Basic Chipper/Chipper Truck Setup Question

[canopyking]

So, in my startup efforts, I found a daggon project. I told myself and told myself and TOLD myself not to get a project vehicle. Well, I found a small chip truck, with 100k, the dreaded 6.0 motor, and a very motivated seller who was retiring. I whittled the price down to an absolute nub, and am now in the process of getting this thing running. In the event that I get this thing running, I will have saved a lot of dough which can then be used to get a larger chipper. Initially I was in the 20k price point, but now I am in the 40k price point. My concern is that the dump box is pretty small. Its 8ft long and 4.5 ft tall...ish. Is there such thing as too big a chipper for a box?? Or stick with a smaller chipper and save the money for a sunny day/a different equipment purchase. This is my first setup, so I'm feeling a little blind. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Most of my work is in the city. I might occasionally be able to drive into backyards and would like to keep that ability since the truck is small.

Also, my partner picked up a trailer for logs and is looking into getting a dingo. That's the other half of our setup.

 

[Reach]

That chip box is probably about the biggest box you can put on that chipper and not be overweight every single load of chips.

As for chipper size, measure the height of the bed. A Bandit 1590 is about the biggest machine I would consider comfortable to pull behind that truck every day (yes, I know the book says it can do more, but I had one of those). Problem is, a 1590 has a level chute height of about 9’. With a truck any lower, you can aim the chute downhill to hit the bed, but you’ll never fill the front of the bed all the way.

My thought is that a 12XP is about perfect for that combination, and you can get away with a 15XP, but nothing bigger.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

10 yards of chip is about 5,000 to 5,500 pounds of chips. Truck capacity is an issue

You could fill the truck quickly with a big chipper.

Has the engine been taken care of? That 6…well, I think you know

 

[Barc Buster]

What kind of work are you looking to do? That truck has pruning rig written all over it. Pick your favorite 12” chipper and rock out. If you’re looking to do mostly removals you’re going to feel pinched with that truck pretty quickly. I’d not go any larger for a chipper with it. Save your money for when the 6 point oh no needs repairs.

 

[Vicente]

Look into bullet pricing that 6.0 I think replacing your head studs is the biggest thing if I remember correctly.
Already having a trailer and another truck for wood I personally wouldn't go to big on the chipper or box especially working in town.
I just have a 95xp and chip into my regular old 01 dodge 2500 when needed, I like the chipper for how easy it is to get into tight places and honestly with how much residential I do I would love to have a 3500 with a short chipper box like less than 8ft long most of the time if I could afford one.

 

[Barc Buster]

Look into bullet pricing that 6.0 I think replacing your head studs is the biggest thing if I remember correctly.
Already having a trailer and another truck for wood I personally wouldn't go to big on the chipper or box especially working in town.
I just have a 95xp and chip into my regular old 01 dodge 2500 when needed, I like the chipper for how easy it is to get into tight places and honestly with how much residential I do I would love to have a 3500 with a short chipper box like less than 8ft long most of the time if I could afford one.

The Bandit 95 is an excellent chipper. There’s a reason they have been making them for decades. My first chipper was a bandit 95 and I really liked it before I bought a little bit newer Vermeer 935
(also a great little chipper). For someone mainly doing urban pruning with the occasional medium removal the truck pictured paired with a 9” or 12” chipper would be lights out.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

Carlton 1290 9” is 3000lb it’s making me money and a good pairing for a f250.

 

[Serf Life]

Photo’s a couple years old (starter had died) but this f550 6.0 has a monster box (over 6’ tall) packed by a 15xp. No issues with power etc but I did have all of the updates done under the hood.

 

[Vicente]

The Bandit 95 is an excellent chipper. There’s a reason they have been making them for decades. My first chipper was a bandit 95 and I really liked it before I bought a little bit newer Vermeer 935
(also a great little chipper). For someone mainly doing urban pruning with the occasional medium removal the truck pictured paired with a 9” or 12” chipper would be lights out.

Yea I've been really happy with it I'd like to upgrade in the next year or 2 but honestly can't decide if I even want to go to a 12" or just get a really pimped 95 with the 50 hp instead of the 37hp kohler. I'm in Northern CA in the foothills so lots of scrub oak I basically never get wheel wrap compared to the other chippers I've used.

 

[canopyking]

Thanks everyone, definitely appreciate the insight. Especially Reach pointing out the chute height concern, Serf for the the possibilities (for now I need to get the truck running, but I will be doing the standard deletes and updates IF it gives me a few years of work), and everyone else for pointing me in, what seems to be, the reasonable direction.

I think with the money I (plan on) saving from the truck purchase, I will just get a newer chipper than what I was initially planning on. I was already considering a 12", but was expecting to get one with some mileage. Also, the previous owner pulled a BC1000, which is a common chipper around here. So that's probably where I will end up.

Parts for the truck arrive tomorrow!!! Ready to get it back together.

Once I sell my construction van (which I have been doing for 7 years and where I am transitioning from), you may get an updated picture with a chipper...

 

[Barc Buster]

Yea I've been really happy with it I'd like to upgrade in the next year or 2 but honestly can't decide if I even want to go to a 12" or just get a really pimped 95 with the 50 hp instead of the 37hp kohler. I'm in Northern CA in the foothills so lots of scrub oak I basically never get wheel wrap compared to the other chippers I've used.

Mine had the 50hp kubota. Current chipper has the Perkins/Cat 50hp diesel. Decent power. On the other hand the lighter 12s aren’t much more weight than a 9.