Wood Chipper...PTO or Independent!

[UnEasyRider]

Which is better...an independent chipper or one that attaches to the PTO??? Is the price difference big??? Thanks in advance!

 

[Jchonline]

If you have a tractor, PTO is the answer.

 

[UnEasyRider]

If you have a tractor, PTO is the answer.

I do...can you explain why? Thanks!

 

[85Hokie]

Well - there could be another way of looking at this.

IF you are having to go and get the materials to chip up and bring them back to a location then I would get a stand alone. If you are always going to have the pile ready to go - PTO.

This often comes up with a generator - same concept, do I tie up the tractor USING the PTO or have another power source doing the work stand alone.

It really boils down to how you think you will be using it

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I agree with 85Hokie in that chipper is similar to a splitter, but in my case I generally bring the material (log or branches) to splitter or chipper main reason I have hilly property and it’s just easier to make an orderly pile whoever I plan to do the cutting/splitting and chipping. I think it reduces handling that way too. So at that point I am not really sure it matters if attached to tractor or not…either way I need to get off the tractor to use either. With the splitter it is convenient to put the bucket next to splitter and load split pieces direct into the bucket in some cases. Personally I think fewer engines to maintain is a benefit. But I also think it’s a lot easier to jockey an implement in a barn or a driveway if on wheels like a trailer.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

PTO, if you can dedicate a 2nd tractor to carry and run it.......
.. 20 minutes in, you'll 'need' the tractor for a 'priority' job...

if the tractor's in for service ,or out in the field an 'independent' chipper can still be used so more chores get done.

there is no right or wrong answer, just opinions based on what others have found work for them

just remember to NOT add Black Walnut chips to a veggie garden...!!!!!

 

[NCL4701]

If your tractor has the PTO HP to run the size chipper you need, a PTO chipper will generally be cheaper because you’re not paying for a second engine. Many years ago I ran a self contained hydraulic feed chipper for a tree service. I now have a hydraulic feed PTO chipper. Only difference I see other than the self contained was larger (110 HP as best I recall) is the power source and method of mobility.

If you’re planning to tow it off your premises to various job sites such as running a tree service, a self contained chipper is clearly superior. If you aren’t going to run it off your premises, you may still find a self contained model superior if you plan to fire it up every time you pick up a stick.

In our case, we pile up brush from general cleanup and occasionally chip those piles when they get big enough to be bigger than we prefer. We also chip stuff immediately if there’s a bunch generated at one time such as a tree falling or being cut near enough near one of the houses for it to matter. I have yet to have a chipping emergency where I absolutely MUST chip something IMMEDIATELY. A PTO chipper is a good solution for us. But it isn’t ideal for everyone.

 

[mikester]

Stand alone with hydraulic infeed

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: I have yet to have a chipping emergency where I absolutely MUST chip something IMMEDIATELY.
That's cause you ain't married to my WIFE !!!

 

[BoilerBoy]

Thanks for this discussion. I am in the same quandary. I am leaning toward a PTO drive on a M7060 as I have a large area to do with old Xmas trees, so I can set up and chip in one spot.....on the back hill away from the "things to do list at the house"!! Thanks again for the inputs.

 

[N3BP]

Another vote for a PTO chipper. It's easier for me to gather branches and pile them on individual piles. Then I simply drive to the piles and mulch. Also, you're going to be able to throw more torque at the chipper than a gas engine, so it shouldn't bog down as much. Lastly, you don't have to worry about maintaining another small gas engine, which is always a plus.

 

[UpNorthMI]

Pto chipper, why have another engine to buy and maintain, although I do have several tractors lol.
My WoodMaxx MX9900 chipper is one of my main attachments.

 

[NCL4701]

…you ain't married to my WIFE !!!

True.

 

[UnEasyRider]

Another vote for a PTO chipper. It's easier for me to gather branches and pile them on individual piles. Then I simply drive to the piles and mulch. Also, you're going to be able to throw more torque at the chipper than a gas engine, so it shouldn't bog down as much. Lastly, you don't have to worry about maintaining another small gas engine, which is always a plus.

I like the one engine part for sure!

 

[Elliott in GA]

I typically cut trees and branches, and then I make a pile. The PTO chipper makes a nice counterbalance when using the grapple to make or move the pile. Much like my Stihl Kombi, I prefer one engine over many for costs, care and reliability.

If something simple and very effective appeals to you and 5 inch capacity is enough, you might want to consider this:

WoodMaxx MX-8500G+ PTO Chipper review - it's great w/o power feed.

I purchased the above chipper for my LX 2610 SU tractor; its primary use will be disposing of small trees and big privet hedge on our property in North Georgia. The things that appealed to me about the chipper are: made in the USA, will operate on as little as 15 PTO HP, price ($2525 with...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I'm on the other side of the fence..
..as I have a dedicated riding mower AND a dedicated riding snowblower.
Since ONE machine doesn't get used year round, less wear and tear on BOTH, they last longer. Also means I don't have to fight to get deck off,blower on...blower off, deck on...which at 70 would be nearly impossible for this body.
It also means I have a 'backup' if need be...but after 22 years, knock on wood, not been necessary.

 

[UnEasyRider]

I typically cut trees and branches, and then I make a pile. The PTO chipper makes a nice counterbalance when using the grapple to make or move the pile. Much like my Stihl Kombi, I prefer one engine over many for costs, care and reliability.

If something simple and very effective appeals to you and 5 inch capacity is enough, you might want to consider this:

WoodMaxx MX-8500G+ PTO Chipper review - it's great w/o power feed.

I purchased the above chipper for my LX 2610 SU tractor; its primary use will be disposing of small trees and big privet hedge on our property in North Georgia. The things that appealed to me about the chipper are: made in the USA, will operate on as little as 15 PTO HP, price ($2525 with...

www.orangetractortalks.com

Thanks Elliott for the link. What is hydro feed???

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Hydraulic feed...
'gripper wheels' that automatically pull in the brush( 'feed the machine...) while you go grab more......

 

[Elliott in GA]

Thanks Elliott for the link. What is hydro feed???

Many chippers have some sort of powered feed mechanism to push the branches/logs into the chipping knives on a flywheel or something similar.

Most users and I would agree, with the exception of WoodMaxx model I purchased, that you do not want chipper that relies only on gravity. You will end up pushing the branches into the machine. In addition to wasting time, you will also absorb a great deal of kick-back/vibration while you are pushing on the branches. A hydrostatic or other type of feed mechanism (usually opposing rollers connected to a belt or gear powered by a pump) eliminates the problem.

And, I, as indicated in my review, would expect a powered feed system to be superior to the 8500G+ (gravity plus the rolling shear point with angled blades), but my experience has been that the 8500G+ feed system functions so well that the additional cost, care and complexity of a power feed is not worth it (for chippers in the 5 inch capacity class).

 

[UnEasyRider]

Hydraulic feed...
'gripper wheels' that automatically pull in the brush( 'feed the machine...) while you go grab more......

Sounds like a time saver tho depending on cost this might be more for tree services. Will look into it more. Thanks Jay!