NickfromWI
King of Splices
I see there are a couple threads on guys looking for new chippers. I have been following those threads, but thought I'd start one specific to what I'm looking for. As many of you know, I am very knaive in the way of machinery and engines. I change my own oil and check the fluids, but really I leave the rest to the mechanic.
Anyway, we are looking for our first chipper. I have used many (I've worked for about a dozen companies since 2001) types of chippers, but have never done a lick of maintenance on any chipper. Never changed a filter, changed oil, anything...other than putting fuel into it.
I want something not too beefy. We do a removal maybe once every other month. I honestly would be content with a 4" chipper and just rent on the occasions when we need a bigger one. But I'm going to hedge my bets a bit and look for something in the approx 9" cutting range. Most of the dealers around here are trying to get me to buy a 12" chipper. But these are the same type of guys that were telling me I needed a bigger chip truck and that the body must be made of steel. That turned out to not be the case.
For reference sake, here's the truck that will be towing it a GMC/Isuzu 4500.
I am more interested in reducing wear on the truck, mileage, and maneuverability than I am raw power. Because I live in CA, it will be to my advantage to stay under 50 horsepower. That shouldn't be a prob looking at most of the chippers we are looking at.
Here is a spreadsheet of the ones we are currently researching. The office manager is doing the leg work on getting prices and what not. Right now used chippers are a very hot commodity in CA. Only certain chippers meet the requirements for air quality, and the used ones that do are quite expensive. We might end up with a brand new chipper. I am going to focus on what is the best 1 or 2 chippers for us, then we will try to find a used version of it that we can legally have. If I can't find it, I'll just get the new one. Even full priced, I should be able to have it paid off in a year no problem.
My plan is to sorta compare all the numbers and pic the best one. I WANT the conehead, but I thought when I looked a month ago they had a smaller chipper. I called them and talked with some dude in Michigan about it...but now the smallest one I am seeing is 84 horsepower on a 12" or something like that. I like the idea of the conehead drum. It makes sense. However, as is, it doesn't look like they have one in the size range I need. I think I know which I prefer, but I wanted to throw it out to you guys.
Are there models I should add to the list? When you look at this list, which ones seem like they have NO business being in contention? What other factors should I consider other than HP and size?
Can't wait to stop renting! We are paying way too much and waking up way to early and rushing way too often to get back in time. I know the guys and gals that work with TreeCareLA will be SO happy when there is a chipper more consistently attached to the back of the truck!
love
nick
Anyway, we are looking for our first chipper. I have used many (I've worked for about a dozen companies since 2001) types of chippers, but have never done a lick of maintenance on any chipper. Never changed a filter, changed oil, anything...other than putting fuel into it.
I want something not too beefy. We do a removal maybe once every other month. I honestly would be content with a 4" chipper and just rent on the occasions when we need a bigger one. But I'm going to hedge my bets a bit and look for something in the approx 9" cutting range. Most of the dealers around here are trying to get me to buy a 12" chipper. But these are the same type of guys that were telling me I needed a bigger chip truck and that the body must be made of steel. That turned out to not be the case.
For reference sake, here's the truck that will be towing it a GMC/Isuzu 4500.
I am more interested in reducing wear on the truck, mileage, and maneuverability than I am raw power. Because I live in CA, it will be to my advantage to stay under 50 horsepower. That shouldn't be a prob looking at most of the chippers we are looking at.
Here is a spreadsheet of the ones we are currently researching. The office manager is doing the leg work on getting prices and what not. Right now used chippers are a very hot commodity in CA. Only certain chippers meet the requirements for air quality, and the used ones that do are quite expensive. We might end up with a brand new chipper. I am going to focus on what is the best 1 or 2 chippers for us, then we will try to find a used version of it that we can legally have. If I can't find it, I'll just get the new one. Even full priced, I should be able to have it paid off in a year no problem.
My plan is to sorta compare all the numbers and pic the best one. I WANT the conehead, but I thought when I looked a month ago they had a smaller chipper. I called them and talked with some dude in Michigan about it...but now the smallest one I am seeing is 84 horsepower on a 12" or something like that. I like the idea of the conehead drum. It makes sense. However, as is, it doesn't look like they have one in the size range I need. I think I know which I prefer, but I wanted to throw it out to you guys.
Are there models I should add to the list? When you look at this list, which ones seem like they have NO business being in contention? What other factors should I consider other than HP and size?
Can't wait to stop renting! We are paying way too much and waking up way to early and rushing way too often to get back in time. I know the guys and gals that work with TreeCareLA will be SO happy when there is a chipper more consistently attached to the back of the truck!
love
nick
![GOPR0049 [1024x768].jpg](https://img.masterblasterhome.com/data/attachments/38/38225-2db02825333ada42c13c7335372d6b41.jpg "GOPR0049 [1024x768].jpg")
