# Bandit 280XP Used Price & Common Problems | Chipper Risk

> Bandit 280XP: one used listing at $28,900. Documented problems: engine rebuild and diesel injector clog. OEM part prices and what to inspect before you buy.

**Verdict:** inspect

One observed listing at $28,900, a thin comp set. Biggest documented cost risk: Hydraulic drive motor failure. Buy only after inspection.

**Observed used price:** $28,900–$28,900

**Documented failure risks:**
- Hydraulic drive motor failure: Hydraulic drive motor failure: fluid was found "bypassing inside" the feed
- Hydraulic pump: Prior hydraulic pump failure on the same machine: owner states he
- Feed hose plumbing: Feed hose plumbing back to the engine-mounted pump is a documented leak/wear
- Engine rebuild: Separately, a full engine rebuild was undertaken on this unit, along with some welding to the back, and the owner considered it worth it because the chipper was bought cheap.
- Diesel injector clog: A 280XP with the 6-cyl John Deere diesel that runs fine cold but floods hot: "After about 15-20 mins when it tops out at operating temp it seems to flood itself and start smoking like it's getting to much fuel and drops the rpms from 2600 to 2200-2300." Owner's resolution: "clogged injector running like a champ now." Check injectors on a hot-bogging unit.
- Rear main seal leak (280 HD, 200hp JD 8.1L): On the 280 HD with the 200hp John Deere 8.1L, owners report needing the rear main seal, a labor-heavy engine repair (transmission/coupler pull). Owner: "Need help with the rear main seal on a 280 hd brush bandit chipper with a 200 hp John Deere 8.1 liter engine." Inspect for oil at the bellhousing.

## Sources
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSHTUVl5bac) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD4Y2oIxs-c) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn5AkDC9Gkg) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [machinio.com](https://www.machinio.com/listings/117385659-2000-bandit-280xp-in-van-buren-township-mi) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [machinio.com](https://www.machinio.com/listings/235240-bandit-280xp-wood-chipper) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [r.jina.ai](https://r.jina.ai/https://www.machinio.com/bandit/280xp/wood-chippers) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [Bandit 280XP floods/smokes at temp: clogged injector](https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/problems-with-my-chipper.175069/) — "I own a brush bandit 280xp w/6 cyl. john deere diesel... After about 15-20 mins when it tops out at operating temp. it seems to flood itself and start smoking like it's getting to much fuel and drops the rpms from 2600 to22-2300." (accessed 2026-09-12)
- [Bandit 280 HD rear main seal (JD 8.1L)](https://arboristsite.com/threads/280-brush-bandit-chipper.111942/) — "Need help with the rear main seal on a 280 hd brush bandit chipper with a 200 hp John Deere 8.1 liter engine. Please someone give me a hand" (accessed 2026-09-12)
- [Compatible chipper knife 451-BAN-5750405 (280XP): $40.40 (aftermarket)](https://americancuttingedge.com/bandit-model-280xp-compatible-brush-chipper-knife-451-ban-5750405) — "451-BAN-5750405, "Bandit Model 280XP Compatible Brush Chipper Knife", $40.40 each — aftermarket Modified A8 steel (not genuine OEM)." (accessed 2026-09-12)

_Last verified 2026-09-12. Source: Chipper Risk — https://chipperrisk.com/chippers/bandit-280xp/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._