Chipper PTO chipper/shredder

[Fiziksgeek]

As the past weekend was coming to an end, and the wife and I were picking up the prunings from the days work, my wife turned to me and said "We need a chipper".

That seems to be a clear message to me, buy a new toy!

We produce a cargo van sized pile of small, ~1.5" or less prunings every year. Anything bigger than ~3" goes into the fireplace.

I have a Massey Ferguson GC2400 with 18.7 PTO hp.
I want a chipper/shredder, not just a chipper.
Budget ~$3000

There are 3 models that come to mind immediately.

Mackissic TPH-184

Wallenstein BXM32

Bear Cat SC5540

MacKissic is american made, good quality, been arond forever, always gets great reviews. They also have the smaller unit, TPH-123 which might do what I need, but I would prefer the slightly bigger unit for power/longevity. They are also sold under the Merry Mac name.

I like the high discharge chute on the Wallenstein. On the other two, the chips just fall out the lower side of the unit and pile up. Maybe that is not a big deal since I am not doing big commercial jobs, but the high chute would allow me to point it into the trailer or a truck if I were moving the chips around. It's the only unit without a discharge screen, so the chips may be not as even as the other two units, however, it won't clog either.

I might be a little underpowered for the Bear Cat, but I've seen people post good reqults with less hp than me. I wouldn't get full chipping capacity, but I am unlikely to need it. The chipper disk is 112lbs vs ~70 on the other two. I would think this would make it easier on the tractor. More mass, less power to keep up momentum on larger or harder wood. It also has 4 chipping blades, vs, 2 on the others.

What other brands/models are out there for consideration?
I know DR has one, but it looks darn similar to the Mackissic, and is $500 more expensive MSRP. I also kow Woods sells the Bear-cat unit under their own name (Woods 5000 chipper/shredder).

Opinions/comments/ramblings welcome!

 

[CalG]

I'm well satisfied with the Mckissic. The chipper does what it does without protest. I use the 1000 rpm pto setting at reduced engine speed with no trubles powering. I can't imagine the need for additional flywheel mass. The tractor hardly knows there is anything attached uless I let a 3 inch diameter limb "self feed" into the chute. (aggressive action to say the least ;-)

The shredder gets more hours of use than the chipper, as I often reshred what has just been chipped to speed up the compost process . While shredding, a scoop shovel filled with damp mixed material high in long fibrous stems etc, will slow the machine. Worst case, that same wet debris can temporarily clog the output screen. An example of this "problem material is the fall trimmings of flower and garden stems that get piled under some tree for the winter to be shredded in spring. That;s WRONG! Shredd while the material is straight and mostly dry. Chipping woody material cleans things out again if there is stoppage (a coarse fiber diet lends it's self to "regularity" ;-) Sharp swinging hammers are the answer to this problem, much like sharp knives are the answer to chipping and horse power requirements.

Piles underneath? The tool is mounted on a wheel tractor, PULL FORWARD a couple of feet from time to time.. !

Wear protection! Loud, dirty, and projectile flying about...

Can't say anything about the others, though the DR is just more money for "what looks to be" the same piece.

 

[TerryR]

I had Bush Hog branded unit that looked much like the Bear Cat model you mention. It worked well, but I found the lack of a blower to be a serious issue. Pulling ahead as CalG suggests didn't work for me because I wanted the chips in a single pile. I moved to a Bear Cat chipper with a blower which has served me well.

Terry R

 

[Fiziksgeek]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Based on what I have read, all three units I mentioned are good quality. I am leaning toward the Wallenstein simply because of the high discharge chute. I think the others, having discharge screens would give a finer, more consisten mulch, but I am not sure that matters much to me. I had a tree company in a couple years ago to take down some trees and take care of a huge pile of brush left over from the previous owner. I didn't like the size and number of small branches that got through their 15" Woodsman chipper.....but that is a whole differenet beast! I gotta believe that any of these three would do better at the small stuff.

I can see myself using this in two places. First, next to my brush pile, second would be around the yard cleaning up the tree line. I don't know if I'll just want to pile the chips up to rot in my compost heap, or shoot them into my trailer (holds just over a yard) for use as mulch elsewhere.

Other that tree/bush prunings, the only other things I would tend to put through it would be the ornamental grasses. I have found that if I cut them down and throw them into the compost pile, they never decompose, or atleast take a lot longer than everythign else! I have about a dozen or so that get ~6ft tall.

