Looking to buy Vermeer 1250, your thoughts?

BeesandTrees

BeesandTrees

New member
Location
Longmont, CO
Found a 94 Vermeer 1250 for sale, 1120 hrs. Second owner, sounds like he's taken good care of it. This will be my first chipper. What are the issues historically with this chipper? Guy at Vermeer said the auto feed system could have glitches but otherwise a solid machine. Heard more than once about Vermeer making their parts a little diff so you have to buy from them, Vermeer said parts readily available. It's a curbside model...sounds like it could be safer at times. Seller said he replaced main bearings and rollers this spring. Is 1100 hrs a lot? Doesn't seem like it for the year. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks, Chad
 
Main things to look for in a 1250 is the rollers on the feed wheels if they are worn it WILL bind and wont open right and major to replace the tracks.

I bought a 97 1250 with 1100 hrs in 09 and still have it 1500+ hrs now it only problems Ive had was 2 hydraulic hoses the alternator and auto feed computer(about a grand to fix both). Make sure you rebuild the old alternator not a new one because the hertz off the alt controls the autofeed. the newer ones have different construction and are different. They arent the best chippers as far as feed characteristics but well built and a good first chipper.
that year will have the old style perkins which are real easy to rebuild when perkins actually made the motors. or the ford gas engine. If you csn get the perkins turbo version they have way more power
 
Good to hear from you Jeremy. How are things in Fayetteville? Do you have plans to go to TCI Expo in Charlotte? Maybe I'll see you there.
 
Hey Chad, we used to have one of these around same year, they are a solid machine. Make sure it has a turbo if it is a diesel, it is necessary at our altitude, I have run both here. Disc bearings and balaced disc are things to check, as well as shear bar and knives for evidence of non-woody objects gone through. We may have a chip truck available for sale this fall.
 
The 1250 was a fine chipper in it's day, but feed systems have improved GREATLY. You will find the feed table is too high and the infeed chute doesn't facilitate feeding very limby material easily. If you can find a Bandit or a Morbark within your budget you will be much happier with it's performance and if you could find a Woodsman in good shape you'd be ecstatic!
 
Thanks for all the feedback. Bought the 1250 with 1100 hrs about a week ago. Bought a F600 a couple days ago. Getting everything up to speed and registering the equipment. Hoping this makes a big leap in our efficiency!! Chad
 
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