Chipper/shredder advice

   / Chipper/shredder advice
  • Thread Starter
#31  
I am looking to buy a used pto chipper or chipper/shredder and was wondering if anyone has used these to to make bedding for livestock. I know some manufacturers sell finer screens but I don't know if there is anything that wil produce shavings. I am going to purchase either way, but this capability would really be a bonus. Any thoughts?

Not sure how fine you need it, but the I think chipper probably makes it fine enough for animal bedding. The shredder does not though.
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice #32  
Not sure how fine you need it, but the I think chipper probably makes it fine enough for animal bedding. The shredder does not though.

I agree with jshwhite. The chipper chips are very similar to what you can buy in bales at Tractor Supply or a feed store.

My chips are used for dog bedding and in the garden for mulch. Perfect size for both.
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice #33  
Just curious,

How hard is a chipper on the PTO? I've worried that it would tear up the gearing. Is that ever a problem or is there something in the chipper that limits the shockload?
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice #34  
Just curious,

How hard is a chipper on the PTO? I've worried that it would tear up the gearing. Is that ever a problem or is there something in the chipper that limits the shockload?

Some, like my Woods 5000, use belts to up the speed. They cushion any shock loads.
You can always use a slip clutch or shear pin.

And, of course, always engage and disengage the PTO at low RPM.
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice #35  
Mine has gotten jambed a few times. When it does the belt takes the beating and will slip and burn. So with this type chipper, I don't think there is too much concern with the PTO. Not sure if it has a shear pin. But, with the belt I don't think it would actually work anyway. Same for a slip clutch.

BTW, I was thinking pneumatic wheels on gravel.
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice #36  
I have a Patu. It's a direct drive off the PTO shaft. PTO shaft has a clutch. When it's engaged it's as if it isn't there. I am really surprised at how quiet it is. Running full 4" diameter maple limbs thru it doesn't seem to put any load on the 26 hp PTO/engine. I have just finished chipping all the branches from three 24 to 30 inch DBH silver maples that I had to drop after the big wind we had in August. Fed in everything 4" and under without any clogging.

If I could hitch it up to the B5100, I'd be interested in what size I could run through it with just 10 hp at the PTO. Hitch geometry & PTO shaft length makes this difficult. A recently delivered 40" tiller with PTO shaft for the B5100 may provide an oportunity for another try ...

If this chipper hadn't come up on CL, I was in the process of getting spending approval from The Plant Manager to plunk down some green for a Wallenstein BX42. That's one nice looking chipper. I really like the enlarged/rectangular feed chute. I suspect it would reduce the amount of trimming I have to do prior to chucking limbs into the Patu. Some of the limbs were so twisty and gnarly they looked like they came from the trees in The Wizard of Oz.
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice
  • Thread Starter
#37  
Hey guys, I've got another question about the bearcat. I've done a lot with it already and love it. I really need to do a little work on the shredder though. The previous owner must have had it in a place where it got wet occasionally, because there is a fair amount of rust in the shredder parts. Quite a few of the knives are stuck and wont spin freely like they are supposed to. I thought running some branches through it would knock them loose, but no such luck. Actually what looks like happened is some of the double knives have spread and gotten stuff jammed in between them - thus spreading them and seizing them.

I'm trying to take it apart so I can clean them all and loosen/lube everything. Problem is, I can't get the rods that the knives are on to come out. I took keeper bolt out and have tried knocking the rod out with a punch, but it's not moving. Have any of you taken yours apart? I'd like to take the least destructive path, but I guess worst case scenario I'll have to torch them out and buy new ones. Any help welcome!
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice #38  
Not sure what you are referring to. Is it the short 3" (or so) six knives that are on each shaft that will not turn? It would seem that a soaking of penetrating oil and a hammer would break them free.

If the knives are jammed somehow they will not let that rod come out. Maybe a photo to compare to the one posted below would lend some light on the subject. Others may be able to give a hint.

BTW, try to keep rain from going down the chute to avoid rusting problems. A tarp works just fine.
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice
  • Thread Starter
#39  
Not sure what you are referring to. Is it the short 3" (or so) six knives that are on each shaft that will not turn? It would seem that a soaking of penetrating oil and a hammer would break them free.

If the knives are jammed somehow they will not let that rod come out. Maybe a photo to compare to the one posted below would lend some light on the subject. Others may be able to give a hint.

BTW, try to keep rain from going down the chute to avoid rusting problems. A tarp works just fine.

Yes, it is those knives. They are a little different than yours - mine are more like sickle mower sections. I thought they would break loose with a hammer and penetrating oil, but it's not that they are stuck, they are just really tight. I can move them with a hammer, but they need to be loose. I think the knives being jammed is what is keeping the rod from moving. Hmm...I may try a little heat, but just don't want to damage anything. Any thoughts?

Yes, I keep it in the shop out of the rain, but evidently the previous owner wasn't as careful.
 
   / Chipper/shredder advice
  • Thread Starter
#40  
Oops, I forgot - here is a picture of it.
 

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