Buying Advice Frontier Wood Chippers

[RoyJackson]

Thanks for the info Roy - I will check and compare prices. When I make the decision I'll let you know - guessing most folks on this sight have bigger tractors and no need for this smaller style chipper used on my small tractor.

Actually, I think most of us are in very similar circumstances to yours...
I have a Deere 4400 with a Woods 5000 chipper/shredder....that's sized in between the 1103 and the 1105 Frontier units.

 

[lovedogs]

Has anyone had any experience with a DR rapid-feed PTO model Wood Chipper? Popular Mechanics rated it as one of the top new backyard chippers. The cost listed is $1889 but the website showed $2499. and don't know if there is a $600 savings on it or not - that would make it 1889.

They claim it chews through a fresh cut 2.5 inc diameter by 12 ft ash sapling in 15 seconds. 14 in diameter rotor weighs 35 pounds.

Just trying to figure out if something like that or similar would be a better choice even with the IMATCH use. Again I have a 3032E.

Roy I checked on the Wallenstein BX42 (the 32 is only 100 cheaper and has two knives vs 4 on 42 and looks like 42 would be better choice for money) and cost on that is 2599. Still trying to decide all of this - don't know that the IMATCH benefit would be worth the difference in cost vs quality?

I know I'm beating a dead horse on this but any further thoughts - sure wish I could see the differences between all these in action. Thanks!

 

[lovedogs]

OK so I took the time to check out DR's website - pretty impressive - they have videos of the chipping and folks talking about the product. It's looking really tempting. If you guys/gals have the time to check it out - let me know what you think...

 

[RoyJackson]

Just trying to figure out if something like that or similar would be a better choice even with the IMATCH use. Again I have a 3032E.

Roy I checked on the Wallenstein BX42 (the 32 is only 100 cheaper and has two knives vs 4 on 42 and looks like 42 would be better choice for money) and cost on that is 2599. Still trying to decide all of this - don't know that the IMATCH benefit would be worth the difference in cost vs quality?

I know I'm beating a dead horse on this but any further thoughts - sure wish I could see the differences between all these in action. Thanks!

If you currently have an iMatch Quick Hitch...then it's advantageous to have a chipper (or any implement) that fits. Pulling an iMatch (or any QH) off and re-installing it, is a major PITA. I just did it a week or so back when I used my chipper. Trust me....you need three hands!
If you do not currently have an iMatch QH, then any of the chippers will work and I suggest you consider the Pat's Easy Change system (had it, wish I'd kept it).

There's quite a few TBNers with Wallenstein chippers. Do a TBN search (use "Wallenstein" as the search query). They seem to be very happy with them.
I have a Woods 5000 chipper/shredder that I'm very happy with...but for me, I bought it off Craigslist locally for a good price ($1000). Price was important due to my limited use and local was a major advantage. BTW, this would be a good fit for your 3032.

Search (on TBN) for DR chippers too. They're a bit small for my usage.

 

[Ductape]

I believe the Frontiers are rebadged Champions, made by Peque...... FWIW.

Champion C-3 Wood Chipper

 

[s219]

The DR chippers are made by Mackissic, and DR charges a few hundred extra bucks for their name/paint. I think they are decent, but have pros and cons. Mackissic has a couple of their own chipper/shredder models, and also makes an $1800 "Nortrac" chipper for Northern Tool that is worth a look. Some of these only have one cutting blade on the flywheel, which I wasn't so sure about.

I liked the Wallensteins myself, but they are a tad larger than some of the others I mentioned here. If size is a factor, then it could be a tough squeeze. I was almost set to buy a Wallenstein BX42 until I realized it was too big to take into the woods where I was intending to use it.