2021 Bandit 1680XP Beast Recycler

The 2021 Bandit 1680XP Beast Recycler is a compact, towable horizontal grinder designed for tree services, land clearing, sawmills, municipalities, and recycling yards. It is designed to convert brush, logs, slash, bark, green waste, and similar wood waste into mulch or biomass feedstock.

Typical 2021 Configuration

• Caterpillar C7 diesel engine producing 321 hp
• 18 in × 52 in (457 × 1,321 mm) mill opening
• 12 ft 9 in × 52 in infeed hopper
• 16 in diameter feed wheel
• 100-gallon fuel tank
• Reversing autofeed system
• Wireless radio remote with 50-ft tether backup
• Front hydraulic stabiliser
• Fire-suppression system on that particular unit
• Approximately 250 operating hours in the cited listing; serial number 518026

Core Machine Design

The 1680XP uses a 36-inch-diameter, 52-inch-wide cuttermill with 26 teeth. Its relatively low horsepower requirement compared with larger horizontal grinders is a key selling point: it is intended to deliver useful production while keeping fuel use, towing size, and operating costs lower. Bandit lists it as suitable for material up to roughly 18 inches in diameter.

The towable machine is broadly in the 31,500-lb / 14.3-tonne class in Bandit’s current configuration, with tandem 15,000-lb electric-brake axles and eight 215/75R17.5 dual tyres. Actual weight varies substantially by engine, discharge arrangement, tracks versus trailer, and optional equipment.

What to Check on a Used One

• Engine and emissions: Validate the exact CAT engine designation, Tier rating, hours, service records, regeneration/aftertreatment history, and whether any remaining engine warranty transfers.
• Cuttermill: Inspect tooth pockets, tooth holders, drum balance, mill bearings, anvil/screens, and evidence of hard-contamination damage.
• Feed system: Test feed-wheel response in both directions, hydraulic motor/gearbox condition, conveyor chains, rollers, belts, and autofeed calibration.
• Hydraulics: Check oil analysis, pump pressure, hose condition, leaks, cylinder drift, and stabiliser function.
• Discharge: Inspect conveyor belt, magnetic head pulley if fitted, bearing condition, folding/height-adjustment functions, and any trailer-loading clearance limitations.
• Chassis and compliance: Check axle/brake condition, tyres by DOT date rather than tread alone, lights, pintle/hitch wear, and whether it meets the road specification required in your target country.

Practical Positioning

The Bandit 1680XP is best viewed as a mobile, mid-sized wood grinder rather than a high-volume land-clearing grinder like Bandit’s 2460, 2680, 3680, or 4680 models. It can be a sensible unit where access, towing, fuel use, and moderate output matter more than maximum tonnes per hour. The 18 × 52-inch opening and 300–321 hp power range place it firmly in that category.

If you are considering buying a specific 2021 machine, provide the advert, serial number, hour count, engine model, and asking price. The configuration, likely weak points, and commercial suitability for European operation can then be assessed.