Replace Chipper Bearings

Sometimes you need to replace the bearings. I took the time to video the process in case you need to do this to your chipper. Mine is a 250 Bandit from 1997. Yeah, my stuff is old (like me!)

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I don’t expect this video to get very many views but for those of you who may need this information, I hope this helps.

[@vc7128]

Thank you for uploading the video. I am sure that I am not alone when I say this, you have at least helped me. BTW, what grease do you put in the bearings? Thanks.

[@fgfra392]

Our Vermeer's bearings went out not 12 hours ago, what great timing on the video Blair, Thanks!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Mason Tompkins every chipper is different. Hope this helps

[@fgfra392]

@@arboristBlairGlenn There is few differences I noticed but a lot is quite similar, this for sure got me on the right track.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Mason Tompkins 👍🏻

[@gergarcor]

Thank you very much for uploading your video to the net, because thanks to it, I was able to give myself an idea to solve a problem with a machine that uses a similar bearing. Greetings from Acapulco Mexico.

[@darrenswoodworks8695]

Where were you 15 years ago. I had to do the same thing. Took me 6 hours to change mine. Similar disk chipper, same bearing and clutch set up with belt. My Machanic used a cutting torch to cut it loose. He didn’t even scare the shaft. He was an amazing guy. Sorry to have lost such a good man so early.

[@merlenelson4894]

About to replace Bandit bearings on the opposite side of disc chipper. I let the bearing cover fill with excess grease over the years and it eventually prevented rainwater from draining out a crack in the bottom. Water and grease churning and soon enough I had a bearing failure in only 700 hours of use. Thanks for taking the time to document your process.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Not an easy job but very doable. Randy was a master at all things chipper. Sadly, he passed away last year.

[@duke6024]

Keep that mechanic he is gold. Thanks for share i just bought used DR 18 HP vanguard watching videos learning thanku wow the sucker lock in on u

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Sadly, Randy died last year of a heart failure.

[@duke6024]

@@arboristBlairGlenn I just saw your video first time today sorry for your loss he was good blessings sent

[@jwparadise3794]

This is an awesome and priceless video. Thank you for sharing this wealth of knowledge on this procedure for the Bandit Chippers.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

JW Paradise hope it helped. I only wish I had something like this to watch the first time I struggled with this.

[@daviddesilva4971]

Well done...bring in the man of wisdom. A lifetime experience.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

David de Silva Randy is the man!

[@deerhunter7482]

Goggles and a face shield didn't slow a broken zizz disk from giving my acquaintance a hatchet size slash on the forehead that any Indian would be proud of , Blair keep paying your great mechanic .

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Mike Redding he is 65 and I hope he wants to keep on working

[@deesestrees]

Mike Redding lol Almost scalped by savage piece of disk!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Deese's Trees CRAP!

[@thardyryll]

Mike Redding But those goggles and shield could well have saved his sight if the disk fragment had gone south. A scar is one thing; blindness is another altogether. Doing without protective gear does not mean you will be injured. And protective gear is never a guarantee against injury. But it stacks the odds in your favor. Deafness, blindness and limb loss or worse don’t signify that you are macho tough, just pathetic.

[@JonathanKnighton961]

Nothing like having a good mechanic that you can trust to do the work and get it done right.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Jonathan Knighton so true

[@AuMechanic]

Just replaced a new Logan hydraulic clutch on a Rayco RC12 chipper as well as knives, anvil and other stuff. I measured the shaft stick out too before refitting the split taper pulley on the engine end but on refitting I used a straight edge and found the pulley not aligned so well from the factory so fixed that, poor alignment could wear out a belt sooner. Tip on removing any bearings, you don't need to cut the race all the way to the shaft, just close to it is good enough since the bearing races are hardened a decent blow with a cold chisel in the split with a heavy hammer will crack the bearing at the cut releasing tension on it.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

AuMechanic agreed that Randy cut too far

[@gregbrown9271]

Nice job Randy 👍👍👍

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Greg Brown he’s amazing

[@TGCIII]

