Chipper Wallenstein BX42 vs BXM42

[Hilltop Hillbilly]

I'm looking to buy a PTO driven Chipper/Shredder, and I'm leaning towards the Wallenstein BXM42 due to positive reviews of the Wallenstein brand here, but I have one final sticking point that's giving me pause.

I know the BX42 (Chipper only) is direct drive, but the BXM42 (Chipper/Shredder) is listed as belt-driven. I'm always leery of how well belts work, especially in a heavy duty (and expensive) machine like this. With the bullet-proof reputation that Wallenstein has, I'd hope this isn't an issue.

Can anyone with a BXM comment on if the belts have ever given them any trouble?


HH

 

[farmeratheart]

HH,

I have the 'little brother' to the BXM42- the BXM32. I've only used it a total of about 8-10 hours so far, but haven't experienced any belt slippage problems. When shopping for the unit I too was leaning toward the direct drive of the (in my case) BX 32 ... I have to say that I've been real happy with the BXM, though ...

Frank

 

[Septemberwheat]

I just bit the bullet, and purchased a BXM42 about an hour ago. I was going to purchase the BX 42 but I have an organic farm and a shredder will also be handy, so for the extra $1,500, I now have both in one machine. My only concern is, I have a JD3320, I hope it's enough tractor!
I recently purchased a new chainsaw and I've been knocking down the cedar like a wildman, so I hope to have lots of chips in the next few weeks!
I'll post pictures when I get it!
Best,
Matt

 

[murphy1244]

I have the same model and love it.

 

[Septemberwheat]

Thanks Murph!
Love to hear good marks!
Best,
Matt

 

[lew61]

I have a BXM32 and it's a work horse. No problems with belt slippage. There were a few minor shipping issues (damage to a grease fitting, etc.) that were resolved very quickly. I'm also extremely happy that I went with the chipper/shredder configuration as I've ended up using the shredder more than the chipper.

 

[oosik]

I have a BX42. Have used it for over ten years with no problems. Have no experience with a belt drive but can certainly attest to the quality of Wallenstein.

 

[tree farmer]

I have a BX42R (hyd. feed). It's a great machine and does a good job on everything except the "stringy" limbs on our Sitka Spruce trees, which cause frequent plugs in the discharge chute as the small sappy twigs bend rather than cut as they hit the knives. I looked at a BXM also, but was sold on the hyd. feed rollers, which was probably the best $2100 I ever spent. At times, I sure wish it had a shredder on it though.:drool:..Dan.

 

[pinetree10]

I bought a BX42 and it's great, but I wish I had the shredder too at times. I'd get the BXM if you think you'll ever have the need to mulch the small stuff too.

Septemberwheat, my guess is your tractor is more than big enough. Let us know how it works out.

 

[Septemberwheat]

I got the bxm42 delivered last week. The crate weighed just under a thousand pounds. I have pallet forks for my 3320, and I was SO nervous moving the crate off of the 18 wheeler!!! I'm not that good with the FEL so I went SO slow. When I first lifted the crate I kind of jerked it upward and the back of my tractor lifted a little :shocked: then I tilted the FEL back toward me a little too fast and the crate bounced a little... Now I'm really sweating... Then the driver says 'is your loader a little touchy?' (No pal, i'm about as green as this tractor i'm sitting on!) then he says 'you're clear, back it up!' so I do at about .00000005 mph... I sign for the crate, while i have the crate about 8 or 9 feet off the ground and I forget for a second which way I have to push the joystick to make the FEL tilt forward or backward...
Can you believe this?!