non pto wood chipper help

[AppleMan]

Every year when I prune my orchard I usually burn the limbs that folks don't use for smoking. But as I get older I'm finding that the piling/dragging is taking longer and longer (and taking more of a toll on my body). I've only got about 800 trees and the diameter of the cut limbs is anything from 1/2 inch to 3-4 inches. So these aren't huge branches, but it's just me farming so it adds up. For the past ten years I've had a JD 2305 and I use the PTO for mowing and spraying the orchard, but its pretty taxed with those applications and I don't think it'd handle a PTO chipper.

So I was looking for a stand alone engine-run, commercial duty, (one that I could run all day) wood chipper. I don't need a huge one, but something that could take on all-day work a few weeks each year. Does anyone have any suggestions? Most companies have quoted $1000-1500 and up (depending on how much I prune) to chip for me each time. If it's more cost effective I'd rather do it myself and use the chipper for clearing small stuff at my other farm as well.

Any guidance is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[lumberjack1986]

I would look at buying a used 9" chipper and go from there. A 6" would do it, but a 3-4" limb could have forks that make it harder to feed into the smaller opening (wider is better). For no more than you're looking at using it, a 6" could be just fine. A 12" chipper would be fine, but overkill.

 

[the old grind]

Somewhere between trimming/'pulling' and hauling to the burn pile I got tired of the labor and had a 48" Hound Dog grapple built. (yes!!) The downside, and above the ~$1.5k base price, is another near $1k to plumb a 3rd function onto my loader valve. (electro-hyd & diverter) Hopefully, the time/labor saved will allow me to fire up the chipper like old times. (I could use the mulch and feed the compost, too)

IMO, most chippers handle solids of half capacity best, (3" in a 6", 4" in an 8"...). Self-feeders will pull in a lot of forks etc but 'feeder' systems do have limits to what they can pull in. What's not too common is powerful chippers that aren't PTO driven, and those are indeed pricey. A used commercial pull-behind?

btw: For big jobs, I call on the Willenwoods. We all know them well. You plan a job and they "will" help you. The day you're ready to jump in they "would" (..but the dog needs a bath, .. 3-day weekend tied up, .. hangnail, .. hangover, etc ...)

So, I have a 9hp chipper & bought this grapple thingie to help feed it and ...

 

[AppleMan]

thanks this helps!

 

[motownbrowne]

We rent one every year for a weekend. I have seen used vermeers on craigslist. I've used these machines a lot in tree service work. They sure are handy tools!! I'd love to have one around, but it looks like at least 10 grand for a smaller used one with lots of hours. I think it's probably more like 15-20 for something more reliable. Are there other orchards nearby that would rent it from you to help with the cost?

 

[AppleMan]

I used Vermeer when I worked construction in my youth and the commercial ones are great...but you're right they cost a pretty penny. Unfortunately I'm pretty much the last orchard in these parts. There are only a couple within an hour or so that will offer to help out with advice/kick around ideas (the others see different orchards as competition, which is understandable), but the helpful orchards don't chip, they've got big crews working for them. They either flail mow, or use their crews to stack and burn. I like the idea of the grapple, but the only downside is that apple branches are like massive buckthorn spikes (especially the small ones) and they'll go right thru tires if I don't the tiny ones in the grapple. Maybe I'll look into grapples for the bigger branches and then painstakingly rake the smaller ones.

 

[bdobson]

I use a 8" liberty pto driven chipper and it works great but it definitely needs to be worked to pull in all forks ETC. I found this on craigslist not sure how close it is to you but take a look to see what is out there. M10 Mobark brush chipper 10 inch' 4 cylinder perkins diesel 50 hp

 

[AppleMan]

I use a 8" liberty pto driven chipper and it works great but it definitely needs to be worked to pull in all forks ETC. I found this on craigslist not sure how close it is to you but take a look to see what is out there. M10 Mobark brush chipper 10 inch' 4 cylinder perkins diesel 50 hp

Thanks for finding that. It's about 1.5-2 hours away depending on traffic. I'm kinda leery on used equipment after some bad experiences with used stuff, but I might check it out.

You've got me thinking about PTO's now, but I've got to find a smaller one with enough muscle. My JD 2305 is/was the smallest compact tractor at the time and doesn't have a ton of power. It's suppose to have 18HP on the PTO, but I think that's exaggerated after putting it to the test these past years. Unfortunately I can't size up in tractors very much because of the row width in my orchard (it was planted too close together).

 

[yellowdogsvc]

The wider the opening, the easier it will be to handle trimmings without having to force it in. I use a 20" Vermeer which was their biggest. Yes, that's big for your operation but you can stuff a lot in there and push it with another stick and it will grab it and pull the whole mess in. The 18" will have similar features.
I'd look at the 15 -18" range. A vermeer BC935 is an older chipper and it will do a good job on small trimmings. A BC1250-1230 is equally older but was a reliable machine. Still, if you want less labor, get a 15 or older 18". The older BC 1800 was pretty simple and can be towed with a 1/2 to 3/4 ton or a tractor and it will be more than you need. If you get some whole, dead trees or need to clear more land, it won't be under-sized. I'm guessing but figure in the low 20's for a good used 18" and 15-18k for really good 12 or 9" capacity.

 

[Timbersawz]

For what you discribe your pruning it sounds like a 6 inch chipper would do fine. The gas ones are simple and reliable and are not that big a gamble if your looking at used ones. (often rental yards sell them after so many hours used)
Gravely, Vermeer, Salsco, Carlton, Brush bandit, Rayco heck even bearcat. All make or made good 6 inch machines that would serve you well. Also since the dont weigh as much at the others the are less likely to cause compaction or root damage to your trees.

Maybe rent one to do the job just once if you can, see how it goes before laying down your money on owning one.