FAQs

General

Are there alternatives to having processed material discharged onto the ground?

Yes, there are bagging kits available for the SC800 and the 12P model shredder-chippers. Another option is to process the material onto a tarp for easy relocation.

Do the electric start units have a recoil start, too?

Yes, the batteries on the electric start units are recharged as the unit runs. However, you do have the option of using the recoil if desired. The battery can be recharged by using a trickle charger adequate for gel-filled batteries.

How can I locate a dealer in my area?

You can find your nearest local dealer with our Dealer Locator Map, by inputting your zip code to search around you!

Typically MacKissic sells our products through a two-step distribution system. Regional distributors set up local dealers so that our customers are purchasing a “value-added” product including service by an authorized dealer.

If there is no regional distributor in your area, you will be directed to MacKissic for details about factory direct purchases.

Do MacKissic machines come fully assembled?

Most machines require some minimal assembly – such as attaching handlebars or bolting on a hopper. Your local dealer will be able to assist you with set-up if desired.

What oil is used with my machine?

Check out this blog that gives a detailed answer as well as a chart, as to what oil to use for your machine!

The engine manual included with your unit will provide complete instructions for servicing your engine. Use a high-quality detergent oil classified “For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ” or higher. The engine manual charts recommend SAE 30 Viscosity Grades for a full range of starting temperatures. An SAE 30 oil is recommended for temperatures of 40 degrees and above.

If my machine needs service, what do I do?

The best place to start is to go to your place of purchase or any authorized MacKissic dealer. If there is not one in your area, contact MacKissic for technical support and locating an engine dealer.

How do I order replacement parts?

Your local dealer should be your first stop for replacement parts. If a dealer is not available, you can call the MacKissic parts department at (800) 348-1117. Please have your model number and machine serial number ready when you call.

How fast can I pull my machine on the road?

If your machine is highway towable, you can drive up to 45 mph on the road pulling your machine.

Wood Chippers

What spare parts should I order with my wood chipper?

The spare parts that we recommend you order with your wood chipper is a spare knife and belt. These are the two most common items that you should keep on hand.

What size chips do your wood chippers produce?

Our wood chippers produce beautiful fingernail-sized chips that are perfect for pathways, plant beds, weed control, and retaining water.

Shredder Chippers

How difficult is it to pull start a shredder-chipper?

Our units are equipped with a centrifugal clutch; therefore, you are not turning over the entire rotor assembly – just the engine. Additionally, the engines are overhead valve engines, which start more easily than an L-head engine. Our direct drive leaf-shredder-chippers do not use a centrifugal clutch, again the overhead valve engines allow for easier starting.

Can a shredder handle acorns? How fine can the results be?

The shredder can handle acorns easily. We suggest one of our optional re-processing screens available with 3/4″, 1/2″, and 1/4″ round hole perforations. The most efficient way to process material you want finer than the standard 1″ perforated screen allows, is to put the material through using the standard screen first. Then process the material a second time using one of the smaller hole screens. The material stays in the housing until it is small enough to be discharged through the holes of the screen; the smaller the holes in the screen, the longer the material takes to be processed. Smaller material decomposes quicker than larger material because the micro-organisms can do their job in less time.

What materials can a Mighty Mac® shredder-chipper process?

Material
LSC
SC800
12P
SC1650
SC183
SC262
Leaves X X X X X X
Twigs X X X X X
Compost X X X X X
Garden Debris X X X X X
Kitchen Debris X X X X X
Prunings
2-7/8″
2-7/8″
3-1/2″
4″
4-1/2″
4″

Where is material discharged from the shredder-chippers?

There are four positions for the baffle plate (a metal piece which directs the shredded material) to adjust where the material is deposited. The highest position shoots the material the greatest distance from the unit. Many users place a tarp underneath this area and pull it away from the shredder-chipper for dumping. Some operators find using a bagging kit is preferred for ease of moving the material.

What size screen should I use on my shredder-chipper?

The screen that comes with your machine will handle most of your processing needs. However, smaller screens are available if you desire additional material reduction. If you are looking to process wet materials, we have larger screens that are available.

Do I need a hammermill shredder-chipper or will a hammerless shredder-chipper work for me?

A Hammermill shredder-chipper can process a much wider variety of material than a hammerless style. The hammerless LSC does a fantastic job at reducing leaves and small prunings, but if you want to process an endless variety of organic material and chip larger branches, a hammermill machine is the way to go.

What spare parts should I order with my shredder chipper?

The spare parts that we recommend you order with your shredder chipper is a spare knife and belt. These are the two most common items that you should keep on hand.

How do I tighten the belt on my 12P?

Check out this YouTube Video on our channel that shows you step by step instructions on how to tighten or loosen the belt on your 12P!

If you are still having issues after this video, do not hesitate to reach out to us at (800) 348-1117!

What size chips do your shredder chippers produce?

Our shredder chippers produce beautiful fingernail-sized chips that are perfect for pathways, plant beds, weed control, and retaining water.

3 Point Hitch / PTO

Can I run a TPH123/122/12 on my tractor that is a...?

These machines are designed for Category 1 Tractors with PTO HP from 10 – 30.

If you are unaware of the PTO horsepower of your tractor, you can go to Tractor Data where you are able to search your tractor to see it’s PTO horsepower!

Can I run a TPH185/184/183 on my tractor that is a...?

These machines are designed for Category 1 Tractors with PTO HP 16 – 45.

If you are unaware of the PTO horsepower of your tractor, you can go to Tractor Data where you are able to search your tractor to see it’s PTO horsepower!

Can I run a TPH475 on my tractor that is a...?

These machines are designed for Category 1 Tractors with PTO HP 16 – 45.

If you are unaware of the PTO horsepower of your tractor, you can go to Tractor Data where you are able to search your tractor to see it’s PTO horsepower!

What tractor can I use for my TPH###?

All of our TPH’s are designed for Category 1 Tractors with the follow PTO HP:

Model

PTO HP Min – Max

TPH123

PTO HP 10 – 30

TPH122

PTO HP 10 – 30

TPH12

PTO HP 10 – 30

TPH185

PTO HP 16 – 45

TPH184

PTO HP 16 – 45

TPH183

PTO HP 10 – 45

TPH475

PTO HP 10 – 45

If you are unaware of the PTO horsepower of your tractor, you can go to Tractor Data where you are able to search your tractor to see it’s PTO horsepower!

Vacuums

What size properties is the VCB recommended for?

The vacuum-chipper-bagger or VCB is recommended for yards one acre or less.

Can I still get a plastic J-Tube for my older VCB unit?

Unfortunately the old plastic J-Tubes are no longer available. To continue to use your machine, you need our current metal j-tube, MacKissic Part #805-0356 as well as the current bag MacKissic Part #805-0345.

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