Subarus are made by Fuji Heavy Motors. The emblem is 6(?) stars, one for each industry (marine, big trucks, autos, etc. Something like that). Doesn't mean that early Subarus were not without design flaws.
Because they make giant grinders doesn't mean that they made a good wood chipper.
The meter might be right, with a LOT of winching to the curb, showing lots more wear on the driver's side. The wear is the wear. 250 hours chipping piddly stuff is different that max winching.
All the same, its showing some wear on the tray.
Seems like 12" Bandits have about 2000 hours for a similar price.
Hard to find machines locally, too. Additional expense in going to look them over/ ship them.
Really, I like my chipper. I just know that it won't last forever. Its got a few years and hours on it. It had a few years and hours on it 10 years ago when I got it. But its hungry, great chute adjustability (a usual weak point in CnDs), cheap to run, easy to service, and light for its eating ability.
Brian's Bandit 90 is a nice looking machine to me. I bet shipping would be muy expensive, though. For 5k invested, I would be inclined to keep a the 90 as a back-up, if it were me. When a storm hits, you can't rent a machine if one goes down, and can lose money on storm work, or you may need two chippers and more guys.
I'm not planning on selling my chipper when I get a newer one.
I consider a Bandit 65 (6x9) for my market, or better a Bandit 90. 12" chippers are heavy for my current set-up, unless I'm driving my chip truck, which doesn't really need an extra 2,000 pounds of chipper when its fully loaded with chips.
My F350 only has a 5.4L, and is RWD/ crew cab/ 8' bed. Traction is not fantastic.