Champion 338CC Chipper Shredder (Long Term Honest Review) - Not All Good

Dominic reviews the Champion 338CC Wood Chipper Shredder after 9 months of use on our homestead in Nova Scotia.
0:13 Intro
0:50 Specs
2:25 Why did I guy this Chipper?
2:50 First Impressions/Limitations
3:58 Mobility
5:00 Who is this chipper good for?
6:00 Price
6:36 The bag in use
8:20 Starting up the chipper
10:10 If something gets stuck
12:50 Placing the bag
13:45 The chipper in use
14:45 What I hate about this chipper
17:36 Shredder
18:17 Final thoughts

[@DomDaBomb77]

Oh the clips from earlier in the year when there was no snow... :(

[@ODriscolls]

I knooooow. That's why I chose the summer drone footage over the winter. I miss it!

[@benk4881]

Just used mine for the 1st time today mainly shredding leaves, it was a best. Did us the branch part for a few limbs. Agree with the bag hook up, after two bags I ran it without the bag and placed a flat piece of wood on the ground to displace the mulched leaves win win, so much easier, the leaves were going back as ground cover in the same location anyway. I used Trufuel for 4 cycle engines, yes a tad costly but better for me than the mixing stuff, I use Trurfuel in all my lawn equipment. First start every time, even after the backpack blower and lawn mower sitting the whole winter. Thanks for the hones review....

[@ODriscolls]

I'm glad it's working out for you! We are still sorting out the bag situation 😅

[@marilynfdavis891]

The shedder/ chipper is super useful for the chickens & garden!!! Much better than a burn pile! Blessings! 💜

[@ODriscolls]

Maybe a little safer too! Lol

[@DomDaBomb77]

Burn piles have their place, but I have a great need of wood chips so I'd much rather have those

[@DD-DD-DD]

I just bought this chipper. The bag they come with is different now. It's a more open mesh white bag instead of the canvas. Maybe contact Champion and let them know you're not happy with the bag, maybe they'd send you the updated bag. I haven't noticed chips coming out anywhere they shouldn't. I experienced the same thing with a nearly 3" piece of wood getting wedged in the choke point. From their point of view it keeps people from doing stupid things with it, but conversely causes this problem. I might cut and weld this differently in the future.

[@DK6060]

I don’t have a fix for the bag problem, but a workaround may be to put down a tarp to catch everything easily. Great idea to make your own mulch. I make chips with a small electric chipper that I add to my compost after aging them - I got that from one of Charles Dowding’s compost videos.

[@ODriscolls]

The tarp is s great idea! Thank you!

[@DomDaBomb77]

I tried having nothing on it and the chips end up shooting away about 40 feet in an arc away from the chipper. I was thinking of making some kind of tunnel with a medium weight blanket or tarp or something at the end to slow down the chips as they come out. But that kind of project is far enough down the list thst I doubt it's gonna happen hah

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

Watching this with GREAT interest! Betty and I need one of those for The Ole Church 5 Acre Homestead!

[@DomDaBomb77]

Its a decent enough rig. I had bigger hopes for it but if you are prepared to prep the wood for a bit in advance then you can make some great product with it

[@kevinrowbotham545]

What a great review! I don't think I have ever seen it done better. Very thorough guys. I don't have little kids around so I would likely remove the rubber guard in that chute not long after I put it together. I might also find some clevis pins to replace the bolts on that chute. Depending how often jams happen. I almost think a hardware cloth box would be better than a bag is. I have a small electric chipper that has many of the same issues that you have touched on with yours. Collecting the chips is one of them for sure! My dream chipper is PTO driven and you need a tractor for it. This may ultimately be where you have to go in your situation. Looks like another fun day on the homestead from where I am sitting! Thanks for sharing!

