Chipper chipper needed for small tractor

[TerryR]

I have a 4" Bearcat I use on a 29 HP tractor, and it occasionally loads down with a tough log. The self-feeding works great as long as you keep the blades sharp.

It seems that manufacturers rate the size of their units differently - my 4" Bearcat takes considerabley larger logs than my previous unit of the same size.

I think a blower that sends the chips to a pile is essential if you plan on doing much work. Otherwise, you end up spending a lot of time raking chips.

Finally, pay attention to how difficult it is to get to the blades to sharpen them. They need it pretty often, and some units require a lot of disassembly to get to them. My Bearcat requires removal of one bolt than the unit swings open to allow access to the blades.

 

[Stonehaller]

I've got a Wallenstein BX 62m (manual feed) running on 30 pto hp and absolutely no problems chipping pine of multiple dimensions.

+1 on the Wallenstein BX62, but it might be too much for a 23 HP tractor. The BX42 may be a better choice. Wallenstein's rectangular opening and the angle of the feed hopper make them a great self feeding chipper. I can feed untrimmed branches or whole trees up to about 4" diameter at the base and it will pull them in bending or cracking Y'ed branches as it goes. Anything more than four inches will tax my DX45 (37 HP PTO) to the point of stalling the tractor.

 

[daveinnh]

We have Salsco 627XT 6" chipper that has a 6" x 8" opening. I can feed 5" maple and it won't slow down. If I need firewood, I'll save the log though.

Looking at CL, I now see frequent Valby and Wallenstein chippers posts. Both are decent quality. Check the bearings though.

 

[MCote]

Hi everyone here! Just wanted to tell you thanks a lot for all these comments! Was really interesting to read them!