Hello,

I have been using my MacKissic 12PT9 model shredder-chipper for about 8 years now, and I am still very happy with it. Of course, it has been superseded by improved models, mainly with increases in horsepower of the engine. Mine has a 9 horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine, which has been adequate for me. I appreciate that it still usually starts on the second pull after all these years. I purchased most of the optional screens for it, so that I can control the consistency of the final product. My 1/4-inch screen produces a very fine product with a lot of surface area for rapid composting. I also have 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, 1-inch screen for various product sizes and a 3x1.5 inch screen for wet materials. The 1-inch screen is "standard" and comes with it.

I also purchased the waterproof cover so I could leave my MacKissic parked at a work site for an extended multi-year time. I used a bicycle cable around a nearby tree to keep my MacKissic from "wandering off". We have since moved, and I now keep my MacKissic in the garage with my Merry Tiller (also from MacKissic).

I currently have the 3/4-inch screen mounted so that I can convert a brush pile into some material for a garden path. My garden is nearly an acre in size. I use my 12PT9 several times a year, and it will get a lot of use during my Fall cleanup.

My suggestion is that you consider one of the MacKissic hammer-mill shredder-chippers, because the hammer-mill design is very versatile and can handle a variety of materials, from big limbs to oyster shells. Occasionally I put a mix of old and new compost through mine to blend them together. You can put dirt through a hammer-mill if you want.

The 12P models have a more extensive selection of screens, but I think all of the MacKissic models have very practical, capable, durable designs.

ZM
(not associated with any product or vendor mentioned or linked)

This post was edited by zenman on Wed, Oct 16, 13 at 13:50

We have a Yard Machines gas powered that is really nice:

Review:
http://voices.yahoo.com/yard-machines-10hp-gas-chippershredder-2803615.html

Tips for use:
http://voices.yahoo.com/tips-efficient-chippershredder-3068904.html

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It does save lots of work because the shredded branches can go right onto mulched places, or into the compost bins.

Thanks very much - going with the MacKissic.

Look around to see what is for sale used. You did not mention what size material you would be shredding.

I started with a Troy-bilt small chipper/shredder. It had a belt and clutch. My dad shredded the belt in a month. It took me a while to get the hang of engaging same since the thing was underpowered. Since my normal working position was on the other side of the air intake -- it caught fire (OK it smouldered) twice before I noticed!

The next one I used was a Craftsman, and it also had its good and bad points. No clutch, but you could get tired just starting it.

If you can work with a couple of different machines before you buy -- all the better.