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Greenfield Piecemaker Briggs & Stratton 850
tough, robust, simple, 8.5hp IC USA Briggs, brilliant machine .
I have owned for somewhere around 15 years, used infrequently now but when bought new had to clear a massive amount of tree loppings from neighbours jungle backyard, at a guess, I would say it has done around 50 plus hours work . Some useful things to note for prospective buyers is that the 8.5 hp American made Briggs on my machine is heavy to pull over ( note it has no decompression to assist starting ) however, if you just pull until it hits compression with the lever on stop then let the cord retract, pull the throttle right up to choke...
Read more & then pull firm & smoothly, it has started first pull every time . If you intend to store the machine it is imperative that you run it out of fuel completely, if that means draining the tank, do it, then run it with the fuel tap open until it stops . I just used for 6 hours today after machine sitting for 6 years, started first pull . The fuel line which runs from the tank around the front ( across the head ) & then over the exhaust will perish, it is very wise to check for cracking, if it springs a leak over red hot exhaust you will have a dangerous fire scenario, so I replaced mine before using this weekend with better quality Aeroflow hose, make sure to put the metal heat shield above the exhaust back on the hose. I have read many of these reviews regarding the chute clogging, I think if you cut or have only short spindly material to chip then this will be an issue especially with blunt blades. You can get around this if you mix up the lengths you put in it, if you put some short stuff in then put longer stuff in, it will help keep pushing everything through . I am not afraid to put my hands down the chute to a certain level as it is impossible to reach the blades . One thing I will tell anyone is do not put short lengths of branch with a diameter of say 15mm or more in the chute as it will just bounce off the blades & throw chips at high speed back up the chute & obviously wear a face shield at all times anyway. The only time the Briggs stopped was when we overfilled the catcher & then completely blocked the output chute, no hassle just undo the 2 wing nuts, get someone else to tilt the machine back & use a flat thin wood stick, like from an old louvre door, rake the blockage out, normally the back right corner, lower the machine back, tighten the wing nuts & away you go again . When finished using clean all debris from output chute & spray the blades and chute liberally with an anti corrosive like lanotec or such as this is where the paint wears off and you can spray all bolts & other steel surfaces which will prevent rusting & keep the machine in good order. I do have a second set of blades, even though the blades are reverseable . If you check the blades after use or know they are blunt from the way it chips, it is a good idea to either turn the blades over or if both sides are blunt, replace with sharpened blades ( I get mine sharpened professionally to ensure the temper of the steel blade is not compromised, but you can do yourself with a whetstone grinder and jig ) whilst you have the machine open for cleaning anyway, I use new split washers every time I turn the blades around or change them as you don’t want a loose blade from a failed split washer, cheap enough to buy a box and don’t forget to spray the new or sharpened blades to stop rust forming on the new cutting edges. Side mount sump drain plug making it easy to change the oil yourself and a new air filter with sponge pre filter easy to check or replace . I really like the machine, it only has a small footprint, will chip green palm fronds from my experience but if you try to chip old dry cuttings you will blunt the cutting edges very quickly so green stuff only. If it broke the next time I used it, which I very much doubt if you follow simple maintenance procedures & the simple guidelines I mention, I would buy another one without question, a terrific machine.
Purchased for $1,500.
- 2 reviews
- 2 likes
Bought my Mulcher second hand off ebay and have been happy about my purchase ever since. Tough and robust I have fed in branches way too big with 3 people feeding them in for 2 days continuously. Keep the blades sharp and it just keeps on going. Blades are expensive but you get what you pay for. They last a long time and can be sharpened and turned around with a second cutting edge which means they last double the time. Needs a strong arm to get the flywheels spinning to start but starts easily. I have had it for 4 years now with out any issues, Other machines would be wrecked and worn out with the amount of use i have given it, but I expect to have this machine for years to come.
Had the Piecemaker for 5 years and used it for many hours. Makes great mulch. Yes you need to correctly feed the waste into thehopper to avoid clogging. I also keep a pile of consumable sticks on hand to prod any waste that has not moved through the chipper. All in All a great help in converting garden waste to usable mulch on our 1 acre garden. Easy to start when serviced annually and the petrol is not stale. Must chip green and non hard wood. I never try to chip dry and hardened dead oak branches. The hardened oak will be chipped but the blades will blunt very quickly. Recommend the Piecemaker where you have a large garden.
It is great to have around to get rid of small branches and such things to make mulch. Briggs and Stratton motor starts easy blades easy to sharpen or replace. Has a good catcher I found it easy to take place to place not to bad on fuel simple to use. I have borrowed this machine.
Find out how Greenfield Piecemaker Briggs & Stratton 850 compares to other Garden Shredders
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- 41 reviews
- 45 likes
Very well made, handles palm leaves, green or dry with ease. The briggs and stratton 850 motor is easy to start and service. The cleaning is very simple, just remove 2 wing nuts and brush out, the machine pretty much cleans itself when you dont use the catcher .
It chips to a very usesble, recycleable size.
- 3 reviews
- 13 likes
After trying a cheap Ozito from Bunnings and returning it because it was, frankly, not fit for purpose, I put off buying a chipper for some time - until I came across the Piecemaker. It was one of two brands at the same mower place I bought my blower/vac from and was very impressed by their service. But then, they are selling gear that is supposed to last.
I got the B&S 850 engine because it was easier to start than the 650. Otherwise the smaller engine would have been fine, based on the amount I have to shred (on a normal suburban block).
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Read more Got it home and it ran perfectly and shredded everything. I filled about 10 bags which are now mulch on the garden. Couldn't be easier. There is really nothing else to say Easier to start. Easy to use. Works as expected. This is not expensive, it is great value for $1500 and will last years.
The Greenfield Piecemaker with a 850 I/C Briggs and Stratton engine is a brilliant machine
and since 2012 they have dropped in price
I have them on special at Mowers Galore Hoppers Crossing for $1299 inc GST
I thought I would update this after three years with the machine.
Still works perfectly. Starts easily and cuts everything.
I had to put some quite large eucalypt branches through it in Spring - down ...
Questions & Answers
I have a 850commercial chipper that will provede a spark to start, had madneto replaced and a carburator replaced still willnot start please help
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I am looking for a garden waste shredder, small branches and leaves etc.. Anyone have any ideas for me.. It will be me using it, so It needs to be woman (strong) friendly. I do not read instructions.. (like most women) :)