[@ODriscolls]

Thanks Kevin! Yes Dominic did mention a PTO chipper yesterday while cleaning up chips from the driveway 🤣

[@DomDaBomb77]

Pto chipper is the way to go I think. Nothing cheap about them either. I checked the compost pile and it is still hot actually. It's pretty cool there is a dome of snow over the whole thing with about 2 inches of space between the compost pile and the snow. I dug around to try to check for the thermometer but I can't remember the last place I stuck it. Hopefully I didn't disturb the snow dome enough to let all the heat out.

[@kevinrowbotham545]

​@@DomDaBomb77 Troy @red tool house did a video about his pto wood chipper and how he mitigates muddy ground with it. It made me think I might really have to get a tractor someday. I'd like to see Kubota or another manufacturer give you a tractor and a chipper to review!

[@DomDaBomb77]

@@kevinrowbotham545 that'd be nice but I won't be holding my breath on that! Sawing with sandy uses chipped wood on his trails too. Seems like it would be perfect for me too.

[@royhuckaby5012]

try putting a large piece of plywood with a large tarp beneath that; this will free up the use of the bag: rake the shreds on the tarp to be able to continue shredding; then drag tarp with the shreds where you are storing them. Some time I use a broom to move the shreds away from the flume. GOD BLESS your efforts!

[@ODriscolls]

That's a great idea thank you!

[@aj15549]

Great job with the chipper. Love the videos . keep them coming.

[@ODriscolls]

Thanks Marg! I think we haven't had the kids in a video in too long!

[@tanyaparker-callsign.kk7ic238]

Thanks for sharing I was curious to use in the wet and you guys did it in the snow so one less fear. Great work and the chickens enjoy it and will not allow the elements to disturb. We purchased ours last year used it today before the rain and works great 😊 ❤🎉. PS agree about the bag not the best.

[@monikastep5711]

Thank you guys for this review. We are planning on getting one this spring, so this gave us some good food for thought. I like how practical you are in your review. You should make more reviews...well maybe not all on your own dime ;-)

[@ODriscolls]

Thanks Monika! It was fun to make you might see more from us

[@CountryLivingWithTheHarnishs]

Thanks for sharing great review justing looking for something to make mulch for the garden

[@ODriscolls]

I'm glad it was helpful!!

[@ToddFamilyFarm]

Hello O'Driscoll Family Homestead! We are new to your channel and are enjoying the videos! We are a family farm located in central Iowa and we share life on KZbin as well! I am a 13 year old girl and I run our KZbin channel! We are a farm but we homestead as well! I enjoyed the video and am looking forward to more!

[@ODriscolls]

Thanks for stopping by! How is the winter treating you in Iowa?

[@ToddFamilyFarm]

@@ODriscolls It's been very cold! We are finally back up below zero today but unfortunately this week is supposed to get back to sub zero temperatures!🥶

[@RCPSU4]

So far I see at least a few things which would help this product out. Those are: 1. a tow hitch for an ATV or garden tractor. 2. a taller chute option for filling a dump cart 3. What I did see on another channel is a modification using an HVAC boot, dust collection hose and a clamp. Might help with discharged product getting in to a vegetable garden, flower bed, or compost pile. There's lots of good PTO chipper/shredders out there for you to consider since I saw you mention the type of tractor. One thing which could work in your favor with a PTO model is using a grapple to bring your brush close to where you're going to chip or shred it. Check out Tim of TTWT or Sandy for grapple ideas. Also, some of those larger pieces too big for chipping would make good firewood.

[@ODriscolls]

Can't agree more with 1 and 2. Though 1 would probably put the cost up to where most people wouldn't buy it for backyard purposes, which I'm guessing is the main customer of this machine. Grapple sure would be dandy but not in the cards soon. I'm think I'll go for forks to start me off, not as good but 1/5 the price.

[@RCPSU4]

I only thought of the hitch because the Cub Cadet/Troy Bilt upright model has one.

[@danburch9989]

A purpose built shredder shreds really well. A purpose built chipper chips really well. Combine the two into a single machine, and the results are only satisfactory. I think the minimum engine size would be about 8 hp for around the house and maybe an acre or less. I have a 30 year old relict from the past with an 8hp engine. But I only chip and shred small amounts of landscape debris around my home. I would certainly go bigger if I have what you have. It all boils down to $$$$$$ vs $.

