Buying Advice Chipper for lower horsepower pto

Limegreenmachine · Jan 7, 2012

I have a Ym155d. Would like to buy a small pto chipper for it. Any ideas? Most I have looked at "require" more hp than I have. I am not looking to chip big wood (good firewood!), but 2-3" would be nice. I would prefer not to beat on the tractor too much. I bought this from the original owner, it is in really excellent shape. Came with a Yanmar 4' front 4 way hydro blade, woods mower, disc harrow & small bottom plow. Owners, repair, parts & sales manual included. 215 hrs when I got it. Stored in a heated garage, original tires, all stickers including the dealers stickers. Anyway, any help would be great. Thanks.

professor · Jan 7, 2012

I have a YM1401 which is about the same hp as your 155. I use a Mackissic TPH 122 3 pt. chipper shredder. The tractor has no problem powering the machine.Look here info@mackissic.com

Code54 · Jan 7, 2012

What is the PTO HP on that machine? With that others may know of something that may fit your machine.
I just looked it up and the BX32 by Wallenstein says it will work from 12-30 PTO HP so that is pretty small on the low end so depending on that yours is that may work. I have one of their other units and it is VERY well made and works very well.

Limegreenmachine · Jan 8, 2012

Thanks. I think the pto hp is around 12.5-13. Engine hp is 15. The closest grey market yanmar is a 1300d. I'll check out these few brands. Thanks for the help. Any other thoughts from anyone? What about using one rated for 18-20hp if I am not using it at the max capacity?

Code54 · Jan 8, 2012

When I first bought my first tractor I think it was around 20hp at the PTO and it would run my BX42 except when I tried to feed thicker items or let the machine pull it in to fast. I am thinking you may have a little trouble doing 3" items except if it is very soft wood. Something that may help is if you set the blades in close to the flywheel so they are only taking a very small bite. It will slow the chipping speed but it seems to require a lot less power. I noticed if the blades start to get out of adjustment you "hear" the tractor working more.
There are some cheaper chippers out and most seem pretty decent if you don't mind doing some minor adjustments and setup when new.
Another option is renting a big chipper if you find your tractor is going to be worked too hard. I have also seen the pull behind units sell at auction for a decent price several times.
Good luck

California · Jan 8, 2012

Another consideration with the small Yanmars is: can it lift enough weight that far back, lift the chipper high enough to clear the ground, and can it drive around and carry that weight without raising the front axle off the ground.

My slightly larger YM186D does great on the first two issues, not as good on the third. I have double Yanmar's recommended maximum suitcase weights on the front which makes the handling acceptable with a heavy implement, but it still wants to plow straight ahead when rototilling etc.

Code54 · Jan 8, 2012

Good point - I would say expect at least 350lbs-400lbs minimum for the chipper weight (I think the little bx is close to that for an example), and most of the small ones should be roughly similar. The chipper housings are fairly light but the flywheel with the blades is where all the weight comes from.

Limegreenmachine · Jan 8, 2012

Good point. With the woods mower on the rear, and none of the recomended weights up front, it is pretty light up there! I am now considering a mighty mac chipper/shredder with its own engine. I have anytime access to 4 John Deeres with 50+ hp, but I really wanted a mini one for my mini tractor. Thanks for the advise.

CHDinCT · Jan 14, 2012

My old BX1860 with 13.7 PTO hp ran my old DR chipper just fine, and that was at less than full PTO RPM. I think the weight was between 200lb and 300lb. The chipper doesn't look that robust, but it chipped very well up to about 3.5" material (says it's rated for 4.5" max). Bought used off o CL for $1K.