Evaluating the Bandit 1680 Horizontal Grinder: Capacity, Alternatives, and Operational Strategy

[MikePhua]

Introduction to the Bandit 1680
The Bandit 1680 is a mid-sized horizontal grinder designed for processing wood waste, brush, and clean forestry debris. With a rated capacity of 18 inches and a compact footprint, it appeals to tree service operators and land-clearing contractors who need a balance between throughput and maneuverability. When paired with a mini excavator or loader, the 1680 can efficiently reduce bulky material into mulch or biomass—provided the feedstock is properly prepared.
Machine Capabilities and Feedstock Considerations
The Bandit 1680 is engineered to handle:

• Clean Wood Waste: Logs, branches, and brush with minimal dirt or metal contamination
  
• Maximum Feed Diameter: 18 inches nominal, though larger rounds may be processed if split or bucked
  
• Drum Options: Chipper drum or grinder teeth, depending on desired output texture
  
• Feed System: Horizontal infeed with conveyor, suitable for mechanized loading
  

Operators working with large dead pines and oaks often buck logs into firewood-length rounds for easier handling. While a 4-foot diameter round exceeds the machine’s rated capacity, splitting the wood with a hydraulic cracker or shear can make it manageable.
Terminology Explained

• Chipper Drum: A rotating drum equipped with knives that slice wood into chips, offering cleaner cuts and lower fuel consumption.
  
• Grinder Teeth: Carbide-tipped hammers or teeth that pulverize wood into mulch, ideal for mixed debris.
  
• Infeed Table: A flat surface or conveyor that guides material into the drum, improving safety and efficiency.
  

Field Anecdote: Feeding with a Mini Excavator
In Sonoma County, California, a tree service operator used a 9,000 lb mini excavator to feed a Bandit 1680. Processing 100–200 cubic yards of chunked wood per week, he found that splitting large rounds before grinding was more efficient than forcing oversized pieces through the drum. The operator preferred the smallest machine that could reliably handle the workload, minimizing fuel use and transport costs.
Comparing Alternatives: Morbark 2600 and Whole Tree Chippers
Other machines considered include:

• Morbark 2600
  • Similar capacity to the Bandit 1680
    
  • Slightly heavier and more expensive
    
  • Suitable for clean feedstock but may struggle with oversized rounds
    
• Morbark M20R with Infeed Table
  • 30" drum width, heavier build (~17,000 lbs)
    
  • Approximate cost: $150,000
    
  • Better suited for large wood, but less maneuverable
    
• Terex Woodsman 790 (Discontinued)
  

• 36" wide drum, 21" tall throat
  
• 250–275 HP engine options
  
• Hydraulic discharge chute and wireless remote available
  
• List price: ~$149,000
  

Operational Strategy and Regional Constraints
In regions like the San Francisco Bay Area, air quality regulations prohibit open burning of wood waste. This makes grinding and chipping the only viable disposal methods. Operators must consider:

• Tipping Fees: Disposal costs for unprocessed wood can rival equipment purchase prices
  
• Transport Logistics: Smaller grinders are easier to move between job sites
  
• On-Site Processing: Reduces hauling and allows chips to be left on location when permitted
  

Maintenance and Cost Considerations
When comparing grinders and chippers, consider:

• Knife vs. Tooth Wear
  • Knives require sharpening but offer cleaner cuts
    
  • Teeth are more durable but consume more fuel
    
• Fuel Consumption
  • Chippers generally use less fuel per yard processed
    
  • Grinders offer more flexibility with mixed debris
    
• Parts Availability
  

• Discontinued models may have limited support
  
• Newer machines offer better diagnostics and remote monitoring
  

Recommendations for Buyers

• Assess Feedstock Consistency: Clean, uniform wood favors chippers; mixed or dirty material favors grinders.
  
• Consider Processing Location: On-site grinding reduces transport costs but requires space and permits.
  
• Evaluate Machine Footprint: Ensure compatibility with existing loaders or excavators.
  
• Balance Cost vs. Throughput: A slightly larger machine may offer better long-term value if it reduces labor and tipping fees.
  

Conclusion: Matching Machine to Mission
The Bandit 1680 offers a practical solution for mid-volume wood processing, especially when paired with a compact loader and clean feedstock. While alternatives like the Morbark M20R or Terex 790 provide more capacity, they come with higher costs and logistical demands. For operators focused on efficiency, regulatory compliance, and manageable investment, the 1680 remains a strong contender—especially when used strategically with pre-processing tools like wood crackers and infeed tables.