Chipper vs. Chipper/Shredder

[s219]

I am close to pulling the trigger on either a chipper, or chipper/shredder. My near term use is to chip brush from land clearing, all of it under 3" and some of it fine twigs under 1".

I know for sure I need a chipping capability, but am not sure about a shredding capability. Generally, it costs about $500-700 more to get both in one unit. I figure if I am going to drop $1800-2000 minimum for a chipper, should I consider getting a combo chipper/shredder for a little bit more? What are some common uses of the shredder I'd be able to take advantage of down the road?

 

[greg_g]

Well, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. But my impression of a chipper/shredder is something small that you attach plastic bags to - to catch the shredded material. My 6" chipper would blow an empty plastic bag right off the discharge chute - before I even put anything into the feed chute.

//greg//

 

[DMW]

The smaller material ( under 1") usually doesn't like to self feed in Wallenstein BXM32. Take it out and pop it in the shredder portion and it gets sucked in instantly. Very little need to trim branches, makes clean up very quick. The shredder portion will pay for itself in saved cleanup time. Not having to go back and move brush again to pile and burn, or pushing branches into the chipper feed hopper are an added bonus.. JMO.

Dennis

 

[Jaylegger]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/174821-wallenstein-bxm32-one-heckuva-chipper.html?highlight=wallenstein

For what you're chipping if you don't get the shredder option you'll likely wish you had. The extra you'll have to pay will be forgotten the first time you use it.

 

[s219]

OK, so it's sounding like the shredder chute would be better for small branches and twigs. Since I have a bunch of those, the shredder would be worth having in addition to the chipper. Thanks!

 

[BethesdaEC]

I have always felt that a chipper/shreeder was poor chipper. Non seem to available with hydrofeed and the chipper capacity seems be reduced compared to the dedicated chipper. The hydrofeed with take anything in if you sprinkle it in with the bigger branches. It also mixes better in the pile.

 

[Jaylegger]

I have always felt that a chipper/shreeder was poor chipper. Non seem to available with hydrofeed and the chipper capacity seems be reduced compared to the dedicated chipper. The hydrofeed with take anything in if you sprinkle it in with the bigger branches. It also mixes better in the pile.

Just to take a look at what you own vs it's shredder counterpart, aside from the self feeding mechanism, what makes the BX42r a more capable chipper over the BX42. Spec's indicate the only chipper differences between the two units is the weight of the rotor and number of knives. The 42r's 25" rotor houses 4 knives and weighs 74 lbs whereas the shredders bxm42's 25 inch rotor houses 2 knives and weighs 180 lbs. Do the operational differences between the two different rotors styles classify the bxm42 as a poor chipper when compared to the BX42R? Out of curiosity what do the hydrofeed equipped units retail for?

 

[RalphVa]

For what you're doing a MacKissic or DR (MacKissic makes for them) chipper/shredder would work fine and be around $2,000 +/-. The TPH-122 is what I have. I use it on trunks up to 3 1/2" and down to about 3/4" in the chipper part. I shred smaller stuff and leaves. The big chute works great to dribble leaves into. Mac and DR offer ones with a directable chute that would reduce the need to scoop stuff out from underneath it every so often (or back up and use you FEL to put it onto your compost pile).

 

[RoyJackson]

I think S219 would be well served with a chipper/shredder...I think most folks who do that occasional (2-4 times a year, plus yard clean up) are better served with chipper/shredders.
As some of you wrote, that small stuff (<1" diameter) tend to clog up a chipper...leaves or other brush just don't chip.

S219 has a Kubota B2920 (per his profile). This machine produces 21 PTO HP per tractordata.com. 21 PTO HP will run a chipper, but it's capacity is going to be a bit limited. That's something to consider.

