Thanks for your realistic test of this chipper. Many videos of high price and capacity chippers cover mainly small diameter material, which a lower price machine can also handle easily. I think you got a bargain, it does what you need it to, without breaking the bank. A comparable performing chipp 12:01 er costs about 3 times 12:0112:01
thank you for a great review. It is nice to see someone who isn't a complete savage operating the machine. Feeding the machine slowly enough for it not to completely bog down is how a little tike should be run. The machine looks good. Easy access to clear the chute. An adjustable diverter that can angle down and spin 180 degrees. Kohler engine. Make sure you service the engine. It is great that the engine starts slowly without trying to spin the blade. Looks like it works well for small branches, but I'm interested in the top chute for smaller cuttings and leaves. I would be great to know if it clogs frequently.
Thank you. Yeah it’s a great little machine for spring cleaning and chipping all the winter branch falls. My property is mostly wild, so I rarely bother shredding smaller twigs and leaves, but I can’t imagine that same blade that handles a 3” branch would get bogged down doing smaller stuff. But maybe? It’s just not something I use it for. Thanks for watching and commenting. :)
Finishing my earlier comment - a comparable performance chipper (in 2024) in Australia is about 3 times the price you paid. I also like the respectful way you respond even to slightly critical comments from viewers. Thanks also for your explanation of the tapemeasure which converts circumference to diameter. Cheers from Aldgate, South Australia
Stephen I’m glad you found the video helpful. The chipper still started and ran great when I used it again this summer. When I needed a much bigger one I hired a guy with a 12” capacity one the size of a truck, worked all day and ended up with two giant piles of chips and it still cost way less than that! :) Thanks for watching.
Well done video. I purchased one of these machines a few months age and am very happy with it. a couple of weeks ago I ordered the leaf hose kit, designed for the 503 model, and it works with the 533 as long as you remove the top hopper and make a block off plate to go in its place. the leaf hose works very well. I also noticed that by removing the top hopper the unit is not as top heavy and pulls behind my garden tractor much better. Since I hardly use the top hopper I may just leave it off.
Great video! It helped so much to see it in action. It looks like this unit has just a little bit more oomph compared to the units in the 500-600 dollar range, those all look to have a cheaper build quality. This will be the chipper I get if I decide to get one. Thank you!
I’m happy the video was useful for you. I’ve done about five full days of pretty intense chipping since shooting this. Learning more about the machine and pushing it to its limits, I’m still very happy with the purchase.
I have a little country pro wood chipper with a 6.5 hp kohler engine that im very happy with I tow mine behind my lawn mower. I don't run 3in branches in it either I find that it seems to work to hard
I'm currently weighing the options of buying a homeowner-sized chipper, but most of what I'm seeing online makes me want to shy away from anything that costs less than $3K. Yours if the best review of a smaller chipper that actually takes into consideration the size and feed rate of the machine. The end result is, if you treat the machine for what it is and don't expect it to be a commercial 10" chipper, it will be an effective and cost efficient tool. Thank you so much for taking the time to make the video. I believe that you've changed my mind for the better.
Thank you. I’m glad the video helped. I recently had a conversation with a friend about chipper capacity. One thing that came up was to think of the stated capacity like the top speed on a car… sure your car might be able to go 150 miles an hour, but it probably won’t do it for long if you drive that fast all the time, and if you do you’re definitely asking for an accident. Safer not to test the limits.
Thanks for the feedback. I’ve used it a few more times since posting this. See my most recent “Spring Cleaning” video for lots more chipping. I’ve put about three tanks of gas through it, clogged up the output shoot once by overfeeding it, and after something like a dozen hours of chipping I’m still very happy with my purchase.
Glad to hear it. I’m still happy with mine. I think in this price range it’s hard to beat a small unit like this if it fits the type of work you’re doing. Thanks for watching. :)
I could hear my dad hollering at you operating that machine. You were forcing the wood into the machine. Dad would have said, SON, WHAT IN THE HELL YOU DOING. LET THE MACHINE DO THE WORK!!! QUIT FORCING IT!!!
Hahah. I’m always open to some good old fashioned d’advice (I kind of missed out on that as a kid) but every machine is different. In my defense it is literally the first time I’ve owned a chipper. And first time running one so tiny. And your dad is definitely right, some bigger units do indeed reliably “self-feed” with mechanical rollers and such. This one claims to self-feed, but in reality it’s only the force of the blades that pulls, which is… unpredictable; bouncing back on little branches and on bigger more solid branches it will over-pull to the point of stalling the blades. What looks like I’m pushing here may actually be me just “keeping it steady”. More like feeding than forcing. But I’ll have to rewatch and study my technique before I head into spring. Thanks for the critique, always willing to improve!
@Lumbering Shenanigans I was just messing with you. I've been looking into getting a small one. I have 4 and a half acres in West Virgina. I'm slowly making a path around the perimeter to be able to drive my 4 wheeler. I thought about renting a larger one but think that a smaller one will be fine and I can pull it with my 4 wheeler. I'm just worried about the durability. What's your thought on that?
