opinions on a 12" Morbark Blizzard

[NCTREE]

I'm in the process of purchasing a chipper. I have a budget so don't think i'll be going with anything brand new. I am looking at a 2006 12" Morbark Blizzard. It was a demo model that has less than 15hrs on it. It still has a factory waranty. It also has a 115hp Cat engine but no winch. Anyone know anything about these models?

I do an equal amount of removals and trimmings. Don't plan on putting anything over 6" in diameter into it unless it's a soft hardwood or pine. I've looked at Vermeer bc1000xp they seem alright just think the 85hp engine isn't going to cut it in the long run.

 

[a_lopa]

I have a morbark 2400 18" and i can say there a very robust machine with a quality build.

 

[sequoia20]

Morbark

Have a cyclone 8 with a 25hp. It does the job but not all efficently. I'm thinking any 12" would be plenty for small tree biz. My chip truck is a gmc with a 350 engine if the 12 dump is loaded it starts trot down the road. I was looking at beever 12 but its 3000lbs heavier than the cyclone 8.

 

[treemandan]

They suck compared to the little 90xp sitting down here. I think I heard it calling out your name last night.

 

[outofmytree]

115hp in a 12" is ok. I had the same unit but with 85 hp and it was just not enough. Since I bought my Bandit 1590 (17" with 140hp) I cannot believe I ever thought the Morbark was a good chipper. The drum mass and diameter is a huge advantage and 12" to 17" Bandit kicks ass all over but once you get over 17" in Morbark or Bandit there is little to choose between the 2 brands IMO. Not surprising when you consider that Bandit is owned by a former partner in Morbark.

 

[NCTREE]

They suck compared to the little 90xp sitting down here. I think I heard it calling out your name last night.

what engine does it have? I was told the 90xp is meant for the townships who chip with it a couple times a year it can't handle chipping on a production level for long periods. Just won't hold up for a long time.

 

[NCTREE]

115hp in a 12" is ok. I had the same unit but with 85 hp and it was just not enough. Since I bought my Bandit 1590 (17" with 140hp) I cannot believe I ever thought the Morbark was a good chipper. The drum mass and diameter is a huge advantage and 12" to 17" Bandit kicks ass all over but once you get over 17" in Morbark or Bandit there is little to choose between the 2 brands IMO. Not surprising when you consider that Bandit is owned by a former partner in Morbark.

I do like the feed chutes on the bandits and carltons definetly and advantage. They are just so dam expensive. I might just hold out on buying one for another year. I should be paying off my chip truck this week then I can save and get what I really want a 250xp or a carlton 2012 with a 140hp john deer engine.