the cabinet of the hyd fed unit is different from a non-hyd fed unit. So if you are thinking about getting a BX42s and figure you can put a hyd feed on it like the BX42r, you might just want to ask Wally first.

I dunno why they told you that...... perhaps they meant you couldn't add hydraulic feed to a non hydraulic feed HOPPER? Adding hydraulic feed to a BX42 or BX62 is literally two bolts. You will end up with an extra gravity feed hopper though. The chippers are completely identical betwen gravity and hydraulic feed...... other than the hopper.

 

[ChuckinNH]

That is the way I understand it too Ductape.

 

[smfcpacfp]

If the branches I'm trimming are truly mean, I just do a bit more trimming before chipping, but it is very seldom necessary. I've cut small sections of logs just a bit large to fit lenghwise too to get them in there, but the opening is large enough for most things I don't burn.

After the first few chipping sessions, I got better at limbing for chipping.

 

[woodchuckcanuck]

I figured that was the case. I was just going by what they told me. I'll have to call them again ans s-p-e-l-l i-t -o-u-t for them

 

[studor]

After the first few chipping sessions, I got better at limbing for chipping.

I have a set of massive loppers that I use while doing cleanup -- if it is hardwood and the loppers do not cut it it is firewood
If it is softwood (like those annoying jack pines) then I use the loppers up the trunk until I hit a spot where I know it will feed without a lot of grunt. No doubt that the Jinma and Befco will feed a lot of stuff without trimming and the Wallenstein with a bigger opening will too. I do think chippers are a love em or hate em proposition -- at the price I paid for my Bearcat I think it is magnificent (and yes I too have to hide it from my neighbours). If I had not found it I was getting ready to buy a new Jinma and perform a few mods I have seen on this and other forums (and on the one I used). I probably spent more time and money investigating chippers then if I had just gone out and bought one
If you want to be truly disappointed, try a single belt driven garden model -- I might buy one if the price were right but only to take the motor off to use for some better purpose