We have the 5" bearcat chipper/shredder which is a great machine. After 2 years it still works like a champ. We recently purchased a Jinma 6" chipper to use instead due to 1) larger infeed; 2) ability to throw the chips.
THe primary reason for replacing the bearcat is with the volume of material we are chipping it was a constant struggle to move the chips away from the machine (it dumps the chips right below).
Only have a few hours on the Jinma but so far so good. Being able to throw the chips is working out well and the side benefit is that we don't have to trim things down as much with the larger opening. On the Jinma, while 6" is the rated max, the cutter opening is actually 6x9.
Now the reason we didn't add the blower option to the bearcat is that it would have cost nearly as much as the Jinma ($1,200 ve $1,500) and I heard that when it clogs up you have to do some unbolting to clear it -- not something that I want to do when in the middle of a project.
We still have the bearcat and haven't decided whether or not to try and sell it as it is a great shredder -- very aggreesive -- you have to watch your hands as it pulls material thorugh very quickly.
OK, the downside on the Jinma is that we can't run at it's max capacity with only about 22 HP @ the PTO. But anything that big we'd burn anyhow.
Before you spend the money on a chipper I woudl suggest that you evaluate what your needs are with regard to max size and length of material. If you are planning on anything long I would suggest something with a horizontal, wide hopper (like the Jinma) so that you don't have to lift and hold (watch out for moving) material. Also, if you will be doing a lot I would strongly suggest the automatic feed.
If you have the $$$ and enough HP @ the PTO there are some great machines out there and if we had the HP & $$$ woudl have probably gone for a Valby.
THe primary reason for replacing the bearcat is with the volume of material we are chipping it was a constant struggle to move the chips away from the machine (it dumps the chips right below).
Only have a few hours on the Jinma but so far so good. Being able to throw the chips is working out well and the side benefit is that we don't have to trim things down as much with the larger opening. On the Jinma, while 6" is the rated max, the cutter opening is actually 6x9.
Now the reason we didn't add the blower option to the bearcat is that it would have cost nearly as much as the Jinma ($1,200 ve $1,500) and I heard that when it clogs up you have to do some unbolting to clear it -- not something that I want to do when in the middle of a project.
We still have the bearcat and haven't decided whether or not to try and sell it as it is a great shredder -- very aggreesive -- you have to watch your hands as it pulls material thorugh very quickly.
OK, the downside on the Jinma is that we can't run at it's max capacity with only about 22 HP @ the PTO. But anything that big we'd burn anyhow.
Before you spend the money on a chipper I woudl suggest that you evaluate what your needs are with regard to max size and length of material. If you are planning on anything long I would suggest something with a horizontal, wide hopper (like the Jinma) so that you don't have to lift and hold (watch out for moving) material. Also, if you will be doing a lot I would strongly suggest the automatic feed.
If you have the $$$ and enough HP @ the PTO there are some great machines out there and if we had the HP & $$$ woudl have probably gone for a Valby.