 

[Baby Grand]

If I had to replace my discontinued Patu (which I really like), I'd get the Wallenstein. The rotatable chute gives you a lot of flexibility with where you can position the tractor relative to where the limbs are - which can mean less dragging. We use the chips in our landscaping, so being able to blow them directly into a trailer eliminates a lot of material handling time.
Other things to look for that the Wally has:
>> A chute opening that is as wide as possible - this allows you to stuff crooked or very "branchy" limb in without pre-trimming.
>> A chute that's low and has a bottom that's as near parallel to the ground as possible - means you don't have to lift the limb to feed it into the chute.
>> A well designed unit will do both of the above and self-feed (without hydraulics).
>> Easy to access knives. This won't be important until you need to sharpen or replace the blades or anvil, then you will be glad you got a machine that makes this easy to do.
Good luck and let us know what you end up with!
-Jim

 

[RoyJackson]

I have the Woods 5000 which is a rebadged Bearcat SC5540. Per the manual, PTO recommendation is between 15 and 40 HP, so you should be good to go with the Bearcat. If you need the chute, that's optional for about $700.00.
Mine doesn't have a chute and I can't say I miss it much. When the pile gets too high, I just throttle back, raise the 3PH and rake the chips out.
One thing to consider is the ratio between chipping and shredding. I've found I use the shredder considerably more then the chipper. The Woods 5000 (and Bear Cat) are absolute beasts when using the shredder.
BTW, whichever one you buy...do wear a logger's helmet with face shield when chipping and shredding.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

What I find strange is that the Bear Cat site says that 25-45 PTO hp is recommended for their SC5540, but Woods recommends 15-30 for the same machine just in a different color...hmmmm...that's some special paint...I'd be using it at the lower end of the capacity anyway, so maybe it doesn't matter much....

With the JD4400..you're putting out what, 30 PTO hp? Thas a decent amount more than me...

I have the Woods 5000 which is a rebadged Bearcat SC5540. Per the manual, PTO recommendation is between 15 and 40 HP, so you should be good to go with the Bearcat. If you need the chute, that's optional for about $700.00.

 

[TerryR]

I can see myself using this in two places. First, next to my brush pile, second would be around the yard cleaning up the tree line. I don't know if I'll just want to pile the chips up to rot in my compost heap, or shoot them into my trailer (holds just over a yard) for use as mulch elsewhere.

One of the reasons I find the blower useful is when doing minor cleanup around the property. Having accumulated a good supply of chips on their way to becoming compost, I find it very handy to drive to fallen limbs and chip them in place, blowing the chips into the woods for instant cleanup!

Terry

 

[Baby Grand]

I added a drawbar to the back of my Patu so I can hitch a trailer to the back of the chipper and drive around, stop, and chip limbs directly into the trailer, then drive to the next limbs and repeat.

 

[Cherokee140]

I have been reading a great deal on this as well. I have a machine about the same size as yours, so sounds like we are in the same boat.

I found another place, Woodchipperscanada.com I can't find out too much about them but they look like they have a good machine. I just stumbled across them in my searches.

Like I said I don't have one but am doing as much research as I can.

 

[DB Pilot]

Well I have had the Wallenstein BX42 chipper about 3 years now. :thumbsup: I would stick with Wall. company if I wanted the brush chopper unit. Just have nothing bad to say about the unit. I keep a factory looking edge on the blades by never letting them round over like mower blades. That means a light sharpening every 2-5 hours of use. It's not that difficult and so much easier than letting them get really bad. :2cents:

 

[oosik]

I've had the Wallenstein BX42 and now have the BX62. Never had a moments problems with either. I found that with the '42 I had to take preventative measures to keep the smaller diameter chute from plugging when chipping green pine trees. Its easy - just keep dry limbs/trees handy and feed them thru every so often to clean out all the pitch. If it does plug - its easy to open and clean.

 

[Spindifferent]

I own the BearCat and it is rock-solid. 80/20 chipper/shredder for my use. Easy to maintain. I don't have the shoot, and that is OK for my use.

 

[bigtiller]

What I find strange is that the Bear Cat site says that 25-45 PTO hp is recommended for their SC5540, but Woods recommends 15-30 for the same machine just in a different color...hmmmm...that's some special paint...I'd be using it at the lower end of the capacity anyway, so maybe it doesn't matter much....

Back in the '80's I had the 5540 with a 14 hp motor mounted on a trailer. I did wish it had a little more power, but at the same time, it would take everything 2 men could give it. So I wouldn't worry about your 18 hp running it.

I watched craigs list for a long time waiting for a Wallenstein but never seen one so I settled for another 5540 bearcat

 

[Cord]

I have a Mackissic chipper shredder that my dad bought when I was a kid. It has to be 40 years old and I'm still able to get parts for it. For the small amount of brush that you produce, this would be a good choice for you. It's not a toy, but it's also a homeowner sized machine. We used to run it on a 12hp gravely just fine so you'll be Ok with 18hp diesel. The hammer mill doesn't like vines and such, but it does a decent job of shredding leaves and corn stalks. Plus it has changeable screens so you can grade the size of material coming out.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

Thats for all the feedback. I am still leaning toward the Wally. I had my dealer quote it, $3690+tax+~$100 shipping. No way I am paying that. I contacted Woodward Crossings, $3199, no tax, shipping is $250 or I can pick it up (~4.5 hour drive), and a free set of extra chipper blades!

I think the Bear-cat would be my first choice, if the blower kit was included.

