Chipper Wood chipper: free standing or tractor implement?

[jelc]

Hi... I have nine acres, at least half of which are very heavily wooded. The lot have never been cleared, so there is a lot of dead wood and thinning to do... I was going to buy a wood chipper for my tractor (Kioti CK35). Would it be better to buy a free standing chipper? Are there any makes better than others? I have not checked the prices yet.

JLC

[weldingisfun]

I guess the answer to your question depends upon just how much you want to hand drag the thing around your 9 acres? I have had both and for what it is worth, in my opinion, you can't go wrong with a 3PH mounted chipper.

[Ductape]

Unless you are planning on a commercial grade self powered chipper, i think you will be disappointed.

I recommend the 3 point, PTO powered unit.

[wedge40]

I agree with everyone else so far. A 3pt chipper goes were the tractor goes, and you get one for under $2k if you watch. Jinma is the most people here would recommend, including me.

Wedge

[AlanB]

I think the question of how much you plan on spending is the base question.

I have the 3ph Jinma (or Jinma copy depending on whom you ask) and have been pleased overall, but plan on spending some time sorting it out, or buy from one of the dealers that does it for you.

[RalphVa]

It'll be A LOT more maneuverable with the chipper mounted on the 3 PH. Any free standing one is heavy enough so that you have to pull it behind a tractor. Can't imagine pulling a 2 wheel trailer (that's what it's like) behind if I could, instead, have the trailer mounted on the 3 ph.

Why maintain another engine?

Ralph

[jelc]

well, I have my answer... a 3 PH chipper it will be!

JLC

[IslandTractor]

I agree that 3pt is best for many reasons already listed. Another is that there is one less engine to maintain.

[putt_putt_green]

I've been thinking about posting a similar question. What if all you want to do is chip 2" stuff and smaller? I've been looking for a while for a used chipper with little luck. I was thinking that the 10HP models that you could pull with an ATV would be good. It would be more manueverable through the woods than my tractor. Anything bigger, I can cut and burn in the woodstove. I was thinking I find one and try it, if it didn't work then sell it. There are lots of the 5HP chippers for sale, which probably means they don't work.

[Ductape]

There are lots of the 5HP chippers for sale, which probably means they don't work.

You have just answered your own question. I don't know anyone with a small-engine powered chipper who was satisfied with it. Even the smallish capacity (4 inch and under) PTO powered chippers chip circles around the small stand alone units. On this i give you my Ductape guarantee !!