[@stevew3978]

This small, undersized, and underpowered chipper may be adequate for up to an acre-sized lot, but it is totally inadequate for the amount of land and trees you have. You should choose a prosumer/pro-grade chipper in the $3000+ USD range, with a capacity of at least 4.5". It's also highly suggested that you get a chipper-only machine rather than a chipper/shredder combination machine unless you have a need to create fine mulch. Chipper-only machines typically have a much larger chipping capacity for the same price and do a much better job of chipping than combo machines.

[@ODriscolls]

Yes, we bought this before we had a tractor. Would probably have done PTO knowing then what we know now.

[@m998hmmwv7]

Simple fix remove the bottom feed shroud and wash the sap off of the string keeper with warm soap and water and rubbing alcohol mixture. I have the same machine and I love it. Had mine for 5 years and still going strong.

[@nkraemer]

Dom : "Do you have footage of that?" , Jenny "Yep!", Dom : "Oh god!" - LOL

[@nkraemer]

Pros : Its easy to move around. Cons : putting wood into it. --HA HA!

[@ODriscolls]

As the day progressed he was less and less into this chipper. The winter is getting to him I think 😅😅 I have been sitting on this footage for months hahahaha

[@asquithmainlines699]

I am buying one today for branches in my yard and corn stalks in the fall. The smaller one would probably do in my case but I always opt to upsize just to make sure. In your case I think you should have steered to something in the 2000.00 dollar range for the amount of material you have and the fact you are producing mulch on a regular bases for your chickens. It is always frustrating when you buy something too small for the job intended but hey it happens.

[@ODriscolls]

I think you nailed the crux of it. We bought one that's just a bit too small for my needs. I think ill mulch up enough to do me this year and then sell it.

[@realandrewhatfield]

Thanks for saving me from buying this! Dont want to double my work by having to pick up half (or more) of the chips!

[@ODriscolls]

This was never this bad but it was pretty annoying. Probably could be fixed. But ya know...😅 not the best bag. Chipper works pretty well.

[@TheeGamer]

I have the same shredder. I read how someone else had removed that rubber gasket in the feed-shoot so I did the same. Operates far better.

[@ODriscolls]

Good to hear another anecdote about this! We probably won't remove it while the kids are here but it's definitely good to know that it helps.

[@DomDaBomb77]

Yes I bet it would. Little worried with the kids around of something making its way in there that shouldn't when it's in the shed.

[@TheeGamer]

@@DomDaBomb77 I hadn't even thought of that. An entire socket set is bad enough.😉 I lost my earmuffs down in the shredder(not running). I'm starting to think Champion needs an access panel for us pros.

[@DomDaBomb77]

@@TheeGamer hahaha. Yes I need protection from myself

[@charlescoker7752]

Wonder if a bunchy cord would hold the bag on the chipper? May I humbly suggest putting 6 by 6 foot tarp , or larger under the chipper. When you get thru. Move the chipper off the tarp. And pull the chips to where you want to put them.

[@brickmason26]

In this chipper design are there bolts and thread banjos that impede branches inside the base of the hopper? I have a 224cc one that has these and caused my hand to get shattered fighting the snagged branches

[@StoonRay1]

this dude seems like he would be fun to have a beer with. canadians are awesome

[@ODriscolls]

🤣🤣🤣

[@davidlane9724]

Not the anti gunner ones

[@Bjloder]

"Starts on a dime" love it. Thanks for the review.

[@ODriscolls]

You bet!

[@russellcolbourne5936]

Great review I have a 5" pto powered on my tractor and they plug up no matter what size they are

[@ODriscolls]

Thanks! Good to know they all of up so we don't get our hopes up 😅

[@DomDaBomb77]

What HP are you working with if you don't mind me asking?

