New Tractor/Backhoe/Chipper Question

Anonymous Poster · Sep 10, 2002

I just purchased a Kubota B7500HSD with a FEL and BH. I also purchased a Bear Cat 70554 Chipper/Shredder. It will be delivered this Friday. (This just might be one of the longest weeks of my life). Last night I was reading some threads about chippers and saw some less than flattering posts about the 70554, primarily related to safety and clogging. My main purpose for getting this unit is for disposal of limbs and other landscaping debris. I am also very excited about being able to use the mulch. I did not order the blower as I really have no need for it and I was aware of the clogging problem. I have currently been using a small Craftsman chipper/shredder and it is very slow and a lot of work. I was in hopes that this Bear Cat would be a lot faster and easier to use. There were a lot of posts suggesting to upgrade to hydraulic feed. I did some quick research and that appears to be about a $3,000 upgrade. I paid roughly $2,000 for the 70554 and this is for residential use only. I have a window of opportunity to change my order before it is delivered, if there are some real issues with this unit. Does anybody have any thoughts, concerns or suggestions about this purchase?

Thanks

hazmat · Sep 10, 2002

Share your concerns with the dealer. Considering you spent big bucks on the rest of the package, you should be able to return the chipper if it does not perform satisfactorily.

An aside about chipper performance. I think it is all relative. You are not going to get the perfomance of the larger commerical machines you see the tree guys using. However, it should be better than your craftsman.

My dad has a troy built 5HP chipper/shredder. he maintains 1 acre, w/o a lot of trees. If you keep on top of it & chip as you pick up the fallen / trimmed branch, no complaints. If you stockpile the brush waiting for a day of chipping, it is a real chore.

LGinIA · Sep 11, 2002

I purchased a 70554 last spring for use with my B2410. Have used approximately 6 hours on two different occassions. My observations are:
Handles up to 5" w/o any problems
Self feeds after you start quite well
Wish I had also ordered the chip blower unit (chip pile will build up quickly under unit)
Very durable unit
Pleased that I selected the right size unit for the B2410, although a larger tractor may not tend to bog down on the larger diameter limbs.

Good luck on your new unit.

BigDave · Sep 11, 2002

I have a Woods 5000, which is the same unit, just a different color. I only have about 2 hours on the unit, but LGinIA is right on the money.

My only addition is that I actually stalled my tractor out long piece of hard wood. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif Other than that one piece, 33hp is plenty without much bogging down. With 21hp, I would be careful to limit the length of the thick stuff.

Anonymous Poster · Sep 12, 2002

Thanks for the feedback. As Hazmat stated, I think it will all be relative. The 70554 is not a commercial unit, but it's a big step up from my little Craftsman, so I am sure that I'll be pleased with it. As far as my concerns about safety, I think I'll just have a healthy respect for it, as I should.

Rowski · Sep 12, 2002

Not sure about the 70554. On my Valby ch160 the owners' manual states that I can reverse one of the two cutting blades. The manual says it should be done on lower HP tractors. something you may want to look at.

pennwalk · Sep 13, 2002

I really like my Bearcat C/S. If you were going to use the C/S daily you might look for something with auto feed. If you wanted to chip bigger wood you might want to look for a just plain chipper. The shredder shoot on the bearcat could be better designed. The brush gaurds that keep stuff from kicking out also keep stuff from feeding in easily. As far as safty goes some of that is up to you. Gloves,long sleaves,hearing protection and safty glasses probably should be used all the time. I try to never use the C/S if i'm tired or not feeling well. I need to take regular breaks. And of course you need to keep your hands and arms out of the works when it is spinning. I have found mine to be a workhorse and I haven't found anything else in its price range that looks any better.

Chris

B7500 · Sep 13, 2002

I also have a B7500 HSD with FEL and BH. Love that machine. I am now in the market for a chipper. Where are the threads you found? I looked but can't find any.
-Have fun with your new stuff.

Anonymous Poster · Sep 13, 2002

I'll be darned if I know. My head is swimming with info overload. I have been researching everything about this purchase and after a while my head starts spinning. I'll spend a little time later this weekend and try to find some of the reviews that concerned me. However, for right now, my new tractor just showed up and I think I would rather be out playing with the new toy than sitting at the computer. I'll have some info for you by Monday. I'll try to get a little time in with the new chipper as well.