I considered the Predator 6.5 HP (212cc) Chipper Shredder from Harbor Freight, but decided against a chipper for now. Anyone have any experience with this one?

These are three possibles:

Bearcat SC2163 - $799 through dealer. Presumably Freight & sales tax added.

http://www.bearcatproducts.com...163-Chipper-Shredder

Pro: Size of footprint (I have to store it), reversible blades, a real handle, real wheels.

Con: 2" Smaller motor & capacity, discharge is straight down, not as convenient for dispersal.


MacKissic LSC800 - $949 through dealer. Presumably Freight & sales tax added.

https://www.mackissic.com/Leaf...redder-Chippers.html

Pro:2-7/8" capacity, discharge chute adjustable for throw.

Con: Cheesy wheels, slots in the hopper instead of a real handle.


DR Premier 300 - $799 buy direct, free shipping.

https://www.drpower.com/Power-...gEAAYASAAEgIefPD_BwE

Pro: 3" capacity, D2 tool steel blades, real wheels.

Con: Slots in the hopper instead of a real handle.

Take a close look at the bearcat. Notice how the branch he is shoving in to it is bare? It looks like a broom stick. In real life you will never run in to chipper friendly branches like that. Any branch that forks out you will be trimming with a lopper.

I have not used the Mac so I can't comment on it.

Do you need the chipper for 1-3 years or is it a long term purchase? If you need it for 3 years , you will be able to sell it for about 1/2 price. That puts you around $150 a year to own it. Not bad. If you keep it long term , 5 years puts your cost at $160. Use it 5 times a year and your cost isn't really that much.

I'd look on FB marketplace and Craigslist, someone bought one of these, used it once or twice and it's been sitting in a garage for a while, or estate sale. Pick it up for much less than new.

LIke ORC offered, in the 7th post of this thread

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Vinny, I have a Bearcat. Good unit, gas powered. I bought it new for a job, but turned out I did not use it. Just sits in shop. Does not have five hours on it. Am willing to sell or trade it. A trip to Spokane maybe

Slight drift here -

Remember the Postal Service and flat rate boxes?

“If it fits it ships”?

I figured the chipper in “Fargo” should have had a name and a motto on the side - Acme Chipper Co. “If it fits it chips”.

As far as your limbs that can’t be burned - are there any companies in the area that make mulch? We have one locally and they take any tree or shrub debris. Open 7 days a week. Will take trunks, tops, foliage. Newly cut, old, whatever. Just no metal imbedded.

I've been looking on Craigslist for a couple of weeks. Nothing local.

I ordered the DR 300. Briggs & Stratton motor. Priced right including freight.

I was turned off to the Bearcat by the discharge chute pointing straight down under the machine, & the smaller motor.

I thought the MacKissic was priced high for having plastic wheels.

We'll see how it turns out.

@ Chris42 - I'm going to use the chips to spread over my lot where it gets a little muddy when wet, & dusty when dry. Kill two birds with one stone & all that. Part of the yard was already covered in chips from the people before me & it's the best part of it.