FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
Please check below to locate an answer to your questions. Have one that isn't covered? If you have an inquiry that isn't covered below, don't be afraid to ask! Write us an e-mail at info@mackissic.com or call 800-348-1117 to speak to a service technician.
GENERAL
Is there any reason an inventive & skilled craftsman shouldn't adapt the unit to attach a collection bag?	We do offer a bagging kit with a 6.25-bushel collection bag for both the 12P series and the SC763 units.
We all know about Murphy's Law. With the electric start model, the battery will be dead just when it's needed the most. Does the electric start model also have a pull rope starter?	The electric start is equipped with recoil also.
I recently used a power washer with a B&S 6.5 HP engine on it, and the kickback from the rope starter was brutal. How difficult is it to start the 10 HP engine?	Our units are equipped with a centrifugal clutch; therefore, you are only turning over the engine not the entire rotor assembly. With a pressure washer you are also turning the pump as you pull the recoil.
Since I have 2 large oak trees, how does the shredder handle acorns?	It will handle acorns easily, I would recommend purchasing an optional screen. Our 12P/PT comes standard with a 1" hole screen, but we also offer re-processing screens with holes of 3/4", 1/2", and 1/4"; the smaller the hole, the longer the material stays in the shredder. It is also available with an oblong bar screen, which has bigger holes for processing wet material.
How can I locate a local MacKissic dealer?	MacKissic is committed to selling our products through a two-step distribution system. Our distributors set up local dealers so that our customers are purchasing a "value-added" product. Please refer to our FIND A LOCAL DEALER page to find the distributor for your area. Your distributor will be able to locate the closest dealer for you.
How can I purchase MacKissic products?	MacKissic prefers to sell our products through local dealers so that you have an opportunity to see, touch, and try the product prior to purchase. Please refer to our FIND A LOCAL DEALER page to see if we have a distributor for your area. In areas where MacKissic does not have a distributor, you may purchase products directly from MacKissic. CONTACT MACKISSIC for additional details about factory direct purchases.
Do MacKissic machines come fully assembled?	Most units require some minimal assembly such as attaching handle bars. Your local dealer will be able to assist you with set-up if desired.
What oil should I use in my MacKissic unit?	The engine manual with your Mighty Mac®, Merry Tiller®, or Johnson Big Wheel® Mower will give complete instructions for putting oil in your machine. Use a high quality detergent oil classified "For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ" or higher. The engine manual chart shows recommended SAE Viscosity Grades for a full range of starting temperatures. A SAE 30 oil is recommended for temperatures of 40°F and above.
What about service?	MacKissic's long-lasting, durable products require very little service. Depending on the amount of use, you'll need to sharpen a blade or cutter teeth, turn the hammers, check belts & screws, grease bearings or other standard upkeep as noted in your owner's manual. Other than that, changing the oil, air filter, spark plug, and winter conditioning are the only maintenance that's usually required. You are always welcome to CONTACT MACKISSIC for technical support. The engines can be serviced by any engine service dealer available in your community. In the unlikely event that your MacKissic product requires warranty service, we will be glad to make the arrangements with a service center near you.
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 for replacement parts. Please have your model number and machine serial number handy when you call.

CHIPPER-SHREDDERS
What materials can the Mighty Mac chipper-shredders process?	The Leaf Shredder-Chippers (LSC models) are best for processing leaves and small branches only. For other types of organic materials, such as garden debris, tomato vines, corn stalks, palm fronds, etc., we recommend a hammermill type unit - an SC763 or 12P model for homeowners, the TPH-122 or TPH183 tractor-powered units, or the heavy duty SC183 or SC262 models for professionals and commercial applications. Please DO NOT attempt to chip/shred plastic or styrofoam in your MacKissic unit. These materials can melt from the heat created by the machines and cause damage.
Why should I buy a MacKissic Mighty Mac chipper-shredder?	MacKissic has been building tough, durable lawn & garden products since 1947 & manufacturing chipper/shredders for 41 years. In fact, our founder, Elton MacKissic, pioneered the use of the hammermill, which is the heart of the unit. There are literally thousands of these units in use today. The Mighty Mac 12P, SC763, TPH-122, SC183 & TPH183 models utilize a heavy flail hammer that has 4 reversible cutting edges. Because it is not a sharpened or serrated edge, it is much thicker and therefore does not dull as quickly. The key to a successful chipping and shredding action is the centrifugal force created by the weight of the entire rotor unit. We use a heavy chipper flywheel with two additional rotors connected by hammer rods on which the hammers rotate (16 hammers on the SC763, 24 on the 12P and TPH-122, & 48 on the SC183 and TPH183); this complete unit rotates at 2100 rpm. Our 12P model is powered by a 10 hp Briggs & Stratton INTEK OHV engine and is available in a 2 wheel model with wheelbarrow type handles or a 4 wheel trailer version that can be towed behind a garden tractor or pulled by hand. This model was "Member Tested and Recommended" by the National Home Gardening Club of America in their Nov/Dec. 2000 issue. We offer a smaller model, the SC763, with a 6.5 hp engine, and also larger more commercial units if needed.
Is there a problem with material wrapping around the rotor when shredding?	If the hammers are kept in good condition, this generally prevents a wrapping problem from occurring. The hammers have 4 use-able sides and if kept rotated, you will not experience this problem.
CLOGGING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR LSC?	NEW HORIZONTAL BAR SCREEN AVAILABLE FOR LSC UNITS!! This fall had been particularly wet and leaf fall extra long resulting in the leaves staying unusually moist. To circumvent the problem of clogging in the LSC units that may result from processing leaves that never seem to dry out, we have recently designed an optional new screen (part #804-0214) for the leaf-shredder-chippers. This horizontal bar screen has proven to be highly effective in processing damp or matted leaves. Using this new horizontal bar screen will greatly reduce clogging, however, you may experience somewhat larger discharged material.
What size screen should I use?	The shredder-chippers come with a SCREEN AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT which is generally all that is needed for most owners. If you want the final product from the machine to be finer, you can process the material a second time with a smaller holed screen. If you are processing a lot of wet material or find that the shredder is clogging, you may want to use a bar screen which has larger holes and does not clog as easily.
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