Chipper What chipper should I buy?

[Todd_C]

I have a TC 30 right now, but I may trade up to a larger tractor within the next year (40-45hp range). I only have one pto speed on my TC 30 (540). I have searched this site for information on chippers/shredders and have found valuable information. I am currently interested in the Northern/Mickissic brand chippers. Nothern offers two models. I will use the chipper heavily the first year as I have a lot of small brush setting around from clearing a few acres. I also need a new supply of mulch and don't want to pay the expense of having several loads delivered.

The older posts stated the Mickissic chippers worked well. Is there another brand you would recommend in the same price range ($1,400-$2,200)? And last, is the more costly unit much better than the cheaper $1,400 Mickissic chipper).

 

[kayssupply]

Check the thread on Jinma 6" chippers. I have one and after some tuning it has been a very good investment. I use it basically the way you are talking about using yours.

 

[ddivinia]

I saved money with buying the Jinma, but so far I have spent more time working on it than using it. I still need to put the driveshaft back in it.

If I had to do it over, I would spend the extra money and get a real quality one.

D.

 

[inveresk]

D., Can I ask what problems and down time you've had? Also have spares been a problem?

 

[avorancher]

If I lost a driveshaft, I would probably be disappointed too, but I can say that I've had very good luck with a Jimna. I can't even imagine how many yards I have chipped in the past year.

Last weekend, I hired 2 workers and we kept it fed constantly for two 8 hour days, removing a pile of brush that was taller then me and at least 300 feet long. Yesterday, it ate everything smaller than firewood from 5 mature trees. It it the most used attachment I have and probably the best investment other than the tractor itself.

It's not perfect. I found numerous loose bolts and even one missing grease fitting when putting it together. It is particularly top-heavy, the feed drive needs modification or you need to be OK with replacing the retaining clip (I've been through 2 of them).

I'm sure there are other good brands out there as well at various cost/performance ratios, but I would say the Jimna is worth a look if it fits your criteria.

 

[Buzzboy]

I've tried to buy a Jimna chipper, but haven't had much luck so far. Paid for one on Ebay but 3 weeks later, he hasn't shipped and is no longer a "registered user". Anyone know where I can get one (providing I can get my money back) in the SW PA area?

 

[mrgoodwrenchman]

I purchased the Wallenstein BX40 at the beginning of the summer and it has been great. It is hooked up to Mahindra 2615. It will chip anything up to 4 inches in diameter that you put into it.

This is a direct drive chipper and the only thing I have done to it is grease it.

If you have enough horsepower you can more up to the BX60 which will chip anything up to 6 inches.

 

[ddivinia]

It seems I am having all the usual problems. The drive belt on the gear box for the drive - it is junk.

Almost every nut and bolt on it was loose from the beginning.

The driveshaft for the gear box for the feedwheel snapped. It appears to be a bad casting. In order to pull that part you have to be really good pull out a little piece of retaining wire. They were too cheap to put a C clip in that one can get with a regular pair of snap pliers.

The economics of the unit are marginal at best. The feed wheel lever is at the top, it should be lower.

The clutch disconnect is a joke - no way it can get disconnected under load.

I asked for a refund - it was refused. I wish I had spent the extra money and bought a quality unit. I will put it back together when I get time, but I would rather be using it instead of working on it.

I was trying to save some money on this purchase and it turned out to be a mistake. If somebody wants to buy it, I am near the Dallas, TX area.

Regards,
D.

 

[Affordable]

We sold ddivinia the woodchipper,one of the knuckles broke when he first tried the unit.we send him the part ,he could not get the retaining ring off so he set the part to us we replaced the knuckle and sent back to him.He has not had time to put the feed driveshaft back on .While these woodchippers are a great value most of the problems are minor.You don't get a Mercedes for a Cadillac price.I think if he gets the part back on he will see they are worth the money,or I offered his money back .All products can have problems and while we have had very few ddivinia got on that did

Tommy
Affordable Tractor

 

[rswyan]

I'm not going to try and tell anyone that these chippers don't have some flaws (but considering the price they are minimal) ... I've certainly had my share - but I have to take exception to the following:

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The clutch disconnect is a joke - no way it can get disconnected under load. )</font>

This totally incorrect - I have disengaged mine numerous times under load.