Brush Bandit model 90 top feed wheel jams

MTD TREE

MTD TREE

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Epping
So i just purchased a 1994 brush bandit 90 with the wisconsin gas. Everything works as it should and it chips suprisingly well for a small gas machine. The one problem i am having is when chipping 2-3" branches(at the small end) that last piece doesnt get pulled into the disk and is left. Ive noticed this with lots of machines and just throw some brush through at the end to clear it out. The problem with this one is, it takes those pieces and the feed wheel pulls them up on top of the top wheel and jams in. The pieces get cut perfect length to be wedged on both sides of the infeed sheet metal. They are jamming horizontal, laying on top of the wheel. After about 5 minutes of forward and reverse on the feed wheels and it usually comes free.
So my question is there anyone who has fixed this problem? Maybe welded flat bar to prevent a piece from coming back up? I have searched the web and dont see many people having this problem so maybe there is something wrong. If thats just how the machine is then I'll work around it, still gets a lot more done than hauling brush. Thanks for any advice this is my first chipper.
 
Alright, it will need knives soon and anvil flipped or changed. Just call bandit for knives or anyone recommend a different website or brand? Do you replace bolts or just re-use? Thanks
 
If it’s new to you I’d replace nuts and bolts. Be ready though, they cost as much as the knives. I’ll agree though that sharp knives and anvil clearance will make a big difference
 
Simon makes a great knife. We got ours through American Arborist, but their prices fluctuate widely and what you get varies too. The last sets we got were Simon, the time before that was not marked.... and they suck in comparison. Call Gap power, last time I spoke with Ray he was trying to get Simon knives in stock and I thought he was having a good conversation with them.

As for the problem with the pieces... maybe check your feed wheel bearings make sure they aren’t loose (worn out) and check the wear on the feed wheels. Also sometimes that steel on the backside of the wheels gets bent, might check that too. Sharp knives and anvil are huge for performance and fuel economy, but in a disk I’m not sure how it would solve the issue you are having. Another thing that might help reduce the problem is job layout. We find (and make an effort to) parking the truck down hill, feeding brush down hill, tents to feed better. Those little pieces would tend to stay closer to the disk rather than the wheels.
And Agreed on changing the bolts. The recommendation from bandit on our machine is 8 tighten cycles, replace. That’s why we have 4 sets of double sided knives. It’s easy to remember to do it on the first resharpen set.
 
Alright thanks found the simon knives through sherrill. Still trying to find the bolts. Bandit should be able to get them for me right? Or should i just go to fastenal, not sure what grade bolt though? I really like the idea of parking the chipper going downhill never crossed my mind.
 
I find in my drum chipper, yes not the same but.. Super dry chunks will break off and get tossed onto the top of the feed roller and jamb there, however, I do not have the difficulty you describe in resolving the jamb?
 
No the brush was all green. Its just the piece thats left between infeed rollers and disk is perfect length to wedge on both ends against the metal.
Used the chipper for 4 or 5 hours today and didnt happen once. Just made sure if i was chipping anything that size to feed brush right behind. Also just being mindful of the problem and reversing feed wheels helps a lot.
 
Yeah we do a similar thing when feed small dead shit, we throw some large stuff in with it or green branches. It's kinda annoying but part of the chipper thing! Every now and then we throw a client in to take the burr off the knives!
 
Hey folks, new to the forum scene. Recently picked up a Brush Bandit 90 from a neighbor. Powered by the Wisconsin gas engine and the machine has very low hours on it. It had been sitting for 5 or 6 years unused. I got it fired up, replaced the blades and it runs great but I was a bit disappointed with its efficiency. It tends to leave pieces about 14" long in the gap between the feed rollers and the blades. They look like a pencil that was sharpened down to a real short piece.
I noticed up above that MDT TREE was having a similar issue. These pieces constantly jam the rollers and I spend as much time with the rollers in reverse as forward.
Very frustrating! Any suggestions / modifications?
 
Just have to deal with it. I will reverse the rollers when i walk away so the pieces aremt constantly trying tojam. Feeding smaller brush in after seems to help push those pieces through. Now ive been dealing with it a lat so i catch it before it happens and isnt really a problem anymore. Tongue of the chipper pointing down hill helps keep the material onthe disc side too.
 
My SOP was to set aside some 'sweeper' branches while chipping. We all knew when 'that piece' was going to be formed...laying in a 'sweeper' draws things through and almost eliminates jams.

Like anything there is art and science.

Science is horsepower and drum speed.
Art is mixing up brush structure and density.

Chipping is not a mindless process
 
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