All good, solid advice either way. :) As for the durability, I’ve only had it a year, and haven’t actually started it since winter hit. I’d say it’s not the most rugged thing I own. I wouldn’t describe it as “built like a tank” or anything. But for a small, light, more portable unit I think it’s as sturdy as it needs to be. It is sometimes a little top heavy for hauling on my ATV on tight corners. If you’re just using it like I do, to drag around trails and keep things tidy of the smaller branches that constantly fall from trees than its a great solution. Good for general cleanup and maintenance work. If you’re planning to do a bunch of quick felling and limbing, the need to process a lot of material, with a lot of power very quickly, then maybe renting a bigger machine might be a better idea.
Thanks for watching. I couldn’t find a good demo of this specific unit before I bought it, so I figured people might find it helpful. I’m still happy with it, and waiting for a break in the weather so I can play with it again. :)
Thanks! I’m glad it was helpful. I still stand by the review something like a year and half now. I don’t use it often, but it’s never failed to perform well with the small stuff I generally handle in trail cleanup. Thanks for watching. :)
@lumberingshenanigans honestly super helpful. The one I'm buying is sold as a Dorite but the manual is rubbish and I can't find good pictures or advice on operating it so this all of your info was brilliant!
Great video, and a good 'proof for purchase' on the unit. As for your top heavy issues, if you want to keep the top hopper, perhaps look at extending the wheel mounts 8" - 10.' If your trails allow, that would really help with stability. 👍Carry on -
Good idea! I’ve been thinking about adding wheel weights also, like I have on my BCS two wheel tractor. Just bolting a couple of 10lb gym plates on each wheel would make a huge difference I think.
I bought one on 03.08.23 from Lowe's which had been a demo, and let set outside in the weather. Found water in the crank case when I tried to put its initial oil in for the first time. Upon further investigation, I also found water in the cylinder. I promptly returned it to Lowes for a refund, which they did with a smile. I'm now searching for one that's been inside out of the weather...
Yeah, oof that sounds like good reason to not leave anything out in the rain. But I’m also a sucker for brand new gear, especially if there’s a gas engine involved. I’ve heard too many horror stories. Plus I simply don’t know enough about engines to risk it. I hope you have better luck with a new one. :)
You’re impressive! Very thorough in the details, and your directness in chipping those branches stood out for me. I’m a recent widower (woman) in my early 60’s, living on 4 acres outside of Phoenix, Arizona. I have no intention on moving, so I need to maintain all the mesquite, palo verde, and pine trees on the property. I have piles of tree limbs, and dead trees that need shredding right now. What is your opinion, and advice, on a woman using the OPC533? Oh, the limbs have thorns!
I know women older than me who could outpace me on this rig, and I know men half my age who’d be hopeless. It’s all up to you, good gloves, don’t rush, and get it done before the branches become hard and brittle. Or check out my dead-hedging video, that’s another way to “get rid of” unwanted branches and stuff.
Thank you for this video! Your property is beautiful, do you have a 2024 update on the machine? Was any of the wood "green"? Curious how it does with fresh branches, also curious what you think of the top shredder? Have you ever tried shredding your compost pile?
Thank you 🙏. I actually filmed a new video about two weeks ago and this little guy made a cameo, started easily, chipped wonderfully, and that was after being left outside under a tarp all winter. So it’s still going strong. - I’d say green wood is easier to feed and chip than seasoned wood and the chips are a little cleaner with less dust. - Top shredder isn’t something I’ve had a need for, I just don’t need to do that kind of yard work and leaf clean up or mulching, but it seems to shred as expected. Thanks for watching!
Well done. probably the best owner review of any chipper I've seen. On our property in Florida, most of the branches we have been cutting, trimming, and bundling for pickup by the county, are smaller oak branches, rarely more than two inches in diameter, and most being 3/4" or less and four or five feet long. Could something like that be quickly placed in the top hopper without having to constantly push them down?
Hey, thanks for the compliment! :) The top hopper is more like a flail shredder and mostly intended for leaves and brush I think. I've fed a few blackberries and stuff into it, but if the top load didn't exist I wouldn't miss it. As for the main feed, you could probably get it to take a couple of your 3/4" limbs at once, though I don't have any oak so can't speak to that hardwood. Closest I have is vine maple, which when it's dry is incredibly hard and this thing struggles at 1.5-2" with that. I would say that "pushing" isn't really what's needed on smaller branches since it does self-feed somewhat just from the blade action, but the faster you feed them the quicker they go. Plus, keeping a firm grip on the material sticking out is definitely safer than letting go. I hope that answers your question. Don't hesitate if you have any other questions. Just post a new comment so I get a notification. Thanks for watching!
Looks a ton better than the Harbor Freight version and the clones. I can see where you come with your evidence on the shredder hopper making it hard to tow. There is one thing I might approach as a better collection method than the bag. Put some screen over a cart and hold it tight with some bungee cords as long as there's a way for the chips to gather in the cart.
Ha! Literally anything would be better than that bag to be honest. The chips ended up shredding through it pretty quick. You’re so right though, I’m totally going to build a hardware cloth cage to bungee over my Guerrilla Cart! Great idea! I’ll try and remember to give you a shoutout if I film it.
Looking for my first chipper I had my property get a lot of trees removed now I have a ton of leftover branches and I want to make trails with the chips. And also not trying to break my wallet!
It’s hard to find a better option than this one for under a grand. If you have the money and the space for a bigger machine, then the options are broader. Personally this little unit does everything I need.
