How portable are they? I'm thinking of getting one, but never seen a tractor-mounted chipper in action. I assumed they'd go wherever the tractor goes, but I've been looking at pictures how that'd work. One I saw even has little legs it stands up on, and a long shaft to attach it to the PTO.
I need a chipper, but I need one I can easily get out into the woods where the mess is.
JCA,
A tractor mounted chipper mounts to the 3pt. hitch and runs off the PTO. They can be raised off the ground with the 3pt. so you can move the tractor and then when in use the have to sit on the legs, which should be adjusted to the correct height so the pto shaft is operating as straight as possible. So, if I am understanding your question, they are only as portable as the tractor, because they essentially become part of it once they are hooked up. Mine weighs over 400lbs. and I keep it on a dolly in my shop when I'm not using it.
Thanks, Greg. That's just what I thought, and just what I was hoping. My land is pretty hilly, so up to now, tractorless, I've resisted getting a stand-alone chipper because there was no way to get it where the fallen wood is (and I'm not interested in hauling the fallen wood up out of the valley if I can help it).
So it sounds like a tractor-mounted chipper is just what I need.
My Troy Bilt Tomahawk is on wheels, but not sturdy enough to take it very far, certainly not on the road or very far in the rough. The previous owner rigged a 3 arm hitch, ending in a tongue, so that it can be hitched to the drawbar of a tractor.
I also have a MacKissic shredder that bolts to the front PTO on my Gravely.
Both of these, and any 3pt chipper, are VERY heavy. I'd transport them with the 3pt as low as I dare to carry it and still have ground clearance on hilly land.
There was a thread in here about someone with a Chinese 3pt, another regarding a DR 3pt chipper.
I have a Troy Bilt, 10 HP chipper shredder with a Sears logo. I roll it onto my carryall and take it to the worksite. I usually use it while it is on the carryall but sometimes I wheel it closer to the work. It will take a 3 inch limb plus it has a brush shoot. Works well for me!
busted up New Holland TC 24D hydro :(, Replacment NH TC 24D!
I had a very similar problem, I have lots of trees away from where one could bring in a full size chipper. I also rented the full size chippers but you still need to bring the brush to it, a real drag. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I went ahead and purchased a 3 point Bearcat and it has done a fine job. Tree projects go much quicker since the chipper is right there with you. I do wish I would have gone with the next higher model but the one I did buy was expensive and the wife was not at all very understanding of the purchase anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I have attached 2 photos of the chipper on my New Holland TC 24D.
I solved the problem of maneuverablilty by going with a DR 18Hp trailerable chipper. It is electric start and will take up to 4 inch hardwood. In that it is articulated it goes anywhere in the woods I can get with the tractor. I looked at 3pt models but considered them to be much less maneuverable due to their size and rigid connection to the rear of the tractor. Here is a link <font color="blue"> DR Chipper</font>. Additionally, if you do a search on chipper or DR chipper you will find a lot of discussion on the issue over the last year.
Bill
I'll attach a photo of my B7500 with the Bearcat chipper. I've posted this before, but this may help you visualize what you can do with the B7510 you're looking at and a Bearcat.
Greg: How much was that Bearcat? Tell me something about how it performs. What are its limits?
Bill: What you're saying makes sense, but the idea of buying a 20 HP tractor and then using it just to TOW an 18 HP chipper with a gas engine...it's just not very elegant, though you're surely right about the maneuverability.
Cheers,
Jim
