value of a used brush chipper???

[gixxergary]

After starting my clearing project this past spring, and making absolutely NO progress, Ive decided to purchase a used pull behind chipper. This project is going to take 2 years to complete at my turtle's pace, so instead of renting when I get the urge, I would like to buy one, and sell it off when Im done.

I have a Kubota B2650 fel, bh. Im using the backhoe during the clearing, so I dont want a pto driven one. Trees are mostly 2 to 3 inch honeysuckle, about 12 foot tall. Lots of other garbage trees of similar size. The lot is thick enough that you cant walk thru it, so we will be cutting, pulling them out, chipping, and when an area is cleared, we will use the tractor to push/pull the stumps sticking out. ( it does this with ease)

Is there any way to put a value on used equipment like this??? Ive searched, but all I find are more ad's for sale. Im considering a Vermeer BC600 ( or similar size ) machine. This is the model Ive rented before, so this is all I have as far as experience goes. It appears that most are asking 6500 - 7 grand for a mid 2000's model. Im sure these are beat up rental units being replaced, but who knows. Are these things worth anywhere near that price. Renting at 400 bucks a weekend is a waste of money in my book. Should I be looking for another model??? I dont mind taking a hit of a couple of thousand over the two years, but ???


Any input???????

 

[SimS]

I have a BC620 and it's a perfect fit for the type of work you are planning. As far as market value I generally go to ebay to test the waters as far as pricing. You might check with any local rental yards that may be planning to turn some of their inventory. You can start cruising CraigsList for local units too. The BC6XX series of chippers are pretty much bullet proof mechanically. You will have to check the engine for maintenance, compression, etc. Chipper blades are available from several online vendors. Parts wise you can still get pretty much everything from Vermeer but since most of the bearings, pumps and motors are off the shelf industrial stuff, you shouldn't have any problems. With the AutoFeed you will have a hard time keeping it fed with 2-3 inch material! It loves to eat smaller material. Good luck with your search.

Sims

 

[yankeerider]

Several years ago when I was looking the local Home Depot had a rental Vermeer they offered to sell to me for I think it was $5200. I ended up buying a Brush Bandit 65 for $4500 and have been real happy with it.