Chipper Real World Wallenstein recommendations...

[Code54]

I run a BX42 on a larger machine but can't say enough about it! I must say as nice has the hydro feed appears, 90% of the time I can't say I would have any real use for it. If you are going to be using it day in day out it maybe a nice feature but I use mine about 10 or so times a year so I can hand feed it without a problem. Sometimes the real art is feeding the item slower and not letting the chipper "eat" it too fast!

 

[90cummins]

18 PTO hp is a bit on the weak side for a chipper with 36 acres to tend too.
I also agree that the small feed can and will make feeding very difficult without trimming.
I would suggest considering a larger used gas or diesel chipper.
My son & I purchased a Vermeer 1250 (12 inch) powered by an 85hp Perkins diesel for $5k to clean up our 8 acres and I don't regret it.
This is a 6000lb machine and will chip your 4 pine in less than 30 seconds without trimming and 8+ inches with minor trimming of the lower branches.
It is easily moved with my Ford 1720 or a 3/4 ton truck.
You will find it less work, more productive and you can disconnect it and use your tractor to feed the chipper.
Working alone using the tractor I can cut drag and use the bucket to set the trees on the feed apron and push the tree into the feed rollers.
I'm 56 and have had numerous major health issues including 2 liver transplants since 1989 so making a job easier is absolutely essential for me to remain productive.
Not knowing all the details and your particular wants & needs including the lay of the land I thought I'd share my experience with you.
I like PTO powered attachments also but sometimes a self powered unit is the way to go if all aspects of the job are considered.

 

[jake98]

I have 20hp at the pto, have used the bx42 a couple seasons. It works great, but no way can I use it's full potential. Had I been able to try out the next smaller size, I may have bought that one. Sometimes I daydream about hooking it up to a junkyard 4banger and making a stand alone unit out of it. :confused2:

 

[BethesdaEC]

I run a BX42 on a larger machine but can't say enough about it! I must say as nice has the hydro feed appears, 90% of the time I can't say I would have any real use for it. If you are going to be using it day in day out it maybe a nice feature but I use mine about 10 or so times a year so I can hand feed it without a problem. Sometimes the real art is feeding the item slower and not letting the chipper "eat" it too fast!

That is where the hydro feed comes in real handy. It will feed the piece at just the right rate while you are off getting the next branch instead of babysitting the current branch. It also squeezes those splayed out branches so you don't have to trim as much.

 

[Waltert]

I had the bx 42 and sold it for power feed feed unit after a few weeks of use, I found it real pain to have to feed it , most limbs larger than 1/2" off of the main limb would not get pulled into the chipper .The hydro unit grabs the limbs and pull them right in. The manual feed is good for small straight limbed up stuff and is well built , but there is night and day difference for ease of use with power feed units.
Walter T

 

[LonghornSam]

I had the bx 42 and sold it for power feed feed unit after a few weeks of use, I found it real pain to have to feed it , most limbs larger than 1/2" off of the main limb would not get pulled into the chipper .The hydro unit grabs the limbs and pull them right in. The manual feed is good for small straight limbed up stuff and is well built , but there is night and day difference for ease of use with power feed units.
Walter T

Might I ask what type of tractor and PTO horsepower are you running with the hydro unit. I am running a Kubota BX24 which is at the low end of possibly running the BX42r. Thanks to everyone for your comment and ideas. Very helpful.

 

[donn12]

The regular BX42 is at the upper end of what a BX24 can handle. I think you will be very pleased with what it can do. I would not think anyone would need a hydro unit - mine pulls all branches etc right in.