I’ve got a 95 bandit 250. It’s awesome but finding somebody that Knows these machines is tough. I just grease and grease keep the knives sharp and hope for the best

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

TGCIII these machines take a beating

[@TGCIII]

No kidding they just keep on working. I’m holding my breath... I know it’s coming hopefully not today

[@RickF1558]

@@TGCIII Chippers are not very overly complicated machines. Instead of worrying if it will break down, take some time after work to just look your machine over thoroughly. Get to understand how its all put together and how it all works. That way when it does meed repaired, you can do it yourself. Maybe some people are just more mechanical. These things come very easily for me. God bless and stay safe

[@alexmatthews2332]

They really are simple machines but how they are designed is the amazing part. Had to change bearings on my bandit 100 and that was tough! Have some old school mechanics I'm cool with and we got it done. Trick is keeping the disc at proper height while working

[@dahlfishhydrolysate8780]

Great Video Blair ! I have a Badger TM400 that needs new bearings and I was wondering if you measured your old to source universal bearings or you might have the part numbers ? I'm gonna tear mine apart for new belts and bearings here soon. Thanks in advance !

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Dahl Fish Hydrolysate most bearings are not unique to the machines and can be found at a bearing supply business. I found mine at one.

[@12namleht]

Old school skills...Go Randy

[@deesestrees]

I have one of those good secret mechanics as well. Im getting my bearings Replaced on the front of my bandit stump grinder currently. I really like bandit products. I’ve used all of the main brands and many of the models in 18 years in treework. Bandit and stihl make some great products, That’s where my money goes anyway and I’ve never been disappointed. Thanks for the videos .

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Deese's Trees I’m with you but I went with Carlton for my grinder

[@kencanoe]

Thanks Blair, you always have useful info...and I learn from the comments section as well! One question: How will I know when I need to replace the bearing(s)? THanks

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

kencanoe I heard it clearly. You can also feel the change if you put your hand on the bearing housing when it’s running.

[@badgergearcompound738]

Haha. I think Randy’s “fur” acts as his arm protection, almost. I’ve changed many bearings like this in different applications (large cooler fans for natural gas engine/compressor packages). Wow! Over 20 years on that bearing. Obviously the guy that owns that chipper must maintain it above and beyond man. specs. Lol. Always interesting. Thank you for all your posts. Cheers

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Badger Gear Compound grease grease and more grease!

[@badgergearcompound738]

arboristBlairGlenn Copy that. Didn’t take me long to realize you take care of all of which you run. Old iron is good iron. Haha

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Badger Gear Compound yeah but we work our stuff HARD!

[@GKfromNJ]

Hey man, awesome video! On the rear bearing, is it supposed to be flush with the shaft? We replaced it and the bearing is sticking out about an inch and a half

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Greg Kramkowski don’t understand your question

[@briankirwan9588]

Love your videos! Do you still have the original clutch?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Brian Kirwan no, many times a clutch replacement

[@traviswalker6831]

I’m doing this very job. Thank you!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Hope the video helped. Sadly, Randy died not long after this.

[@traviswalker6831]

@@arboristBlairGlenn I’m so sorry to hear about Randy. Sounds like he was a good friend and talented mechanic.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@traviswalker6831 thanks, yes. Life is fragile. Don’t take anything for granted.

[@88SC]

I fix my cars, mowers and most things around the house. While I seldom really hurt myself, it’s a rare project where I don’t see my own blood at some point. Watching a mechanical whiz like Randy do it, I don’t feel too bad!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

88SC he didn’t even know he was bleeding

[@edmioz]

excellent video !!! thank you so much

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Hope it helped

[@GenghisKhan311]

Video definitely helps thanks

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video.

[@wansolve289]

Just came across this 4 yr old video, can you post where you found those replacement bearings? My old chipper will soon need some. Thanks !

