DK2 6" Wood Chipper Electric Start (OPC566E)

So, we are very happy with our OPC566E...but as with any machine that is used a reasonable amount we need replacement items. Therein lies the problems...trying to replace anything through DK2 is a nightmare. Many of their parts are unavailable anywhere else but through the DK2 website...and only sometimes. We waited over 5 months for a set of replacement blades; we're still waiting on a replacement item for an order where they sent us the incorrect item. When attempting to communicate with the company the customer service is either rude, incompetent, or absent. Having said that, I really like the Chipper, but have decided against purchasing anything else from DK2 because it's just not worth the time, effort, or pain that it takes to do something as simple as order a replacement part. There are several other companies that make great equipment aaaand value their customers. This isn't one of them.

So, we are very happy with our OPC566E...but as with any machine that is used a reasonable amount we need replacement items. Therein lies the problems...trying to replace anything through DK2 is a nightmare. Many of their parts are unavailable anywhere else but through the DK2 website...and only sometimes. We waited over 5 months for a set of replacement blades; we're still waiting on a replacement item for an order where they sent us the incorrect item. When attempting to communicate with the company the customer service is either rude, incompetent, or absent. Having said that, I really like the Chipper, but have decided against purchasing anything else from DK2 because it's just not worth the time, effort, or pain that it takes to do something as simple as order a replacement part. There are several other companies that make great equipment aaaand value their customers. This isn't one of them.

We have our home on just under 2.5 acres of Coastal Oak and Manzanita in a “red” fire zone - our community is really good about fire safety and prep but most homes don’t have as many trees as we do - we wanted to be able to chip everything we won’t split and burn at the same time we are doing the trimming and clean up - while the OPC566 is rated six inch - we won’t ever be trying to chip that large a piece but the Oak brush and trimmings are very unwieldy and the larger throat and feed means we don’t have to cut down our trimmings just to fit the chipper. The chipper tows easily behind our Kawasaki Mule and we just take it out with us when we go out to clean up or trim. Gas tank is a little awkward to fill if you are shorter - combination of the location on the engine and the engine being high on the machine, my wife will need a stepstool (under 5’). The lower angle of the feed shoot means that it's very easy to feed - a problem on some other designs if you are short. While chippers are noisy, the loudest point is in front of the feed chute and the rest of the machine is actually smoother and quieter than expected - a nice surprise. Discharge is great for throwing the chips but a bit high angled for making a pile near the machine - perfect for pitching them into a vehicle though. We are only two tanks of gas into the machine (only had it for two days so far) but are really pleased with the performance. Kohler engine deserves a mention - but its a Kohler - it just works. Assembly? It was harder to pull apart the crate than assemble the machine - no the instructions aren't perfect or detailed to the last degree but we didn't have any questions or difficulties once we found a big enough wrench for the axle nuts. The instructions in the crate were not as complete as the PDF information on the web - but nothing was difficult or required modifications to assemble and operate.

I have not had an opportunity to use my new DK2 but my concern is with the installation and user manual. It does not explain some of the following:
- What is the extra bolt for on the hitch;
- How to raise the hitch;
- What are the different positions on the electric key starter;
- How to operate the emergency shut off

Also when I did try to reach out to technical support I had to call customer service and they had to transfer me. For three days the transfer would get cut off. Initially they would not give me a direct line. I learned that the technical help desk is on east coast time and the customer service hours are west coast, thus making it difficult to contact technical assistance early morning. I was finally given a number but suggest that in the telephone prompts there be one for technical assistance.

The chipper works fine. It will not chip a long limb. You will need to shorten any long bigger limbs. The drum slows down with every chip and will eventually stall the engine. The packaging of the unit was great. Make sure you check EVERY bolt. Not just the ones you install. Fitment of several bolts was not correct. The hole for the tilt pin for the front wheels had to be drilled out. All in all, love the chipper. Again, it works well

Just like all the reviews on all chippers they struggle to handle the size wood they say but this one eats up 4-4 1/2” very much enjoying this chipper