Wallenstein v. Woods 5000 going to buy today?

[Larry_Van_Horn]

Got something buring in my wallet and feel it is a safety hazard. I've read all the posts out here and seen some pretty nice chippers. I have narrowed my search down to these two
Wallenstein BX60 at $2300
Woods 5000 for $2850 with the blower attachment
THey both blow as I have them configured. The Woods has a shredder the Wallenstein does not. The Wallenstein has a self-feed mech. the Woods is manual. The Wallenstein is cheaper.

I have about 15 acres of scrub brush and whatnot that I want to clean up. Give me your votes, cause I'm itchin' to do some spendin. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Larry

 

[bigpete]

Sounds like you will need to be doin' both chippin' and shreddin' after your spendin'.

I've been looking around also. I haven't used either one you are thinking about, but I've convinced myself that the shredder component will get quite a lot of work even when I am not removing or cleaning up a fallen tree. Leaves, branches, brush, etc. are not meant to be fed into a chipper.

Just a thought, or two. Enjoy the shoppin' phase. It all turn into work eventually.

 

[Larry_Van_Horn]

So I guess the question is how important is
1) the shredder
2) would you pay $600 for the blower or just go with the base unit without the blower on the Woods 5000.
Thanks,
Larry

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...


For brush cleanup... the shredder is used more than the chipper...

On my small 8hp chipper/shredder... most anytghing <1" diameter goes thru the shredder... faster than the chipper... both are manual feed...


Dave...

 

[JLD]

If I were you, I would look for one with a shreader and a feed mechanism. The shreader just pulls stuff in, but you need to cram stuff into the chipper (it can work you a little). I would not go for the blower.

 

[bigpete]

I guess that is the question. Bottom line: It's real hard to stay within a budget on these things.

You have 15 acres? You need some form of power feed. Mostly brush? You need the shredder, too. The blower? Well, unless you are loading a trailer or truck, you might be okay without it. If you buy one that has both a power feed and shredder, you might be able to add the blower later if needed. I'm leaning toward the Bear Cat models right now. The more I learn, the more I change my mind, though.

 

[jinman]

Larry, if I were going to suggest anything to save money, I'd say forget the blower. It launches material so fast that it's almost a hazard. You can't just aim it at your Gator's bed and expect the chips to stay there. They will go everywhere unless you build some enclosure to catch them. If you make a pile of chips on the ground, it will be a simple thing and not much more work to scoop the chips into your Gator. I'd definetly say to skip the blower and save yourself some bucks. My chipper came with a blower and I've thought of taking it off several times. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[XmasTreeGrower]

Larry
I picked up the Woods 5000 without the blower attachment just a few weeks ago. I can assure you it will do the job!

I debated with the self feed issue prior to purchase, but it was a moot point. The shredder part absolutely "rips" the branch right out of your hand, and the chipper chute self feeds so fast that you have to literally hold the larger limbs back to keep the tractor from stalling.

It will build up a mound of chips in a hurry if you're constantly staying in the same spot. I just move the tractor a little with the hydro pedal as they build up.

Don't forget to treat this attachment with GREAT respect, and remove any kind of jewelry that could catch on a snag, and drag your hand in with it. Eye protection, etc. goes without saying.

Beats the heck out of dragging branches to the brush pile!

Thanks
Bill

 

[GregJ]

Larry,
I have the Bearcat equivalent of the Woods 5000. I have heard that there are problems with the discharge chute clogging. When I bought mine, I figured with a FEL on my tractor, it is a simple thing to move a pile of chips where I want it. After using it for a little over a year, I welcome that time as a break in the action. As far as hydraulic vs. hand feed.... if the blades are sharp, this chipper will literally rip the stock out of your hands to chip it. That slows down as the blades dull. The blades stay sharp for an amazing amount of time and they are easily accessible and reversible. They are expensive however and I just bought a wet grinder so that I can sharpen them myself. Blade replacement = $150, Sharpening = $60, Wet Grinder = $160.... the wet grinder pays for itself after 3 cycles. I see you are an Economics Prof, so I figured you would enjoy some fiduciary responsibility in the acquisition of these assets.

Greg

 

[Junkman]

Greg...

How about posting some pictures for us.... thanks.......