My chipper/shredder is a Woods 5000 (actually built by Bearcat) with a 5" capacity for chipping. I've ran this implement behind two tractors. One had 25 PTO HP (and would bog on occasion); the other tractor has 30 PTO HP (doesn't slow down at all).
This chipper/shredder does a great job. The shredder is almost scary to use (pulls that small stuff in FAST!!). The chipper will process an 8-10 foot branch nice and steady. Just load it in the hopper and stand back.
Only downside of the Woods 5000 is it dumps the chips below the unit. There is a blower option available and I would go for that, if buying new. I bought my chipper/shredder used, so if I want the blower, it's going to cost about $800.
Now, I just raise the chipper/shredder (while still running) and rake out the chips (fire rake works best, BTW). When I'm done chipping, I pick up the chips with the loader bucket. I will admit, I'd rather have a blower...but since I bought a low hour chipper for $1000, I'm not complaining.

For most residential/farmette owners, I think a chipper/shredder would better suit their needs. If they have a lot of land to clear, good planning and rental (standalone) chipper might be a better option.

 

[BethesdaEC]

Just to take a look at what you own vs it's shredder counterpart, aside from the self feeding mechanism, what makes the BX42r a more capable chipper over the BX42. Spec's indicate the only chipper differences between the two units is the weight of the rotor and number of knives. The 42r's 25" rotor houses 4 knives and weighs 74 lbs whereas the shredders bxm42's 25 inch rotor houses 2 knives and weighs 180 lbs. Do the operational differences between the two different rotors styles classify the bxm42 as a poor chipper when compared to the BX42R? Out of curiosity what do the hydrofeed equipped units retail for?

I got mine from Iowa farm equipment for $4900 including shipping. I think they wanted an extra $100 or so for liftgate service, pallet forks are nice.

 

[jinman]

When trimming up cedar trees on my property, I cut the branches right at the trunk and then toss them into a pile. Actually, I often use my grapple to haul limbs to a central area or haul them on the Kawasaki Mule. For chipping/shredding, I feed the limb into my chipper until I get up to the the small green leaves. Then, I just drop the remaining "top" into the shredder. I have the blower attachment and a dump trailer. I cover the dump trailer with a tarp and direct the blower into the trailer. I end up with a dump trailer partially filled with cedar mulch to use in my garden and flowerbeds. I essentially do the same thing with other tree branches, but the cedars are my favorite to make mulch.

 

[s219]

I have been learning a lot about all of these, and have sort of narrowed down to the Mackissic 122 as a good choice for the size/money if I want both chipping and shredding and have to buy new.

Mackissic does make the DR models (a chipper and chipper-shredder), as well as a $1999 Nortrac chipper from Northern tool. If going for a small chipper, I think that Nortrac would be a good choice for size/money (and you'll save $300-500 compared to the DR version).

On the high end, there are Bearcat and their cousin Woods models, as well as the Wallensteins. If money were no object, I'd get the Bearcat 45540/5540, Woods 4500/5000, or Wallenstein BXM32/42, but the price of those has me a bit hesitant when buying new.

I have been keeping an eye out for used units, but so far no luck.

My local Deere dealer sells Woods and Mackissic, and I need to get some prices from them. If I order the Mackissic online, it will be another $100-200 for freight to ship it to my home.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have been learning a lot about all of these, and have sort of narrowed down to the Mackissic 122 as a good choice for the size/money if I want both chipping and shredding and have to buy new.

Mackissic does make the DR models (a chipper and chipper-shredder), as well as a $1999 Nortrac chipper from Northern tool. If going for a small chipper, I think that Nortrac would be a good choice for size/money (and you'll save $300-500 compared to the DR version).

On the high end, there are Bearcat and their cousin Woods models, as well as the Wallensteins. If money were no object, I'd get the Bearcat 45540/5540, Woods 4500/5000, or Wallenstein BXM32/42, but the price of those has me a bit hesitant when buying new.

I have been keeping an eye out for used units, but so far no luck.

My local Deere dealer sells Woods and Mackissic, and I need to get some prices from them. If I order the Mackissic online, it will be another $100-200 for freight to ship it to my home.

Look on Craigslist too, BTW. And use Search Tempest to broaden your search area.
Do your homework first...21 PTO HP may limit you somewhat. If you do find a chipper or chipper/shredder on CL, be prepared to move quickly...they sell fast if they're in good shape and realistically priced.
Have the asking price (in cash) in your pocket and do ask for a demonstration.

 

[Jaylegger]

off-topic, but if anyone in Eastern Canada is in the market for a chipper I just noticed a brand new Wallenstein BX62R (self feed) for sale on Kijiji for $5495 which by all accounts appears to be a great price for new unit.

