Purchasing First Tree Chipper - Need Advice

[Brad Helm]

...wow, that thread took off...nice!

I'm not new to the tree business nor am I looking for advice on drum or disc, brand types, etc., etc. (Although it's interesting to read - thank you everyone.) I was looking to find others who have purchased new and if they negotiated the price and how much they got the MSRP down.

I have been subcontracting tree work for a few years and have subcontracted so much work, even with all the other expenses and new employees I have more than enough work to pay for the unit in a single season of work (May - October).

Why do I want new or close to new? I like to know the sound of the machine, its behavior, in perfect running order...that way when things start wearing down the changes are more noticeable. In essence, you learn what an optimal running machine should be like. From here one can more readily prevent downtime - you see & hear things starting to wear. And with all the work I have coming as this winter ends, I don't want to be repairing equipment in my first year - or at the very least, keeping it to a minimum. What I might save in getting a used chipper I will make up for in not being down for the count with repairs. At this point in my business, the cost of a new chipper is worth the peace of mind - I'll need it as I tweak the tree side of my business.

 

[ducaticorse]

So what your saying is you're half a retard? I know a lot of dumb ****s but none dumb enough to choose a 200xp over a 1590.

Ha Hahahahahahhahahahahahah

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[treevet]

BM's on the rag. What else is new?

 

[charles schwab]

I am currently trying to deciede what kind of chipper I want to get a 255 xp or a 1390xp...disk or drum. After reading the thread and the comments it seems to me to be a matter of opinion and what your personal preference is. This back and forth with totaly differnt opinions wasn't the help I hoped for.

 

[tree MDS]

I looked into new chippers a few years back. My bandit dealer was trying to push one of those 1390's on me. Not sure if they just have an overstock or what the deal is, but I didn't see the advantage of having a smaller chipper than most of my competition. It kinda pissed me off, actually.

I would look at a 1590 if you're gonna go with something as heavy as a 255. They've gotta be pretty close in weight, no?

 

[charles schwab]

I looked into new chippers a few years back. My bandit dealer was trying to push one of those 1390's on me. Not sure if they just have an overstock or what the deal is, but I didn't see the advantage of having a smaller chipper than most of my competition. It kinda pissed me off, actually.

I would look at a 1590 if you're gonna go with something as heavy as a 255. They've gotta be pretty close in weight, no?

Yes I believe so, however the 1590 is approx. $ 12000.00 more....so I take it your a drum cjhipper guy?

 

[tree MDS]

Actually I'm on my second bandit disk (250 with all the "bells and whistles") . Never really got to play with a drum chipper. The capacity on the 1590 over the 255 is what impresses me. I hear you on the extra 12k, but over what, 10- 12 years that you'll likely own it?

 

[charles schwab]

Thank you for your input sir,

 

[charles schwab]

so the 255xp wieghs 8200lbs and the 1590xp wieght 9200 lbs fairly close for the xtra 3'' in capacity

 

[tree MDS]

That 255 has gotta be a pretty nasty chipper in its own right. pretty sure it would eat the 1390 for breakfast. I do think disk chippers throw better quality chips further (from what I've gathered). They also seem to have an advantage chipping wood due to the 45 degree chipping angle and heavier disk. It's a tough call.

Another thing I've thought about over the past few years (since deciding to stay with my 250) is what is really to be gained with the extra chipping capacity, and is it worth it? For me it seems to add up to just tossing a couple extra 12 to 18" poles on the top of the rest of the trunk wood. Really not that big a deal. I'm sure its different if I was doing crane jobs all the time, but I'm not.

 

[charles schwab]

Thank you tree MDS, That seems to be in line with what I was thinking. I dont do alot of crane work either.And Im no stranger to topping off my load of chips with the chunks to big to go threw my hyroller 1200 woodchuck..