Opinions on Bandit 65xp with 25hp

W

wisconsintreeguy

Location
wisconsin
I was considering making a small drive for a newer reasonably priced Bandit 65xp with a 35hp motor. I just found out it has the 25hp motor. I am now second guessing this purchase. I have never used a bandit 65xp but have experience with the Vermeer 625. Any advice from someone with hands on experience with the 25hp vs 35hp would be appreciated. I understand this isn't a big production machine but I am looking for a small reliable machine. Thank you
 
6x6" throat vermeer. Vermeer is known for proprietary parts.

6x12" throat bandit!!!! So much better, people say.

Still a 25hp machine.

Sharp knives, square anvil, and proper gap can do a lot, with patience.

I've only used a Vermeer 625 a little.
Lots of cutting forks for the throat.
 
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When I was in business, I had a Mighty Bandit for my first chipper. It was the predecessor to the 65XP. The Mighty was a scaled down design of the larger Bandit 100 and 200 machines with a 20 HP Kohler. The entire machine sucked. It was ok if there were no leaves on but once tree's leafed out it couldn't chip a thing. I upgraded to a Vermeer 935. A 9" machine with a 35 HP Wisconsin. I loved that machine and would love to find one in good condition again. I think the 65Xp with the 35 HP would also be awesome, but I would be a bit gun-shy with a 25 HP unless it was a super deal.
 
oldoakman said:
When I was in business, I had a Mighty Bandit for my first chipper. It was the predecessor to the 65XP. The Mighty was a scaled down design of the larger Bandit 100 and 200 machines with a 20 HP Kohler. The entire machine sucked. It was ok if there were no leaves on but once tree's leafed out it couldn't chip a thing. I upgraded to a Vermeer 935. A 9" machine with a 35 HP Wisconsin. I loved that machine and would love to find one in good condition again. I think the 65Xp with the 35 HP would also be awesome, but I would be a bit gun-shy with a 25 HP unless it was a super deal.
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I appreciate the response. I was feeling pretty good about buying until I found out it was 25hp. Now I'm on the fence big time. I wouldn't say super good deal unfortunately.
 
More chipper, more horsepower, more better.

I don’t have any specific dealings with the 65, I used a Vermeer 935 with a Perkins diesel back in the day that was fine for what it was.

If it’s not a screaming deal, I would wait for what I wanted unless situations required other actions.

My chipper has a 22x30” throat with 416hp, now would be more better but it was the best deal for the biggest and highest hp practical chipper combo I could find.
 
I am familiar with that model chipper, though I haven’t used one in 15 years. I wouldn’t know how to use anything less than 18 inch these days. My memory from my early days was that I was impressed with the chipper, especially compared to the Vermeer, but I’m not certain which size engine was on it. Definitely bigger engine will do more work, but that chipper with an auto feed will probably still do a considerable amount of work for you, just perhaps a little slowly. You could always upgrade the engine later, if you get the machine for the right price it seems like it may be worthwhile. Just keep the knives razor-sharp, and the anvil properly adjusted.
 
How many on your crew?

A one-person operation or one groundworker operation is a good combo for 25hp . 2-3 people feeding will be slow.

More horses is better.
 
I’ve used a 65 but I can’t recall the engine hp. It was a fine small chipper, clogged a bit too often . Sharp knives and adjusted anvil were more important
 
They hold their value well.
Any chipper is better than no chipper and like others have said there bandit is in a league of their own for 6” machines. Sure it’s a little under what it could be, baby chippers have their place.

Depending on the price and business plan pick it up, and sell it later when you upsize. Or keep it and have two machines. One that you can push just about anywhere it can fit with a mini or articulated loader.

Around here they are rare as hens teeth, so pretty much but new or take what you can get engine/hp wise.

I couldn’t find one used and bought a 44hp 9” gravely that weighs about 2,700. I have no doubt I can get my money back selling it, but I keep it for those odd needs as it’s so light. I don’t view it as a 9” machine just as one bad ass 6”
 
evo said:
They hold their value well.
Any chipper is better than no chipper and like others have said there bandit is in a league of their own for 6” machines. Sure it’s a little under what it could be, baby chippers have their place.

Depending on the price and business plan pick it up, and sell it later when you upsize. Or keep it and have two machines. One that you can push just about anywhere it can fit with a mini or articulated loader.

Around here they are rare as hens teeth, so pretty much but new or take what you can get engine/hp wise.

I couldn’t find one used and bought a 44hp 9” gravely that weighs about 2,700. I have no doubt I can get my money back selling it, but I keep it for those odd needs as it’s so light. I don’t view it as a 9” machine just as one bad ass 6”
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Great input. I agree on holding its value. That is one of the reasons I am considering this purchase. Also being able to move it with my mini is nice. Thanks for the response.
 
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