 

[bigtiller]

I think S219 would be well served with a chipper/shredder...I think most folks who do that occasional (2-4 times a year, plus yard clean up) are better served with chipper/shredders.
As some of you wrote, that small stuff (<1" diameter) tend to clog up a chipper...leaves or other brush just don't chip.

S219 has a Kubota B2920 (per his profile). This machine produces 21 PTO HP per tractordata.com. 21 PTO HP will run a chipper, but it's capacity is going to be a bit limited. That's something to consider.

My chipper/shredder is a Woods 5000 (actually built by Bearcat) with a 5" capacity for chipping. I've ran this implement behind two tractors. One had 25 PTO HP (and would bog on occasion); the other tractor has 30 PTO HP (doesn't slow down at all).
This chipper/shredder does a great job. The shredder is almost scary to use (pulls that small stuff in FAST!!). The chipper will process an 8-10 foot branch nice and steady. Just load it in the hopper and stand back.
Only downside of the Woods 5000 is it dumps the chips below the unit. There is a blower option available and I would go for that, if buying new. I bought my chipper/shredder used, so if I want the blower, it's going to cost about $800.
Now, I just raise the chipper/shredder (while still running) and rake out the chips (fire rake works best, BTW). When I'm done chipping, I pick up the chips with the loader bucket. I will admit, I'd rather have a blower...but since I bought a low hour chipper for $1000, I'm not complaining.

For most residential/farmette owners, I think a chipper/shredder would better suit their needs. If they have a lot of land to clear, good planning and rental (standalone) chipper might be a better option.

I bought a Bearcat in '92 that was similar to Roy's. I was very disapointed with the blower. It would constantly plug up when using the shredder. It worked great with the chipper. I had the 3/4 inch screen on mine and I always wondered if the 3/8 inch screen would stop it from plugging. I sold it several years later but wish I hadn't now.

 

[jinman]

My chipper is a Harper-Goossen that was rebadged as a Bush Hog. I have the PTO powered CS and a blower attachment. I was lucky to find it in almost perfect condition for $2400. The person selling it had used it once and it scared him to death when it sucked the branches down the shredder. It's also pretty noisy, but I don't know how to get around that. I've thought about converting mine to a tow-behind and put a gasoline motor on it. Like anything PTO powered, it means your tractor is not available while it's running.

 

[RoyJackson]

My chipper is a Harper-Goossen that was rebadged as a Bush Hog. I have the PTO powered CS and a blower attachment. I was lucky to find it in almost perfect condition for $2400. The person selling it had used it once and it scared him to death when it sucked the branches down the shredder. It's also pretty noisy, but I don't know how to get around that. I've thought about converting mine to a tow-behind and put a gasoline motor on it. Like anything PTO powered, it means your tractor is not available while it's running.

(Bolded text) I wear ear plugs when I chip...and brush mow and finish mow. In fact, anytime I'm running a powered implement.

Boy, that chipper sure looks like my Woods (Bearcat)!! Wrong color though...

 

[farmeratheart]

I got my Wallenstein BXM32 from Woodward Crossing. Competive pricing, great service, quick delivery. I just used it for shredding up most of my old bark pile. Chipping a large number of spruce branches next ...

 

[teg]

My chipper is a Harper-Goossen that was rebadged as a Bush Hog. I have the PTO powered CS and a blower attachment...

Same as mine but without the blower, paid $1500 and it too was not used much. That unit is re-badged for a few people. I don't use the shredder much at all, but it's nice to have once in a while. Over the life of the unit, the extra cost will not be much...

 

[jinman]

Same as mine but without the blower, paid $1500 and it too was not used much. That unit is re-badged for a few people. I don't use the shredder much at all, but it's nice to have once in a while. Over the life of the unit, the extra cost will not be much...

Here's a photo of mine "dressed up" as a Bush Hog. I'm sure that red paint made it more expensive. The blower is easily the loudest part of the machine. It roars like a jet engine and you DO NOT want to get in front of the exhaust chute. It's not really visible in this photo, but it has a hand-crank to position the chute 360 degrees.