Which Chipper

[Lukes]

Hi, Well as you can see I'm new to this forum and I must say, I'm certainly impressed by what I have read in the forums so far.
I am currently looking at replacing our Vermeer BC1400 (The less said the better) with a Rayco 16.5. I did a quick search of the forums but didn't really find a lot of information about the Rayco, I did on the other hand find a lot about the BC1400 which leads me to believe that the Rayco might be an OK machine. I had a Demo for a few hours the other day which was fine but I'd really like to know what they're like after a few hundred hours or so.
Any feed back about the Rayco would be appreciated as would any other input about other chippers.
Regards,Luke

 

[Slvrmple72]

Lukes, welcome to the site. I can tell you this much when it comes to buying a chipper. Get a unit you can get parts and service for. Rayco is manufactured in my state and I have heard mixed reviews about them but I have heard better things from those who could get parts and service for them as well as any brand of chipper. I have an old simple drum chipper with the Ford Industrial straight 6 300cu. It has a Rockford clutch and belt drive to power the drumhead. It breaksdown and I fix it. Short of an engine rebuild I am pretty comfortable working on my chipper. Consider what level of involvement you want in maintaining your chipper and remember that older stuff requires more TLC. Good Luck!

 

[TDunk]

It doesn't matter what kind of chipper you buy, somewhere down the road your going to have problems with all of them. With having said that though, how you take care of/maintain your machine can determine how many break downs you have. (unless you get a lemon) Rayco makes some good stump grinders, so i'd tend to say that there chippers would be ok.

 

[brushbandit]

I almost bought a Rayco 16.5 this week but instead bought a Bandit 1890 standard. The Rayco was tempting because it was priced very aggresively. I demoed a Rayco and liked it but a few things scare me about the Rayco. I don't like the small 21" dia. drum on the Rayco, the same as your old Vermeer. Bandit uses a 37" dia drum. Rayco uses a hydraulic clutch with electronic activation, alot to go wrong. What bothered me the most was that I don't see many people using the Rayco and Rayco isn't advertising their chippers anymore in any of the publications I read. I question their commitment to the chipper line. Also I own a 12 year old Bandit 200XP that has been a workhorse for us. The Bandit was more money but 6-8 years out I just didn't feel comfortable with the Rayco purchase. I could be wrong though, I own 2 Rayco stump grinders and I am very happy with both.

 

[Lukes]

Thanks for the replies Gentlemen, You all have very valid points. The Vermeer has been a lemon from the day we bought it, the main problem being the electronically activated high idle. Time and time again Vermeer failed to rectify the problem which resulted in quite a lot of down time. I finally had enough, and decided to take matters into my own hands, I bypassed the control module and fitted a solenoid with an internal switch to change from the pull to hold coils- so far so good ( touch wood) This is only one of quite a few problems we've had and because of the back-up, I'm not keen to go down that route again.
The rayco looks OK, although you are correct Brushbandit, there is potential for similar problems with the electronically activated/ Hyd clutch.
I won't make a decision until I look at the Bandit, they seem to be everywhere which must say something.
Thanks again, your input is very much appreciated.
Regards, Luke

 

[Aaction]

Chipper

Go for the Bandit 1590 or 1890.
You wont regret it!

 

[Tree Trimmer]

Go for the Bandit 1590 or 1890.
You wont regret it!

+1, but get a big engine, you won't be disappointed.

 

[DK_stihl]

1590 and 1890

+1, but get a big engine, you won't be disappointed.

Both are awesome machines! I agree on the big engine. :jawdrop: Make sure you've got a winch too!

 

[fishercat]

Bandit owner here.i am very happy.

i have never seen a Rayco chipper here and we have a lot of tree companies.Morbark makes an excellent chipper as well.i know someone withe a Conehead and they love it.i'd never buy another Vermeer.i have a buddy with a Woodchuck WC17 which is an awesome chipper ,but he is selling it to pay bills.

 

[treewest]

Salsco?

I'm new to the site and I am looking for some feedback on Salsco chippers. I have their 8635 model with the kubota deisel. It has been awsome so far, however I would love to hear what they are like after 500hrs or more.