[@russellcolbourne5936]

@@DomDaBomb77 58hp tym I think it's about 48hp at the pto

[@DomDaBomb77]

@@russellcolbourne5936 that'll get the job done!

[@russellcolbourne5936]

@@DomDaBomb77 have you looked at any tractors

[@dch.projects]

"..it takes quite awhile..like, 5 seconds." Dang. What a drag.

[@cindylarade3571]

This is so so awesome!! So could you use this lard in any pastry baking, to replace shortening? You're probably thinking Im commenting a lot lately, Im just re-watching some older videos now that Im done work (I have time for those things 😊) Sorry for all the questions, I just think youre doing such an amazing job at this homesteading life, I admire you guys!! Bravo!

[@ODriscolls]

Thanks so much Cindy!! Yes I just use it a any lard. I like to make Jill Winger's pie recipe (old fashion on purpose). That usually turns out super nice.

[@cindylarade3571]

@@ODriscolls I have Jill's cookbook, I've done lots of recipes from it. Love how it uses simple ingredients that you always have on hand!

[@charlescoker7752]

Any parts you have to remove often to un jam, or clean out the chipper. Replace the nuts with wing nuts. You may have to add a lock washer. But it want take long to find out. Will make it faster to take apart.

[@jo-zm8gq]

Love watching your channel! Im just learning how to comment as we normally watch on the tv. I often have questions bc we hope to do the same things. Curious if you consider buying used machines?

[@ODriscolls]

We absolutely would buy used whenever we can. Living in Cape Breton Island with such a small population it can be difficult to find used items exactly when you need them. You certainly can! But compared to buying used when I lived in a larger city, it's certainly more difficult here. That being said: I would try to buy used first if I can!

[@cjduey]

Good day y'all, thanks so much for the review... Excellent detail...as I'm going to need a chipper for hardwood, I'm glad I haven't purchased one yet as I'll need to do more research. Have you two checked out the TMG-WC42 chipper? I think it's got the power you need. Hope this finds you all well.

[@ODriscolls]

Thanks Chris! I'm glad you found it helpful! We haven't checked our much more than this chipper honestly.

[@cjduey]

Lol, ;) once you Google it, you'll get my bad attempt at humour. Happy Sunday

[@cjduey]

Oh, lol others have mentioned it already... It's a PTO chipper for a compact Kubota lol

[@DomDaBomb77]

@@cjduey haha one day for sure

[@barbarageddes9390]

fix for the bag - maybe knotting the rope after getting it secure on the machine and the tab is down in position...basically knot after to keep the tab from slipping up.

[@DomDaBomb77]

Might work. I would worry about how hard it would be to get on and off if it's tightened on enough with the knot to hold on through the chipping process.

[@barbarageddes9390]

@@DomDaBomb77 maybe a slip knot that you just pull to release could work

[@kellybeam5731]

If there is a lip on the bottom of the chute you could use a bungee cord or Rachet strap.

[@ODriscolls]

That could be a solution!

[@franciscoburgos787]

Honestly, I feel you’re asking quite a bit out of that chipper. Seems like you need the big one that you can tow for that land. I have the saw chipper for my house in the city and it’s more than perfect.

[@ODriscolls]

Absolutely! I feel like this is the conclusion we came to as well. Now that we have a tractor, a PTO chipper would make the most sense for us.

[@waynethornton8751]

Wondering did you guys stop doing the worn compost? And any plans to tape your maple trees again? Any plans to buy a different chipper later on?

[@ODriscolls]

We still have the worms! We can update in a vlog for sure. They are going really well! I want to tap again this year. Hopefully we have time to do it, it was fun! For now this is good enough for a chipper, if we have a need for a bigger one in the future we could possibly rent one.

[@DomDaBomb77]

Worms are doing awesome! 50% of them have gone off to volunteer in a classroom that is learning about soil. Both tubs are nice and full of really beautifully finished castings now.

[@makenchips]

Put a hinge on it and wing nut on the other side and you only have one thing to loosen up and let it flap down why the manufacturer doesn't do this amazes me to

[@michaelcummings7841]

Bought one off market place yesterday. Removed the safety intake shoot and rubber within 5 minutes of use, totally different machine with those removed. Give it a try?!

