Echo Bear Cat 12" chipper, anyone run one?

[callan]

I've come across a used Echo Bear Cat 12" chipper, model ch123dh, and am wondering if anyone has experience with these larger Echo machines. I can't find a single thing about them anywhere online. Machine is clean, newer(ish) with low hours, and looks like a decent deal. I'm supposed to go and test it out this week, but wanted to get some info from anyone who might have experience, good or bad.

 

[callan]

Bump

 

[callan]

Anyone?

 

[GrassGuerilla]

Never knew Echo made a chipper that big. Sure its 12" and not 12 hp? I've seen small Echo Bearcat stuff, even as big as 9". But never seen or heard of a 12".

And my opinion and post are worth exactly what it cost you... Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[callan]

Cool, thanks. I guess technically it was made by Crary? It is branded with Echo Bear Cat because it was apparently made when the company was in transition (being bought by Echo). Now, 9" is the biggest Echo makes. Checking it out tomorrow, so I'll keep you guys posted!

 

[CalTreeEquip]

They are a cheap homer/rancher chipper. Probably work ok but I would not count on it lasting in a professional application.

 

[callan]

I checked it out yesterday, and have to say, I was kinda impressed. Looked like a LOT of machine for the price. I have to admit, the only machine I have any real experience with is a bc 1000xl (which I also liked). It had been in a small traffic incident, but wasn't too banged up. It's a disk chipper with an 86 hp Kubota, auto feed, 14x20" opening. The guy selling it said he had already lined up a cash buyer, so I told him to call me if it didn't work out with the other buyer.

 

[callan]

Just an update, I ended up buying this chipper. Got a good deal, I think. It chips bigger material than the BC1000xl, before kicking in the auto feed, and it pulls in and crushes forked material better too. It's not without its issues, but they are minor considering what I paid for it. Used it for 3 days, and then the throttle went out on me Friday. It has a momentary switch that controls a small motor and gear for throttling up and down. Hopefully that will be a pretty easy fix...fingers crossed! I'll keep you guys updated on how well it holds up. Here are a few pics from right after we picked it up...