BX 1860 wood chipper decision

[George the Beagle]

I've had my BX 1860 almost two years now and it's worked out well. I don't regret not getting the one of the larger models except that I supposedly don't have enough PTO hp to power a wood chipper, which I really need. I've researched all over the net and on this forum and today I took a trip to the dealer and asked his opinion (I didn't tell him I would even consider trading for a BX26** but hoped it wouldn't come to that). He showed me a Wallenstein BX42 which he said would work fine as long as I didn't have a lot of 4" stuff to chip (I don't). I asked him if Wallenstein didn't make a smaller version (BX32) to which he replied they did, but he didn't have one in stock. Wouldn't the 32 be better suited to my machine, I asked. He said it probably would. Gotta love the internet. I wasn't trying to make the dealer look dumb, but he kinda sorta did.

At any rate, I've pretty much decided on the Wallenstein BX32 (dealer quoted $2900, but I'm still shopping) unless someone here thinks I'm making a drastic blunder. I would much prefer to keep the 1860 as its compact size fits in the garage well with the front snowblower attached.

Opinions? :2cents:

 

[murphy1244]

Wallenstein makes good chippers

 

[CHDinCT]

I wouldn't talk you out of a BX32 or BX42 (which I now run off my BX25), but I was able to run a DR PTO chipper off my old BX1860 without problem, as long as I didn't push it into the 4" diameter area. So, you CAN run a chipper off of your BX1860 for stuff up to, say, 3" give or take. The DR may not look substantial, but it did a decent job chipping up stuff for me. Very few clogs. I did have to push through the small stuff - not enough weight to it to self feed. I lent the DR chipper to my BIL and he decided to buy it off me, so that's why I have a BX42 now. Good luck with your decision.

Pic of my old BX1860 with the DR Chipper

 

[DJGTWO]

I have a BX32 that I run off my L3130 (32 HP; 24 HP at PTO). I have chipped tons of branches, and it has never given me a problem or worked the tractor. It is well made and easy to service, which so far has only been cleaning and greasing. You will not regret it. I bought it two years ago and paid $1600 new.

 

[George the Beagle]

I hadn't ruled out the DR. I had a gas powered one and it served me well, but I sold it last year and I need a replacement (lots of big pine trees make for a mess in the spring). If I could find the BX 32 for $1600, though, I'd be all over it.

 

[JPRambo]

3 Point chipper how about this one on craigslist for Maine

 

[CHDinCT]

If I could find the BX 32 for $1600, though, I'd be all over it.

Agree. My BX42 was $2,400 plus shipping in Fall 2011. Didn't price the BX32 back then, but I didn't think it was that much lower than the BX42. That price would be too good to pass it up.

 

[94BULLITT]

I found a DR chipper on craigslist. I tried it out and did not like it. It was not self feeding and it had a pretty violent kick back. A chipper would be a very nice thing to have. The discharge shoot pointed straight down on so every 5 minutes you would have to mow the tractor because of a pile of chips. How much chipping do you have to do? The local rental company rents a small pull behind for $150 a day. I think it would be better for doing a lot and getting a property in shape.

 

[George the Beagle]

3 Point chipper how about this one on craigslist for Maine

That looks like a Kemp, which haven't been made for many years (knives undoubtedly unavailable). But, I'll give 'em a call in the morning. Thanks.

 

[glennm]

I have a BXM 32 for my BX23 and it is great. If I didn't want the mulching function I would choose the 42. You don't need to feed it big stuff, the larger opening will help with small twisted limbs etc?

 

[PeterK]

I've got a DR rapid feed (newestmodel) PTO chipper on my BX24. I had a 18hp gas tow model before and it worked really well for home use. The new PTO model is a great bargain IMO, large hopper that self feeds with weight. It goes through 4" pine like no tommorow (sucks it right out of m hands) as well as all the other little stuff. Price is right too.

btw- DR sells refurb's for less.

 

[DJGTWO]

I've got a DR rapid feed (newestmodel) PTO chipper on my BX24. I had a 18hp gas tow model before and it worked really well for home use. The new PTO model is a great bargain IMO, large hopper that self feeds with weight. It goes through 4" pine like no tommorow (sucks it right out of m hands) as well as all the other little stuff. Price is right too.

btw- DR sells refurb's for less.

I looked and tried the new DR chipper before buying the BX32. It worked well, but it was not made as heavy duty as the BX, and many parts were just bolted-on components rather than a complete welded housing. But, the bottom line was the great price I got on the BX32 since the dealer did not want to floor plan it over the winter.

 

[engine29]

I would recommend the BX32. I am a Wall. dealer. A new 42 lists out at @ 33-34. a 32 probably @ 3-31.

 

[pjb09]

i just bought a Walco WC40 thru my dealer. $2250 setup and delivered to my door. Identical to Wally. Only difference is the color (only grey available). Tried it out yesterday, it works great on my BX25. cut stuff up 3"+ with no hint of slowing down or strain on tractor.