# Vermeer BC700XL Common Problems & What to Check | Chipper Risk

> Vermeer BC700XL: documented problems include anvil/knife wear and AutoFeed board (cross-model). OEM part prices and what to inspect before you buy used.

**Verdict:** inspect

Used pricing varies; see sources. Biggest documented cost risk: Anvil/knife wear. Buy only after inspection.

**Documented failure risks:**
- Anvil/knife wear: Anvil/knife wear (documented, this model): anvils and knives are routine wear items requiring periodic adjustment and eventual replacement, per the dealer walk-through video.
- AutoFeed board (cross-model): Cross-model AutoFeed and feed-pump-shaft failure notes carried from a related Vermeer model (not confirmed BC700XL-specific): AutoFeed control board replacement runs about $850 plus a $350 service call.
- AutoFeed RPM threshold: The BC700XL auto-feed silently won't engage if engine speed is below 3,000 RPM, with nothing on the display to say why. Owner's resolution: "a stuck (or loose?) throttle cable was not allowing the engine to reach full speed... the BC700xl needs a minimum of 3,000 rpm in order to activate the auto-feed... there is nothing on the control unit display (lights) to indicate that the minimum speed has or has not been reached." Check throttle/engine speed before the feed control.

## Sources
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiVHm8Ay9Eo) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDuM25XuMm0) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izJ_b1mwXH8) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [machinio.com](https://www.machinio.com/vermeer/bc700xl/wood-chippers) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [Vermeer BC700XL not feeding forward: 3000 RPM lockout](https://arboristsite.com/threads/2022-vermeer-bc700xl-chipper-not-feeding-forward.381788/) — "the BC700xl needs a minimum of 3,000 rpm in order to activate the auto-feed (forward). Unfortunately, there is nothing on the control unit display (lights) to indicate that the minimum speed has or has not been reached." (accessed 2026-09-12)
- [Compatible chipper knife 451-VER-700-XL (BC700XL): $82.65 (aftermarket)](https://americancuttingedge.com/vermeer-bc700xl-chipper-8-000-x-5-000-x-625-bevel-30-degrees-mod-a8-zone-hardened-oem-163710613-special-notes-54-57-rc-ends-35-40-rc-center-fits-vermeer-bc700xl) — "451-VER-700-XL, "Vermeer Compatible Model BC700XL Brush Chipper Knife", $82.65 — aftermarket Modified A8 steel (not genuine OEM)." (accessed 2026-09-12)

_Last verified 2026-09-12. Source: Chipper Risk — https://chipperrisk.com/chippers/vermeer-bc700xl/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._