Chipper vs. Chipper/Shredder

[jinman]

When trimming up cedar trees on my property, I cut the branches right at the trunk and then toss them into a pile. Actually, I often use my grapple to haul limbs to a central area or haul them on the Kawasaki Mule. For chipping/shredding, I feed the limb into my chipper until I get up to the the small green leaves. Then, I just drop the remaining "top" into the shredder. I have the blower attachment and a dump trailer. I cover the dump trailer with a tarp and direct the blower into the trailer. I end up with a dump trailer partially filled with cedar mulch to use in my garden and flowerbeds. I essentially do the same thing with other tree branches, but the cedars are my favorite to make mulch.

 

[s219]

I have been learning a lot about all of these, and have sort of narrowed down to the Mackissic 122 as a good choice for the size/money if I want both chipping and shredding and have to buy new.

Mackissic does make the DR models (a chipper and chipper-shredder), as well as a $1999 Nortrac chipper from Northern tool. If going for a small chipper, I think that Nortrac would be a good choice for size/money (and you'll save $300-500 compared to the DR version).

On the high end, there are Bearcat and their cousin Woods models, as well as the Wallensteins. If money were no object, I'd get the Bearcat 45540/5540, Woods 4500/5000, or Wallenstein BXM32/42, but the price of those has me a bit hesitant when buying new.

I have been keeping an eye out for used units, but so far no luck.

My local Deere dealer sells Woods and Mackissic, and I need to get some prices from them. If I order the Mackissic online, it will be another $100-200 for freight to ship it to my home.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have been learning a lot about all of these, and have sort of narrowed down to the Mackissic 122 as a good choice for the size/money if I want both chipping and shredding and have to buy new.

Mackissic does make the DR models (a chipper and chipper-shredder), as well as a $1999 Nortrac chipper from Northern tool. If going for a small chipper, I think that Nortrac would be a good choice for size/money (and you'll save $300-500 compared to the DR version).

On the high end, there are Bearcat and their cousin Woods models, as well as the Wallensteins. If money were no object, I'd get the Bearcat 45540/5540, Woods 4500/5000, or Wallenstein BXM32/42, but the price of those has me a bit hesitant when buying new.

I have been keeping an eye out for used units, but so far no luck.

My local Deere dealer sells Woods and Mackissic, and I need to get some prices from them. If I order the Mackissic online, it will be another $100-200 for freight to ship it to my home.

Look on Craigslist too, BTW. And use Search Tempest to broaden your search area.
Do your homework first...21 PTO HP may limit you somewhat. If you do find a chipper or chipper/shredder on CL, be prepared to move quickly...they sell fast if they're in good shape and realistically priced.
Have the asking price (in cash) in your pocket and do ask for a demonstration.

 

[Jaylegger]

off-topic, but if anyone in Eastern Canada is in the market for a chipper I just noticed a brand new Wallenstein BX62R (self feed) for sale on Kijiji for $5495 which by all accounts appears to be a great price for new unit.

 

[bigtiller]

I think S219 would be well served with a chipper/shredder...I think most folks who do that occasional (2-4 times a year, plus yard clean up) are better served with chipper/shredders.
As some of you wrote, that small stuff (<1" diameter) tend to clog up a chipper...leaves or other brush just don't chip.

S219 has a Kubota B2920 (per his profile). This machine produces 21 PTO HP per tractordata.com. 21 PTO HP will run a chipper, but it's capacity is going to be a bit limited. That's something to consider.

My chipper/shredder is a Woods 5000 (actually built by Bearcat) with a 5" capacity for chipping. I've ran this implement behind two tractors. One had 25 PTO HP (and would bog on occasion); the other tractor has 30 PTO HP (doesn't slow down at all).
This chipper/shredder does a great job. The shredder is almost scary to use (pulls that small stuff in FAST!!). The chipper will process an 8-10 foot branch nice and steady. Just load it in the hopper and stand back.
Only downside of the Woods 5000 is it dumps the chips below the unit. There is a blower option available and I would go for that, if buying new. I bought my chipper/shredder used, so if I want the blower, it's going to cost about $800.
Now, I just raise the chipper/shredder (while still running) and rake out the chips (fire rake works best, BTW). When I'm done chipping, I pick up the chips with the loader bucket. I will admit, I'd rather have a blower...but since I bought a low hour chipper for $1000, I'm not complaining.

For most residential/farmette owners, I think a chipper/shredder would better suit their needs. If they have a lot of land to clear, good planning and rental (standalone) chipper might be a better option.

I bought a Bearcat in '92 that was similar to Roy's. I was very disapointed with the blower. It would constantly plug up when using the shredder. It worked great with the chipper. I had the 3/4 inch screen on mine and I always wondered if the 3/8 inch screen would stop it from plugging. I sold it several years later but wish I hadn't now.

 

[jinman]

My chipper is a Harper-Goossen that was rebadged as a Bush Hog. I have the PTO powered CS and a blower attachment. I was lucky to find it in almost perfect condition for $2400. The person selling it had used it once and it scared him to death when it sucked the branches down the shredder. It's also pretty noisy, but I don't know how to get around that. I've thought about converting mine to a tow-behind and put a gasoline motor on it. Like anything PTO powered, it means your tractor is not available while it's running.

 

[RoyJackson]

My chipper is a Harper-Goossen that was rebadged as a Bush Hog. I have the PTO powered CS and a blower attachment. I was lucky to find it in almost perfect condition for $2400. The person selling it had used it once and it scared him to death when it sucked the branches down the shredder. It's also pretty noisy, but I don't know how to get around that. I've thought about converting mine to a tow-behind and put a gasoline motor on it. Like anything PTO powered, it means your tractor is not available while it's running.

(Bolded text) I wear ear plugs when I chip...and brush mow and finish mow. In fact, anytime I'm running a powered implement.

Boy, that chipper sure looks like my Woods (Bearcat)!! Wrong color though...

 

[farmeratheart]

I got my Wallenstein BXM32 from Woodward Crossing. Competive pricing, great service, quick delivery. I just used it for shredding up most of my old bark pile. Chipping a large number of spruce branches next ...

 

[teg]

My chipper is a Harper-Goossen that was rebadged as a Bush Hog. I have the PTO powered CS and a blower attachment...

Same as mine but without the blower, paid $1500 and it too was not used much. That unit is re-badged for a few people. I don't use the shredder much at all, but it's nice to have once in a while. Over the life of the unit, the extra cost will not be much...

 

[jinman]

Same as mine but without the blower, paid $1500 and it too was not used much. That unit is re-badged for a few people. I don't use the shredder much at all, but it's nice to have once in a while. Over the life of the unit, the extra cost will not be much...

Here's a photo of mine "dressed up" as a Bush Hog. I'm sure that red paint made it more expensive. The blower is easily the loudest part of the machine. It roars like a jet engine and you DO NOT want to get in front of the exhaust chute. It's not really visible in this photo, but it has a hand-crank to position the chute 360 degrees.