With the high cost of diesel fuel and equipment maintenance, most tree care companies are looking for ways to maximize their productivity and profitability. One tool that can help is a power takeoff (PTO) wood chipper. But are PTO chippers really worth the investment compared to tow-behind models? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
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How PTO Chippers Work
PTO chippers are powered by tapping into the engine of the truck rather than having their own engine like towable units. The PTO or power takeoff system transfers energy from the truck’s drivetrain to run the chipper. This allows the chips to be discharged directly into the truck bed or an attached chip box.
The key advantages of this direct drive system are:
- No need to tow a separate chipper unit
- More power and chipping capacity than similarly sized towables
- Ability to collect chips directly in the truck
- Better maneuverability in tight areas
The main limitations are:
- Requires a commercial truck capable of powering a PTO system
- Upfront cost is higher than a towable unit
- Chips can only be collected when attached to the truck
PTO Chipper Pros
Increased Productivity
One of the biggest advantages of PTO chippers is the productivity gains they allow. Since crews don’t have to tow a separate unit around the job site, they can get set up quicker and start chipping right from the truck. The ability to discharge chips directly into the truck bed also saves time over having to rake and collect chips from the ground.
According to industry surveys, PTO chippers can increase daily production capacity by 15-30% compared to using a towable unit. For companies doing high volumes of tree removals and pruning, this can really add up in time and labor savings.
Better Mobility
Tow-behind chippers can be unwieldy and difficult to maneuver in tight residential areas and access-limited sites. But with a PTO chipper, you have the advantage of the truck’s shorter wheelbase and tighter turning radius. This allows crews to get in and out of cramped spaces faster.
PTO models also weigh significantly less than towables – often half as much. Lower weight reduces wear and tear on the truck components. And it also may allow access to sites where a heavy towable chipper would exceed road weight limits.
Higher Capacity
The direct PTO power drive enables more chipping force than comparably sized towable units. Disk and drum chippers from 18″ to 24″ capacity powered by medium duty trucks can match the performance of much larger towable units. This allows faster processing of limbs and brush.
For example, a 20″ PTO chipper can process material up to 22″ diameter. While an equally sized towable may max out at 16″ capacity. More chipping force and capacity means spending less time feeding material into the hopper.
Lower Fuel Costs
With PTO chippers, all the fuel use is coming from the truck engine. So there’s no need to maintain and fuel a separate chipper engine and spend money on duplicate fluids and filters. Utilizing the existing truck drivetrain is a more cost-efficient way to generate chipping power.
Industry fuel consumption testing has shown PTO chipper trucks use 15-30% less diesel overall compared to truck and towable combinations. That’s a significant savings given the high cost of diesel fuel.
PTO Chipper Cons
Higher Upfront Cost
There’s no getting around the fact that PTO chippers carry a higher initial purchase price than towable units. Equipment, installation, and required truck modifications generally add $15,000-$30,000+ to the total cost. This makes the budget hurdle bigger for companies looking to upgrade from a towable unit.
| Chipper Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Towable 18″ capacity | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| PTO 18″ capacity | $55,000 – $75,000 |
However, for companies already planning to purchase a new commercial truck, the difference in price for adding PTO capability may be less significant.
Truck Requirements
You can’t simply mount any PTO chipper onto just any truck. The vehicle must have the engine power, drivetrain, and electrical capabilities to run the system safely and efficiently. This generally requires a commercial medium duty truck chassis like a Ford F-650 or similar.
The truck also must have a robust transmission capable of handling the sudden power demands and shock loads generated during chipping without overheating or wear issues over time. Diesel engines above 200 HP are typically recommended for 18″ and larger capacity PTO chippers.
If your current trucks don’t meet the requirements, you’ll have to factor in the purchase of new compatible vehicles. Some manufacturers offer trucks preconfigured for PTO chipping to simplify the process.
Increased Maintenance
Although PTO chippers eliminate the engine maintenance of towable units, their installation does add complexity to truck maintenance. The PTO drive system has wear parts like clutches and bearings that require periodic inspection and lubrication.
Chipping also generates significant vibration and cyclic loads that will impact the truck chassis and components over time. This can accelerate wear on parts like drive shafts, gear boxes, and suspension bushings.
Proper installation, operation, and preventive maintenance is key to maximizing longevity of the chipper and truck systems. But you should anticipate somewhat higher maintenance costs compared to trucks without PTO.
Key Purchasing Considerations
If you’ve decided that a PTO chipper is the right investment for your business, here are some key factors to consider during selection and purchasing:
- Truck requirements – Confirm the chipper model you’re choosing is compatible with your truck specs in terms of engine power, drivetrain, chassis ratings, etc.
- Existing fleet – If your current trucks can’t support PTO, factor in costs of new compatible vehicles in your budget.
- Dealer support – Buy from an experienced dealer who can assist with proper installation and provide ongoing service support.
- Warranties – Choose a manufacturer that offers at least 1-2 year warranties on major chipper and PTO components to reduce financial risk.
- Safety – Look for safety features like discharge chutes, hood locks, emergency stops, and torque limiting PTO clutches.
- Capacity – Pick a model rated for your required branch/log diameter and production volume needs.
- Fuel savings – Calculate projected diesel savings against upfront costs to determine payback period.
Taking the time to carefully evaluate your needs and constraints will ensure you select the right PTO chipper setup for your specific situation.
Conclusion
For tree care companies that do a high volume of removals and pruning, PTO chippers can deliver meaningful productivity and efficiency gains. Their advantages in mobility, capacity, fuel economy, and integration with the truck system make them worth considering over towable models.
However, the higher upfront investment means you should realistically evaluate if the increased capabilities will justify the cost for your specific business. Crunching the numbers around expected fuel savings, productivity gains, and equipment life expectancy is key.
With proper selection, installation, operation, and maintenance, PTO chippers can be a profitable upgrade for the right application. But they require a bigger commitment and capital investment versus buying a stand-alone towable unit. Approach purchasing with clear goals, eyes wide open, and only buy the capability your crews truly require. This will ensure your new PTO chipper generates a strong return over the long haul.