Looking to buy a Chipper Shredder

[AJC]

I am looking to buy a chipper shredder but not sure which way to go or which brand/models are good or not, could use some feed back if anyone has some experience.

I have a 35hp tractor with PTO and looking at the Wallenstein BXM 42 or the other option is a BMXT4224 which is a pull behind Honda engine.

I am not fixed on the models or manufacturer but these are two that I have researched on the internet that seem to have some good machines.

Thanks

 

[weldingisfun]

Do a search and you will find a wealth of information on the subject.
Good luck in your effort.

 

[greggh]

There seem to be several on TBN that have chippers. Wallenstein seems to be a good one. The Jimna (sp) has good and bad reviews. The Jimna knock-offs don't seem to have a very good rep.

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

I have had a PTO driven chipper/shredder made by Mackissic that will handle 3 1/2" branches. I am very happy with it. It does a good job and the knife and hammers have held up well. It uses 24 rotating hammers for the shredding and will shread up to 1" branches. The chipped material also feeds into the chamber with the hammers further reducing its size. I think if you have a tractor, the PTO drive is better than a separate gas towed unit. You don't have any engine maintence and also have the benefit of using more horsepower from the PTO. I have a Kubota L3830 with 30hp at the PTO and it drives the unit really well. The Mackissic is now about 18-1900$ and I know Northern Tool carries it. I got mine from a local dealer in Pennsylvania. They also make a more powerful unit with 48 hammers that handles larger branches and chips up to I think 4 1/2". Hope this info helps - there are alot of old posts about chipper/shredders on TBN as well. The Jinmma chinese machines are also very popular. Good luck with your search. -Mike

 

[woodchuckcanuck]

I currently have a Bearcat 70085 which self feeds 3" material and takes up to 3/4 brush in the shredder. It will eat anything I can fit into it. Only thing I wish I had was the blower but it was an $800 option. But since I am now in the market for a 35 hp tractor I will be looking to sell this unit and get either a Wallenstein BXM32 (chipper shredder) or get the BX42r with hyd feed (no shredder). The Wallenstein's list price is about the same as that Bearcat, only the Wally has the blower too. Trade off I guess, one is free standing, the other requires the PTO, one has blower, the other doesn't. Having run the Bearcat, I wish we had the blower.

 

[Charlesaf3]

I have the wallenstein. Very pleased with the design.

As an aside, it seems unsurprisingly with chippers and snowblowers one should buy canadian!

 

[Charles Billings]

Earlier this summer I purchased the Wallenstein BX42 , and love it. If I had another $1000 to spend, I would have enjoyed the shredder capability of the BXM42. Either way, money well spent.

 

[woodchuckcanuck]

Earlier this summer I purchased the Wallenstein BX42 ...

Charles, What PTO hp do you have to run the BX42? I was on the phone with Wallenstein this morning and they said 26hp minimum is required. Even then the tractor would be running at full capacity to allow the bx42 to run efficiently.

 

[zzvyb6]

I bought an older used TroyBuilt Tomahawk 10hp 3" branches and wish I knew 10 years ago how useful they are and how productive. I tow mine around with my golf cart. Mine has electric start but no power provisions so it gets jumped off the GC battery. Its very safe. No way I could ever get a hand in there (I tried a few times). It has the chipper screen so you get sawdust out of the bottom. For a few branches the chips just pile up on the bottom. But with a few yards of stuff, you need to move the rig or shovel it out. I've thought of putting it on a cart to hold more of the chipped results. I have a rule around here that any bush, tree or vine that hits me in the head gets clipped. So this year I trimmed the whole station. I didn't realize that the chips make excellant mulch that stays put, is easy on the eyes and smells good, too. I've even put it in the horse stalls to freshen them up. I thought I'd want a pto driven one, but this unit came along and I'm glad its self powered. This way, I don't have to run the tractor all over my lawn, etc. Given a clippers, a chain saw and a chipper, your place will really change for the better to a groomed look. I use the chipper mostly, but realize that the shredder mouth takes the vines, leaves, twigs and scrub. The shredder will even take the stuff larger than 3" but scares the heck out of people in the next county from the noise. Its easy to sharpen and the flails, belts and blades for all these things are available on eBay. Make sure you wear thick gloves when you chip. With mine the dead hardwood branches vibrate so much when they are drawing in that my hands go to sleep and they can remain that way for a few hours. Even with a brand new shave your face blade treatment.

 

[Smalljobs]

I've put 60 hrs on a Jinma 6" chipper and have no problems. It does a great job. It readily processes 6" hardwood and softwood with no problem. Great machine at a great price.