Wood Chipper with Sub Compact

[Fordlightning]

I recently purchased Massey GC1720. Looking for input on 3 point wood chipper for sub compact tractor. How many have used on sub compact, and will it handle the the load? Brands that are rated for this size. I have looked at couple different brands, but the woodmaxx 86h looks nice. I hate the idea buying self powered chipper. I just used my father in laws new self powered chipper and was weak and junky (11.5hp unit from lowe's).

 

[jeff9366]

I operated a Walllenstein PTO chipper, which I bought new, behind my Kubota B3300SU (33-hp engine/25-hp PTO).

There are multiple issues with chippers:

1. There are chippers and there are chipper/shredders. These implements are not one size fits all.

2. The first year chippers are OK. The second year, when knives dull and clearances are banged a bit off, they require considerable maintenance.

3. Chippers require inside storage.

4. Chippers are dangerous. Prudent, physically fit adults OK. No one else. You are always hot and dehydrated when chipping. Eyes, hands and arms most at risk. Stroke and heart attack potential for the over fifty set.

5. Subcompact tractor will run a small chipper. You cannot chip bigger than 3" diameter with a small chipper.

I sold my Wallenstein, generally considered to be the premier brand, in year three and returned to burning. In my opinion you can buy truckloads of chips cheaper than the maintenance, opportunity cost of your time and potential for injury, for your time chipping.

The RECTANGULAR feed opening on a Wallenstein is much better than the square feed openings to the chipping knives on other chippers. You can feed significantly larger material with limb stubs into a RECTANGULAR opening.

 

[The Deerslayer]

IMO there is no comparison between the power of a pto chipper vs the type you mentioned. I have a Bearcat and the thing is an animal. Bought it used and extremely pleased with it. Although it does not get used all the time, it is a huge benefit to know I can use it whenever needed vs. renting one. Check the hp requirements for your tractor compared to the units you are considering. You will find that when they come up for sale used, they do not last long as they get scooped up pretty quick.

 

[TerryR]

I have the same unit as Deerslayer, and love it. I run it with a JD 870, which has a bit more HP than your tractor, and it does load down when a stout 3 to 4 inch log is chipped, but most of those other than pine go in the fireplace. But watch the HP requirements when you are looking. Even so, as Deerslayer says, there is no comparison with the little self-powered models.

For occasional homeowner use there is really no maintenance beyond greasing and sharpening the blades from time to time.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

I have a GC1720 (previously GC2400) and a Wallenstein BXM32. Its a great combination. It will bog down a bit under certain conditions, but I've never come close to stalling the tractor. The blades are reversible, and I got an extra set free when I purchased from Woodward Crossings in PA. I would think if thoughtful when working, you could even go up a size to the BXM42. I highly considered the bearcat SC5540, Woods offers the same model rebranded. I wouldn't go any bigger than that for sure. I also looked at the Mackissic. I wanted a chipper/shredder, and really like the top discharge for directing the output.

 

[Garandman]

We have a Wallenstein. Burn permits are a bit of a pain here so we chip all the tops and saplings.

The dealer suggested the ext size up so that I could fit bigger pieces. Wish I'd listened to him as we often have to cut off the base.

That said, in 45 minutes we turned a brush pile 20' long, 10' wide and up to 6' high into a pile of chips. When I'm clearing trails we just feed the stuff right into the woods. Works great.

 

[Fordlightning]

Thanks for reply's. I have been checking out listed manufacture web sites. The heavy rotor units seem like they would work better for my little tractor. Seem right?
I only want a chipper, no need for combo unit (I don't like how much price jumps with shredder). There is a wallenstein near me for sale at good price. It is only a chipper. Maintenance wise I'm ok with any thing that might need to be done (ASE/GM Master certify technician).

 

[RalphVa]

I've used a McKissic TPH-122 for about 11 years on my 4010, 1025R and 2025R. The 4010 with 18.5 hp had plenty of hp for up to the 3 1/2" stuff the Mac would take.

Before that, I had a TroyBilt Tomahawk. Would often bog it down and have to restart or to remove the screen and take out clogs. Think I've stalled the Mac maybe twice. It and the bush hog are mainly what I run on my tractors, probably about 50/50 out of the 660 hours on the 4010 and about 120 or so on the 1025R and now 50 on the 2025R.

BIG difference between the Tomahawk and Mac is ease of maintenance. Rotating the blades or changing out the chipper blade are pieces of cake compared to these jobs on the Tomahawk. Even replaced the 1 (out of 4, other 3 or zerk greased) non zerk greased bearing on the Mac. Easy job.

Ralph

Ralph

 

[RoyJackson]

I have a Woods 5000 chipper/shredder which I've owned for about 7 or 8 years.
If the OP is a typical residential user (like I am), I think he'll find the shredder gets as much or more use then the chipper.

I've ran this behind:
Deere 790 (24 PTO HP)
Deere 4400 (30 PTO HP)
Deere 4520 (40 PTO HP claimed...46 PTO HP as tested)
(All PTO Data from TractorData.com)

All three tractors ran the chipper quite well...an occasional bog on the 790, but pretty good for the most part.

Fordlightning, the OP, has a Massey Ferguson 1529. Per Tractor Data, the 1529 has 23 PTO HP.
I think the Woods 5000 (rated at 15-40 PTO HP) would do quite well....maybe an occasional bogging.

Jeff9366 wrote the hard work involved in chipping. I won't deny it's strenuous, but unless one is working 8 hours straight, it's not really too bad. I'm 66 (closer to 67) and in reasonably decent shape considering the stroke and heart attack). I'll chip/shred for a while, take a break, then chip and shred some more. It'll get done, but it doesn't have to get done that quickly.

Chippers are dangerous, as are tractors. no kids, pets and no alcohol while working...drink water and look forward to that beer when you're done. I'd also recommend a Forester's Helmet with hearing protection and a face shield.

The video is not my unit...just got it off YouTube. Like the unit in the video, mine doesn't have a chute. A chute is an option, but since I bought my 5000 used (Craigslist) ad it gets worked 3-4 times a year, I don't want to spend another grand on a chute.

I just noticed that Fordlightning has GC1720 (must have traded his 1529) with (per TractorData) just under 20 PTO HP. I still think the Woods unit would work, but running 5" stuff might bog the tractor down.

 

[jeff9366]

The heavy rotor units seem like they would work better for my little tractor. Seem right?
I only want a chipper, no need for combo unit (I don't like how much price jumps with shredder). There is a wallenstein near me for sale at good price. It is only a chipper.

Weight of rotor, number of knives and size of opening to knives key. Wallenstein's chippers have heavy rotors, four knives, rectangular opening. Competitors mostly have one or two knives.

Chippers do only somewhat trimmed tree trunks. Small branches, especially green, and leaves will clog a chipper. Wallenstein makes this pretty clear on their web site. Best tool to clear clogs is a battery powered Sawzall with a 9" blade, which "saws" clogs out immediately.