 

[mark02tj]

Fiziksgeek - don't rule out buying used. There are several websites that allow you to search CraigsList on a nationwide basis. I generally use SearchTempest.com. A few months ago I was looking for a chipper/shredder as well. I found a new Bearcat like RoyJackson's Woods 5000 somewhere in Virginia for $1925. They were going to ship it for an additional $200. I also found a similar machine in South Carolina for a little more. Finally I found a BearCat 73554 (5" chipper / shredder w/ blower) that looked like new in Wisconsin for $2400. Shipping to a local terminal was $265. I found the identical used machine locally at a Deere dealer for $3500. So I saved $835 buying over the net and have a machine that is pretty much like new. It was actually in much nicer shape than the used machine locally. All of these Craigslist finds were at equipment/implement dealers and not individuals. I was able to confirm their phone numbers, etc. by doing some research online. In the case of the dealer in Wisconsin, they were a small Mom & Pop and were a pleasure to deal with. The first two dealers had enough experience shipping equipment that they were going to handle the shipping. The folks that I bought from were going to handle it as well, but I ended up making a few phone calls to some of the trucking companies that have terminals close to me and ended up arranging the shipping myself.

I do realize that I took a chance on this - I sent a cashiers check for $2400 to someone I'd never met. But before I did it, I got a good gut feel for the folks I was dealing with and found a couple on-line reviews as well. I also found their storefront shown on Google maps so I had a pretty good idea that they were legit. I did the same thing with the other dealers that I talked to.

Good luck!!

 

[errfoil]

I've had the Wallenstein BX42 and now have the BX62. Never had a moments problems with either. I found that with the '42 I had to take preventative measures to keep the smaller diameter chute from plugging when chipping green pine trees. Its easy - just keep dry limbs/trees handy and feed them thru every so often to clean out all the pitch. If it does plug - its easy to open and clean.

Oosik,
Yours is the first post I've seen from my neck of the woods. I have 20 acres of pine forest to clean up. What is your opinion of the chipper vs chipper/shredder? I'm worried about all these fir and spruce crowns feeding well in the BX-42.

Also, if I buy the BX-42 I'll be feeding a lot of 4" material since that is still a bit small to burn. How does the BX-42 handle a solid 4" log? I've got 35hp at the PTO.

Thx,
Brett

 

[PhysAssist]

2nd to buying out of local area.

Not quite the same price point level, but when we bought our [new on mfr pallet] Gannon Earthcavator RO Box Blade, it came to us from Bingham's in Mesa Az and paying for the $200 in shipping was actually a great bargain because no similar RO-BB was otherwise available ANYwhere.

Again, knowing that you are dealing with an established business is key to avoiding risk of rip offs.

Good luck!
Thomas

Fiziksgeek - don't rule out buying used. There are several websites that allow you to search CraigsList on a nationwide basis. I generally use SearchTempest.com. A few months ago I was looking for a chipper/shredder as well. I found a new Bearcat like RoyJackson's Woods 5000 somewhere in Virginia for $1925. They were going to ship it for an additional $200. I also found a similar machine in South Carolina for a little more. Finally I found a BearCat 73554 (5" chipper / shredder w/ blower) that looked like new in Wisconsin for $2400. Shipping to a local terminal was $265. I found the identical used machine locally at a Deere dealer for $3500. So I saved $835 buying over the net and have a machine that is pretty much like new. It was actually in much nicer shape than the used machine locally. All of these Craigslist finds were at equipment/implement dealers and not individuals. I was able to confirm their phone numbers, etc. by doing some research online. In the case of the dealer in Wisconsin, they were a small Mom & Pop and were a pleasure to deal with. The first two dealers had enough experience shipping equipment that they were going to handle the shipping. The folks that I bought from were going to handle it as well, but I ended up making a few phone calls to some of the trucking companies that have terminals close to me and ended up arranging the shipping myself.

I do realize that I took a chance on this - I sent a cashiers check for $2400 to someone I'd never met. But before I did it, I got a good gut feel for the folks I was dealing with and found a couple on-line reviews as well. I also found their storefront shown on Google maps so I had a pretty good idea that they were legit. I did the same thing with the other dealers that I talked to.

Good luck!!

 

[DMW]

You will not be disappointed with a BXM32. The chipper feeds easily, and when they no longer feed, just place what's left over in the shredder. Hard oak is tough on the GC, but other hard and soft woods chip easily. My shredder is always run with WOT. It takes a bit more power to operate. Thick palm gloves and a forestry helmet are your best friends. You learn quickly not to turn away from branches, as it exposes your neck.
I've had it over 4 years and no regrets. Chipped great out of the crate with no adjustments. I actually still look forward to using it.
It my not be a fast or as much capacity as the bigger units, but matches quite well with the GC series. I was in a rush and didn't order it to match the tractor paint, but then, neither did the farmer that was trimming back the tree line on the fields beside our property:laughing: