I've had this chipper for 4 years: 1) I cut the thicker branches into 2 foot lengths and drop them in. The chipper does the work. 2) Soft wood like pine is easier to chip than hard wood like oak, maple and elm. Hard wood takes a lot longer and if you have a lot of hard wood, consider a more expensive chipper. 3) Fresh cuttings are easier to process than those that you leave around to dry out. If you have a lot of old wood to chip, chip the small branches and burn the ones that are 2 inches or larger. 4) Beware of stones that can fall into the leaf shredder opening and damage the impeller blades. Also, the top chute is not that good for small branches because they come out the discharge chute in 3 to 6 inch shreds. 5) If you have a lot of work to do, rent a big chipper. This chipper is a borderline toy. 6) It's a pain to haul around the property unless you add a tow-bar that allows you to haul it behind a lawn tractor. 7) Always use ear plugs and eye protection. A face shield is recommended. 8) The manufacturer recommends you always keep the bag attached to the discharge chute. However, you can fabricate a discharge chute that will throw the chips away to the side if you're handy. The author is correct in that running the chipper without the bag digs a hole in the discharge area using the stock discharge chute. 8) Remember the direction of the wind and use it to your advantage - stay upwind! 9) Keep the blades sharp. Blades cost about $50 to $60 on Ebay. Invest in a spare pair before you need them.
I wrote the following concerning my two chippers. They are functionally identical to yours, basically, but are labeled CRAFTSMAN. So I'll just paste it in here. By the way, on the Craftsman models, the wide chute is hinged and lays down, for very convenient raking of leaves into it. "These are good machines. I have had two of them, both Craftsman. The older one was all steel, like this one. The newer ones have plastic chutes, but they work fine. The wide chute lays down and leaves can be raked into it, like it was a big funnel with mild suction. In my case I replaced the inflatable tires. This saves on surprises and delays. And I replaced the smaller solid wheel/tires with a better grade. Now I can just roll it around easily. Decent tires of the proper sizes are available at Harbor Freight at a savings. The bag is about one bushel in size. It fills quickly and is not as durable as I'd like. It has a drawstring. These are available at Sears. BUT! There are large drawstring laundry bags at Walmart, etc., that do the same job. If you are working for others, take several bags so you can keep chipping. On older ones like this one in the video, the chute shoots downward. But a couple of bolts can be loosened so it will shoot straight out, in case you want to spread mulch directly. On newer models you have to remove those bolts, and the chute is still hinged and can be raised. I hold it up with a bungee cord." You should save one thick push stick to help the branches down the narrower chute. Never your hand. Unless you like hooks, of course.
Thank you for your video! I just bought this model second hand and he no longer had the manual. This is my first chipper and with your video and the advice in the comments is a tremendous help! Thank you to everyone!❤️
Great job on the review. One thing to keep in mind; the 1150 series engine produces 11.5 ft pounds of torque, NOT 11.5 horsepower. The horsepower of that engine is in the 8-8.5 range depending on engine speed, elevation, etc.
Have the Cub Cabet CS 3310(same unit as the TB). Good pointers on using the chipper/shredder. Usually I cut up the 2 inch or bigger stuff for starter/camp fire wood. Also plastic baseball bats work well to push stuff in the hoppers.
Thanks for the review. Spared the mistake of purchasing on of these. Even for the price its obvious there are better options for anything over a inch diameter.
i kept mine covered with a plastic tarp. still got water in blade area . drilled small hole in bottom to drain out. replaced my tires with tractor supply only $29 each had to use a angle grinder to cut wheels off being careful to not damage shaft .
thank you for the review. it was exactly what I needed to know. was great to learn along with you. please make more videos. they are informative and very helpful
Some info you guys. I have the same machine and guess what! Brand new the blades were not sharp! They were semi sharp, after sharpening properly it work perfectly i love useing it , and now I dont even have to push on the branches. The machine just sucks it in automatically. It's an awesome machine just keep the blades sharp! Freshly cut tree branches are best.
Nice video, I purchased a brush master 15hp chipper last dec. It chips branches up to 4 inch in diamiter, it was normally priced at 1400.00 I got mine from Sears direct for 649.00 shipped to my door. I must say after watching this video, the brush master is a much better chipper and way easier to start than the troybilt appears, and it does a much better job of chipping than that troybilt, doesn't have stuff flying everywhere like yours. Anyways good like I enjoy using my brush master chipper it is rated commercial and it really does do a good job.
Great video and I agree with you my chipper is the same way when it comes to size of branches and the chipper vibrations. I've had mine for several years and use it now and then. It is hard to start because of the fact you turn both engine and blade at the same time. Removing the jammed chips is a difficult task and after chipping for a long time any thing that stops up the blade is a frustration. Yes those extra unchippable limbs left over makes for extra work.
I learned pretty early to let it run for a bit without putting anything in it to allow it to finish chewing up stuff, because it is really, REALLY hard to start with debris in that chute.
I've been working on removing debris from mine today. What a pain it is to spend time removing debris then to get more stuck the first branch in. Makes you want to cry if not more.
Just bought a second hand one. Got it home and one of the flailing fingers, for lack of what to call them, there are four, was loose. It is held into a steel pin using a pin that is forced in, but must have came out. Luckily Lowes had the pins for less than a dollar for two. So far it's working pretty good, but there seems to be sweet spot for the side feeder. If you hit it the branches pretty much self feed, otherwise it's a grind to get it in there. Definitely need a good push stick to get branches down in there. I do wish there was a way to disengage the chipper from the engine. Starting it is a bit rough because your turning everything at once and it's harder to spin the engine enough to start. It can be fussy to start.
I bought one of these at CTC Canada and never even got it going. Same missing oil filler tube. Inside the big hopper were two pop cans and a few cigarette butts. Called Troy in Kitchener about this and they said that the filler tube should be there. CTC would not deal with the missing part and said to deal with Troy importers. Troy importers said to call engine manufacturer in the US mid-west. Did that and they said that all the parts are shipped to Troy built for assembly. Briggs and Stratton checked on the serial number of the engine and said it was two years out of warranty and would not honour any warranty claims. Took it back to CTC for a refund and told them of problems and warranty issue. Saw the same unit on display for sale 3 days later in front of the store. Dishonesty is rampant in this world.
I own one of these, except it's called a Troy Built I used it for 3 years. The 11.50 marking on the engine mean 11.50 pound feet of torque not HP, I no longer use mine I now own a DR Power 16.50 pound feet of torque wood chipper. This will take up to a 3 1/2" log with no problems. It is rated to a 4 1/2" if I have anything that big it's going to be used for firewood. Also the DR has electric start and is belt driven with a centrifugal clutch on the engine. My Troy Built is up for sale.
I used a Trot Bilt for a long time and it worked great at shredding. The small DR I currently own is just the opposite, great at chipping but not very good at shredding.
+Angel Lane I know after using it, you start to seriously wonder if you should have just paid a guy. I am more familiar with it now, and it isn't that difficult to use.
I think it depends on whether or not you have a use for the chips. I bought the small DR chipper and have loads of chips and no waste. Yes, it was a lot of work but I would only have ashes if I just burned the pile.
We bought the little predator from Harbor freight. Fantastic tool. Haul a cart of branches to the flower or shrub bed, chip right into the area and rake them around later. Wife feeds me, I feed chipper. It's made our 2 acres a whole different place. Good purchase. Self feeding too. 425 bucks on Sale. Also can bag it and haul the bag on the mesh steel deck wagon they sell. 59 bucks on Sale.
I have the older version, belt drive on tensioner so can start engine easily then pull lever to engage drive once started. Mine also seems way more powerful and don't need to stab the branches in... I let it feed itself through the shoot whilst I feed brash into top basket. This looked like hard work compared to how.Mine works.
Just pushing even small sticks through vibrate the heck out of you. It's like an electric shock. After an hour if it, your body is still vibrating for the next two hours. I like a slightly Y shaped push stick to help grab the branches to push down in. For me, anything close to 3" branches I will keep in the side for burning it to make biochar for the garden. The top leaf chute doesn't feed much. But I have lots of pine cones that it works for. Starting it, the pull is hard enough to have ripped the skin off my finger pulling it.
Realizing this was a new and unfamiliar machine, that may have been the difficulty in pull-starting it and actually using it to it's maximum design. Trial and error and becoming familiarized with it would solve a lot of those problems for just about any user. That said, I wouldn't want to buy a pull-start gas engine machine that is difficult to start, or hard to pull. I would also want something more ergonomically designed for the user to help reduce the strain of operating it. Anyone with even a small back problem would otherwise soon be stressed out. Troy generally builds good machinery, and it sounds as if you have overcome some of the operating problems while learning how it best works. I'm in the market for a good chipper / shredder, but I'm going to review the machines now available to find the one best suited to my needs and that has the design and guts to hold up well. Most of the stuff I would be running through it would be about 2" or less, and I'd like to find one that can regulate the speed of material passing through the blades so as not to be stalling out every time I turn around. I have better things to do than yanking on a pull-start every few minutes, and I'm not the gangly, energetic youth I once was!
Gene Kinnick It starts every time on the first pull now. It is easy to regulate how fast you put an item in just by using your arms, it does not pull the sticks in very hard/fast. You will not stall it with anything under 1.5 inches, and once you get used to it, larger items go in easy too, you just have to be a little patient. I like this unit and have send piles and piles of stick and limbs through it.
Yeah, ...I imagine after a good break-in period it would likely start a lot easier, and by then a person would have learned what it will or won't do. I don't mind a little hard work but have to be careful about my back, so I really have to find something that isn't going to demand excessive bending over to get 'er done. Thanks for the come back, ...and have fun!
Two issues with this unit, the little hinge on the shuttle with vibrate apart over time, on my third one, blades for the chipper are expensive however can be professionally sharpened.
Glad I got a Champion it starts easy the first pull every time since it came out of the box. With all these design type chipper shredders NEVER do palm branches as it dulls blades fast and gums the impeller. That long chute is how Champion has theirs. I removed mine and shortened it to only 5 inches then reinstalled it. Now branches with curves can go right in no problem. Love my Champion shredder i think a 250cc Briggs is to small. Champion is a 338cc that’s a whole lot more power. And the design of this chipper is very similar to a Champion. But a 338cc packs the punch that is needed. And the Champion has a large fuel tank in comparison.
Informative. Oil plug, cord not coming back completely, hard start, and difficulty feeding were a disappointment. Troy buit is not what it use to be. Decided not to buy.
Also when I had the flywheel that holes the blade off the back side has some weld, 4 of the welds were cracked completely and looked like a beginner welded it. These spin at 3400 rpm not good!
I need a leaf shredder to mulch damp fall leaves. Someone on craigs is selling this unit for $350. Worth buying? Seems like a newer but significantly weaker electric/gas leaf shredder will cost anywhere between $150-250.
Dude, don't pull the starter rope like that. Pull it SLOWLY one time to full rope extension. With the rope fully extended, SLOWLY let the rope go back down until it stops. THEN pull the rope fast. No sense in that constant pulling to get it started like you are doing. And yeah, you need safety glasses because sometimes chips DO come flying back at you from the top hopper with extreme force. I've had them hit me right in the safety glasses. Doesn't happen often, but only takes one time to lose your eye.
Great video Fernbark, I'm pretty sure i'm going to get one of these. I mostly have 1" to 2" stuff I need to get rid of. I live on about 2 acres with tons of trees I have to prune and cleanup every year. I'm getting tired of hauling it off every time.
+Someoneboredonhere I just was using it today. I have no problem with 2". You have to jab it in slowly, but they go right down. 1" flies right through.
I will be sure to watch it! The video you did pretty much made up my mind about getting one of these. Iv'e trimmed these trees for about 8 years and made countless loads to the dump. All the big stuff, I cut up and save for firewood or give away. I really just need something to get rid of the small branches and brush. I figure for about $850 It's worth a shot. Anything will help. lol
Yeah, I think the Cub cadet is the same machine just a different color. The price here is exactly the same. I ended up buying one today from Northern tool. I put oil and gas in it and, used it for about 30 mins strait with, no problems what so ever. I was impressed with. it. It's really not that heavy or hard to move and little stuff (2" or less) just flies right through it. It will do up to 3" but, it's not a good idea like you said the machine will struggle. I figure if i'm careful with it and, keep it properly maintained, it should last awhile. It will be a huge time saver if it holds up. :) Iv'e wanted one forever, I wish id'e of bought one sooner now. Thanks again for taking the time to make a video, it was helpful!
Can you clarify which sides I add engine oil to and which sides I add gear oil too? I recently was given one of these w/o documentation and am trying to make sure I fill each of the 3 openings w/ the proper oil. It appears engine oil may feed from the back side behind the right rear of the tank if standing at the front but it is unclear what I do about the openings on the right and left which may only be to check the oil level? Thank you in advance!
Thanks for that. I have also got one and had the same issues, the top shoot does not want to shred anything. Have you had any luck since this video. I'm going to give it another go next week
Keep your arms perpendicular to the branches! You are putting your hands right into the chute -- if your glove got caught or you tripped you hands could go straight into the blade. Read the book matey.
I have to be honest on this. After watching you demonstrate this machine, it made me think of just getting the Flex attachment instead. Main drawback looks to be the same ones you had with yours though. I have yet to see someone use and review it.
its the same as Cub Cadet as Troy Bilt purchased these chippers from MTD ltd as these are made by MTD ltd. the pressure washers Troy Bilt buys them from Briggs and Stratton they seem to have alot of problems these older MTD chipper shredders with the 5 hp L head Briggs and Stratton engines they are very hard to start when cold and when hot as the OHV engines are best suited for this as when the engine fires it slowly acellerates to turn that chipper wheel and flail hammers in the unit. the larger ones had an 8 hp L head Briggs and Stratton engine as its MTD that changes the parts on the chipper overtime. some of these MTD chippers they had a Tecumseh engine on them to repower them would be these Honda clone engines but have to make modifications to the muffler so they can fit and adapter to adapt a 3/4 inch shaft to a 1 inch there is a video on here replacing chipper motor with predator engine with 3 parts.
same thing when i used to have my MTD chipper shredder with a 5 hp Briggs as its very hard to start when hot. if it had the old style starter clutch i could drill the spot welds off and remove the recoil and like oyu said start it with a drill. i don't have the machine the engine went. i should of kept it and repowered it with a Harbor Freight predator 212cc OHV engine a Honda clone as they are good the problem is the muffler and exhaust is in the way of the housing and you have to cut and weld a pipe and raise the muffler higher so it clears the shroud and allows access to the spark plug. the same will apply if a Honda engine is installed. plus i have to cut a 1 inch shim as the shaft on the predator is 3/4 inch as the shaft on these are 1 inch. as it went out well before a Harbor Freight store opened as its now cheaper to repower than get a new machine. as i liked this MTD or it was a Kmart Power Pro chipper shredder as it shreds the leaves much finer than whats sucked up by a vacuum. and makes good wood chip mulch too. i think today these MTD chipper shredders, Troy Bilt, cub cadet they will have a engine in it made in China or a newer china made Briggs and Stratton engine as they are all Honda clone engines as the block is identical to that of a Honda motor but with parts like the recoil, fuel tank, and air cleaner can be different but are the same to Honda as parts and gaskets, the ones by Briggs and stratton will have their logo on the valve cover and the carburetor. as its in all of their utility and snowthrower horizontal shaft engines they are from China as well the horizontal shaft engines from Kohler also a Honda clone and is from China. i think thats the new standard now these engines being on new equipment sold today.
Just tried to change the oil on this damn thing. Winged it and not sure if it got over filed. There was a bolt at the base on the dip stick side that I used to drain the oil. I used the dip stick hole to fill the oil but I had to tip it on its side. Can't check the oil level because, at flat ground, if you take the dip stick out oil will flow out. Can you do a video on the proper way to check and change oil?
If oil is flowing out, there is too much. I would invest in a funnel that has an angled tube and then you can fill the engine with it oriented properly.
@@FernbarkFrist I also thought I had too much oil but the instructions when I first bought the chipper was to add the provided oil. I also measured the new oil I added and it was within the amount of the oil capacity.
I'll take oil out until it stops flowing when the chipper is on level ground. I'm guessing that how I should measure the oil..on level ground and not tipped over to a side.
Hi Cathy. This chipper is over 100 miles away from me and I haven't even started it in two years. I don't want to ignore you, but it is unlikely I will make this video.
This is a really old video, but it came up in my que since have been reviewing chippers. Did you ever get your chipper cutting better? There seems to be a problem with the feeding on your chipper. suspect somebody has the blades mounted in the incorrect orientation, or perhaps very dull. If they dull quickly, the blades do not have the correct type of steel. If you cannot fix it to run better, try another brand and make comparisons. best of luck to you.
Fantastic review, started slow but you were very thorough. I am looking at one on Kijiji and another review had me concerned that it would not self feed as well as my neighbors wallenstien chipper. It looks like this self feeds just as well. Hey did you consider removing the feeding shoot extension? Just feed through the small part? I know the shoot on the Wallenstien made it harder to feed in branches that were not straight. Also do they sell a bag to go with it? That would help to catch chips and reduce the gravel blow away. I do like the look of the stones there without the sand. On grass this wouldn't be such a problem.
I bought one like new, but without manual. I can't seem to find a spec for the type of oil. It's the Troybilt CS4325. Do you by chance know the grade of oil? ty
Ty. I used it for the first time today. The three inch diameter chute did nothing but clog. The branches I tried were one inch diameter. The machine is like new. Not sure if there's something I'm missing, but I never expected to have to tweak or year apart the auger already. Something just didn't seem right. Appreciate your help. Are you satisfied with it?
I like the unit. Mine will eat a one inch branch without hesitation. Go to the 1:40 mark in this video to see me feed a whole small tree into the unit. th-cam.com/video/pe9fWPq0v6A/w-d-xo.html This tree was about 2.5 inches at the bottom.
I just got this machine and run it about 6-7 hours, your review is spot on. Overall I'm happy with the unit for my 1 acre yard. Have you ever tried running this machine with only one cutter blade attached? I thinking it might stop some of the vibration effect...?
sounded like it was the first time he bought one and he shared his first time buyer and user experience with others so they can learn from him. what can we learn from what you have added to the mix..?.....? 😅
No way would I buy a machine with that type of starting mechanism. It's just stupid. Damn near impossible to start unless you are a big strong dude. A built in clutch is what is needed like the DR Power chipper, that Bruce Marcotte mentioned. And why don't they just tell us what the HP actually is? It's deceptive to say the least. Manufacturers always screwing with our minds.
I think a clutch would burn up pretty fast just because of the nature of the work it does. It would have to be a pretty stout clutch. An electric starter would be ideal. Also, I think torque is more important than HP in this application.
Seems these portable wood chippers lack in horsepower! If you work them on larger pieces of wood is where they falter; then blades soon become to dull to cut properly!
I've got one that just threw a cutting blade. And the second cutting blade only had one of the two bolts holding it on. These things are a bummer to work on. Terrible design. Cheaply made. All that torque goes on the motor shaft sticking out as opposed to the shaft being supported on both sides. Not a fan, but really bummed because it does make great mulch from our yard/tree debris.
This isn't made right it sim save the wood not chip it up and for 11 horse it doesn't look like got the power when a other brand only has 6. something horse power cut the hell out wood
Toy build Lawn mower the pone, leave it in the store, it run good and cut good but leave go inside for a while the Carburetor float vale leak and it will drain all gas into the oil of the motor and had fix by a shop and Gus what the Grant y will not pay for this work, and only had the machine 3 mo. at the time and repair was 169 dollars and the fix last 3 Mo. tell had drain the oil and refill it, the fix was put off and on fuel vale to turn the fuel when got thru cut grass, bad fuel Carbonate on B&S motor cheap made
That sucks. WOn't self feed, bogs down. Hard to start. A good commercial on what not to buy. Good luck Keep your hands out of the chute of learn to eat with other hand.
I bought a broken one and fixed it from the ground up. They are truly the biggest piece of shit machinery I have ever seen or used. What they sold should of been considered a prototype and a poor one at that. They should of never been sold and marketed to chip 3 inch sticks. You have a 8 9 whatever horse power motor wich should be plenty of power to chip 3 inch or more stick, but the power is just wasted trying to take to much of a chip out of a stick, a simple solution would be 4 blades rather than 2 and put the blades at a damn angle so it slices the would rather then hit it dead on the blade. Just extremely poor engineering.
I've had this chipper for 4 years: 1) I cut the thicker branches into 2 foot lengths and drop them in. The chipper does the work. 2) Soft wood like pine is easier to chip than hard wood like oak, maple and elm. Hard wood takes a lot longer and if you have a lot of hard wood, consider a more expensive chipper. 3) Fresh cuttings are easier to process than those that you leave around to dry out. If you have a lot of old wood to chip, chip the small branches and burn the ones that are 2 inches or larger. 4) Beware of stones that can fall into the leaf shredder opening and damage the impeller blades. Also, the top chute is not that good for small branches because they come out the discharge chute in 3 to 6 inch shreds. 5) If you have a lot of work to do, rent a big chipper. This chipper is a borderline toy. 6) It's a pain to haul around the property unless you add a tow-bar that allows you to haul it behind a lawn tractor. 7) Always use ear plugs and eye protection. A face shield is recommended. 8) The manufacturer recommends you always keep the bag attached to the discharge chute. However, you can fabricate a discharge chute that will throw the chips away to the side if you're handy. The author is correct in that running the chipper without the bag digs a hole in the discharge area using the stock discharge chute. 8) Remember the direction of the wind and use it to your advantage - stay upwind! 9) Keep the blades sharp. Blades cost about $50 to $60 on Ebay. Invest in a spare pair before you need them.
I wrote the following concerning my two chippers. They are functionally identical to yours, basically, but are labeled CRAFTSMAN. So I'll just paste it in here. By the way, on the Craftsman models, the wide chute is hinged and lays down, for very convenient raking of leaves into it.
"These are good machines. I have had two of them, both Craftsman. The older one was all steel, like this one. The newer ones have plastic chutes, but they work fine. The wide chute lays down and leaves can be raked into it, like it was a big funnel with mild suction.
In my case I replaced the inflatable tires. This saves on surprises and delays. And I replaced the smaller solid wheel/tires with a better grade. Now I can just roll it around easily. Decent tires of the proper sizes are available at Harbor Freight at a savings.
The bag is about one bushel in size. It fills quickly and is not as durable as I'd like. It has a drawstring. These are available at Sears. BUT! There are large drawstring laundry bags at Walmart, etc., that do the same job. If you are working for others, take several bags so you can keep chipping.
On older ones like this one in the video, the chute shoots downward. But a couple of bolts can be loosened so it will shoot straight out, in case you want to spread mulch directly. On newer models you have to remove those bolts, and the chute is still hinged and can be raised. I hold it up with a bungee cord."
You should save one thick push stick to help the branches down the narrower chute. Never your hand.
Unless you like hooks, of course.
Thank you for your video! I just bought this model second hand and he no longer had the manual. This is my first chipper and with your video and the advice in the comments is a tremendous help! Thank you to everyone!❤️
glad to help!
Great job on the review. One thing to keep in mind; the 1150 series engine produces 11.5 ft pounds of torque, NOT 11.5 horsepower. The horsepower of that engine is in the 8-8.5 range depending on engine speed, elevation, etc.
Have the Cub Cabet CS 3310(same unit as the TB). Good pointers on using the chipper/shredder. Usually I cut up the 2 inch or bigger stuff for starter/camp fire wood. Also plastic baseball bats work well to push stuff in the hoppers.
Thanks for the review. Spared the mistake of purchasing on of these. Even for the price its obvious there are better options for anything over a inch diameter.
i kept mine covered with a plastic tarp. still got water in blade area . drilled small hole in bottom to drain out. replaced my tires with tractor supply only $29 each had to use a angle grinder to cut wheels off being careful to not damage shaft .
Thanks for taking the time to post this. After your advice, I'll be renting a man eater machine. This appears to be more trouble than it's worth.
LOL Something tells me the lawyers wouldn’t let anybody call their model the ManEater.
thank you for the review. it was exactly what I needed to know. was great to learn along with you. please make more videos. they are informative and very helpful
When the blades are sharp ti can putt it out of your hands. When they get dull it is very hard to push in. They don't stay sharp too long.
Some info you guys. I have the same machine and guess what! Brand new the blades were not sharp! They were semi sharp, after sharpening properly it work perfectly i love useing it , and now I dont even have to push on the branches. The machine just sucks it in automatically. It's an awesome machine just keep the blades sharp! Freshly cut tree branches are best.
Nice video, I purchased a brush master 15hp chipper last dec.
It chips branches up to 4 inch in diamiter, it was normally priced at 1400.00 I got mine from Sears direct for 649.00 shipped to my door.
I must say after watching this video, the brush master is a much better chipper and way easier to start than the troybilt appears, and it does a much better job of chipping than that troybilt, doesn't have stuff flying everywhere like yours.
Anyways good like I enjoy using my brush master chipper it is rated commercial and it really does do a good job.
+The pointless rambling of a harley riding dude. That was a heck of a deal on a nice sized chipper.
Great video and I agree with you my chipper is the same way when it comes to size of branches and the chipper vibrations. I've had mine for several years and use it now and then. It is hard to start because of the fact you turn both engine and blade at the same time. Removing the jammed chips is a difficult task and after chipping for a long time any thing that stops up the blade is a frustration. Yes those extra unchippable limbs left over makes for extra work.
I learned pretty early to let it run for a bit without putting anything in it to allow it to finish chewing up stuff, because it is really, REALLY hard to start with debris in that chute.
I've been working on removing debris from mine today. What a pain it is to spend time removing debris then to get more stuck the first branch in. Makes you want to cry if not more.
Great review!!! Shows the realistic use of the machine.
Thanks.
Thanks for this post. Think we need a bigger unit. At least one that self feeds better.
Just bought a second hand one. Got it home and one of the flailing fingers, for lack of what to call them, there are four, was loose. It is held into a steel pin using a pin that is forced in, but must have came out. Luckily Lowes had the pins for less than a dollar for two.
So far it's working pretty good, but there seems to be sweet spot for the side feeder. If you hit it the branches pretty much self feed, otherwise it's a grind to get it in there. Definitely need a good push stick to get branches down in there.
I do wish there was a way to disengage the chipper from the engine. Starting it is a bit rough because your turning everything at once and it's harder to spin the engine enough to start. It can be fussy to start.
I bought one of these at CTC Canada and never even got it going. Same missing oil filler tube. Inside the big hopper were two pop cans and a few cigarette butts. Called Troy in Kitchener about this and they said that the filler tube should be there. CTC would not deal with the missing part and said to deal with Troy importers. Troy importers said to call engine manufacturer in the US mid-west. Did that and they said that all the parts are shipped to Troy built for assembly. Briggs and Stratton checked on the serial number of the engine and said it was two years out of warranty and would not honour any warranty claims. Took it back to CTC for a refund and told them of problems and warranty issue. Saw the same unit on display for sale 3 days later in front of the store. Dishonesty is rampant in this world.
Sounds like you purchased a returned unit. I have been using mine for a couple years no problem.
I own one of these, except it's called a Troy Built I used it for 3 years. The 11.50 marking on the engine mean 11.50 pound feet of torque not HP, I no longer use mine I now own a DR Power 16.50 pound feet of torque wood chipper. This will take up to a 3 1/2" log with no problems. It is rated to a 4 1/2" if I have anything that big it's going to be used for firewood. Also the DR has electric start and is belt driven with a centrifugal clutch on the engine. My Troy Built is up for sale.
Mine is called a Troy Built too. Hence the title of the video.
Sorry I looked at your post and saw the reference to the Club Cadet and mistaken what you owned.
I used a Trot Bilt for a long time and it worked great at shredding. The small DR I currently own is just the opposite, great at chipping but not very good at shredding.
I wonder how many backed out of buying a wood chipper when they saw the work and time it takes to get the job done?
+Angel Lane I know after using it, you start to seriously wonder if you should have just paid a guy. I am more familiar with it now, and it isn't that difficult to use.
Fernbark Frist Hard to imagine paying a grand to work that hard...lol
I think it depends on whether or not you have a use for the chips. I bought the small DR chipper and have loads of chips and no waste. Yes, it was a lot of work but I would only have ashes if I just burned the pile.
We bought the little predator from Harbor freight. Fantastic tool. Haul a cart of branches to the flower or shrub bed, chip right into the area and rake them around later. Wife feeds me, I feed chipper. It's made our 2 acres a whole different place. Good purchase. Self feeding too. 425 bucks on Sale. Also can bag it and haul the bag on the mesh steel deck wagon they sell. 59 bucks on Sale.
DR chippers are the best and self feed
I have the older version, belt drive on tensioner so can start engine easily then pull lever to engage drive once started. Mine also seems way more powerful and don't need to stab the branches in... I let it feed itself through the shoot whilst I feed brash into top basket. This looked like hard work compared to how.Mine works.
