JPCarlton Chippers

Winch

Winch

Location
Asheville, NC
I have owned and operated a Carlton 1712 12" disc-style chipper for over 2.5 years now. I think that I can start to review some of the features for other people looking to buy a chipper before the end of the year. I currently have 250 hours on the machine, which I admit isn't all that much for 2.5 years, but that is because of my work situation, having had a 40-hour/week job that came to a close June 1 2012, which didn't employ my chipper. Also, I/my crew only runs the chipper when necessary. I am not an owner who runs it longer than necessary, and we stack brush before we chip. I have been commended on being a "quiet operation" and it's a compliment to me.

So, first I'll elaborate on the noise. This 88hp Kubota-diesel powered motor, when running full-tilt, is much quieter than the other chipper I had gotten quite used to using, a Bandit 1590. Admittedly, the Bandit is a much more powerful unit, but nonetheless, it was my everyday comparison chipper. When the Carton chipper is fed it's maximum wood (12"), things get quite loud, and the autofeed function has worked 90% perfectly since I purchased the unit.

What this chipper is good for, in my opinion, is what I do the most of around my area. White pine trees are my bread and butter, and they slide through this machine with minimal effort. When I push the chipper to it's limits, I have had a handful, maybe 5 times, when I've choked it, and I think each time it's been 12-14" white pine unions, or branch whorls. Pushing it doesn't save time with medium-sized (what I consider this model) chippers.

I put a lot of firewood aside, and wouldn't really consider chipping 12" oak, but it can be done. For whatever reason, the only tree this chipper seems to abhor chipping is ash, which has actually shut it down a few times. This was early in my ownership, however, and during the "break-in" period, imo. Not sure if it would act the same these days.

Speaking of "break-in" periods, this chipper did have some minor stuff, and some medium-level stuff go wrong early on. One major weld on the chipper chute, just below the neck, was pretty worrisome when I spotted it, but Carlton picked up the chipper and gave me a loaner in the mean time - this was a warranty issue - they didn't just weld the crack, they replaced the chute, which pleased me to no end.

I'm mainly writing this review because I finally have gone through the first two sets of knives, which both may have a sharpening or two left on them, but I did order a new pair on Weds morning. I also ordered a new "pigtail" and replacement knife bolts. I was stunned to receive the package Thursday morning, less than 24 hours after I ordered it, and all the parts were correct.

So in other words, customer support is great, the chipper has met my expectations for a 12", and the 5000lb RKI hydraulic winch is a life- and time-saver.

Getting a bit long here, so I'll cut it off. If anyone cares to continue this thread with questions, I'd be happy to answer. If you've had issues with your 1712 or other Carlton chipper, I'd be happy to hear about it, but hopefully we can keep this one to this particular brand, as I am curious about other JPCarlton supporters out there.

Thanks for reading.
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Yah, that "little" hole was a result of a bad weld job. I told my guy (whom I no longer use, imagine that) to leave NO SEAMS in the welds, cover them over, whatever you have to do. First day after the weld was done (incorrectly, obv) a log caught the seam and twisted the metal backward. Lovely!

Now I have a good welder, but I still haven't fixed the hole, it's just one of those things on the reaaaaaly long list of things to fix that'll probably be put off indefinitely. You can't see it in the photo, but there is heavy-duty steel wire behind the hole, which is in fine shape and keeps stuff from falling through.

Chips don't fly out back there anyway, and once the F350 is that full, well, i'ts probably time to roll, right?

You're comment on the "nice looking" part is echoed by a lot of customers. It's the little details, like the chromed wheels, that gets people's attention. Including mine, I guess.
 
I have about 3 days worth of experience with the 1712. Myself and the entire crew absolutely loved the machine. We are comparing it to our 150XP, which is pretty darn good in its own right.

What we didn't like is a short list:

- being used to older machines, we like the capability of running the RPMs a bit lower for smaller material to reduce fuel consumption, which can't be done on some newer auto feed machines.
- the fenders were the least robust part of e machine, though to be fair, the 1712 is built solid where it needs to be, and one could argue its easier to bend a flat pice of fender back into shape vs. a heavy fender with folded edges, etc...
- wiring...it seemed that there was an early issue with a small wire leading to the starter solenoid that would come loose, causing a no-start issue. Once the problem was traced out, it was a simple 2 minute fix by tightening the crimp connector. Don't know Italy other wiring issues became evident over a longer term.