You might be able to fit the 208cc engine on there, but that’s barely a step up from the 196cc, probably not worth the cost. The same stock unit with that engine is almost double the price. After that you’re better off just buying a bigger machine I think, like the 5”or 7” versions. But I don’t need that kind of power, nor do I want to spend that kind of money. 😂 Thanks for watching!
I just bought this same model and jammed it on the long chute 3x right off the bat. The pieces were about 2in and I feed the chute slowly and jerked back so it didn't jam but as soon as the piece was unsafe to hold because it was short, I let go and it Jamed. The problem is I had to remove the long chute, and the entire back to clear it and took me 45 minutes each time. The back opens but does not give you a way to clear jams on the long chute side caught behind the blades. Any advice?
Hmmm. I’ve never had a jam I couldn’t clear by hand via the access door you see me do my next chipper video, carefully turning the blade backwards and forwards to free the material, then carefully pulling the chunk out of the chute. Sometimes just using the recoil/starter rope to move the blade will free things up. When chipping, make sure the engine is running at full throttle. And since you’re new to the machine, maybe start with smaller material while you learn its quirks and tolerances? I feel like now I’m familiar with it I haven’t had a jam in ages… like I can’t remember the last time I jammed it.
@@lumberingshenanigans every time I jammed it was when I was feeding a large 2 to 3 in piece that it would grab and then I would pull back grab and pull back and when the end got all the way to the top of the Chute to where it was unsafe to grab and pull back cuz it became too small I would let go of it and then it was running to the shoot and jam. That jam was so stuck in by the blades I had to take the whole thing apart I could not twist it could not turn it could not pull the cord and the piece is that got stuck or about 2 in longer than the shoot itself
I am going through it with this unit. I purchased it new and set it up with the manual, but it dies at the first hint of a load on the engine. It can't handle twigs without instantly bogging down, and it is not running nearly as high rpm as what I hear in this video even with the throttle maxed before the choke point. It doesn't really "pull" the stick as I see in the video either, even very long but thin sticks. I am kind of dumbfounded with it. Never had this issue with any other small equipment. Anyone else have this issue with a new unit?
Why don't any of these units come with a hose attachment to direct the chips? Duct taping a dryer hose onto one is simple and can re-direct the chips into a garbage can.
Clogs, and wear are the main reason I assume. Maybe a really heavy duty length of PVC pipe of some kind might work for a while, but any consumer grade dryer hose or vent hose or anything with ridges would last about an hour with the force of hard wood chips ripping it to shreds. And even the mighty mighty duct tape has its limits. These things kick out chunks with a LOT more force than a table saw or other woodworking equipment. But if you find a solution, please post a video and come back here and share the tip! Thanks for watching! :)
I have mixed opinions of 3in wood chippers. I adopted and tuned up a 3in 8HP Craftsman from 1996, and am disappointed in chipping performance….however, my unit earns its keep with it’s mulching end- powering through the bitter end of fall debris cleanup with it’s drop down ‘dust pan’ hopper-nothing is better!..(wonder why it’s out of style now?) On the 3” chipper end, despite a fresh set of blades, any branches 1 inch & twisted, bent, or forked require manual dissection before feeding. Those 6in, 15HP drum chippers look like a great tool for chipping 3in forked, bent, twisted branches-anything larger can become firewood. Perhaps chippers are specified like lifting jacks, buy 2x larger than your intended use.
Oh I’d agree with that thinking with almost any tool. If I were expecting to chip 3” trees and limbs regularly I would have opted for a bigger boat for sure. Or maybe just rented instead. But realistically I can either leave the 2”+ branches and trees where they drop, stack them into piles to decay and become habitat for wildlife and birds, or occasionally run them through this thing. Bigger than that and I build with them or burn them to keep warm. For the cost, I think this is exactly what I needed. Small enough I can drag it up and down trails by hand, and beefy enough it’ll handle everything I run into on an average day of cleaning. Thanks for watching! :)
Love the video,. Compelled me to purchase a chipper/shredder for my property. I was intrigued by your brush axe. May I ask what brand it is? Or perhaps an Amazon link. Thanks a bunch.
Hi, thanks, I'm glad it was helpful. The Brush Axe I use here (and in many videos) is my favorite outdoor tool of all, this exact model I bought 15 years ago isn't made anymore, but the new version is here: amzn.to/3LF6elS - It's concept of combining a hooked pull-knife, a nicely weighted chopping tool, with a blunt hammer style tip is very useful in the forest. It’s based on the Woodman's Pal: amzn.to/42vTLaY which is a WWII era design and is still made in the USA today, but is considerably more costly. I do own a Woodman's Pal, but I prefer the lighter stainless steel Elk Ridge version as my everyday carry. These links are Amazon affiliate links, purchases made through these links may result in a small contribution to the channel at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
Diameter. Timber trees are always measured in diameter (DBH), usually using the kind of tape measure I use here, marked to convert circumference to diameter for you.
I’m honestly not sure, sorry I don’t use it for that, with 45 acres of maple and alder leaves… I just let them rot where they fall. But I would say even this small sized chipper/shredder would be way overkill for that process. They make dedicated leaf mulchers that are much cheaper. I think some leaf blowers are reversible also, so they vacuum and mulch. Maybe someone else will reply with some better insight. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. Thanks for watching. :)
Thank you for your video it was very helpful. I just received my chipper yesterday and can't wait to use it. One question are you using the kohler 10w50 synthetic oil on yours or do you use 10w 30?
