Chipper recommendations?

[bonzitre]

First off, hello, I have been reading this website for months and finally decided to make an account (damn pictures!) and am going to ask a few questions, so here is the first:

I do tree work as a part time and have been trying to upgrade equipment and get equipment to be able to do more jobs and more efficiently. I was wondering if you guys could give input on what chipper/shredder you would recommend? Like I said, I do it part time so it won't be HIGH use, but moderate and I don't want to spend a fortune. I have a 16' trailer with 4' sides that I use to haul off branches and I have people who ask for fresh mulch and also if I chipped I could get more on the trailer at a time, means more jobs and less fuel used. What is your idea and experience?

 

[shongaloo]

I have the same question also I have a small part time tree service for the past 3 years one day when I retire from the fire service it will be full time ok I have been looking at some drum chippers (altec morbark etc) due to the fact of low maintenance and lower cost and not used on a daily basis, I try and take a much info and consideration from my dad as possible and he strongly advises against any type of chipper (drum /hydraulic feed) due to the fact he had one back in the early to mid 80's and says they are a constant headache and never general maintenance always something major, I would like some opinions should I listen to my dad that I value his 2 cents very much or step out on a limb and go with my guy having not ever owned a piece of equipment like this

 

[CalTreeEquip]

Take a look at this thread, there's a lot of good info in it.
http://www.arboristsite.com/arborist-101/241133.htm

My dad always advised me not to expand too. He meant well just gave bad advice. Best thing I ever did was to get a chipper. Find something that's in good shape, within your budget, and then take good care of it.
You can look at my videos as well. They will give you and idea of what different models can do and what they cost.
CalTreeEquip's channel - YouTube

 

[Bullpupp]

Just need something like a 6" Vermeer

 

[JimFX]

I got a BearCat chipper a while back and I LOVE the thing! It is a 9" PTO driven chipper and it eats wood like crazy.
The best part is the hyd. feed feature, when the RPM drops to low the log stops feeding and backs up just a little. When the RPM speeds back up the chipper starts feeding again! Why all chippers don't have this is beyond me.

This unit wasn't inexpensive but certainly cost effective, durable, dependable and a joy to use.
I have no affiliation with the company, I'm just one happy owner ......
JimFX

 

[CalTreeEquip]

I got a BearCat chipper a while back and I LOVE the thing! It is a 9" PTO driven chipper and it eats wood like crazy.
The best part is the hyd. feed feature, when the RPM drops to low the log stops feeding and backs up just a little. When the RPM speeds back up the chipper starts feeding again! Why all chippers don't have this is beyond me.

This unit wasn't inexpensive but certainly cost effective, durable, dependable and a joy to use.
I have no affiliation with the company, I'm just one happy owner ......
JimFX

Have you ever used any other kind of chipper?
That feature is called "auto feed" and its an options on all new chippers. It comes in different colors.

 

[JimFX]

Yes I have rented many, usually in the 12" range and none of them had this feature although they were older ....
I think the statement "and its an options on all new chippers" needs a bit more qualification than you gave it.
In the 9" and under category most do not. Above that and I am out of my element .....

 

[CalTreeEquip]

Yes I have rented many, usually in the 12" range and none of them had this feature although they were older ....
I think the statement "and its an options on all new chippers" needs a bit more qualification than you gave it.
In the 9" and under category most do not. Above that and I am out of my element .....

Its an option even on the small units. Rental usually don't.