Both the B66L and MC-266 are workhorses in the Rotochopper lineup, but they serve different operational needs. This guide will help you choose the right model for your operation.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | B66L | MC-266 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | CAT C27 Tier 4 | CAT C13 ACERT |
| Horsepower | 950 HP | 475 HP |
| Rotor Diameter | 42" D x 66" W | 26" D x 66" W |
| Feed Opening | 38" throat opening | 50" x 60" |
| Production Rate | Up to 150 tons/hr | Up to 80 tons/hr |
| Weight (approx) | 90,000 lbs | 60,000 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 340 gallons | 250 gallons |
| Typical New Price | $1.2M - $1.5M | $800K - $1.0M |
| Used Price Range | $650K - $950K | $400K - $650K |
Rotochopper B66L
Best For:
- ✓ High-volume composting operations
- ✓ Large land clearing projects
- ✓ Municipal waste processing
- ✓ Operations processing 100+ tons/day
Advantages:
- • Nearly 2x the horsepower
- • Higher throughput capacity
- • Handles larger material
- • More robust construction
- • Better for continuous operation
Considerations:
- • Higher fuel consumption
- • Higher operating costs
- • Requires more site space
- • Heavier transport logistics
Rotochopper MC-266
Best For:
- ✓ Medium-sized operations
- ✓ Landscaping & tree services
- ✓ Regional composting facilities
- ✓ Operations processing 40-80 tons/day
Advantages:
- • Lower purchase price
- • Better fuel efficiency
- • Easier to transport
- • Lower maintenance costs
- • Sufficient for most operations
Considerations:
- • Lower production capacity
- • May struggle with very large material
- • Less suitable for 24/7 operations
- • Smaller rotor = more frequent maintenance
Operating Cost Comparison
Fuel Consumption
- B66L: Approximately 20-30 gallons/hour under load
- MC-266: Approximately 12-18 gallons/hour under load
At $4/gallon diesel, the B66L costs roughly $80-120/hour in fuel vs $48-72/hour for the MC-266.
Maintenance Costs
- B66L: Higher parts costs, but longer intervals between rotor replacements
- MC-266: Lower individual part costs, but more frequent rotor maintenance
Annual maintenance typically runs $50,000-80,000 for B66L vs $30,000-50,000 for MC-266.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the B66L if:
- You process over 100 tons per day consistently
- You handle large tree trunks or bulky material regularly
- You run multi-shift or 24/7 operations
- Throughput and uptime are critical to your business
- You have the budget for higher operating costs
Choose the MC-266 if:
- You process 40-80 tons per day
- You handle primarily yard waste, pallets, or smaller material
- You run single-shift operations
- Operating cost efficiency is a priority
- Your budget is $650K or less
Resale Value
Both models hold their value well. The MC-266 has a larger buyer pool due to lower price point, while the B66L maintains higher dollar value for high-capacity operations. Expect 5-year-old machines to retain 60-70% of original value if well-maintained.
Final Recommendation
Neither machine is objectively "better" - it depends entirely on your operation's needs and budget. The MC-266 is the sweet spot for most regional operations, while the B66L is the choice for high-volume processors who need maximum throughput and durability.
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