chipper died what to do?

[leftlane]

OK, you'll think I'm nuts but I used to hump branches into containers and into trailers before I purchased a small chipper this year- a 2001 bandit 65 A best move I've made. The engine has seized and the dealer is telling me that to replace/install a knew 25 hp kohler will run me 5k. I have cash/ no credit to purchase a new machine he's offering a 2011 65xp 38hp for 19k. Any suggestions.

 

[NCTREE]

Sounds like a rip off to me. I purchased a 2010 bandit 990xp with 46hrs on for less than 25000 grand. 85h perkins diesel 12" chipping capacity and auto feed. I'd keep looking if I were you.

 

[hanniedog]

There's a place in Indiana called Small Engine Warehouse you might get a replacement from there. Still near 2 grand depending what model you would need.

 

[DangerTree]

My first question wound be How did it seize? Can it be repaired if so for how much? Did I read the fine print on the warranty and did it die because of factory error? How much did I pay for the broken one? How much will I lose on the trade( assuming that was a trade up you were referring too). Can I get a new power plant for less? Can I increase horsepower if I have to replace engine anyway? Should I do business with that guy?

 

[TXLiquid]

I would look into rebuilding the original engine, I had a 20 Hp Honda seize so I tore it down and it ended up being a rod bearing.

I bought new rod bearings, new oil pump and gasket set and put it back together and its been running fine for about 2 years now, total cost wasn't much over $100 if I remember correctly and it wasn't that hard to do.

 

[leftlane]

you have all got good advice- as it regards the price, I'm located in Canada and I think we pay a premium on the machines. I'd love to tear it down but I'm dying not being on the job with clients waiting and as far as mechanical aptitude is concerned I was not only looked over I was thrown off the bus. I'm going to look into some other pricing... thanks

 

[a_lopa]

Fit another engine to it,a hatz or duetz air cooled IMO

 

[Pelorus]

I replaced a blown 20hp Kohler on a rayco grinder with a 25hp Kohler about four years ago for around 2 grand, so your Bandit dealer is being a bit of a bandit, imo.

I'm running a 65XP with a Hatz 35hp. Purchased new back in 2005. Now has about 1300 hours on it with zero issues or problems to date. Still running original drive belts it came with. Can run the thing all day for about $20.00 in diesel, and towing the thing is a breeze.

 

[deevo]

OK, you'll think I'm nuts but I used to hump branches into containers and into trailers before I purchased a small chipper this year- a 2001 bandit 65 A best move I've made. The engine has seized and the dealer is telling me that to replace/install a knew 25 hp kohler will run me 5k. I have cash/ no credit to purchase a new machine he's offering a 2011 65xp 38hp for 19k. Any suggestions.

That's crazy for such a small engine. Like others have said you should be able to get it fixed and with a bigger hp engine for less then $2k

 

[troythetreeman]

you got a lot of options, go back to cutting down a trailer for a while
look for a different chipper, i didnt understand if you got the cash but not the credit... buy an old man eater, theres an art to feeding then but theyre fast and they make nice chip which means your truck isnt full as fast
or upgrade to a nicer chipper then what you have but man eaters are a good value imo, most people dont want them
or you can fix your existing chipper, those small engine replacements arent tough, buy a working motor and get back to work, rebuild yours and keep it for whatever or sell it as a rebuilt

 

[deevo]

you got a lot of options, go back to cutting down a trailer for a while
look for a different chipper, i didnt understand if you got the cash but not the credit... buy an old man eater, theres an art to feeding then but theyre fast and they make nice chip which means your truck isnt full as fast
or upgrade to a nicer chipper then what you have but man eaters are a good value imo, most people dont want them
or you can fix your existing chipper, those small engine replacements arent tough, buy a working motor and get back to work, rebuild yours and keep it for whatever or sell it as a rebuilt

Yep good advice as well. It's even good to keep it as a back up if ever needed. Least you can chip the smaller stuff, instead of having to trailer it! Man glad those days are well over!

 

[leftlane]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice- even better when it comes from people who actually do the same job.

 

[TimberJack_7]

Is picking up a used chuck and duck feasible where you are? They are dirt cheap around here and extremely efficient when you have them running right. You can get one with a Ford 300 inline 6 that will chew up anything under six inches like right now. Even the diesel powered ones are relatively cheap.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

Get a 30hp kohler online, fit it yourself and dont look back. if the exhaust is a little past it you might have to get another and if the pulley is stuck you may have to go to a mechanic or engineer with a bottle of bourbon to get it sorted. The bandit 65 is a great chipper and if its been good otherwise, theres not need to spend your way into an unknown machine.

 

[derwoodii]

I repowerd my 1996 model Bandit 65 with a 25 Kohler 12 months back its been great and cost about $3000 which in OZ money pretty good, new motor at $2600. Would'a liked to gone diesel but the higher cost and swapin mounts elecs other a PITA. Had some issue with the auto feed after was likely electrics compatibility but its been sweet.


Wow new 2011 mod for $19K down here price OZ est $35K+ so that repower is a wee stitch up for $5K

 

[leftlane]

theh cost for the engine remount includes a new shaft plust the shipping and the fun txs we pay in quebec

 

[leftlane]

the 5k includes mounting and a new shaft, shipping and the txs

 

[derwoodii]

the 5k includes mounting and a new shaft, shipping and the txs

Still seems a wee high if same mounts exhaust etc. If the bare engine cost $3K then they are charging you $2K for fitting, thats 20 hours at $100 per hour. Mine took about 3 hour with 2 of us DIY back yard under lights.

 

[mikewhite85]

OK, you'll think I'm nuts but I used to hump branches into containers and into trailers before I purchased a small chipper this year- a 2001 bandit 65 A best move I've made. The engine has seized and the dealer is telling me that to replace/install a knew 25 hp kohler will run me 5k. I have cash/ no credit to purchase a new machine he's offering a 2011 65xp 38hp for 19k. Any suggestions.

The bandit dealer around here is ridiculous as well. They charged me about 300 to sharpen my chipper blades and put them back in with new bolts. Needless to say, now I just buy new blades from wesspurr for 100 bucks and do it myself. You might be able to find someone local who works on small engines. Maybe even a mobile auto mechanic. I have used a few and they have been really great at trouble shooting and a fair price since they don't have as much overhead. Mechanical knowledge is pretty universal. I think the old guys are the best at this kind of thing. My father in law is a retired Jet engine mechanic. He's worked on my chipper a few times and he is better with it than the guys at Bandit.

Not to disrespect Bandit as a company, incidentally. My 90xp is the second best purchase I ever made (next to my wife's engagement ring).

 

[Pelorus]

I llearned (the hard way) not to buy any commercially available parts from local Bandit dealer.
Really nice folks, but they were adding 100% mark up to cost of knives I can order direct from Simonds.