3-pt hitch chipper compatibility question

bxowner · Apr 8, 2007

I have a BX1500 - with 15 engine horsepower and 10.5 PTO horsepower.

I like the DR bottom-discharge chipper unit. It has a 19 engine hp minimum - and can accomodate up to 4 1/2 inch branches.

My question is: if I limit myself to 3 to 3 1/2 inch branches - and feed it very slowly - can I use this thing? What's the downside?

ChuckinNH · Apr 8, 2007

I would look at the DR web site, and see what the smallest gas engine is that they use with that chipper. I thought it was available with a 9hp engine. The diesel engine in your Kubota has much more torque than a gas engine, and should work OK if used with common sense.

bxowner · Apr 9, 2007

That's my line of thinking - except I wasn't sure if there was some kind of gearbox or blade arrangement that made the 9hp gas motor work on their trailer models that wouldn't be appropriate for the 3pt hitch.

Also, my 15 hp diesel Kubota certainly seems to have a ton more torque than my 22 hp gas John Deere. Granted, the JD lacked a 3pt hitch, but the DR specs don't state 'diesel', just '19hp engine minimum.' This, I assume, achieves the ability to chip 4 1/2" branches.

AceDeuce · Apr 9, 2007

A while ago I was looking for a chipper for my BX. I never ended up buying one but in my search the only one I found that was actually rated for the BX1500's PTO was the Salsco Model 600. I think your theory holds true though. If you limit the size and speed of the material you feed into it, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

ChuckinNH · Apr 9, 2007

Actually, the chipper I have been looking at for my BX22 is the Bearcat #77454. It is a similar design to the DR, but has two knives, and some other differences, and is built somewhat heavier. The Bearcat brochure states that it requires 13-22 tractor hp. My best price on this chipper so far has been $2250.

shvl73 · Apr 9, 2007

I think you'd be fine with the DR. I have a cheapo MTD chipper with a 10HP Techumsah (sp?) and it will take 3" as rated, just fed slowly, even semi-hardwood. Are you close to the store in Vergennes? Maybe they have a re-con or demo unit and might let you bring the BX up and try it onsite.

texbaylea · Apr 9, 2007

ChuckinNH
I have a Woods 5000 which I believe is similar to the Bearcat you mentioned. When I first got the chipper I used it on a Kubota B6100E with about 12 hp at the PTO. Just had to be careful with feed rate and size. I have since replaced the B6100 with an L3130 - really goes through brush fast. Just don't try to feed a lot of green cedar limbs.

Vernon