12 inch chippers

pukunui

Just after some opinions on chippers around the 12 inch size.
Specifically Vermeer vs Bandit.

I see a few of the vermeer BC1000's around second hand. How do these go?
(Is the BC1000 the same as a BC1000XL ?)

Are the 12inch bandits like 150XP, 200XP and 250XP a better machine ?

It appears the bandits are a bit heavier for their size.


Any other considerations when comparing the different models?

Thanks in advance.

Drouin Tree Service

BC1000 10" BC1000XL 12" correct with the bandits,The bandit will take more of a beating IMO

__________________

Drouin Tree Services | Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland | Landclearing Melbourne

Apocalypsse

12" Bandit is slightly lighter than the BC1000XL, I was a tad shocked when I found this out. Check out a BC1200XL if its in your price range. Our 1000XL struggles on the last sections of big wood, decent gap between roller and drum and if often stalls, also the lack of a crush feature gives us problems on some trees. The Vermeers are more sleek and the Bandit looks like something from a mad scientist. I'd say if you're treating it a bit rough then go the Bandit.

Eric Frei

All I say is go for the vertical feed rollers not horizontal. Two vertical feed rollers is way better.

__________________

Drouin Tree Service

The 12" bandits are heavier(150xp+250xp) than the vermeer bc1000+xl

__________________

Drouin Tree Services | Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland | Landclearing Melbourne

Apocalypsse

Agreed, just gotta keep those rails lubricated and it will take anything.

oH really, must have been thinking of another brand.

pukunui

Thanks for the replies,
A few more questions.
Are the bandits in this size all disc chippers while the Vermeer BC1000's are drums?
Would this make much difference at this size?

Are there any other decent chippers in the 12 inch size ?

Is there a reason there are so many second hand BC1000's for sale?

cheers.

Drouin Tree Service

BC1000 dont have the lifespan of the bandits,a freind of mine has a bandit 150xp with 6,000hrs and its still a very good machine thats been maintained.

The 250 bandit is the same machine with a bigger infeed and weighs more(i think 2800kg) the bc 1000 around 2000kg.

I would take the bandit anyday over the vermeer with lift and crush,and a more solid build,BUT if your going to tow it with a small tipper like a canter etc get the vermeer because of the weight.

__________________

Drouin Tree Services | Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland | Landclearing Melbourne

Apocalypsse

Be wary of the weight difference between the BC1000 and BC1000XL. BC1000 may be around 2t but the BC1000XL is 2.4t.

Patrick Deasey

bandit do a 12" disc chipper and a 12" drum which they call the 990 XP or Hd depending on the engine you get. I think the Drum has a wider opening than the disc. I had one demo'd and we couldn't throw stuff at it quick enough to slow it down. Only thing I didnt like with these machines is that the engine controls and clutch are on the road side, rather than the kerb side (made for american conditions) which may be a bit dangerous if you are working on road sides

Apocalypsse

When you buy brand new you can get the controls on the left hand side.

Patrick Deasey

Hmmm, not what they told me. Maybe if you get it built that way in the states before they ship it?

Apocalypsse

They told you lies. In the Arborage a few months back when they did an article on it they even said that you can get it new with left side controls, even if you get it second hand they should be able to modify it for you. Our Vermeers have had controls modified to be on left side.