Wood Chipper/Shredder Upgrade

[RNajarian]

Here is a Hail Mary request for an upgrade to a Shredder/wood chipper I have.

The unit is a 24A-465E129 MTD 3 way feed chipper/wood shredder. I bought it 16 years ago and use it for about 3 hours every 2 years to mulch up trimmings from my oak tree.

The engine on this thing is amazing. The unit sits outside under tarps and starts up reliably on the second pull.

The problem is the main hopper is plastic. Replacement parts are available but does anyone know of a metal upgrade for this failure point?

There are several companies that have sold this exact unit, Sears, Troyblt, and MTD. I have searched for later and earlier shredders that have the same 8 bolt pattern for the collar that used metal instead of plastic.

I’m hoping someone may have one of those units here and can send me a model number so I can replace the plastic with metal.

Thanks

See the photos below . . .

[stevej37]

Metal hopper is def better

[RNajarian]

It may be doable if I replace the outer half of the impeller chamber which has a different bolt pattern and I can then use a metal hopper from a different model shredder.

Doable but not cost effective

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I've got a $2k solution for your $100 problem

Merry Mac

Otherwise, I'd just buck up and pay for the new plastic piece every several years-
Or reinforce the current broken one with metal to prevent catastrophic failure.
Also- perusing CL for the proverbial metal unit from years ago,

however, I've never seen a metal unit with that round section. I bet you could find a metal square intake, but the circular section is going to take some fabrication.

Good luck

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951

I've got a $2k solution for your $100 problem

Merry Mac

Otherwise, I'd just buck up and pay for the new plastic piece every several years-
Or reinforce the current broken one with metal to prevent catastrophic failure.
Also- perusing CL for the proverbial metal unit from years ago,

however, I've never seen a metal unit with that round section. I bet you could find a metal square intake, but the circular section is going to take some fabrication.

Good luck

EDIT- Ralph Nader should be all over that chipper assembly being made of plastic.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by stevej37

Metal hopper is def better

Haha, same crossed my mind ...

[Tobra]

That cracked plastic bit looks like a wear item. If you are stuck with plastic replacement, I wonder if you could reinforce the new part with fiberglass and resin prior to use and get more service out of it.

[RNajarian]

To be fair, the plastic part is 16 years old. I was just thinking outside the box on improving the design. The replacement part is only $75

[pmax]

Doesn't look like that plastic piece is part of a protective shield, how about glue ?

[Evans, Marv]

Just go for the replacement part. I had one of those and patched the hopper in a couple of places with plastic pieces I cut from an old plastic mortar mixing trough and pop riveted into place. But that wasn't for the rounded portion. Although those things have a 10 hp. engine, I always thought it was kind of wimpy but did a good job on light stuff. I sold it & got an old Bearcat I reconditioned. It was better with only a five hp. engine. The hammers have safety spring clips to keep them from coming undone. If you take it apart, check them & replace them if need be. I sold mine for $200. If you can locate an old one for cheap with the part you need in decent condition, that might be an option, but $75 isn't bad.

[RNajarian]

I already ordered the new plastic part. If I used it more maybe the metal upgrade would make sense. I’ll probably sharpen the blades and service the damn thing.

Thanks for the input

[billybek]

"I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper"...
First thing that came to mind for me as well.

[masraum]

Make a mold out of a known good replacement and then make a new one out of JB Weld!!

[KFC911]

You need some beavers....mebbe woodchucks?

Nope....beavers

[stevej37]

^^^ Just one....more than one is trouble...