I stand by it. For the cost, it’s exactly what I needed. Is it perfect? No. Is it as powerful as a machine three times its price? No. But I’ve had no issues with it beyond what I discussed in this video, and it fits my needs and my budget. About to head into my third spring using it and I don’t anticipate any issues.
Thanks for this, video. It was very helpful and just the price point I'm looking for. Is there a reason you went with this one when your original budget was just under 2K?
Thank you. I’m glad it helped. There were a bunch of options, and none seemed instantly worth spending double the money. A few I decided against just on the configuration of the output shoot. And sometimes just making everything bigger and heavier isn’t the way to go. I needed a small unit, and I can always find other ways to spend the extra money. Thanks for watching.
My unit came with a spare set. I haven’t had to replace them yet, thankfully, because it looks like it’ll be a high pain in the butt. But if you need a new set, and can’t get a good edge by sharpening the old ones, I’d definitely reach out to DK online and ask. They’re Canadian so you know they’ll be polite. :) Thanks for watching!
That’s the shredder, mostly for leaves and twigs, like regular yard work. I really have no use for it out here. But I did throw some skinny stuff in there, and it’s true to its name, it shreds. The result of shredding is not nearly as nice to look at as chips, but if you have a lot of leaves and want to reduce them or give the composting process a head start it might be useful. Thanks for watching! :)
It’s pulling, which is a by-product of engaging the blade. (It pulls as it slices). So, you kind of have to jam it in, and then it engages and pulls and doesn’t want to let go. So you have to resist the pull and just sort of “hold” the limb steady and feed it. The manual is quite direct in the way it describes how to do it. Back off when it starts to bind/stall. It’s direct drive, so it is possible to stall it, and not a major concern. You just remove the log and restart the engine. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching! :)
Its intended for leaves, and other stuff that’s not sturdy enough to feed through the main chipper. Inside it’s more of a flail wheel that just shreds stuff and spits it out. I don’t do any leaf collection since the whole forest is leaves, so I don’t really need that. Thanks for watching! :)
The reviews are not so great on the Lowes site and not a lot of reviews to gauge a consist theme of common failure. Those with the lowest star rating who had issues almost all seem to be with stalling. Besides your video, I had seen one other well documented video on UA-cam. In both, the unit appears to run very well. I assume those experiencing stalling were not easing back when feeding large limbs, I don't know, but I will find out! I bought it, I like the towing feature it will be good to drive around the property as we have cleared some acreage. The tall timber gets hauled out but the branches remain scattered about the hillside in piles. I added an extended 2yr warranty for $109, minus in my Military discount and an apparently forgotten gift card that showed up when I was checking out for $155 (SWEET!) and free shipping, I'm only in $640. Lets see what this baby will do!
That’s a great deal! Nicely done. Yeah I don’t know why people are surprised when a small direct-drive engine stalls when over taxed. All engines stall under the right conditions. You can stall a 747 jet if you pilot it wrong. 🤣 But coming up on two years now and I’m still very happy with the unit. - One thought about towing… it does tend to be a little too heavy, so take it slow, and don’t expect to fly around corners. I have even considered removing the top leaf hopper (which I rarely use) and making a cover plate, just to make it more squat for towing. But congrats on the price, and enjoy your new toy! Thanks for watching.
This actually does auto-feed, in the sense that it will pull the stock into the chipper with the power of the blade. What it doesn’t have is an auto-throttle like the $200k machines that slow the feed when the motor bogs down. I think you pay considerably more than $700 for that kind of feature.
Suave, I’d actually be interested to know which model you would recommend in this price range and chipping capacity. Most of what I chip is branches and deadfall at 2” or less. I did consider the chipper attachment for my BCS but the $2k (plus shipping) wasn’t in my budget and it looks way slower than this unit, and much more cumbersome to move. Your thoughts?
Thank you very much for making this video. Very helpful to see the machine in action!
I’m glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching. :)
Thanks for your realistic test of this chipper. Many videos of high price and capacity chippers cover mainly small diameter material, which a lower price machine can also handle easily. I think you got a bargain, it does what you need it to, without breaking the bank. A comparable performing chipp 12:01 er costs about 3 times 12:01 12:01
thank you for a great review. It is nice to see someone who isn't a complete savage operating the machine. Feeding the machine slowly enough for it not to completely bog down is how a little tike should be run. The machine looks good. Easy access to clear the chute. An adjustable diverter that can angle down and spin 180 degrees. Kohler engine. Make sure you service the engine. It is great that the engine starts slowly without trying to spin the blade.
Looks like it works well for small branches, but I'm interested in the top chute for smaller cuttings and leaves. I would be great to know if it clogs frequently.
Thank you. Yeah it’s a great little machine for spring cleaning and chipping all the winter branch falls. My property is mostly wild, so I rarely bother shredding smaller twigs and leaves, but I can’t imagine that same blade that handles a 3” branch would get bogged down doing smaller stuff. But maybe? It’s just not something I use it for. Thanks for watching and commenting. :)
I’m very happy with my DK2 3 inch chipper with a 7hp kohler engine!perfect size for home use..
Most thorough review of a chipper that I have seen.
Great video! We purchased the same machine and love ours!
