Chipper Small acerage chipper/shredder options

[farmeratheart]

I have the Wallenstein BXM32 Chipper/Shredder. It's rated for 3" chipping. For me, anything more than 2" is usually firewood, but have occasionally chipped a few 3"" limbs. The shredder hopper is great for leaves, twigs, and the other small stuff. I run it on a JD2520 (20hp @ pto) with absolutely no problems. Gravity feed, but with sharp knives it is hard for me to keep up with the unit. Good luck!!

Frank

 

[JackyJ]

I've got the small MacKissic TPH-123 purchased from Northern last February. (They list it as the TPH-122, but it's actually the newer model, meaning that it's cat 1, not cat 0/1.) Had some trouble with the first one delivered--the knife bolts weren't loctited or torqued correctly. One bolt backed out, then got sheared, and damaged the threading. But MacKissic did right by me and replaced the whole unit.

I'm really happy with it. It's about all the chipper I'd want to run on my little Kubota BX1870, which has just 13.7 HP at the PTO. The 3.5" limb diameter rating is about accurate, though as noted above, it'll need to be a straight limb to make it to the knife. For me, anything 3" or bigger is firewood. Though I haven't yet used it on leaves, I'm glad it has the shredder hammermill, which is great for anything green, including leafy tree tops.

I bought it to create mulch as much as to get rid of limbs/brush/leaves. My only disappointment is how little mulch you get out of even a large brush pile, but that's the same for any unit. Some would just let me create little mulch piles more quickly.

Jack

 

[HillStreet]

I own a WoodMaxx 6 inch PTO chipper. It works terrific in my orchard. It is hydraulic feed so just let it go and it's chipped. That 6 inch diameter is true, however it would have to be a pretty straight log, otherwise knots and stubble limbs will cause it to back up.

 

[newbury]

Just a note on size -
When I was buying my 8" Jinma chipper http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/277284-jinma-8-chipper-first-hours.html?highlight= the only difference (besides price) on the 6" versus 8" was the size of the hole you shoved stuff through.

And I'm darn glad I got the 8" hole because most of my chipping has involved twisted limbs. So check the specs closely when comparing different size chippers.

 

[ericm979]

I've got the small MacKissic TPH-123 Had some trouble with the first one delivered--the knife bolts weren't loctited or torqued correctly.

That happened on my 4.5" MacKissic, some 18 years ago. It damaged the anvil but nothing else. MacKissic sent me replacement parts. Sad to see they haven't fixed the problem. BTW if you loctite the bolts they can be very difficult to remove. I'd either torque them to spec and check them periodically or use a weaker locking compound than the typical LocTite 242, one that's made to release without heat.

We don't burn wood but even if we did we couldn't burn all the firewood we generate. It's difficult to give it away. So I try to chip everything that fits.

 

[ultrarunner]

^^^ Yep... can't give away wood in out area... oak seasoned and split has almost no market so I let most of rot...

Wasn't always this way but now renting a large chipper for a day each year is what it has come to.

 

[frugalangler]

well, thanks all for all the great responses. I pulled the order trigger today on a 3" PTO Chipper/Shredder that's very similar in design to the Wallenstein BXM32 as far as blade/hammer/drum design, difference is hopper design, from what I can tell. http://www.value-leader.com/3dia-wood-chipper-1dia-shedder-cat-i-3pt-16hp-rated-fh-eco19/

Video of it in action (different brand as I believe this is a international version, note the wheels vs. skids):

Since most of my use is smaller stuff similar to what the video is running, I felt this unit would fit my needs well. Like many, anything big enough to burn in a pit or fireplace gets used that way, so I only deal with the trash left from limb'ing out trees or what falls on the ground that can't be burned.
When I get it I'll try to post up pictures and maybe an in-use video.

Again, thanks everyone for all the comments.

 

[cmugler]

I am considering buying the same unit (eco 19) have you been happy with your purchase, it is similar to the tph 123 but less money and a heavier flywheel

 

[TerryR]

A number of posters in this thread have remarked that they don't need anything bigger than 3" (or whatever) because anything bigger becomes firewood. In my experience this it misguided thinking for a couple of reasons. First, as others have posted, small but twisted pieces, knots, forks, etc., are much easier to feed with a larger opening. But in addition I find I often chip "firewood sized" pieces because they are either too rotted to be good for firewood, or are pine or the like that I won't burn.

Bigger is better in my view, if your tractor and budget will support it.

 

[two_bit_score]

The BearCat 5540 chipper/shredder will shred 1-1/2" branches. I use my older model for shredding 90% of the time, very seldom do I chip with it. The stuff over 1-1/2" goes into the fire pit.

I could see going to the expense of buying or renting a chipper occasionally if you live in an area where you can't burn.

If you are out of town or if you can burn brush why chip it?