Chipper upgrade advice

[Pine and Ponder]

Hi all,
Looking for some advice as I am upgrading from my 6-7” bandit chipper, 65aw diesel 49hp.

I am currently looking at a few options and wanted to hear some thoughts. Eventually I want a larger 15” chipper with a winch but it’s not currently in the budget. Likely need to wait a year on that.

For towing/weight I use a 1997 dodge ram dual 3500. Capacity if 12-14000#.

Chipper options:

2001 Bandit 250 JD 115hp diesel with 1700 hours: $15k
2021 Bandit 12xpc GM 3.0 89hp gas 991 hours (United rental chipper unit): $21k
2021 Bandit 12xpc Kohler 74hp diesel 330 hours: $28k

I am currently leaning towards the bandit 250 for the greater horsepower and good resale value.

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s input.

Thanks,
Skyler

 

[capetrees]

Why only one brand?

 

[Pine and Ponder]

I have always had good experiences with bandit. Prefer to stick with what I know.

 

[ClimberBusinessman]

I've never owned a 12" chipper, (rented one of that approx. size once), but I've done a ton of research on chippers.
Couple tips would be to stay away from the GM engine. It's actually an engine that is a GM design, but made by PSI (Power Solutions International). I've read that a lot of guys have trouble with it. If you have to do gas, I'd recommend the Ford 6.2l as from what I'm reading, there's issues, but it seems far fewer than with the GM/PSI engine.
Assuming that the hour meter is correct, and that it isn't too rusty or worn-out looking, the first option, the Bandit 250 is probably your best option. It gets you the highest horsepower diesel engine that is mostly pre-emissions (the toughest rules on emissions came out later, like the rule requiring DEF fluid). The 74 hp engine has some emissions equipment, but likely no DEF since DEF fluid is only required above 74 hp. Diesel is higher torque than gas for the same horsepower.

Any of those options you can tow with your pickup. You even tow most 18" capacity diesel chippers or even a gas 19xp, as most of them weight just under 10,000 pounds to slightly over 10,000 pounds.

If you plan on towing behind a dump/chip truck, and you want to keep things under CDL, the rule is that if what you are towing stays under 10,000 pounds, they don't count the weight toward your combined weight limit. But if it is even 1 pound over 10,000 on what you are towing, they count it, and a CDL is required if the combination is above 26k in that case. But if you have a 9,900 pound wood chipper behind a 26k chip truck, that is under CDL (even if it has air brakes). If it has air brakes, and is a CDL vehicle or combination, not only does it take a CDL but also requires the air brake endorsement. Just one thing to consider if you expand. Anything where the combined registered weights is over 10,000 pounds does require a DOT medical card and DOT numbers.