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I ordered mine through Caline equipment in California. 1 [phone]. Good luck

[@chasingwaves11]

That has the same setup and the Bandit 200 and looks like the same belt too ! Lol that belt today is 700.00 bucks !! I just replaced one in November some idiots didn’t clear out the chipper and when the next guy went to go use it the chipper was half filled and wet wood chip’s jammed the wheel. Causing the belt to burn up and pretty much the belt broke .. idiots that don’t check anything before running it ! .. I’m so glad I started my own business can’t wait to go on my own , I’m down working for dummies it’s killing my brain cells lol

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I wrote an e-book for folks like you. I thought about all the mistakes that I made over the years. Not a difficult book to read. I believe you would find value in this. I’m new to this Etsy store. My daughter just put it up for me. I have not even mentioned it yet. www.etsy.com/listing/1366947524/ Blair

[@sirvashasar]

nice video! i have a question, did u try a bearing pulley tool before you started to cut the bearing? seems like u had some space atleast to get the tooths behind the bearing. i have the same problem, big flange bearing stucked to the axle and i cant use the bearing pulley because i cant get the pulley tooth behind. im gona try cut some grooves with the angle grinder in the casting unit of the bearing and try to pull it from there, if that don´t work i will cut the whole bearing as u did=) thank you!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

The mechanic said, “tried them, too hard, just cut it off. Get it done!”.

[@sirvashasar]

@@arboristBlairGlenn okay, yeah ill get it done tomorrow, thank you!=) cheers

[@jaxturner7288]

Couple hundred for the part? Must of sourced that through the local dealer because shaft bearings like that are “off the shelf parts” and almost never made by the equipment manufacturer. If you can measure the shaft OD and know how many bolts hold it on, you can get ANY size and mounting combo imaginable for way way less. I’m guessing that looks about like a 2 inch shaft, possibly 50mm, obviously it’s a four bolt flange, obviously sealed on both sides/no grease fitting. When I put those specs in on eBay you find a two pack, in that same green color for $75. Like I said bearing people make bearings and the industry is very standardized, that’s why you only need a few specs to get the part, you don’t need to worry about the bolt spacing/ mounted height/max load/ max rpm because they are all standardized for whatever size shaft and bolt pattern your working with. Just type -sealed bearing for 2” shaft (or whatever yours really is) four bolt flange, in on eBay and bam your see your part.

[@jaxturner7288]

Edit: just noticed the grease fitting so don’t put “sealed” in your search.

[@thardyryll]

Jax Turner This is exactly right. Ditto for related drive parts like pulleys. I needed a pulley for an older John Deere commercial mower deck. The factory no longer sells the part. Good thing, too: That set me on a search for a pulley from other suppliers. Found one - at a price no doubt far less than what one in a John Deere box would have cost.

[@alanshelby5980]

These belts and bearing blocks are cheap on ebay. Good job of making this last 20+ years. Use anti-seize or Loctite on everything you put back together.

[@JohnSmith-kz1ll]

Great video

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Hope it helps

[@JustMe-gw3eo]

Randy is a badass.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Yes he is

[@k1ngzreign336]

What would you do if there's no way to fit angle grinder to cut the race ?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Is this an issue you have or an open question? What kind of chipper are you dealing with?

[@CryptoAbe]

Idk if you could help me with this 1989 Timberwolf 2000 chipper. I cant even find any bearings for it. The shaft is 3inch.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Zach Bow don’t know that chipper but you will likely find it at a bearing supply shop. Most of these components are not unique to the machine.

[@GenghisKhan311]

My bearing for morbark with 2in shaft 4in bolt centers is 500 from morbark and 700 anywhere else.

[@kenttom8535]

everyone needs a Randy

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

KENT TOM yes we do

[@darrengarlough5121]

I need to replace mine on bandit150xp, but its on the other side of the wheel. Will that beeasier?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Should be similar. My 250 is basically just a larger version of the 150.

[@howorthpools7322]

how do you know when it is time to replace bearing do you replace both sides when you do it

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Mine started making noise and I could feel them getting hot. Both at the same time, yes. Like replacing one tire.

