Looking for chipper dump trailer

[RDAA]

I am looking for a chipper dump trailer for my smaller trim jobs. I dont have a forestry bucket truck and dont plan on owning one in the near future. But I see the advantages of owning one with the ability to take my truck with the topper, climbing gear, chipper dump and travel to do the smaller jobs more efficently. I have been using a 14X7 dump trailer with four foot sides and a S-185 with a grapple and just stuffing it full with that. It sucks throwing brush in the trailer by hand and smashing it down with my bodyweight. Most places that I work at with removals the farthest place to dump is no more than three or so miles so its not that big of a deal that I dont have a huge capacity chipper. If I cant find a trailer combo to buy what would be a good chipper to put on the front of the trailer. Any input would be appreciated thanks!

 

[Goose IBEW]

I would assume that you are going to need a 6 ton trailer as well. The chipper may weigh 4500lbs, trailer and dump box, 3000lbs, That's only 4500lbs left for cargo. You could save some weight and go with a chipper that has a light weight 4 cylinder gas engine like the Ford 2.3. You are still going to be at the 3800-4000lb mark for the chipper though. I would research and look for the lightest chipper you can find with a 12" in feed.

 

[RDAA]

So anything that's not a twelve inch chipper really isn't worth it? I currently have a 14,000lb dump trailer that I can put it on. I was kicking around when I stretch the frame out to add another Axle to it if needed. I have diesel pick up trucks so I don't plan on towing it with a half ton. I would like to keep the box at least twelve feet long so I can still haul my skid along if needed. maybe just have a roll tarp over the top to put down when I need to haul the skid along? I just realized how handy this would be doing storm work thirty miles down the road. I am only a weekend and evening warrior and I have enough overhead already so I really don't want to add a chip truck and a big chipper. I just hope something like this would help my efficiency for I am traveling from my home area more often.

 

[Goose IBEW]

I can't say that "its not really worth it." There are many people with 6" or 9" chippers that are perfectly suited for their application. Guys that do lots of pruning and don't need to process a large quantity of sizable branches may be plenty content with that sized machine or a farmer that processes wood down to 2" diameter for firewood may do well. I chip most branches that are less than 4" in diameter. The larger 12" in feed is about the smallest size that would give you good production, especially in the "storm chasing" venue you are pursuing.

Keep us posted, I would love to see pics and hear how a chipper/dump trailer turns out.:msp_thumbup: