Tracked Chipper Comparison.

[paddyvero]

40 minutes ago, josharb87 said:

If its just between those two, see what other specifications are offered that suit your needs/make the machine work better for you.

 

When i was looking for the same spec machine, i wanted retractable tracks to squeeze into places (and allow the chipper and grinder to sit side by side on the trailer) and a hydraulic winch (not electric!)

 

At the time, TW diddnt do retractable tracks on the 280, or offer a hydraulic winch (Electric only) 

 

Först had a bit of a hit and miss reputation on line and would only offer electric winchs.

 

So i went for a Jensen 540 with upgraded 50hp motor, retractable tracks and 3500kg ramsey hyd winch. According to others it out chips the TW280

 

The 55hp först does sound good on paper, i would be looking very closely at that if needing to swap.

 

Looking back, the retractable tracks have been incredibly important for me, likewise the winch.

Thanks Josh. If I had the choice I would go Jensen no question, always found them the best of the bunch, but I want dealer support so its TW or Forst. 

Im not too worried about physical size, and there is only an inch between the 280 and Tr8 anyway. 

A winch would be great, not sure itll be an option here. Whats the issue with electric winches? Do you use yours to drag material to the machine, or just for recovery? 

Thanks for the input.

[paddyvero]

3 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

No bother, just make you’re own decision, don’t be swayed too much by internet opinions like mine.

For sure. Ive ran Forst alot, but not a recent model and they have had their reliability issues. Havent ran a Timberwolf in over a decade, and really just hoping someone has ran the newer machine with the Petrol.

[carlos]

are you buying new? can you not use a demo model to help make up your own mind.

id echo what josh said about retractable tracks, i wouldnt consider one without that ( for the work we do)

[paddyvero]

Just now, carlos said:

are you buying new? can you not use a demo model to help make up your own mind.

id echo what josh said about retractable tracks, i wouldnt consider one without that ( for the work we do)

Yep new. Yeh in theory, but Timberwolf isnt in the country yet. Forst is a fair drive and a ferry to the dealers. I think both probably well matched in performance, its more the reliability, fuel usage, life expectancy Im concerned with.

[josharb87]

9 minutes ago, paddyvero said:

Thanks Josh. If I had the choice I would go Jensen no question, always found them the best of the bunch, but I want dealer support so its TW or Forst. 

Im not too worried about physical size, and there is only an inch between the 280 and Tr8 anyway. 

A winch would be great, not sure itll be an option here. Whats the issue with electric winches? Do you use yours to drag material to the machine, or just for recovery? 

Thanks for the input.

I’ve always heard that electric winches are for single use self recovery only, repetitive use burns solenoids or something like that.

 

i use the winch far more than I thought, pulling back leaners over, dragging whole trees or sections of trees to where you want to chip, assisted felling, vehicle recovery in the snow 

[Mick Dempsey]

Electric winches are good, can be used repeatedly but must be left to cool occasionally.

 

Not an all day every day thing, but so much easier to fit.

[PeteB]

Have Forst and Timberwolf got dealer representation in Canada? 

[paddyvero]

7 minutes ago, PeteB said:

Have Forst and Timberwolf got dealer representation in Canada? 

They do yes. Forst in the last year or so, Timberwolf machines arriving in early 2022.

Edited October 17, 2021 by paddyvero

[paddyvero]

Placed an order in October, and it arrived wednesday. Actually ended up going with a TW230 petrol, spec'd a winch. First day out with it today, and Im well pleased. 

[aspenarb]

8 hours ago, paddyvero said:

Placed an order in October, and it arrived wednesday. Actually ended up going with a TW230 petrol, spec'd a winch. First day out with it today, and Im well pleased. 

 

It would be interesting to know how much petrol it uses a day when used in anger, any chance of monitoring it and letting us know? Really curious to know how these new petrol chippers compare to the old diesel ones.

 

Bob