[@Fennecfox10]

I am replacing a bearing that pivots with one that doesn't. Is this okay?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Ask the manufacturer please

[@Doc607]

Okay didn't measure the shaft protrusion and now the chipper wobbles. Best way to line it up please. Thoughts???

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Shane Nikorous the mechanics at Cal-line are helpful

[@Jamestreeman]

Chipper likely wobbles because of an unbalanced wheel. Highly unlikely it’s the protruding shaft. That just wears your belt. Did you knock a chunk out of the wheel? Has one of the welded weights broken off?

[@Doc607]

@@Jamestreemannah ended up being the pulley of cutter wheel wasnt inline wiht the lower pulley of the engine sharft pulley

[@patrickwhalen4781]

@@Doc607 how did you get it lined up? Does the pulley just slide along the shaft with set screws?

[@Doc607]

@@patrickwhalen4781 just tightened pulley screws to recommend torque and adjusted engine mounts to level

[@pandvsims]

More trees Blair! Chipper needs a paint job.

[@jonathanmohabir6014]

Hey brother, there's Sum called bearings puller, had the same problem. I use to weld mine outside so it can expand thr race. But then found a bearing puller.check it out. It's a 3 arm puller

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Tried it, nope

[@ethancooney7480]

This helped real well but sadly it was viewed too late had to replace the bearing when they blew

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Ethan Cooney sorry

[@barryhansen6854]

Each to his own trade is all Ill say gets done quicker.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

barry hansen Randy said “you do the trees, I’ll do the machines”!

[@barryhansen6854]

@@arboristBlairGlenn I agree Randy.

[@trevorblack3385]

Does it have the original motor?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Trevor Black yes

[@alexmatthews2332]

Does it have John deere or cummins?

[@tfi6279]

Just done a set , whole bearing off in 3 minutes with torch.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

You rock!

[@MC-ik3zn]

Can you show when taking off the pulley?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Pulley is pretty straight forward to take off.

[@MC-ik3zn]

@@arboristBlairGlenn I been trying with a three leg puller sprayed lubricant heating with torch and nothing thanks for replying

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@MC-ik3zn try heating it up

[@johnmcgrath3907]

Morbark charged me $1800 to replace two bearings. Wish i would have found this earlier.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Still a tough job but very doable

[@HiLineTree]

Taper-Lock hub

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

HiLineTree yes it is

[@joopterwijn]

The handy you (and you crew) I have no doubt you could have done it yourself, but it would have take you a lot more time than your friend the mechanic 👨🏼‍🔧. And you mite miss some of the tools.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

There is also the chance of doing something "the wrong way" or "the hard way". Better to hire a reputable mechanic at least for the first time. Then you can learn by watching how "the expert does it".......and go for it yourself the next time. Learning things "the hard way" all by yourself through trial & error usually results in too much down time and $$$ wasted. Lord knows I've learned several things the hard way. Especially on projects that are "a specialty", where it's hard to find ( or expensive ) a good mechanic or tech. It sucks to tackle something yourself, screw it up, or take far too long........all that downtime & money is now partially, if not totally wasted.......only to wind up hiring the right man for the job, that we should've done to start with. Cheers.

[@GenghisKhan311]

Cant use just any bearing must be a spherical roller bearing. Which cost 500 and up

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

The bearing purchased from the chipper dealer was about 350.

[@GenghisKhan311]

@@arboristBlairGlenn mine for morbark cyclone 8 was 500 with shipping. Thanks for responding

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Sadly, Randy died this year. He was working on my Bobcat and his time just ran out.

[@adamn1371]

yea he probably shouldn't have cut down to the shaft

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Minor damage

[@evang6503]

Possibly this could help somebody I have a Vermeer 1200 XL all of my friends have had to lower the feed wheel assembly out all together and torch the old parts off of the shaft to replace it I was able to do so without by using a gigantic prybar and stunning it with a ramset gun

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Evan G all chippers are different. Hope this helps someone else.

[@elffirrdesign2063]

no sissy rubber gloves on those hands!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Elffirr Design tough man

[@aminghedmat2996]

Never use hammer to install a bearing.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Light taps no problem