This was a super helpful video- thanks for taking the time to make it.
+Joe Hasley And thank you for the feedback
Just pushing even small sticks through vibrate the heck out of you. It's like an electric shock. After an hour if it, your body is still vibrating for the next two hours.
I like a slightly Y shaped push stick to help grab the branches to push down in.
For me, anything close to 3" branches I will keep in the side for burning it to make biochar for the garden.
The top leaf chute doesn't feed much. But I have lots of pine cones that it works for.
Starting it, the pull is hard enough to have ripped the skin off my finger pulling it.
Thank you for a great honest review.
+Richard Mellin You are welcome and thank you for watching.
I have a Dr Chipper and it starts on the 1st or 2nd pull, just gotta have the choke on full if its not warmed up.. :)
I have one too! Much better than Troy-bummer!
My DR is comparable in size to this one however the DR is a beast compared to the Troy-Bilt
Good tip on feeding large branches
Realizing this was a new and unfamiliar machine, that may have been the difficulty in pull-starting it and actually using it to it's maximum design. Trial and error and becoming familiarized with it would solve a lot of those problems for just about any user. That said, I wouldn't want to buy a pull-start gas engine machine that is difficult to start, or hard to pull. I would also want something more ergonomically designed for the user to help reduce the strain of operating it. Anyone with even a small back problem would otherwise soon be stressed out.
Troy generally builds good machinery, and it sounds as if you have overcome some of the operating problems while learning how it best works. I'm in the market for a good chipper / shredder, but I'm going to review the machines now available to find the one best suited to my needs and that has the design and guts to hold up well. Most of the stuff I would be running through it would be about 2" or less, and I'd like to find one that can regulate the speed of material passing through the blades so as not to be stalling out every time I turn around. I have better things to do than yanking on a pull-start every few minutes, and I'm not the gangly, energetic youth I once was!
Gene Kinnick It starts every time on the first pull now. It is easy to regulate how fast you put an item in just by using your arms, it does not pull the sticks in very hard/fast. You will not stall it with anything under 1.5 inches, and once you get used to it, larger items go in easy too, you just have to be a little patient. I like this unit and have send piles and piles of stick and limbs through it.
Yeah, ...I imagine after a good break-in period it would likely start a lot easier, and by then a person would have learned what it will or won't do. I don't mind a little hard work but have to be careful about my back, so I really have to find something that isn't going to demand excessive bending over to get 'er done.
Thanks for the come back, ...and have fun!
Two issues with this unit, the little hinge on the shuttle with vibrate apart over time, on my third one, blades for the chipper are expensive however can be professionally sharpened.
I am glad you posted this and I will NOT be buying this for sure. I want something that works easily
Michigan 20hp ravenger 2250 works great electric start very powerful
Glad I got a Champion it starts easy the first pull every time since it came out of the box. With all these design type chipper shredders NEVER do palm branches as it dulls blades fast and gums the impeller. That long chute is how Champion has theirs. I removed mine and shortened it to only 5 inches then reinstalled it. Now branches with curves can go right in no problem. Love my Champion shredder i think a 250cc Briggs is to small. Champion is a 338cc that’s a whole lot more power. And the design of this chipper is very similar to a Champion. But a 338cc packs the punch that is needed. And the Champion has a large fuel tank in comparison.
Informative. Oil plug, cord not coming back completely, hard start, and difficulty feeding were a disappointment. Troy buit is not what it use to be. Decided not to buy.
Good video. No BS, all info.
I appreciate that!
Gloves are a Must with chippers like this. I have a Craftsman 10 hp chipper and I have the same thing happen.
Also when I had the flywheel that holes the blade off the back side has some weld, 4 of the welds were cracked completely and looked like a beginner welded it.
These spin at 3400 rpm not good!
I need a leaf shredder to mulch damp fall leaves. Someone on craigs is selling this unit for $350. Worth buying? Seems like a newer but significantly weaker electric/gas leaf shredder will cost anywhere between $150-250.
Dude, don't pull the starter rope like that. Pull it SLOWLY one time to full rope extension. With the rope fully extended, SLOWLY let the rope go back down until it stops. THEN pull the rope fast. No sense in that constant pulling to get it started like you are doing. And yeah, you need safety glasses because sometimes chips DO come flying back at you from the top hopper with extreme force. I've had them hit me right in the safety glasses. Doesn't happen often, but only takes one time to lose your eye.
Did you ever do a follow-up video in the fall shredding leaves??? I could not find one on your Channel.
I did not. Sorry.
Great video Fernbark, I'm pretty sure i'm going to get one of these. I mostly have 1" to 2" stuff I need to get rid of. I live on about 2 acres with tons of trees I have to prune and cleanup every year. I'm getting tired of hauling it off every time.
+Someoneboredonhere I just was using it today. I have no problem with 2". You have to jab it in slowly, but they go right down. 1" flies right through.
+Fernbark Frist My video I will be posting tomorrow will show me feeding more stuff into it.
I will be sure to watch it! The video you did pretty much made up my mind about getting one of these. Iv'e trimmed these trees for about 8 years and made countless loads to the dump. All the big stuff, I cut up and save for firewood or give away. I really just need something to get rid of the small branches and brush. I figure for about $850 It's worth a shot. Anything will help. lol
+Someoneboredonhere The Cub Cadet at Home Depot is the exact same machine painted in yellow, so I would shop price.
Yeah, I think the Cub cadet is the same machine just a different color. The price here is exactly the same. I ended up buying one today from Northern tool. I put oil and gas in it and, used it for about 30 mins strait with, no problems what so ever. I was impressed with. it. It's really not that heavy or hard to move and little stuff (2" or less) just flies right through it. It will do up to 3" but, it's not a good idea like you said the machine will struggle. I figure if i'm careful with it and, keep it properly maintained, it should last awhile. It will be a huge time saver if it holds up. :)
Iv'e wanted one forever, I wish id'e of bought one sooner now. Thanks again for taking the time to make a video, it was helpful!
