The pruning portion of my business consists of small jobs that don't yield enough brush and limb wood to warrant the cost of a haul-behind brush chipper. However I would like to be able to chip the prunings and leave them for clients to use in mulch beds and gardens. Is there such a thing as a small chipper I can haul on a pickup truck and set up in a client's yard? I've checked out the homeowner versions of this and found them to be more labor-intensive and time-consuming than they're worth. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks for your help. Tom

Reply to post by Tom Watson, on January 30, 2000 at 19:47:46:

Tom,

There are a few companies that make tow behind chippers with self contained chip boxes that may fill your needs. These units can be pulled by a standard sized pickup truck. I think Bandit Industries makes both 6 inch and 9 inch capacity units. Bandit has a web site.

Dan

Reply to post by Dan, on January 30, 2000 at 19:47:46:

I have also heard of a kind that mounts in the back of your truck. On another note, I am considering doing some small jobs to supplement my income. I looked into a small chipper that is powered by an 8 Hp engine called a Bearcat. I unfortunately, do not know more about it. The Bearcat retails for around $1500 at the stihl dealer. This is a portable model that takes up to 3 inch branches. good Luck.

Reply to post by Gerald, on February 04, 2000 at 01:19:35:

Gerald, I am in the market for a small chipper, your message about a Bearcat at the Stihl dealer intrigued me...I got in touch with Stihl. They dont make a "Bearcat."
Can you give me any other info?

Reply to post by Mike Martorana, on February 04, 2000 at 14:28:07:

I called the Stihl dealer in my town. He told me they are made by Cray of West Fargo ND. The customer service number is 1-800-247-7335. I was unable to find a www address. I hope this helps. Gerald

Reply to post by Gerald , on February 21, 2000 at 09:38:58:

Mike, I was going through brochures and information looking for pesticide information. I ended up finding a brochure on Bearcat. They sell chippers, chipper/shredders and stump grinders for Home, Rental, and Commercial use. They are made by Crary. The address is:

Bear Cat Company
P.O. Box 849
West Fargo ND 58078-0849
Phone 701-282-5520 Fax 701-282-9522
US & Canadian Wats 800-247-7335

They have a variety for the small operator. I see they have tow type, tractor mount, and more of a backyard model of chippers. Commercially for the small tree and shrub pruning, I was considering the backyard type. Here at the college, I may consider the tractor mount. If you are a larger operation, my experience has lended towards the larger chippers such as Bandit and Vermeer. Good Luck.

Reply to post by Gerald, on February 22, 2000 at 18:09:19:

Also look into BCS Rototillers. The larger units have a chipper attachment. You pull off the tiller, connect the chipper & use the same engine. Will do up to a 3 inch pole/limb. Units are self-propelled and BCS has other attachments that might add flexibility to a smaller operators arsenal of tools.