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Australian Forestry Equipment

Tree shear · model vs model

OMEF Big Inch BI300 vs OMEF Big Inch BI500

Which Big Inch shear covers the work without oversizing the carrier package?

4 specification fieldsReviewed 19 September 2026

Short answer

Which one fits which job?

The BI300 is the nimble commercial option for smaller stems and carriers; the BI500 earns its extra capability only when larger hardwood is regular and the excavator can control the loaded attachment safely.

Published figures

Specification comparison

Different manufacturers publish different fields. A dash means the equivalent figure is not included in this guide—not zero and not necessarily unavailable.

SpecificationOMEF Big Inch BI300OMEF Big Inch BI500
Carrier class8-14 t23-30 t
Weight420 kg1,810 kg
Maximum published cut300 mm600 mm
Australian distributorRandallsRandalls

Decision gates

The figures that should decide this comparison

  • Hardwood stem distribution
  • Carrier stability over the work envelope
  • Cycles per hectare
  • Transport and attachment-change burden

Commercial fit

Where each model earns its place

OMEF Big Inch BI300

420 kg shear for 8-14 t excavators, 300 mm published maximum cut — the regrowth and fence-line workhorse.

  • Regrowth control, fence lines, shelterbelts and fire-break work in the 100-200 mm class
  • Contractors with an existing 8-14 t excavator that needs to earn across several industries
  • Work where stems per minute matters more than occasional large capacity

OMEF Big Inch BI500

1,810 kg shear for 23-30 t excavators with 600 mm published maximum cut.

  • Commercial land clearing on a 25-30 t carrier that also runs a grapple, mulcher and stump shear
  • Larger regrowth and farm clearing where 300 mm-class shears are at their limit

Full due diligence

Open both model buyer guides

OMEF

Big Inch BI300

Specifications, commercial fit, ownership considerations and checks before signing.

OMEF

Big Inch BI500

Specifications, commercial fit, ownership considerations and checks before signing.

Do not compare these models outside the production system

The winning specification can still produce the higher whole-life cost if another machine, the landing or haulage constrains its output. Recheck the tree shears buying guide and calculate cost per saleable unit at your contracted hours.