New chippers

[Jeremy9]

It's about time for a new chipper. We been running a 12" drum chipper for 10 years now. My father wants to get another one that size, but I'm trying to talk him into a bigger unit. Maybe an 18" with a winch on it. What do you guy think are the bigger unit worth the money. We do about 70% trimming and 30% removals.

 

[NewEnglandTree]

If nothing else, a bigger machine will work less for the same material you stuff in. And then... it's always nicer to have the extra capacity and not use it, than to need it and not have it.

 

[Hammer]

Take a hard look at the Vermeer BC 1400. It can have a winch on it as an option and is a well built machine. By the way it sounds this machine should do fine. The Vermeer's are a little pricier but you get what you pay for. We have 4 BC100 and 1 BC1800 and love them. The 100's are good machines for just braches with a small tree thrown in from time to time and works great. The 1800 is a beast, you must have at least a 2 ton truch to pull iy safely. It can take 18" material all day long and not sputter, it will take the diesel though.

 

[Colin]

I think a eighteen is a tad too big for the average treeguy. You can get a helluva lot done with a twelve, IMO.

 

[XylemZorro]

Regarding Vermeer. Sure thier chippers work, but if you have to take it to a service center-forget it! I live near Orlando and the Vermeer dealer here carries NOTHING in stock. It's a big PITA!!!

 

[Colin]

Personally, I don't like Vermeer.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

One theme with Vermeers is that they use proprietory parts or unique configurations. I found that when I needed a bearing for the disk on mine. Fortunately I found one at a bearing warehouse about four miles from my house. Instead of driving 25 miles and paying more at the dealer. The guy at the warehouse said that the bearing I needed was an oddball. Heard this same thing from a buddy who had V stumpers too.

 

[Jeremy9]

I think were going to stick with morbarks, just have to choose a the best size.

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Jeremy,

Best advice I could offer is to get your favorite size in each different manufacturer and ask them to demo one. They will bring it to your jobsite so you can compare.

 

[jerseywild]

I bought the Vermeer 1400xl with winch last year. A few minor bugs but a very nice machine.
When you are looking for a chipper you really need to make sure the dealer is able to support your parts and repair needs. /forum/images/graemlins/lildevil.gif

 

[Hammer]

[ QUOTE ]
Regarding Vermeer. Sure thier chippers work, but if you have to take it to a service center-forget it! I live near Orlando and the Vermeer dealer here carries NOTHING in stock. It's a big PITA!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Our dealer is very good to work with. He is an X tree guy that knows what we are looking for and has actually used the equipment in the field and is a Certified Arborist not some kid that come out of the Piggly Wiggly sacking groceries. The dealer support is a big thing to look at when a purchase is made. As Mark said demo the machines to see if it will fit your needs. We had Brush Bandit demo a machine and we asked them to leave after the tree was stuck in the feed chute for a 1/2 hour trying to get it out.

 

[XylemZorro]

I'd stick with a Morbark myself. Maybe Rayco's new chippers will add some competition. Vermeer chippers and grinders, save yourself a few headaches...