Chipper/shredder advice

[Baby Grand]

Well, plans changed so I was able to go look at the chipper this afternoon. It looked good to me so I bought it - gulp It's got a little rust but no big deal. I'll do some chipping with it in the next couple days and let you know how it goes.

Thanks again to everyone for all the suggestions. I learned a lot!

- Can't wait to start chipping!

Congratulations! I spent a good part of the weekend feeding my Patu chipper and spreading chips over the asparagus and blueberry patches. The Patu came to me by way of Craig's List. When I got it home I used it right away and was somewhat disappointed with the performance - I had to push everything into it. With some good help from TBN members, I secured an owner's manual .pdf and the next weekend opened the chipper up and reset the knife feed depth (chip size) and knife to anvil gap to nominal specs. It was like a whole different machine. Draws very nicely now.

Long winded, I know. Point is, give it a good going over, check the blades and adjustments and give the bearings a good squirt with the grease gun. Then go have at it!

 

[RoyJackson]

Well, plans changed so I was able to go look at the chipper this afternoon. It looked good to me so I bought it - gulp It's got a little rust but no big deal. I'll do some chipping with it in the next couple days and let you know how it goes.

Thanks again to everyone for all the suggestions. I learned a lot!

- Can't wait to start chipping!

I think you made a good choice buying that chipper/shredder.
As a few others wrote, the Bearcat (can't recall the model number) and Woods 5000 are the same machine.
I run mine behind a 30 PTO HP Deere 4400...works like a champ! That extra 2 PTO HP won't be a problem. I'v seen videos of these chippers behind 35 PTO HP tractors. HOWEVER, if a branch does get caught and the chipper/shredder stalls, it may not stall the tractor. Those twin drive belts will smoke though!

I will mention a few more things...the chipper works great...just put the branch in the chute and step back. It'll munch away happily.
The shredder pulls in brush FAST!!! I mean...FAST!! It'll likely startle you at first.
Do wear snug fitting clothing and gloves with elastic at the wrist. No gauntlet type gloves. I suggest you wear hearing and eye protection as well.
The blowers are available as a retrofit kit. One will cost what you paid for the chipper/shredder. I just raise the unit up when there's a pile under the chipper/shredder and rake it out (fire rake works best).
As long as you plan your work (have the pile of brush in one area...build it up for a few weeks or so), these are definitely worksaving devices.

Good luck with your Bearcat and Be Safe!!

 

[jshwhite]

Had a chance to use the chipper today - wow! I'm impressed. The tractor ran it with power to spare - it barely lost rpm even on big hard stuff. I ran a few limbs that were at least 4" and hard and dry. They needed a little pushing through, but it chipped them right up. I found that pretty much if it will fit in the chipper, it'll chip it, period.

I do think the blades need sharpened though. I felt the edges and they had a few nicks in them. Does anyone know if they are reversible?

I'm not as impressed with the shredder, as the pieces that came out were rather big. I think I'll try getting some steel grate and making a smaller screen for it - seems like that would keep the big stuff in there and let it get shredded more finely.

Anyway, thanks again for all the suggestions and advice everyone!

 

[RoyJackson]

I do think the blades need sharpened though. I felt the edges and they had a few nicks in them. Does anyone know if they are reversible?

The blades should be reversible...they are in the Woods version of the machine.
Bearcat may have a downloadable manual, so check their website.
Woods does have an online (and downloadable) manual for the 5000.
http://www.woodsequipment.com/uploadedfiles/products/manuals/51207.pdf

 

[gwdixon]

Yes, the blades are reversible. If you need advice on how to take the chipper apart to get to the blades just ask.

Here is the manual: (Darn, too big to upload. Got it from the Crary Bearcat site. If you PM me your e-mail address I'll try to send it.)

Meanwhile, the sharpening instructions are small enough to upload.

 

[jshwhite]

Yes, the blades are reversible. If you need advice on how to take the chipper apart to get to the blades just ask.

Here is the manual: (Darn, too big to upload. Got it from the Crary Bearcat site. If you PM me your e-mail address I'll try to send it.)

Meanwhile, the sharpening instructions are small enough to upload.

Thanks - I went to the Bearcat site and got the manual. Lot's of good info there. Thanks!

 

[Gittyup]

I have the bushhog (really made by Goossen) version of that chipper but my blades are not reversible. Does anyone think the Bearcat/Woods blades would fit my chipper? I like the shredder best. However, getting to the blades is a pain because of the number of machine bolts that must be removed. Mine doesn't have the chute either. I looked into buying one. It comes with a pully assembly that motorizes it. The price for a new chute was $1500! I had to pass.

I have to move mine around on gravel where I store it with no access to get help from the tractor. I'm thinking about putting wheels on it so it rolls around like a dollie. Anyone think that's a bad idea? it is a heavy beast.

 

[gwdixon]

I have the bushhog (really made by Goossen) version of that chipper but my blades are not reversible. Does anyone think the Bearcat/Woods blades would fit my chipper? I like the shredder best. However, getting to the blades is a pain because of the number of machine bolts that must be removed. Mine doesn't have the chute either. I looked into buying one. It comes with a pully assembly that motorizes it. The price for a new chute was $1500! I had to pass.

I have to move mine around on gravel where I store it with no access to get help from the tractor. I'm thinking about putting wheels on it so it rolls around like a dollie. Anyone think that's a bad idea? it is a heavy beast.

Check Tennessee Saw and Knife for blades. (Link in post #16.)

I've never seen wheeled dollies work very well on gravel. Especially with a heavy load.