Finishing my earlier comment - a comparable performance chipper (in 2024) in Australia is about 3 times the price you paid. I also like the respectful way you respond even to slightly critical comments from viewers. Thanks also for your explanation of the tapemeasure which converts circumference to diameter. Cheers from Aldgate, South Australia
Stephen I’m glad you found the video helpful. The chipper still started and ran great when I used it again this summer. When I needed a much bigger one I hired a guy with a 12” capacity one the size of a truck, worked all day and ended up with two giant piles of chips and it still cost way less than that! :) Thanks for watching.
i just got this model. havent used it yet but this video was very helpful. thanks!!!
Get at it! Hahaha. 😂 Reach out if you have any questions. I’m not an expert but I’ll do my best. :)
Well done video. I purchased one of these machines a few months age and am very happy with it. a couple of weeks ago I ordered the leaf hose kit, designed for the 503 model, and it works with the 533 as long as you remove the top hopper and make a block off plate to go in its place. the leaf hose works very well. I also noticed that by removing the top hopper the unit is not as top heavy and pulls behind my garden tractor much better. Since I hardly use the top hopper I may just leave it off.
Oh that’s a great idea! I think I’ll do that since I never use the top chute and you’re right, it could handle corners better without it. Thanks!
Great video! It helped so much to see it in action. It looks like this unit has just a little bit more oomph compared to the units in the 500-600 dollar range, those all look to have a cheaper build quality. This will be the chipper I get if I decide to get one. Thank you!
I’m happy the video was useful for you. I’ve done about five full days of pretty intense chipping since shooting this. Learning more about the machine and pushing it to its limits, I’m still very happy with the purchase.
This was also my conclusion!
I have a little country pro wood chipper with a 6.5 hp kohler engine that im very happy with I tow mine behind my lawn mower. I don't run 3in branches in it either I find that it seems to work to hard
I'm currently weighing the options of buying a homeowner-sized chipper, but most of what I'm seeing online makes me want to shy away from anything that costs less than $3K. Yours if the best review of a smaller chipper that actually takes into consideration the size and feed rate of the machine. The end result is, if you treat the machine for what it is and don't expect it to be a commercial 10" chipper, it will be an effective and cost efficient tool. Thank you so much for taking the time to make the video. I believe that you've changed my mind for the better.
Thank you. I’m glad the video helped. I recently had a conversation with a friend about chipper capacity. One thing that came up was to think of the stated capacity like the top speed on a car… sure your car might be able to go 150 miles an hour, but it probably won’t do it for long if you drive that fast all the time, and if you do you’re definitely asking for an accident. Safer not to test the limits.
Very helpful video. You answered all my questions and possible concerns with this unit. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the feedback. I’ve used it a few more times since posting this. See my most recent “Spring Cleaning” video for lots more chipping. I’ve put about three tanks of gas through it, clogged up the output shoot once by overfeeding it, and after something like a dozen hours of chipping I’m still very happy with my purchase.
I just bought one and am very happy with it!!!
Glad to hear it. I’m still happy with mine. I think in this price range it’s hard to beat a small unit like this if it fits the type of work you’re doing. Thanks for watching. :)
I could hear my dad hollering at you operating that machine. You were forcing the wood into the machine. Dad would have said, SON, WHAT IN THE HELL YOU DOING. LET THE MACHINE DO THE WORK!!! QUIT FORCING IT!!!
Hahah. I’m always open to some good old fashioned d’advice (I kind of missed out on that as a kid) but every machine is different. In my defense it is literally the first time I’ve owned a chipper. And first time running one so tiny. And your dad is definitely right, some bigger units do indeed reliably “self-feed” with mechanical rollers and such. This one claims to self-feed, but in reality it’s only the force of the blades that pulls, which is… unpredictable; bouncing back on little branches and on bigger more solid branches it will over-pull to the point of stalling the blades. What looks like I’m pushing here may actually be me just “keeping it steady”. More like feeding than forcing. But I’ll have to rewatch and study my technique before I head into spring. Thanks for the critique, always willing to improve!
@Lumbering Shenanigans I was just messing with you. I've been looking into getting a small one. I have 4 and a half acres in West Virgina. I'm slowly making a path around the perimeter to be able to drive my 4 wheeler. I thought about renting a larger one but think that a smaller one will be fine and I can pull it with my 4 wheeler. I'm just worried about the durability. What's your thought on that?
All good, solid advice either way. :) As for the durability, I’ve only had it a year, and haven’t actually started it since winter hit. I’d say it’s not the most rugged thing I own. I wouldn’t describe it as “built like a tank” or anything. But for a small, light, more portable unit I think it’s as sturdy as it needs to be. It is sometimes a little top heavy for hauling on my ATV on tight corners.
If you’re just using it like I do, to drag around trails and keep things tidy of the smaller branches that constantly fall from trees than its a great solution. Good for general cleanup and maintenance work.
If you’re planning to do a bunch of quick felling and limbing, the need to process a lot of material, with a lot of power very quickly, then maybe renting a bigger machine might be a better idea.
Thanks for taking the time to create this informative video.
You’re a good presenter. 👍🇺🇸
Thanks for the video. Quite helpful!
Thanks for watching. I couldn’t find a good demo of this specific unit before I bought it, so I figured people might find it helpful. I’m still happy with it, and waiting for a break in the weather so I can play with it again. :)
Great review. I found this searching for a different model but it's clearly the same machine. The 533 model# was the give away it was identical.
