Best Wood Chippers 2018 – Buyer’s Guide

When Mother Nature blessed us with beautiful greenery from trees to shrubs, she most likely did not anticipate how hard it can be to remove and dispose of heavy limbs or overgrown bushes. Technology and innovation have all your bases covered thanks to an important piece of equipment called the wood chipper. A wood chipper can be the answer to your gardening and landscaping needs.

There are currently more models of chippers and shredders on the market than ever before. As a result, shopping for the best chipper for your needs can seem like an arduous task. Luckily, we have got you covered with our top ten best wood chipper reviews and a handy shopping guide to assist you in choosing the best model for your needs.

Selecting the Best Wood Chippers 2018

1. Patriot Products CSV-2515 : Best Luxury Option for Those New to Wood Chippers

The Patriot Products CSV-2515 14 Amp Electric Wood Chipper is perfectly suited to conquering the largest mountains of leaves and branches of up to 2.5 inches in diameter.

The wood chipper weighs in at just 95 pounds making it a lighter and easier to manage option since it will not tire you out as fast as heavier versions.

An electrical cord powers the Patriot, so you will need to have a nearby power outlet handy.

2. The Tazz 18493 K32 : Best Compact Gas Powered Option

The Tazz 18493 K32 Chipper Shredder is crafted with an easy starting Viper engine. This chipper produces 20 percent more vacuum than leading competitors.

This gas-powered beast can chomp up branches that are up to 3 inches in diameter.

The Tazz is surprisingly compact for its amount of power.

3. The Earthquake 9060300 : Great Gas Powered Option for Those New to Wood Chippers

The Earthquake 9060300 Chipper Shredder features the patented Viper engine and is gas powered. This version from Earthquake is an updated version that is more eco-friendly than previous models.

It still contains enough power to blast through branches up to 3 inches in diameter.

The Earthquake chipper comes with a debris bag to collect chips, shreds, and mulch.

4. The Southland SCS2052 : Awesome Gas-Powered Option for Heavy-Duty Jobs

The Southland SCS2052 Chipper Shredder was designed with two steel blades which will result in a 10:1 debris reduction ration.

This Chipper/Shredder safely breaks down branches with a diameter of up to 2.5 inches.

The Southland SCS2052 Chipper Shredder has been created with a 250 cc Briggs and Stratton motor which offers precise results from chips to shreds to mulch.

5. The Yard Machines 208cc : Great for Leaves

The Yard Machines 208cc Chipper Shredder runs off of a 205 cc OHV engine. This wood chipper works perfectly on branches and organic material with a diameter up to 2 inches. Debris is reduced at a ten to one ratio with the Yard Machines Chipper.

This offering from Yard Machines features a 3-way system.

The system includes a drop-down chute, a rake in cute, and a chipper chute offering you maximized personalization to your preferred methods.

6. The YARDMAX YW7565 : Most Durable Option

The YARDMAX YW7565 Chipper Shredder offers a durable and easy to use chipper that creates chips, compost, or mulch. The wood chipper works off of a self-feeding system. This model can safely accommodate branches and debris up to three inches in diameter.

The YARDMAX YW7565 Chipper Shredder is great in any terrain thanks to its pneumatic wheels.

The solid steel casings of the chipper provide a sturdy surface while the easily accessible chipper blades provide for a simple cleaning experience.

7. GreatCircleUSA 7HP Heavy Duty : Best All Around

The GreatCircleUSA 7HP Heavy Duty Wood Chipper runs on a 3 in 1 chipper design.

This chipper has a top hopper for use in large volume chipping, a side chute for smaller limbs or branches, and a back vacuum inlet that is used for loading in leaves for shredding.

Our testing team was thrilled that this machine has so many amazing applications, giving you plenty of bang for your buck.

8. Eco-Shredder ES1600 : Best for Protecting the Environment

Our testing team is pretty convinced that Mother Nature would approve of the Eco-Shredder ES1600 14-Amp Electric Chipper/Shredder.

This model is quieter and cleaner than similar versions.

It accommodates branches with a diameter of up to 1.375 inches.

9. Sun Joe CJ602E-GRY : Best Option for Those on a Strict Budget

The Sun Joe is a budget-priced option available in three colors: gray, green, and red. The chipper is powered by a 15-amp motor which allows revolutions of up to 4,300 rpm.

It breaks debris down to 1/17th of its previous size. The Sun Joe Chipper/Shredder safely accommodates material with a diameter of up to 1.5 inches.

The mulch and chips produced are great for tending your garden.

10. Power Smart PowerSmart PS10 : Great for Light Duty Jobs or Individuals Unable to Tolerate Heavier Models

The Power Smart Chipper is an electric model. It is extremely lightweight at around 30 pounds. The motor runs of 15 amps and can tackle lighter chipping duties for branches up to 1 5/8 inches.

