BearCat Chipper/Shreader Any Good?
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RobertN
Super Member
I'll tell you tomorrow. I just got a really clean used one. But, I will be powering it with a TC40D; 40hp/35 pto/hp
I have a Goossen Chipper-shredder that looks very similar to the BearCat. I would not be surprised if one or the other company makes them both. I have been happy with mine although I don't push the chipping capacity much. I shred up small twigs but I mostly use it for leaves, as it makes them easier to compost and prevents them from matting up. i I mostly run cedar through it as it tends to hold up better as mulch. I never chipped much of any hardwood as that's mostly firewood unless they are twigs. It is a bit of a pain to get to the blades, but all told I think they are well built.
GreatWhitehunter
Veteran Member
Yes, these are real good chipper shredders. Lots of threads about that model. The Woods 5000 is the same unit made by Bearcat. Not sure on the model#'s andpto speed.
Matt
Matt
gwdixon
Elite Member
Do a search. Lots of threads on that model be it BearCat or Woods. You will find all of the operating techniques, blades, sharpening, and other answers to your questions.
I have that exact model. One of the best small chippers built in my experience and in the opinion of others.
Don't know about the different PTO speeds.
Roy should be here any moment to elaborate.
I have that exact model. One of the best small chippers built in my experience and in the opinion of others.
Don't know about the different PTO speeds.
Roy should be here any moment to elaborate.
s219
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They are real good. A possible downside to that model is the lack of a proper discharge chute, but I can't see that part from your picture to know. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying if it was a good deal. I seem to recall that a chute can be added separately, if desired.
RoyJackson
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Here's a link to the product manuals:
ECHO Bear Cat | Product Manuals
The model number is 73554.
My Woods 5000 (same as the 73554 and manufactured by Bearcat) operates at 540 RPM only...the manual is quite specific about that.
Your BX25 has 18 PTO HP...that's a little low (15 PTO HP is the recommended minimum) but you should do fine with branches up to 2.5" or so.
As others have written, these are great chipper/shredders for residential use. I found I use the shredder as much or more then the chipper.
Also, as others have written, there are numerous threads on these machines, including RobertN's current thread (so I'm not going to repeat what I wrote there).
BTW, have any of you folks modified your Bearcat or Woods for Quick Hitch compatibility? If so, can you post pics? I've got some ideas how to do it, but nothing wrong with seeing how others have.
ECHO Bear Cat | Product Manuals
The model number is 73554.
My Woods 5000 (same as the 73554 and manufactured by Bearcat) operates at 540 RPM only...the manual is quite specific about that.
Your BX25 has 18 PTO HP...that's a little low (15 PTO HP is the recommended minimum) but you should do fine with branches up to 2.5" or so.
As others have written, these are great chipper/shredders for residential use. I found I use the shredder as much or more then the chipper.
Also, as others have written, there are numerous threads on these machines, including RobertN's current thread (so I'm not going to repeat what I wrote there).
BTW, have any of you folks modified your Bearcat or Woods for Quick Hitch compatibility? If so, can you post pics? I've got some ideas how to do it, but nothing wrong with seeing how others have.
Last edited:
pennwalk
Veteran Member
Down sides.
Manual feed. If the blades are dull or the wood is dry or hard it will work you.
Chips discharge under chipper. If you chip a lot you will have to move the machine or shovel chips. If you want to use the chips you have to load them into a trailer.
Feeding debris to be shredded past the brush guards is a pain.
Blades need to be sharp for this unit to work well. You will need special equipment to get them really sharp or to take them to a good sharpening shop. When they are sharp they are razor sharp. They will shave you.
These are good heavy duty machines that are pretty trouble free.
Chris
Manual feed. If the blades are dull or the wood is dry or hard it will work you.
Chips discharge under chipper. If you chip a lot you will have to move the machine or shovel chips. If you want to use the chips you have to load them into a trailer.
Feeding debris to be shredded past the brush guards is a pain.
Blades need to be sharp for this unit to work well. You will need special equipment to get them really sharp or to take them to a good sharpening shop. When they are sharp they are razor sharp. They will shave you.
These are good heavy duty machines that are pretty trouble free.
Chris