Nice Video! just got one can't wait to do some Chipping!
Thanks for posting this informative video.
You're welcome
Can you clarify which sides I add engine oil to and which sides I add gear oil too? I recently was given one of these w/o documentation and am trying to make sure I fill each of the 3 openings w/ the proper oil. It appears engine oil may feed from the back side behind the right rear of the tank if standing at the front but it is unclear what I do about the openings on the right and left which may only be to check the oil level? Thank you in advance!
I’m surprised you still have your fingers!
Why?
Thanks for that. I have also got one and had the same issues, the top shoot does not want to shred anything. Have you had any luck since this video. I'm going to give it another go next week
Thanks for the review, there is one one CL for $200. Bout to make that purchae
The big hopper side feeds into the blower paddles and does not cut woody material.
A flexible goose neck funnel will solve the oil fill issue. Works great on mine. 👍🏼
Thanks for the tip!
Ours clogs easily from garden weeds and plant waste. Okay on tree limbs, pine comes, etc.
Its ment for small jobs it did a ok job!!! I like it
Keep your arms perpendicular to the branches! You are putting your hands right into the chute -- if your glove got caught or you tripped you hands could go straight into the blade.
Read the book matey.
LOL, starts better with the on/off switch turned on doesn't it?
I have to be honest on this. After watching you demonstrate this machine, it made me think of just getting the Flex attachment instead. Main drawback looks to be the same ones you had with yours though. I have yet to see someone use and review it.
Great to hear!
Thanks for the video. I know now not to buy this machine.
Thanks brother for sharing. Well done!
its the same as Cub Cadet as Troy Bilt purchased these chippers from MTD ltd as these are made by MTD ltd. the pressure washers Troy Bilt buys them from Briggs and Stratton they seem to have alot of problems these older MTD chipper shredders with the 5 hp L head Briggs and Stratton engines they are very hard to start when cold and when hot as the OHV engines are best suited for this as when the engine fires it slowly acellerates to turn that chipper wheel and flail hammers in the unit. the larger ones had an 8 hp L head Briggs and Stratton engine as its MTD that changes the parts on the chipper overtime. some of these MTD chippers they had a Tecumseh engine on them to repower them would be these Honda clone engines but have to make modifications to the muffler so they can fit and adapter to adapt a 3/4 inch shaft to a 1 inch there is a video on here replacing chipper motor with predator engine with 3 parts.
This one is hard to start cold. It wears me out. I need to do the mod where I can start it with a drill
same thing when i used to have my MTD chipper shredder with a 5 hp Briggs as its very hard to start when hot. if it had the old style starter clutch i could drill the spot welds off and remove the recoil and like oyu said start it with a drill. i don't have the machine the engine went. i should of kept it and repowered it with a Harbor Freight predator 212cc OHV engine a Honda clone as they are good the problem is the muffler and exhaust is in the way of the housing and you have to cut and weld a pipe and raise the muffler higher so it clears the shroud and allows access to the spark plug. the same will apply if a Honda engine is installed. plus i have to cut a 1 inch shim as the shaft on the predator is 3/4 inch as the shaft on these are 1 inch. as it went out well before a Harbor Freight store opened as its now cheaper to repower than get a new machine. as i liked this MTD or it was a Kmart Power Pro chipper shredder as it shreds the leaves much finer than whats sucked up by a vacuum. and makes good wood chip mulch too. i think today these MTD chipper shredders, Troy Bilt, cub cadet they will have a engine in it made in China or a newer china made Briggs and Stratton engine as they are all Honda clone engines as the block is identical to that of a Honda motor but with parts like the recoil, fuel tank, and air cleaner can be different but are the same to Honda as parts and gaskets, the ones by Briggs and stratton will have their logo on the valve cover and the carburetor. as its in all of their utility and snowthrower horizontal shaft engines they are from China as well the horizontal shaft engines from Kohler also a Honda clone and is from China. i think thats the new standard now these engines being on new equipment sold today.
Just tried to change the oil on this damn thing. Winged it and not sure if it got over filed. There was a bolt at the base on the dip stick side that I used to drain the oil. I used the dip stick hole to fill the oil but I had to tip it on its side. Can't check the oil level because, at flat ground, if you take the dip stick out oil will flow out. Can you do a video on the proper way to check and change oil?
If oil is flowing out, there is too much. I would invest in a funnel that has an angled tube and then you can fill the engine with it oriented properly.
@@FernbarkFrist I also thought I had too much oil but the instructions when I first bought the chipper was to add the provided oil. I also measured the new oil I added and it was within the amount of the oil capacity.
I'll take oil out until it stops flowing when the chipper is on level ground. I'm guessing that how I should measure the oil..on level ground and not tipped over to a side.
Can you post how to disassemble chute when branch is lodged in it?
Hi Cathy. This chipper is over 100 miles away from me and I haven't even started it in two years. I don't want to ignore you, but it is unlikely I will make this video.
This is a really old video, but it came up in my que since have been reviewing chippers. Did you ever get your chipper cutting better?
There seems to be a problem with the feeding on your chipper. suspect somebody has the blades mounted in the incorrect orientation, or perhaps very dull. If they dull quickly, the blades do not have the correct type of steel. If you cannot fix it to run better, try another brand and make comparisons. best of luck to you.
It works fine. Just a nube feeding it poorly.
i feel bad for you. I warm people to stay away from big box stores and troy built. troy is a crook.
Can this be used to chop up human body parts?
If they are under 3" in diameter. Forget trying to get a hip bone through this thing.
+Fernbark Frist No good. What machine would you recommend for such a task?
I have no practical experience in the matter. You will most likely want to consult an expert.
ha,stick your hand in it,and let us know...
You need the “Chicago Tool” brand for bodies. My friend Ice Pick sells used chippers.
Great review. Thank you!
+Dan Root Thanks for watching!
