MechMaxx 5 inch Kohler 429cc Gas-Powered Wood Chipper

Here are my thoughts on the GS1500 with the 429cc Kohler Engine.

1. The unit was packaged very well - good use of foam padding and bubble wrap. The quality crate arrived undamaged, and clearly, some thought went into the design, in terms of the packaging. Crate disassembly was intuitive and the parts undamaged.
2. Assembly was pretty straight-forward. I used the YouTube video for guidance. I had two issues - a rivet on one of the hinge closures broke, which I easily replaced with a bolt, nut, and red thread-locker. The other issue is that the torque on the castle nut for the wheels isn't specified. My experience is that you should just barely tighten and then back off 1/2 turn. I used a 36mm socket and tightened just barely enough to get the cotter pin through -- any tighter and the wheel didn't free spin. If you tighten those hubs too tight, you can damage the wheel bearings and lock up the wheels.
3. The included tools was a nice addition, but I used my own open-end wrenches and sockets to make assembly quicker. The T-handle socket for blade replacement is nice, but could also be accomplished with a socket and extension.
4. The 12-volt battery was fully charged, and the unit fired up 1st try. The wood chips are excellent. The engine is more than powerful enough to chip through whatever branches I throw at it. The issue I had was getting the unit clogged down with leaves and twigs (small stuff). The ideal material is long, straight branches 1 - 3" in diameter.
5. This unit is HEAVY! Trying to maneuver it with 1 person is a real challenge - especially over any surface but pavement, and with any grade at all. Recommend at least 2 people to move this unit into place - even better if you have a vehicle with a hitch to tow it into place - 2" ball hitch on a lawn tractor, side-by-side or anything will make movement much easier.

My order arrived in a timely fashion and because I choose a easy location for both, I arrived at the shop where it was delivered to find it assembled and ready to go...So far I am pleased and ready to take it the rest of the way to it's new home and put it to work

The machine works amazing. Worth the price. The directions on how to put together are lacking. Someone without previous knowledge would struggle. Other than that, I'm very happy with the purchase.

We assembled it together as a couple in our mid 70s and used it within a couple of days of delivery. The wood chipper works great!

I will receive the chipper tomorrow as planned. All has gone good up to this point.

needs a much better manual for assembly and maintenance

I always start with the bad:
1. The assembly directions are horrible, no detail.
2. Had the directions been any good, they would have informed me I had to sand the coating from the axle (about 1/2 in) so the race for the bearing could fully seat in place. Figured it out.
The Good:
1. Kohler motor is awesome
2. This thing eats up everything I threw into it and that included bent branches. Used it for 1.5 hrs straight in 107 degree temps.
3. Easy start and operations

Final thoughts: worth every penny, no remorse whatsoever. Fix the directions. The machine itself is 5-star.

Bought new, in use within a hour of assembly. The engine runs smoothly and starts easily. The chips are very fine. So far I have been extremely impressed by this machine.

So far so good. Eats 5” no problem. Easy to set up. Strong construction. KOHLER Electric start worked great.

Well built and easy to use. I’m impressed with the quality of the machine, I’ve ran a lot of wood through it and have had no problems.

I have never used a wood chipper before so didn’t at all know what to expect. Well, it couldn’t have been any easier to assemble although it took about 2 hours. Pretty straightforward startup- I’ve cut down 4 trees and put all limbs through the chipper without a problem- I’m guessing I’ve saved several thousand dollars doing the work myself.

For what I paid, this is a great machine for the hobbyist.

This wood chipper is everything it says it is, great 5/5

I love this thing. I wish I had got it years ago. Cuts great, easy on gas. Very easy to set up and use.

It is both cost effective and convenient. Very durable, accurate and the best value for money on the market. I built the machine and it paid for itself within a month!

The set up was very strait forward anyone that is somewhat handy will have no problem putting it together. Nice cut.