Chipper BX1850 vs DR PTO Chipper

[RalphVa]

I've ear muffs coupled with a screen shield. Think they're made for use with a chain saw, but they are also very valuable for use with a shredder/chipper. I usually shred up 100-150 bags of leaves every year. I do it with the shredder chute wide open and dribble the leaves in, looking down into the chute. Frequently, there is stuff that gets shot back at my face. The shield protects very well.

Just put the muffs on backward when you're running something else with the PTO and need just ear protection. I do, as I value my ears because I've had stapedectomies on both. They work very well. Want to keep them that way.

Ralph

 

[dillo99]

Definitely need ear protection. I also wear the helmet/ear unit that I use when chain sawing. Husqvarna Proforest Helmet - 505 67 55-15 by: Husqvarna - Southwest

The face shield is a good idea because you can get all kinds of scratches and such as you are feeding branches. I like the screen shield better than safety glasses - protects the whole face, doesn't slide off, doesn't fog, etc.

 

[CHDinCT]

CHDinCT

Care to share which model and the price paid? I saw one sitting and wondered what the going price would be.

The model is TPH-BD. I priced the equivalent new model which is a bit different at about $1,700. Picked the used one up for $1,000, so I think it's a decent deal. I did get a chance to set it up this morning, well almost. I had to shorten the PTO shafts to fit my BX. Followed the directions in the manual and figured I needed to take off one inch on each half. All was good until I realized that I had taken my measurements with the top link not at level. The front of my tractor was on the ramp to my shed, so even though the chipper looked level in the shed, when I move the tractor with chipper outside, oops, not so level. The shaft length is only an issue at full up, so I was able to run a few limbs through it just to see. I did some small stuff at about 2200 RPM with no noticeable engine bog, then I put a 3"-3.5" maple limb through it at full rpm and again, no engine bogging. At this point, I'm very happy with the unit. Just need to take another inch off each PTO shaft and do a visual check of the knife, which seems sharp. I'll post some pic's hopefully tomorrow.

 

[GasNSteering]

Chris,
Thanks for the info.... glad to hear its working well for you. I always hear good things about the DR products.

 

[RalphVa]

My 18.5 hp 4010 came close to bogging on Friday or Saturday when running okra and corn stalks through it. Those things are still a bit green and build up inside a bit. Usually have to run some limb material through between okra/corn loads to clear it out. Think it would chip larger (than 3" that'll fit) limbs but not larger loads of green material. The torque of the diesel engine and big flywheel on the Mac have kept things going so far.

Ralph

 

[CHDinCT]

Here are the pic's of the Dr chipper. As you can see in the photo with the chipper hooked up to the BX, the top link is a little long. Once I leveled it better, the PTO shaft is a little too long when the 3PH is full up, so more trimming is needed. You can also see some of the downed limbs in my woods that won't be around much longer -

 

[shrekbelly]

chris, old boy
you're starting to me, a brain cramp of sorts . . . adding all these attachments before me.
god bless you for that! many kudos for getting the dr chipper at your price.
you'll have to give us a thorough rating of the dr and your bx.
happily, (even, if no one cares), i just ordered the first half of my spyker 120 electric spreader set-up for my bx.
any chance you might post your thoughts on the brotek skid plates (i would benefit from them).
shrekbelly

 

[CHDinCT]

chris, old boy
you're starting to me, a brain cramp of sorts . . . adding all these attachments before me.
god bless you for that! many kudos for getting the dr chipper at your price.
you'll have to give us a thorough rating of the dr and your bx.
happily, (even, if no one cares), i just ordered the first half of my spyker 120 electric spreader set-up for my bx.
any chance you might post your thoughts on the brotek skid plates (i would benefit from them).
shrekbelly

shrekbelly, I haven't installed the bro-tek skid plate yet as I'm in negotiations with my dealer to trade my barely broken in BX1850 for an BX1860 for a nominal cost to "fix" the abrupt stopping in reverse. I'm waiting for them to get an 1860 in to test drive first. This was also a reason I wanted to set up the DR on the 1850. If the 1850 couldn't handle the chipper, I would have checked on a trade up price to the 2360. But, based on my trial, I think the BX1860 should be fine. My only reservation with the 18 hp version all along was PTO hp, but it seems enough for my needs. I'll spend the difference on attachments eventually Good luck with your spyker spreader.