5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554)

   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #1  

kossetx

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NH TC 40 A, AC 5020
Guys, I need a shredder more than a chipper so I'm thinking of getting rid of my jimna. What I'm interested in knowing is how well does this unit shred? I haul about 500 bags of leaves out to my place every year to mulch my fruit trees and I also chip some cedar also, so a chipping option is nice to have also. How about maintenance on the 70554. Is there much to keep tuned? Their site doen't give much info so any you give would be helpfull. Mark
 
   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #2  
Don't know about the Bearcat. But, I suggest also looking at Goossen. I have the bush hog branded version of this and the shredder is excellent. Though I haven't tried if much for leaves. And isn't Jinma now making one with a shredder?

Actually, I would think that one of those vacuum leaf shredders might work better for just leaves. I picked up a used one that I use for that purpose behind my GT tractor. It does a good enough job that I Don't feel the need to put them through my big shredder.

Neighbor a couple doors down uses a bigger vacuum shredder (cart mounted craftsman, I think). He has moutains of beautifully composted leaves that he's not doing anything with. I have in mind to ask him for them the next time I see him in his yard.:)
 
   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #3  
The shredders like my bush hog and the Bearcat don't need much maitenance. Spinning blades get turned over eventually, after several years of use. Other than that, it's just keeping it greased. Now the chipper blades, on the other hand, dull pretty quickly. On my bush hog, servicing the chipper blades is a PITA: too many bolts to remove. That is why I use the shredder for anything that will fit (< 1-1/4" dia.).
 
   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #4  
I find that the problem with the bearcat 554 is the way the feed chute is designed. There are brush guards across the opening to prevent stuff from flying out but they prevent stuff from gravity feeding. You have to push stuff past the brushes to get it into the shredder. That really slows down the job and I think it would rule out doing lots of leaves. The shredder does work well. The size of the output debris is set by which screen you have. I think there are 3 different screens that you can get which have have different sized holes cut in then. Your debris stays in the shredder until it is chopped up small enough to pass through the holes. I have been thinking about redesigning the input chute. I think Bush Hog and Gooshen make very similar chipper/shredders which have gravity feed chutes guarder by rubber flaps.

Chris
 
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   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #5  
Mark -- how much you want for the chipper?
 
   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #6  
On the maintenance, I grease mine which is a little bit of a pain because you need to remove guards to get to the grease fittings. Changing the knives isn't to bad. I remove the flap guard over the output , take out the screen and remove the knife inspection plate. (5 bolts) There are 4 knives and the inside and outside knives can be swapped to extend blade life.

Chris
 
   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #7  
About knife sharpening. I have in mind that they last about 10 hours but it varies a lot then you can swap the inside and the outside but i don't think they go as long the second time. I have 2 sets and I send them out to a good sharpening shop because I don't have a way to sharpen them properly.

Chris
 
   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #8  
I find that the problem with the bearcat 554 is the way the feed chute is designed. There are brush guards across the opening to prevent stuff from flying out but they prevent stuff from gravity feeding. You have to push stuff past the brushes to get it into the shredder. That really slows down the job and I think it would rule out doing lots of leaves. The shredder does work well. The size of the output debris is set by which screen you have. I think there are 3 different screens that you can get which have have different sized holes cut in then. Your debris stays in the shredder until it is chopped up small enough to pass through the holes. I have been thinking about redesigning the input chute. I think Bush Hog and Gooshen make very similar chipper/shredders which have gravity feed chutes guarder by rubber flaps.

Chris

Rubber flaps is correct on the BH/Goossen. Easy to push depris through it. BTW, the BH/Goossen has 3 chipper blades. Forget the exact count on the shredder, but it's several (like 26) and they are reversable.
 
   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #9  
About knife sharpening. I have in mind that they last about 10 hours but it varies a lot then you can swap the inside and the outside but i don't think they go as long the second time. I have 2 sets and I send them out to a good sharpening shop because I don't have a way to sharpen them properly.

Chris

Can you tell me where you send yours to get sharpened. I'm looking for a good source.
 
   / 5" PTO Chipper/Shredder - Model SC5540 (70554) #10  
The guy that I take them to is Darrell Garber at Lancaster Sharpening & Carbide service (717) 291-1574. He does a lot of woodworking knives and blades and he has the know how and equipment to do them right.

Chris
 
 
 
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