Thanks! I’m glad it was helpful. I still stand by the review something like a year and half now. I don’t use it often, but it’s never failed to perform well with the small stuff I generally handle in trail cleanup. Thanks for watching. :)
@lumberingshenanigans honestly super helpful. The one I'm buying is sold as a Dorite but the manual is rubbish and I can't find good pictures or advice on operating it so this all of your info was brilliant!
excellent video! very nice job!!!!
Thank you. Kind words. I hope it was helpful. Thanks for watching. :)
Great video, and a good 'proof for purchase' on the unit. As for your top heavy issues, if you want to keep the top hopper, perhaps look at extending the wheel mounts 8" - 10.' If your trails allow, that would really help with stability. 👍Carry on -
Good idea! I’ve been thinking about adding wheel weights also, like I have on my BCS two wheel tractor. Just bolting a couple of 10lb gym plates on each wheel would make a huge difference I think.
I bought one on 03.08.23 from Lowe's which had been a demo, and let set outside in the weather. Found water in the crank case when I tried to put its initial oil in for the first time. Upon further investigation, I also found water in the cylinder. I promptly returned it to Lowes for a refund, which they did with a smile. I'm now searching for one that's been inside out of the weather...
Yeah, oof that sounds like good reason to not leave anything out in the rain. But I’m also a sucker for brand new gear, especially if there’s a gas engine involved. I’ve heard too many horror stories. Plus I simply don’t know enough about engines to risk it. I hope you have better luck with a new one. :)
good job I like the chipper
Thanks! Me too. I’m excited for it to stop raining so I can play with it again. :)
You’re impressive! Very thorough in the details, and your directness in chipping those branches stood out for me. I’m a recent widower (woman) in my early 60’s, living on 4 acres outside of Phoenix, Arizona. I have no intention on moving, so I need to maintain all the mesquite, palo verde, and pine trees on the property. I have piles of tree limbs, and dead trees that need shredding right now. What is your opinion, and advice, on a woman using the OPC533? Oh, the limbs have thorns!
I know women older than me who could outpace me on this rig, and I know men half my age who’d be hopeless. It’s all up to you, good gloves, don’t rush, and get it done before the branches become hard and brittle. Or check out my dead-hedging video, that’s another way to “get rid of” unwanted branches and stuff.
Thank you for this video! Your property is beautiful, do you have a 2024 update on the machine? Was any of the wood "green"? Curious how it does with fresh branches, also curious what you think of the top shredder? Have you ever tried shredding your compost pile?
Thank you 🙏. I actually filmed a new video about two weeks ago and this little guy made a cameo, started easily, chipped wonderfully, and that was after being left outside under a tarp all winter. So it’s still going strong. - I’d say green wood is easier to feed and chip than seasoned wood and the chips are a little cleaner with less dust. - Top shredder isn’t something I’ve had a need for, I just don’t need to do that kind of yard work and leaf clean up or mulching, but it seems to shred as expected. Thanks for watching!
@@lumberingshenanigansthat is great! Thanks for sharing your experience it’s been very helpful for me!
The air it blows out is supplied from the big hopper opening. If you block that off it will probably clog up.
Ah! That’s a very good but if info. So if I do take it off, then I’ll have to replace it with a grill of some kind to allow for airflow. Thank you. 🙏
Well done. probably the best owner review of any chipper I've seen. On our property in Florida, most of the branches we have been cutting, trimming, and bundling for pickup by the county, are smaller oak branches, rarely more than two inches in diameter, and most being 3/4" or less and four or five feet long. Could something like that be quickly placed in the top hopper without having to constantly push them down?
Hey, thanks for the compliment! :) The top hopper is more like a flail shredder and mostly intended for leaves and brush I think. I've fed a few blackberries and stuff into it, but if the top load didn't exist I wouldn't miss it. As for the main feed, you could probably get it to take a couple of your 3/4" limbs at once, though I don't have any oak so can't speak to that hardwood. Closest I have is vine maple, which when it's dry is incredibly hard and this thing struggles at 1.5-2" with that. I would say that "pushing" isn't really what's needed on smaller branches since it does self-feed somewhat just from the blade action, but the faster you feed them the quicker they go. Plus, keeping a firm grip on the material sticking out is definitely safer than letting go. I hope that answers your question. Don't hesitate if you have any other questions. Just post a new comment so I get a notification. Thanks for watching!
Looks a ton better than the Harbor Freight version and the clones. I can see where you come with your evidence on the shredder hopper making it hard to tow. There is one thing I might approach as a better collection method than the bag. Put some screen over a cart and hold it tight with some bungee cords as long as there's a way for the chips to gather in the cart.
Ha! Literally anything would be better than that bag to be honest. The chips ended up shredding through it pretty quick. You’re so right though, I’m totally going to build a hardware cloth cage to bungee over my Guerrilla Cart! Great idea! I’ll try and remember to give you a shoutout if I film it.
Looking for my first chipper I had my property get a lot of trees removed now I have a ton of leftover branches and I want to make trails with the chips. And also not trying to break my wallet!
It’s hard to find a better option than this one for under a grand. If you have the money and the space for a bigger machine, then the options are broader. Personally this little unit does everything I need.
thats not a bad chipper awesome ! wonder if you could put a larger engine on it it would eat up bigger branches probably a lot better ?
