Recommendations on wood chippers?

[Spindifferent]

I've used the Bear Cat SC5540 5" CHIPPER/SHREDDER on my JD 3520, and it works great.

I don't have an iMatch, but you can contact the Bear Cat folks and ask them:

ECHO Bear Cat
Direct: 701.282.5520
Fax 701.282.9522
Toll-Free: 800.247.7335

BTW - it's important to respect the chipper - they are monsters at chewing things up and spitting them out. I still have all my fingers and toes after chipping a huge burn pile.

Spindifferent

 

[RoyJackson]

I was just looking for a chipper for a short term job. The Jinma and Liberty chippers were priced reasonably. With a little further research I found they are made in China. For a little more money, I'll buy American. Too many of our jobs went to China as it is!

I don't blame you about that Chinese thing...

Anyway, for a short term (one time) job, you might be better off by staging all the material to be chipped, then renting a full sized chipper. You definitely want a helper!! Those big machines really eat the limbs and such.

It is nice to have a chipper handy full time though. I use mine when I accumulate enough downed limbs and such to run it for a couple hours or so (chipping goes fast). This is normally 3-4 times a year, so ownership is worthwhile to me. But it took me 5 years to come to that conclusion (and to find a nice used machine). Most of the stuff I chip are downed limbs (we're in a wooded area).

 

[Spindifferent]

Anyway, for a short term (one time) job, you might be better off by staging all the material to be chipped, then renting a full sized chipper. You definitely want a helper!! Those big machines really eat the limbs and such.

Roy is absolutely right about this being a two person job. I did most of my chipping by myself, and it took the majority of my time just to get the wood staged so that I could feed it into the chipper with the correct orientation.

With a helper, one person can pick, and the other person can feed.

If you do rent, get everything staged first. Also, see if you can check for blade sharpness. I noticed a big difference in performance between freshly sharpened blades and the same blades after lots of chipping.

On the Bear Cat, you can open an access panel to the blades. Sharp blades should feel really sharp to the touch. If they feel dull, try another unit.

Best of luck!

Spindifferent

 

[Tonkatoys]

I have a Wallenstein BX62 on my 4720. It will eat 8-inch diameter trees whole. I think it might be a bit big for your tractor but they do make smaller versions. I think its made in Canada. I think you can see China from Canada.

 

[WilliamD]

I recently acquired a Wallenstein BX42 for my 2520, based on advice from this forum as part of my research. Very good and simple chipper. See the thread from just over a month ago titled: " Wallenstein BX-42s with my John Deere 2520."

You won't be disappointed. Good luck!

 

[RoyJackson]

There's a number of recomendations on this thread (which is good, of course) and I've posted twice.
I'm going to add one more word of advice for JimGnitecki. When you look at the chippers being suggested, check out not only the minimum PTO HP requirements, make note of the maximum PTO HP too.
A few more HP wouldn't be a problem, but there is a limitation (which is probably to protect the chipper).

 

[jamesa]

Anyone know what PTO chippers would be compatible with the iMatch on my 3720?

I think the woods/bearcat will. i was thinking of putting my woods on to do a few bruch oiles befor it sells. i just got a imatch so i can see if it will fit if you want i have my backhoe on now but could swap it out.

 

[RoyJackson]

I think the woods/bearcat will. i was thinking of putting my woods on to do a few bruch oiles befor it sells. i just got a imatch so i can see if it will fit if you want i have my backhoe on now but could swap it out.

The Woods Equipment website states the 5000 is NOT QH compatable, so plan on doing some modifications.
If I get a chance today, I'll measure mine to see what would have to be modified. Right off the bat, I'd say you'll need a PTO Extender (also called a PTO Adapter) since the drive shaft that comes with the chipper is pretty short. FYI, I did need the extender when I had the Pat's Easy Change on my old 790.

 

[ihuntbear]

i have a walenstien Bx 65. the opening is 6x12.It will chip a 6 inch stick no problem.People here said to buy a hyd shute but this unit works good with out one:thumbsup:

 

[deereman75]

I think weather or not you buy hydraulic feed or not depends on what you are chipping. If you are chipping logs with few limbs self feed should be fine. If you are chipping Christmas trees you would probably need hydraulic feed. (i havnt tried wallenstein so please correct me if I am wrong):2cents: