Chipper DR Chipper

[Warwagon]

I have been thinking of buying a PTO chipper and have been researching the different brands and I am looking for feed back by those of you that have a DR brand chipper how you like it, the pros and cons of this machine. On their web site they state that they have a 6 month risk-free trial including shipping both ways if I am not satisfied with the chipper, has anyone had any experience with the 6 trial period.

Kevin

 

[IslandTractor]

You can search TBN for other threads that involve the DR chipper. I have other DR equipment and they are a good and customer friendly company. I think their chipper is a tad pricey even given their perennial discounting. Also note that the chipper does not have a shredder function which might be useful. The main competition in the general price range of the DR seems to be the MacKissic 122 chipper/shredder which, with added shipping, would cost about the same. The other machine in that general price range is the Chinese made Jinma which has significantly more capacity and is much heavier. Long threads on the Jinma on this forum too.

 

[Boondox]

I got one on the six month trial. You need to save the shipping container and expect less than 100% back as they do charge for cleanup and touchup (impossible to avoid some cosmetic damage on a chipper, so that's fair enough), but they stand behind their products and are very nice people. I tried to rent a 3PH model to check it out, but they don't do that. So in the end I did the trial with every intention of being disappointed and sending it back. I still have it, and it's been a real workhorse!

Pros: It is small, light enough to move around by hand, very easy to work on, all the fasteners are the same size so only one wrench or socket is needed for maintenance, chips like a son of a gun: hardwood up to about two inches and pine up to 3.5 inches. Not self-feeding but it semi pulls branches in so very little push is required
Cons: Pricey for such a small unit (though I can't complain about its performance), the supports are flimsy (they work fine, but if I ever forget to raise the 3PH before moving they'll probably twist like pretzels).

You have nothing to lose by giving it a try. Pete

 

[Dooze]

I have one and have used it for two years and really put it throught its paces. It works well but can be difficult to feed crooked limbs into. I did have a blet fail but it was replaced under warranty. I've seen other posts about heavier chippers but don't believe that my BX 1800 would have enough power for a larger chipper.

 

[RalphVa]

The guy who bought my MacKissic chipper that went onto my Gravely also has a DR chipper that he likes: one that goes on the 3 pt of his other tractor. It and the MacKissic are about the only 2 from US manufacturers in the approximately $1500 price range. A friend of mine just got a MacKissic 122 from Northern. I've a 122 I bought from the local JD dealer.

Haven't heard from anyone here about how easy the chipper-only machines are to maintain. Had some issues regarding the chipper blade servicing on my MacKissic, but its hammer assembly should be easier to service than the one on my old Troy Bilt Tomahawk.

Have had 3 or 4 DR products. They're pretty good. Oldest one that I haven't sold is the plastic, rechargable mower. It's starting to come apart, with plastic pieces falling off it. Still usable. The grass whip model on wheels greatly needed self propelling capability. They now have this. The whips would come out a little too easily, requiring frequent stopping to put them back.

Ralph