You might be able to fit the 208cc engine on there, but that’s barely a step up from the 196cc, probably not worth the cost. The same stock unit with that engine is almost double the price. After that you’re better off just buying a bigger machine I think, like the 5”or 7” versions. But I don’t need that kind of power, nor do I want to spend that kind of money. 😂 Thanks for watching!
good review
Thanks!
I just bought this same model and jammed it on the long chute 3x right off the bat. The pieces were about 2in and I feed the chute slowly and jerked back so it didn't jam but as soon as the piece was unsafe to hold because it was short, I let go and it Jamed. The problem is I had to remove the long chute, and the entire back to clear it and took me 45 minutes each time. The back opens but does not give you a way to clear jams on the long chute side caught behind the blades. Any advice?
Hmmm. I’ve never had a jam I couldn’t clear by hand via the access door you see me do my next chipper video, carefully turning the blade backwards and forwards to free the material, then carefully pulling the chunk out of the chute. Sometimes just using the recoil/starter rope to move the blade will free things up. When chipping, make sure the engine is running at full throttle. And since you’re new to the machine, maybe start with smaller material while you learn its quirks and tolerances? I feel like now I’m familiar with it I haven’t had a jam in ages… like I can’t remember the last time I jammed it.
@@lumberingshenanigans every time I jammed it was when I was feeding a large 2 to 3 in piece that it would grab and then I would pull back grab and pull back and when the end got all the way to the top of the Chute to where it was unsafe to grab and pull back cuz it became too small I would let go of it and then it was running to the shoot and jam. That jam was so stuck in by the blades I had to take the whole thing apart I could not twist it could not turn it could not pull the cord and the piece is that got stuck or about 2 in longer than the shoot itself
I am going through it with this unit. I purchased it new and set it up with the manual, but it dies at the first hint of a load on the engine. It can't handle twigs without instantly bogging down, and it is not running nearly as high rpm as what I hear in this video even with the throttle maxed before the choke point. It doesn't really "pull" the stick as I see in the video either, even very long but thin sticks. I am kind of dumbfounded with it. Never had this issue with any other small equipment. Anyone else have this issue with a new unit?
First thing that comes to mind… you’re not running it with the choke still engaged are you? That would for sure cause that.
Why don't any of these units come with a hose attachment to direct the chips? Duct taping a dryer hose onto one is simple and can re-direct the chips into a garbage can.
Clogs, and wear are the main reason I assume. Maybe a really heavy duty length of PVC pipe of some kind might work for a while, but any consumer grade dryer hose or vent hose or anything with ridges would last about an hour with the force of hard wood chips ripping it to shreds. And even the mighty mighty duct tape has its limits. These things kick out chunks with a LOT more force than a table saw or other woodworking equipment. But if you find a solution, please post a video and come back here and share the tip! Thanks for watching! :)
I have mixed opinions of 3in wood chippers. I adopted and tuned up a 3in 8HP Craftsman from 1996, and am disappointed in chipping performance….however, my unit earns its keep with it’s mulching end- powering through the bitter end of fall debris cleanup with it’s drop down ‘dust pan’ hopper-nothing is better!..(wonder why it’s out of style now?) On the 3” chipper end, despite a fresh set of blades, any branches 1 inch & twisted, bent, or forked require manual dissection before feeding. Those 6in, 15HP drum chippers look like a great tool for chipping 3in forked, bent, twisted branches-anything larger can become firewood. Perhaps chippers are specified like lifting jacks, buy 2x larger than your intended use.
Oh I’d agree with that thinking with almost any tool. If I were expecting to chip 3” trees and limbs regularly I would have opted for a bigger boat for sure. Or maybe just rented instead. But realistically I can either leave the 2”+ branches and trees where they drop, stack them into piles to decay and become habitat for wildlife and birds, or occasionally run them through this thing. Bigger than that and I build with them or burn them to keep warm. For the cost, I think this is exactly what I needed. Small enough I can drag it up and down trails by hand, and beefy enough it’ll handle everything I run into on an average day of cleaning. Thanks for watching! :)
Love the video,. Compelled me to purchase a chipper/shredder for my property. I was intrigued by your brush axe. May I ask what brand it is? Or perhaps an Amazon link. Thanks a bunch.
Hi, thanks, I'm glad it was helpful. The Brush Axe I use here (and in many videos) is my favorite outdoor tool of all, this exact model I bought 15 years ago isn't made anymore, but the new version is here: amzn.to/3LF6elS - It's concept of combining a hooked pull-knife, a nicely weighted chopping tool, with a blunt hammer style tip is very useful in the forest. It’s based on the Woodman's Pal: amzn.to/42vTLaY which is a WWII era design and is still made in the USA today, but is considerably more costly. I do own a Woodman's Pal, but I prefer the lighter stainless steel Elk Ridge version as my everyday carry. These links are Amazon affiliate links, purchases made through these links may result in a small contribution to the channel at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
Is the 3 inch rating the diameter or circumference of branches?
Diameter. Timber trees are always measured in diameter (DBH), usually using the kind of tape measure I use here, marked to convert circumference to diameter for you.
@lumberingshenanigans thank you very much
How do these work for turning leaves into garden compost?
I’m honestly not sure, sorry I don’t use it for that, with 45 acres of maple and alder leaves… I just let them rot where they fall.
