The Rayco RC1220G Brush Chipper does exactly what it was designed to do and at an affordable price.
The Rayco RC1220G stands 12 inches high and 20 inches wide. This is also the size of log that will fit through the chipper. There is no denying this is a budget chipper however, don’t let that fool you into thinking budget means inferior because from what I experienced that is certainly not the case.
Well, that’s not strictly true because there is less weight, in fact this machine only weighs 2,200kg and is very compact. Size and weight are very important features for smaller chippers where chipping capacity is in demand and size and weight needs to be a kept to a minimum.
My task for the day was to remove two mature Eucalypts with the help of a 16-tonne crane and some highly experienced ground staff. Normally, for things to run efficiently with this size of tree you would use a 15-inch chipper as minimum, but due to tight access there was only room for a smaller truck and chipper. Thanks to Peter at Global Machinery Sales, the Rayco RC1220G chipper was on the tool list for the day.
I was already up the tree when the chipper arrived to the site. Peter ran through the controls and safety features with the ground crew while the crane and I started to lift sections of the tree out.
When everyone was ready, the chipper was hand fed with branches that were stock piled on the ground; no problem there! When they were cleared we started to feed the chipper with the crane; still no problem!
As with all chippers, things will work efficiently and in your favour if you prepare the branches and cut wide junctions.
The RC1220G is an 89hp petrol powered drum chipper (that’s right, I said petrol), a GM Plant engine to be precise. The only thing you need to worry about is getting the right pump at the fuel bowser, because this machine runs on petrol but you’d swear it was a diesel!
An over-sized single top feed roller filled with concrete will climb over branches and logs with ease.
There is no “dead spot” between the roller and drum meaning it’s less likely to have blockages.
A blower system has direct transition from the drum resulting in virtually all the mulch leaving the chipper and making it into the back of the truck compactly.
There is a simple key to switch on and off with a one-touch Fast/Idle switch.
The digital display shows oil temperature, battery volts, fuel left in the tank and the rate at which you are using the fuel, which would typically be 5-6 litres per hour.
There is easy access to the service components and knife changing is just what you expect from a drum: easy!
Budget, in this case, can be more accurately related to basic and Rayco has used this to its advantage due to some clever thinking.
Rayco has created a lightweight powerhouse small enough for tight access jobs, but with heavyweight chipping capacity and reliability in mind.
If you’re having the small chipper/big chipper quandary and you only have $50,000 to spend, this Rayco is for you. Tempted? I know I am!
This article originally appeared in The Australian Arbor Age Magazine. Reviewed by Mathew Smith.
