Is the Greenmech QuadChip 160 reliable?

[Andrew Barrett]

I'm seriously thinking about buying a Greenmech QuadChip 160 but am concerned about reliability.

 

In the last three years I've bought two new chippers from different manufacturers that have both had serious reliability problems within 150 hours of usage from new. I can't afford to buy another dog.

 

I've tested the QuadChip 160 & Jensen 530. I like the features and the low weight of the QuadChip - but I'm concerned that they may have had to make too many compromises to achieve this. My concerns were not eased by the faulty roller spring (that I had to point out to them!) on the last demo QuadChip I've just tried.

 

So, how are people finding their QuadChips? Are they reliable? Have you had any problems? Are you happy with your purchase and would you have made the same decision knowing what you know now.

 

Thanks very much for your help, Andrew.

[Peter]

Mine has done just over 50 hours from new, no problems so far, only time I'v had a spanner on it is for knife turning and regular maintenance.

 

What was the issue with the roller spring?

[Ian C]

mine has done 150 hrs now and never misses a beat, great machine. the streachy roller spring is a known problem and greenmech will sort it for you.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

I too experienced the roller spring issue when I demo'd the machine. It was quickly sorted and performance was ace. I feel that the new Jensen A540 turntable might piss on its bonfire tho, more power and heavier, pricey tho I'll wager.

[treefrog]

I have just bought the jensen 530 looked into the greenmech but overall thought the jensen was better. The turntable function is great but think the jensen is a much better machine. Also the deal I got was better from redwoods than that the greenmech dealer was offering.

 

I ve done 6hrs so far and very happy with my choice.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Redwood do seem to enjoy an excellent customer service reputation..

[treefrog]

and there only 3 miles away from me.

[Burytreeman]

I don't know the jenson soi cant really offer a balanced comparison, however i have owned and used Greenmech chippers for the last ten years or so. I have always found them reliable and well up to the task. Phone support/advice is always available and knowledgeably given. On the opccasions i have replaced parts (exhust and stickers) the parts arrived speedily. Good backup and advice is invaluble in todays market so i think greenmech are a very strong contendor for your purchase!...

[Andrew Barrett]

I'm not considering the Jensen 540 turntable as it is too big and heavy (even forgetting about price!). It is not really a competitor machine to the QuadChip: the Jensen is a 7.5" machine vs 6" and weighs 1,450kg vs. 750kg for the QuadChip.

 

Even the 6" Jensen 530 turntable version weighs 1,060kg according to the Redwood website. The Redwood/Jensen guys are adamant that it is not possible to build a sub-750kg 6" turntable machine without compromising badly on build quality.

[PeteB]

I would comment on the sales tactics of others but you might think that me slagging them off is just sour grapes.....