But I would say even this small sized chipper/shredder would be way overkill for that process. They make dedicated leaf mulchers that are much cheaper. I think some leaf blowers are reversible also, so they vacuum and mulch. Maybe someone else will reply with some better insight. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. Thanks for watching. :)
Thank you for your video it was very helpful. I just received my chipper yesterday and can't wait to use it. One question are you using the kohler 10w50 synthetic oil on yours or do you use 10w 30?
I think there was oil included in the box, but honestly I have no memory of it. If they didn’t include any I would check the maintenance/instructions.
I wonder if it will take dry date palm fronds
I don’t have anything like palms up here, but the shredder portion of this unit looks like a substantial flail rotor so I would think so.
Whats your oppinion of the machine after owning it a couple years now?
I stand by it. For the cost, it’s exactly what I needed. Is it perfect? No. Is it as powerful as a machine three times its price? No. But I’ve had no issues with it beyond what I discussed in this video, and it fits my needs and my budget. About to head into my third spring using it and I don’t anticipate any issues.
Thanks for this, video. It was very helpful and just the price point I'm looking for. Is there a reason you went with this one when your original budget was just under 2K?
Thank you. I’m glad it helped. There were a bunch of options, and none seemed instantly worth spending double the money. A few I decided against just on the configuration of the output shoot. And sometimes just making everything bigger and heavier isn’t the way to go. I needed a small unit, and I can always find other ways to spend the extra money. Thanks for watching.
Does anyone know where to get replacement knives for this one
My unit came with a spare set. I haven’t had to replace them yet, thankfully, because it looks like it’ll be a high pain in the butt. But if you need a new set, and can’t get a good edge by sharpening the old ones, I’d definitely reach out to DK online and ask. They’re Canadian so you know they’ll be polite. :) Thanks for watching!
@@lumberingshenanigans thanks i did. got a new set on the way. some hardwood got put in and broke the blade plate holder
How about the big hopper?
That’s the shredder, mostly for leaves and twigs, like regular yard work. I really have no use for it out here. But I did throw some skinny stuff in there, and it’s true to its name, it shreds. The result of shredding is not nearly as nice to look at as chips, but if you have a lot of leaves and want to reduce them or give the composting process a head start it might be useful. Thanks for watching! :)
Is it pulling or your jamming in there bogging down the engine?
It’s pulling, which is a by-product of engaging the blade. (It pulls as it slices). So, you kind of have to jam it in, and then it engages and pulls and doesn’t want to let go. So you have to resist the pull and just sort of “hold” the limb steady and feed it. The manual is quite direct in the way it describes how to do it. Back off when it starts to bind/stall. It’s direct drive, so it is possible to stall it, and not a major concern. You just remove the log and restart the engine. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching! :)
So what’s the purpose of the big hopper at the top then?
Its intended for leaves, and other stuff that’s not sturdy enough to feed through the main chipper. Inside it’s more of a flail wheel that just shreds stuff and spits it out. I don’t do any leaf collection since the whole forest is leaves, so I don’t really need that. Thanks for watching! :)
@@lumberingshenanigans Thank you! Much appreciated for the info.
The reviews are not so great on the Lowes site and not a lot of reviews to gauge a consist theme of common failure. Those with the lowest star rating who had issues almost all seem to be with stalling. Besides your video, I had seen one other well documented video on UA-cam. In both, the unit appears to run very well. I assume those experiencing stalling were not easing back when feeding large limbs, I don't know, but I will find out! I bought it, I like the towing feature it will be good to drive around the property as we have cleared some acreage. The tall timber gets hauled out but the branches remain scattered about the hillside in piles. I added an extended 2yr warranty for $109, minus in my Military discount and an apparently forgotten gift card that showed up when I was checking out for $155 (SWEET!) and free shipping, I'm only in $640. Lets see what this baby will do!
That’s a great deal! Nicely done. Yeah I don’t know why people are surprised when a small direct-drive engine stalls when over taxed. All engines stall under the right conditions. You can stall a 747 jet if you pilot it wrong. 🤣 But coming up on two years now and I’m still very happy with the unit. - One thought about towing… it does tend to be a little too heavy, so take it slow, and don’t expect to fly around corners. I have even considered removing the top leaf hopper (which I rarely use) and making a cover plate, just to make it more squat for towing.
But congrats on the price, and enjoy your new toy! Thanks for watching.
you say you got the chipper from lowes are you in the uk?
Oh, no I’m in the US. Very similar climate of the Pacific Northwest.
@@lumberingshenanigans ok gotya
nice penci sharpenar
You wanna see a nice pencil sharpener, check this vid out! :)
ua-cam.com/video/x-2ioly04eU/v-deo.html
I’d spend more for an auto feeder.
This actually does auto-feed, in the sense that it will pull the stock into the chipper with the power of the blade. What it doesn’t have is an auto-throttle like the $200k machines that slow the feed when the motor bogs down. I think you pay considerably more than $700 for that kind of feature.
People actually buy that piece of ?
Suave, I’d actually be interested to know which model you would recommend in this price range and chipping capacity. Most of what I chip is branches and deadfall at 2” or less. I did consider the chipper attachment for my BCS but the $2k (plus shipping) wasn’t in my budget and it looks way slower than this unit, and much more cumbersome to move. Your thoughts?