MLS

Thought better update my OP. When I took my machine for repair told fitters what had happened and it was out of warranty, so for them to check everything out, order what ever bits needed and get on with repair as I would be paying! Then spoke again to Ross who said following, not a maintenance/grease issue in his experience it is when the blades hit something heavy eg a rail spike as he has repaired many that have been abused on track clearance work. All the energy in the flywheel has to go somewhere and the bearings are more or less next in line. I was wrong to say the bearing had failed when it was the bearing casing. The other possibility is if a chunk of metal from the machine somehow became dislodged and hit the blades. I also sent an email to Redwoods telling what had happened, that I expected nothing from them as the machine was out of warranty, and that I was disappointed given the low hours. To Redwoods credit they phoned me on Wednesday jist of conversation blades looked blunt with wrong securing bolts as Redwoods had changed the type 2 years ago, lower feed roller shows signs of having "chewed gravel" they have seen bearing issues with machines 800/900hrs that have been worked hard, however they stand by their product/brand pride themselves in after sales customer service and want customers to remain loyal so are going to help me out with the repairs. I expressed my surprise and thanks as they are the only manufacturer/dealer who has offered to help when a machine of mine has been out of warranty so well done Redwoods.

Missed a call from Redwoods so will speak to them tomorrow. Nice surprise have to be honest and say have been upset about this. I accept machines break particularly if being worked hard or pushed to their limit but I feed the machine and even as on this case a bloke was working with me while 2 others did the cutting I do my best to check whats about to go through. Am toying with idea of permanent grease nipples actually on bearings so no doubt grease getting there.

Hi Marc Sent email to Redwoods to to let them know. Realize out of warranty

As far as I know greased at start of each work day prior to starting up. At one stage wasn't sure so had new lines put in. Have even put grease nipples onto bearings to be double sure!

No just feed hopper bearing but know other will get replaced to be safe/sure.

Oh yes great big chunk out of one so new set needed, plus belts, flywheel sensor and thats just what I could see anvil while need checking and when repaired it will all need to be tested to make sure nothing else knocked out of balance.

Less than 300hrs

From remains it was cast same as one nearest flywheel. Have asked agric. engineer to price for two steel ones.

So don't often post but need a rant, my chipper has done low hours and not been worked hard and still has had two major breaks 1st was the top feed roller/ hydraulic drive connector breaking then last Friday catastrophic flywheel bearing disintegration plus resulting additional damage in seconds before I could switch the machine off. I didn't think it safe to try to restart machine to load on to trailer. Hence good old JCB to the rescue to lift unit onto the trailer. And yes its paid for and yes its out of warranty time, so not a happy chap. Dreading cost to get it fixed.

Hi Adam, fair comment based on your experience. I've a transit van for some jobs but still prefer my old Trooper for towing I dont think there is a perfect vehicle and some of my past purchases indicate it can be a lottery getting a good vehicle.

Hi, no problem he could always blank the windows out so small 4x4 van combo

Like many above don't commit to cut every 3wks given average summer third week will still put too much growth on either will knock hell out of machine or you will have to keep raising cut height so machine can cope or cut slower, plus wheres cuttings going? Travel time to allow for I do one site spend more time travelling to empty because thats where I'm allowed to tip, than cutting. It does add time on to the job and mines a fixed price so if takes longer ie wet grass, or more of it there is no more money.

Still a Very nice set up. Being nosy what trailers are you using? I'm looking to get gx125 for pos. tracked excavator either ec25 or kx61 but it all depends on costs and specs.

Father in law prefers terrano to his disco when needing to tow ifor 3.5 t trailer when collecting bulk sacks of feed etc cheap underrated but not a van!

Ah well hope for me then to some day win work off those bigger outfits not likely after all these years but you never know!

Is that true re vat trouble I found vat on labour always exceeded vat I could reclaim plus domestic customers always seemed to think shouldn't be charged,

Ah that would be annoying to say the least no wonder your disappointed I find once cleared fine for the day not 20mins, thats rough

Oh while I remember its mainly when feeding lots of leylandi or soft stuff through without much wood that causes most build up

Didn't know there was a top roller upgrade, on my machine as part of routine checks always check/clear any rubbish that builds up round top roller/ bearing area. if left to build up machine doesn't grip stuff! If kept clean no problems. Did get free drive upgrade for better track speed about two months after I got machine even though speed was fine to me.

Well its clear now who will benifit the most

no time for magies see them raid kill small birds + nests. seen 7 attack another in same group and peck it to death! so follow Skyhuck advice.

emailed 'teamliondog' about viewing/ checking machine etc his response not available over hols plus 'if you should bid and win the item and subsequently find it to be not as described or otherwise, you reserve the right to refuse to proceed with the purchase and not affect your statutory rights.' still think for this sort of money you should be able to physically get your hands on it to check it out, and a bit surprised at lack of interest on ebay for this type of machine.

Hi Sean, stranger Dave again, read your recent posts your wife's right, think of what you will be able to do. Your mind and body have taken quite a beating, its a lot to deal with so go easy on yourself and enjoy the hammock! When my wife got sick she had to use a wheelchair or the mobility scooter it was difficult and she got frustrated and angry at what was happening but she kept positive and we adapted our lifestyle to suit new situation. Your still there for your family and in my opinion that's the best thing to focus on. Little victories all add up. All the best Dave MLS.