Bandit Industries’ Model 1890 Track Chipper Being Used at Mount Rushmore

Bandit’s new Model 1890 Track self-propelled drum chipper is working to spruce up the Mount Rushmore while protecting the surrounding forests of the southern Black Hills, the Remus, Mich., based company announced in a press release. Bandit says the 1890 Track is the perfect machine to tackle the thinning operation occurring within the national park because of its compact size, maneuverability and production rates.

“Projects like this are exactly what we had in mind when we decided to build a self-propelled version of our 1890,” says Jason Morey, marketing manager for Bandit Industries. “It’s small enough to go pretty much anywhere, and it’s strong enough to chip a surprising amount of wood for its size.”

The Model 1890’s versatility in the field is taken to the next level with a loader and a Caterpillar 307B steel-track undercarriage, Bandit claims. It rides on a pair of 500-millimeter pads, which provides stability to scale steep slopes and exceptional flotation. A built-in loader takes the hands out of the hand-fed chipper, allowing a single operator to feed the machine with material up to 19 inches in diameter. A standard radio control permits operators to handle all chipper functions remotely, while an easy-to-use swing out control panel on the machine is available for those preferring direct contact. Engine options range from 114 to 213 horsepower, and a swivel discharge allows chips to be broadcast where they’re needed.

The extent of the 1890 Track’s versatility is assisting the National Park Service in thinning the woods around Mount Rushmore, the company says. The three-month project is designed to make the park and surrounding forests more resistant to fire by removing younger trees less than 10 inches in diameter. The measure also will serve to slow the pine beetle infestation, which has affected the area. To preserve the integrity of the forest and area wildlife, tight restrictions are in place to ensure the project only removes that which is necessary.

“It’s not logging or clear cutting,” says Mike Johnson, the park service regional fire information officer. “It’s thinning out some of the stuff that would’ve burned in a natural forest cycle.”

The goal of the project is to develop a diverse ecosystem similar to what existed in the area approximately 100 years ago. As material is processed, the chips are spread back over the forest floor to keep nutrients in the park, sustaining a very natural feel.

“Hand-fed track chippers are becoming very popular because of their versatility,” says Morey. “We’ve designed and built the 1890 to be the best on the market, and watching it work at one of our greatest national monuments is truly an honor for us.”

Bandit Industries Inc. is a manufacturer of equipment for the logging, tree service, biomass and wood waste recycling industries. More information is available at www.banditchippers.com.