Fantastic review, started slow but you were very thorough. I am looking at one on Kijiji and another review had me concerned that it would not self feed as well as my neighbors wallenstien chipper. It looks like this self feeds just as well.
Hey did you consider removing the feeding shoot extension? Just feed through the small part? I know the shoot on the Wallenstien made it harder to feed in branches that were not straight.
Also do they sell a bag to go with it? That would help to catch chips and reduce the gravel blow away. I do like the look of the stones there without the sand. On grass this wouldn't be such a problem.
I had not thought about removing that. Bent branches are a pain. The unit feeds fine. It will take your arm if you aren't careful.
I bought one like new, but without manual. I can't seem to find a spec for the type of oil. It's the Troybilt CS4325. Do you by chance know the grade of oil? ty
+Bryant Bergenstock I will check tomorrow when I am at the chipper, but am pretty sure it is just 30 weight.
Ty. I used it for the first time today. The three inch diameter chute did nothing but clog. The branches I tried were one inch diameter. The machine is like new. Not sure if there's something I'm missing, but I never expected to have to tweak or year apart the auger already. Something just didn't seem right. Appreciate your help. Are you satisfied with it?
I like the unit. Mine will eat a one inch branch without hesitation. Go to the 1:40 mark in this video to see me feed a whole small tree into the unit. th-cam.com/video/pe9fWPq0v6A/w-d-xo.html This tree was about 2.5 inches at the bottom.
I have the Troybilt as in the video, and I have the smaller Troybilt, the smaller one cuts better than the bigger one.
That is good info
I just got this machine and run it about 6-7 hours, your review is spot on. Overall I'm happy with the unit for my 1 acre yard. Have you ever tried running this machine with only one cutter blade attached? I thinking it might stop some of the vibration effect...?
Guess you don't use tools much :) thanks for putting up the video though its great.
sounded like it was the first time he bought one and he shared his first time buyer and user experience with others so they can learn from him. what can we learn from what you have added to the mix..?.....? 😅
Brian Thomas Great comment Brian. I totally agree, I get annoyed by these negative, passive aggressive comments.
No way would I buy a machine with that type of starting mechanism. It's just stupid. Damn near impossible to start unless you are a big strong dude. A built in clutch is what is needed like the DR Power chipper, that Bruce Marcotte mentioned. And why don't they just tell us what the HP actually is? It's deceptive to say the least. Manufacturers always screwing with our minds.
I think a clutch would burn up pretty fast just because of the nature of the work it does. It would have to be a pretty stout clutch. An electric starter would be ideal. Also, I think torque is more important than HP in this application.
have you tried to do leaves yet?
No, sorry.
Pay that little extra for the electric start ...I have a Michigan 20hp ravenger 2250 worth the money its a beast.
You are correct. Wish I had it.
They sell them on ebay
Seems these portable wood chippers lack in horsepower! If you work them on larger pieces of wood is where they falter; then blades soon become to dull to cut properly!
Hmm, this is one Item I'd recommend to Hire a professional -
i just burn brush, don't want chips around the house. Termites!
Every time I've ever seen termites, they're consuming larger pieces of wood.
that guy is tired just from trying to turn it on 😂
You know it.
its not 11.5hp its 11.5 torque about 5-6 hp
Thanks for the correction
I prefer my Bearcat chipper, much easier to start
I stopped at 4:48, I could not watch, I know this is going to end bad!
Well, thanks for the first 4:48!
I think it's 7hp not 11.5hp
It isn't 11.5 I misspoke
Toy build make lot good thing but this chip start to hard and have play with to fine get running it should start in first pull!!!
I've got one that just threw a cutting blade. And the second cutting blade only had one of the two bolts holding it on. These things are a bummer to work on. Terrible design. Cheaply made. All that torque goes on the motor shaft sticking out as opposed to the shaft being supported on both sides. Not a fan, but really bummed because it does make great mulch from our yard/tree debris.
Thanks for sharing
RIP headphone user's
Oops. Chippers are loud
WUT?
This isn't made right it sim save the wood not chip it up and for 11 horse it doesn't look like got the power when a other brand only has 6. something horse power cut the hell out wood
Gotta choke it the first time bro.....😁
Toy build Lawn mower the pone, leave it in the store, it run good and cut good but leave go inside for a while the Carburetor float vale leak and it will drain all gas into the oil of the motor and had fix by a shop and Gus what the Grant y will not pay for this work, and only had the machine 3 mo. at the time and repair was 169 dollars and the fix last 3 Mo. tell had drain the oil and refill it, the fix was put off and on fuel vale to turn the fuel when got thru cut grass, bad fuel Carbonate on B&S motor cheap made
That sucks. WOn't self feed, bogs down. Hard to start. A good commercial on what not to buy. Good luck Keep your hands out of the chute of learn to eat with other hand.
never put your hand in the shute
Keep your hands out of the chute! It will take your fingers off, maybe your hand.
Two slow pulls and one fast….
It’s a seven hundred dollar POShit! I bought one.
If you haven’t already, take it back and buy a DR Chipper/Shredder. It’s much better!
Aib, Yai, Yai....
I bought a broken one and fixed it from the ground up.
They are truly the biggest piece of shit machinery I have ever seen or used.
What they sold should of been considered a prototype and a poor one at that.
They should of never been sold and marketed to chip 3 inch sticks.
You have a 8 9 whatever horse power motor wich should be plenty of power to chip 3 inch or more stick, but the power is just wasted trying to take to much of a chip out of a stick, a simple solution would be 4 blades rather than 2 and put the blades at a damn angle so it slices the would rather then hit it dead on the blade.
Just extremely poor engineering.
What a waste of a machine! Troy needs to build something that works!
What part did not work?
This is the worst shredder I’ve ever seen. Troy built should fire every engineer that designed this piece of junk!!
I am not doubting this is the worst one you have seen, but just to provide perspective to those who read this comment, how many have you seen?
Looks like way too much work just feeding it as particular as it is. Under powered.
Made in China!
Heck Yeah