 

[ROPS Tester]

I am looking to buy a used pto chipper or chipper/shredder and was wondering if anyone has used these to to make bedding for livestock. I know some manufacturers sell finer screens but I don't know if there is anything that wil produce shavings. I am going to purchase either way, but this capability would really be a bonus. Any thoughts?

 

[RoyJackson]

I am looking to buy a used pto chipper or chipper/shredder and was wondering if anyone has used these to to make bedding for livestock. I know some manufacturers sell finer screens but I don't know if there is anything that wil produce shavings. I am going to purchase either way, but this capability would really be a bonus. Any thoughts?

I know Woods (probably Bearcat too) sells different sized screens. How fine do you need?

 

[jshwhite]

I am looking to buy a used pto chipper or chipper/shredder and was wondering if anyone has used these to to make bedding for livestock. I know some manufacturers sell finer screens but I don't know if there is anything that wil produce shavings. I am going to purchase either way, but this capability would really be a bonus. Any thoughts?

Not sure how fine you need it, but the I think chipper probably makes it fine enough for animal bedding. The shredder does not though.

 

[gwdixon]

Not sure how fine you need it, but the I think chipper probably makes it fine enough for animal bedding. The shredder does not though.

I agree with jshwhite. The chipper chips are very similar to what you can buy in bales at Tractor Supply or a feed store.

My chips are used for dog bedding and in the garden for mulch. Perfect size for both.

 

[MrWhippy]

Just curious,

How hard is a chipper on the PTO? I've worried that it would tear up the gearing. Is that ever a problem or is there something in the chipper that limits the shockload?

 

[RoyJackson]

Just curious,

How hard is a chipper on the PTO? I've worried that it would tear up the gearing. Is that ever a problem or is there something in the chipper that limits the shockload?

Some, like my Woods 5000, use belts to up the speed. They cushion any shock loads.
You can always use a slip clutch or shear pin.

And, of course, always engage and disengage the PTO at low RPM.

 

[Gittyup]

Mine has gotten jambed a few times. When it does the belt takes the beating and will slip and burn. So with this type chipper, I don't think there is too much concern with the PTO. Not sure if it has a shear pin. But, with the belt I don't think it would actually work anyway. Same for a slip clutch.

BTW, I was thinking pneumatic wheels on gravel.

 

[Baby Grand]

I have a Patu. It's a direct drive off the PTO shaft. PTO shaft has a clutch. When it's engaged it's as if it isn't there. I am really surprised at how quiet it is. Running full 4" diameter maple limbs thru it doesn't seem to put any load on the 26 hp PTO/engine. I have just finished chipping all the branches from three 24 to 30 inch DBH silver maples that I had to drop after the big wind we had in August. Fed in everything 4" and under without any clogging.

If I could hitch it up to the B5100, I'd be interested in what size I could run through it with just 10 hp at the PTO. Hitch geometry & PTO shaft length makes this difficult. A recently delivered 40" tiller with PTO shaft for the B5100 may provide an oportunity for another try ...

If this chipper hadn't come up on CL, I was in the process of getting spending approval from The Plant Manager to plunk down some green for a Wallenstein BX42. That's one nice looking chipper. I really like the enlarged/rectangular feed chute. I suspect it would reduce the amount of trimming I have to do prior to chucking limbs into the Patu. Some of the limbs were so twisty and gnarly they looked like they came from the trees in The Wizard of Oz.

 

[jshwhite]

Hey guys, I've got another question about the bearcat. I've done a lot with it already and love it. I really need to do a little work on the shredder though. The previous owner must have had it in a place where it got wet occasionally, because there is a fair amount of rust in the shredder parts. Quite a few of the knives are stuck and wont spin freely like they are supposed to. I thought running some branches through it would knock them loose, but no such luck. Actually what looks like happened is some of the double knives have spread and gotten stuff jammed in between them - thus spreading them and seizing them.

I'm trying to take it apart so I can clean them all and loosen/lube everything. Problem is, I can't get the rods that the knives are on to come out. I took keeper bolt out and have tried knocking the rod out with a punch, but it's not moving. Have any of you taken yours apart? I'd like to take the least destructive path, but I guess worst case scenario I'll have to torch them out and buy new ones. Any help welcome!

 

[gwdixon]

Not sure what you are referring to. Is it the short 3" (or so) six knives that are on each shaft that will not turn? It would seem that a soaking of penetrating oil and a hammer would break them free.

If the knives are jammed somehow they will not let that rod come out. Maybe a photo to compare to the one posted below would lend some light on the subject. Others may be able to give a hint.

BTW, try to keep rain from going down the chute to avoid rusting problems. A tarp works just fine.

 

[jshwhite]

Not sure what you are referring to. Is it the short 3" (or so) six knives that are on each shaft that will not turn? It would seem that a soaking of penetrating oil and a hammer would break them free.

If the knives are jammed somehow they will not let that rod come out. Maybe a photo to compare to the one posted below would lend some light on the subject. Others may be able to give a hint.

BTW, try to keep rain from going down the chute to avoid rusting problems. A tarp works just fine.

Yes, it is those knives. They are a little different than yours - mine are more like sickle mower sections. I thought they would break loose with a hammer and penetrating oil, but it's not that they are stuck, they are just really tight. I can move them with a hammer, but they need to be loose. I think the knives being jammed is what is keeping the rod from moving. Hmm...I may try a little heat, but just don't want to damage anything. Any thoughts?

Yes, I keep it in the shop out of the rain, but evidently the previous owner wasn't as careful.

 

[jshwhite]

Oops, I forgot - here is a picture of it.