Mike St. Martin
Member
I purchased this used PTO drum chipper for $1,500 a couple of weeks ago in order to chip the pruned brush from an olive orchard instead of burning it.
It is a Mitts & Merrill BX-800 PTO drum chipper made in 1981. It has a 1:4 gear box to increase the PTO rpm from 540 to 2160. The drum is a solid steel cylinder (8? wide x 16? diameter) with 6 blades and weighs almost 500 lbs. I believe the overall weight of the implement is at least 1,500 lbs since the Ford loader would not lift it off the trailer alone.
I have been watching YouTube videos on the safe operation of drum chippers. The key points seem to be: 1. Wear eye and hearing protection, 2. Avoid loose fitting clothes or gloves which could get caught on the brush and, 3. Toss brush in from the side of the opening.
The chipper did not come with a manual so I will be attempting to find one. I would appreciate any additional input or advice you may have, thanks.
It is a Mitts & Merrill BX-800 PTO drum chipper made in 1981. It has a 1:4 gear box to increase the PTO rpm from 540 to 2160. The drum is a solid steel cylinder (8? wide x 16? diameter) with 6 blades and weighs almost 500 lbs. I believe the overall weight of the implement is at least 1,500 lbs since the Ford loader would not lift it off the trailer alone.
I have been watching YouTube videos on the safe operation of drum chippers. The key points seem to be: 1. Wear eye and hearing protection, 2. Avoid loose fitting clothes or gloves which could get caught on the brush and, 3. Toss brush in from the side of the opening.
The chipper did not come with a manual so I will be attempting to find one. I would appreciate any additional input or advice you may have, thanks.