What we liked:

- EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Oceans, interesting stuff you say there. My thoughts on your thoughts:

-I guess I haven't had experience with chippers large enough to run the RPM lower, though I have run an 18" Bandit - didn't try to run them lower than full-steam however. I'm all about saving fuel, but gotta say this one doesn't drink all that much anyway. After a full week of chipping, I might fill the tank, but I definitely don't each week. Filling it, right now, costs about $70.

-I've not had any problems with the fenders. I find the diamond-plated 1/4" steel tough as nails, and have not had one issue with them. You said it- Carlton builds some things tough where others lack. The drop-down infeed chute, for example - my wife wouldn't be able to lift that thing up - the 1590 Bandit I was used to was beat to a pulp and had to be replaced after 5 years. Mine doesn't have a single dent. Just too tough.

-I didn't have a problem with that wire, but sounds like an easy fix. It's great you could figure it out and go to work. I did have one other wiring issue, which had to do with the connector on top of the disk cover, which is an OSHA requirement. It kept getting loose, and I did have to replace it. Again, easy fix, and it's a good thing arborists can do a little handiwork for this stuff - amazing! that more things don't rattle loose on a machine that eats 12" wood and spits it out. Constantly amazed by that. No other wiring concerns, in "Italy" or wherever :)

-You're wiring concern reminds me that I did knock a marker light off, twice, with my boot when I stepped on the frame of the chipper. They could definitely step it up there, maybe putting a tiny rounded-off piece of angle iron above the lights to keep this from happening. I'm probably not the only one.

Thanks for your input on this, nice to hear others have had positive experiences. Always looking to hear more feedback on my own equipment.
 
Cool, Winch. The whole deal with the lower RPM chipping is only when the chipper is oversized for the material being fed into it. To be honest, he fuel consumption isn't the real issue, just keeping noise, dust, etc to a minimum when you can. My 150 is a pull fan and the dust screen over the radiator stays MUCH cleaner at lower RPMs.

My 150 came with a bent fender and it took surgery to get it straightened, so the 1/4" flat fenders might just be better if they happened to suffer an accidental impact.

The 1712 I ran had a fixed feed tray. It couldn't fold up, which I actually thought was cool. Nice and solid.

Hope you continue to enjoy the 1712.
 
Thanks! i've been really strongly considering the carlton 2512 to buy here come march. was pretty impresssed with the build quality looking at then at trade shows. But never run one. Morbark is the other one I'm considering but from what ive heard the carlton throws chips MUCH better.

How hard to unclog was it? On my vermeer 1250 its pretty easy the chute and half of the disk cover rotate away. Mine will do it sometimes on large dead elm or dull knives with pin oak branches. The carlton looks to have the hinge on the other side.
The vermeer 1000's that ive run with other people you pretty much had to take the chute off completely!

Out here vermeer (Oklahoma arkansas border)is the only brand that has ANY presence within 200 miles. But the vermeers scare me on the new electronics and many i've known has had drum issues ($5000 a pop)and often more than once

So if any work has to be done on it im probably going to be SOL with anything. But then again my last vermeer i bought went in 8 times for warranty work!
 
Anyone still runnin Carlton chippers? Any updates?

Does the small drum on the larger machines worry anyone?
 
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We run 8 1712 Carleton chipper all being less then 2 1/2 years old ,
Haven't had any major issues this would be it
1 hyd motor seals. 3 units
2 plug on disc cover I have been replacing with a different plug,(I've had 2 short out)
3 wiring - clearance lights on front both have shorted out because of being loose in frame and have worn through

The good
1 strong hydraulics
2 very reliable Kubota engine
3 stronger winch then bandit
4 light to tow perfect for off-road and 1 ton trucks
 
Ya I saw those, a little high on the hours meter, looking for something a little newer. I might also be in the market for a bucket at some point and was going to write to you when I was ready.
 
I'm looking at a used 2015 Carlton, to be more specific. I've used Bandit almost exclusively in the last years and love their chippers, but this seems like a decent deal I just might take my chances on. Anyone have any terrible experiences with carlton?
 
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