[@ODriscolls]

I've got it worn in enough now that feeding in isn't too much of an issue as long as it's straight. Are you having any luck putting in wide branches with the rubber off? -Dom

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

If I had just bought a wood chipper years ago it would have paid itself over a hundred times by now.

[@ODriscolls]

We still bought plenty of bags of pine shavings. It is pretty time consuming to chip!

[@DKLGalactus5]

thanks for the review.

[@xxeebbk]

Is this better than the one in Fargo? That one seemed to lack the necessary power to do the job.

[@DomDaBomb77]

That one would be more than sufficient for my needs, as most of the trees I want to chip are smaller than the diameter of a thigh

[@ODriscolls]

We had pigs for that job.

[@DomDaBomb77]

@@ODriscolls oh lord

[@DK6060]

@@ODriscolls Deadwood fans?

[@jaybartgis5148]

Man I put a large branch in the Shredder and played myself. Lol

[@ODriscolls]

Hahaha I think when you buy a chipper you imagine yourself chucking branches with impunity but in reality, there is lots of punity 🤣

[@tricken6033]

Can I invert the discharge shoot so all of the chips would fly into a cargo trailer

[@ODriscolls]

You would have to custom make something, I think. - Dom

[@azimramirez2703]

Thank You this vedio help me so much thank you for your time

[@ODriscolls]

Glad it helped

[@roygabriel1498]

Not for long term use. Mine worked fine first season but crank ended up in two pieces at beginning of second season. Unfortunately must be a disposable tool.

[@ODriscolls]

Good to know, thanks!

[@Reddylion]

Nice

[@wallacelarry1813]

bag fix, elastic velcro strap with a buckle, or leather belt with buckle, this will sinch for strong hold

[@ODriscolls]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@SuperAudiowizard]

put a large tarp down to catch the chips

[@nukhu9393]

Be careful just had mine eat itself and almost kill me in the process if you do maintenance on these make sure absolutely everything is clear and every bolt is fine if not replace it and use loctite on Everything

[@wallacelarry1813]

nice chipper

[@denisecares6124]

Your assistant should also be wearing ear protection when standing so close by.

[@charlesbunyard5267]

I run cow and horse manure through the top hopper

[@ODriscolls]

Right in. And here I was nervous to put straw through it haha. Good way to break up those clumps I spose.

[@ZZZ-of5ep]

I see you have a Kioti tractor. I HOPE you've sold that Champion chipper by now and gotten a mechanical or hydraulic infeed chipper for the PTO of that tractor. You could destroy piles like this in just a few minutes... and the trade up cost just wouldn't be that much. Plus one less gas engine to maintain.

[@danward64]

🚨🚨 💁🏽‍♂️ I have a fix for your bag problem. Fix number one, take a coat hanger cut off a piece and run it through the string shoot of the bag just short of the opening so it is free to move As you tighten down or loosen the string. This will make the bag opening stiff enough to go on The Shute while the machine is at idle. 💁🏽‍♂️ Fix number two, there is a bolt just above the hook where the bag hooks on when you tighten it down. Remove the bolt, get a longer bolt, and a short coat hanger as in one you would put on a wall type of coat hanger. Or some type of hook. And bolted to the machine. This will give you something to wrap the string around and tie it off and you won’t have to depend on the slip grip. I will try to post a picture of where I am talking about if KZbin lets me post on your comments. 💁🏽‍♂️ Ta-daa , and there you go. 38 years of aircraft maintenance ✈️pays off lol ,,, your welcome 🤣😂 🐎🐎🦅

[@TedHouk]

Wire Face shield: unused. Oh well.

[@SeanHoulihane]

Those little plastic wheels look like they won't last long.

[@ericreonas5343]

Lame af no fire click bait lame lame lame 😒

[@setysamson2630]

dang... ur not even working.. less talk more work