The Power Smart Chipper is great for covering a large area due to its lightweight frame.

One of our testers had recent back surgery and was astounded at how light this model really is.

Best Wood Chipper – Buyer’s Guide

Whether you are new to using a wood chipper or simply after a newer, spiffier model, finding the best shredder may seem difficult. While researching and reviewing our top ten best wood chippers, we also cultivated this handy dandy guide. We will explore the ins and out of wood chippers and give you some helpful hints and safety tips.

Who Needs a Wood Chipper?

You are most likely wondering whether you actually need a wood chipper if you have landed on our page. First things first, if you have organic matter consisting of plants, grasses, trees, bushes, or leaf matter in your yard then the short answer is yes. You could theoretically cut back the organic material, rake it up into manageable piles, and then burn the materials.

Using a shredder, chipper, or mulching will save you time and frustration while also lowering the chance of an unintended outcome like a fire or property damage. This type of machinery has become both easier and safer to use in recent years as well. This is due in part to new technological advances as well as safety industry standards that dictate the necessary safety measures for heavy machinery. Chippers are now a commonly found piece in many home landscaping and gardening enthusiasts tool sheds.

The Different Types of Wood Chippers

Similar to other gardening and landscaping tools, there are different versions of wood chippers available. Some are chippers, some are shredders, others can do both, and then there are also mulchers. Let’s take a closer look at what the individual versions are capable of.

Wood Chipper

A traditional wood chipper is an extremely powerful piece of machinery. It can break down pieces of wood in nearly any size as long as it fits into the wood chipper’s chute. Sharp blades lie inside bolted to a rotating disc inside of the chipper. As wood feeds through the machine, the blades rotate and chop the wood up into chips which are then expelled from the side of the chipper.

If your yard has trees with branches that need to be disposed of, a wood chipper is definitely a smart purchase. The wood does not have to be dry to be fed into the chipper which is another obvious plus. These are just two reasons demonstrating the appeal and need for one of your very own.

Wood Shredder

A wood shredder is sort of like the wood chipper’s little brother. The two tools look similar but have two distinct differences. A wood shredder utilizes flails (blunt blades) to trim the wood, and it produces mulch rather than chips. You may want to go with a wood shredder if you have smaller branches and yard waste to manage.

Mulcher

A mulcher is a wonderful tool if you need to deal with softer organic materials. If you attempt to put an actual tree branch into a mulcher, the machine will most certainly break, and you could cause serious damage to it or wind up getting hurt yourself. They work well with grass, leaves, or little twigs to make compost.

Electric, Gas, or PTO Chippers

The way that your new wood chipper is powered can make a huge difference. Chippers can be electric powered, gas powered, or designated as PTO chippers. Here’s an in-depth examination of each version.

Electric Wood Chippers

Electric shippers are built in a way that looks somewhat similar to a golf bag. The machines are compact and are powered by an electric extension cord. As long as you have an outlet, you can simply plug it in and get down to business.

Electric powered chippers are smaller and lighter making them a breeze to transport or carry around as you work on your yard. They require less maintenance and upkeep to keep them running in tip top shape compared to other versions. On the downside, they are not able to handle very large branches.

Gas Powered Wood Chippers

Gas powered wood chippers are the Optimus Prime of chippers. These are the big guys that are tasked with tackling large branches and tree limbs. Gas chippers are available in different styles such as heavy-duty models that also shred, walk-behind vacuum chippers, and ones that accommodate branches that are smaller or those that destroy branches of up to 7 inches.

PTO Wood Chippers

PTO stands for Power take off. This form of wood chipper was crafted for farms and other professional uses.

PTO chippers are powered by the drive shaft of a tractor, allowing the tractor to chop down branches up to 8 inches in diameter through an auto feed system.

Staying Safe While Using Your Wood Chipper

If you have ever seen Fargo you most likely have a fundamental understanding of how dangerous this heavy-duty piece of machinery truly is. If you haven’t seen it, let’s just say you do not want to accidentally put your arm or anything important to you in the chute of the chipper. Here are some excellent wood chipper safety tips that we have curated to keep you safer while using and enjoying your new wood chipper.

Load Size

You want to avoid feeding excessively large wood pieces into the chipper. Doing so can result in injury to yourself or your wood chipper. Always follow the directions in your owner’s manual regarding the size of branches and debris that your new wood chipper can accommodate. Do not try to force large pieces through by pushing them.

Due to the nature of the wood chipper’s mechanics, shoving huge pieces into the cute could result in it being discharged backwards. When the wood chipper is overloaded, large pieces could be ejected. Huge chunks of ejected wood are a perfect recipe for blunt force trauma, so always follow the guidelines on the sizing of debris and limbs.

Proper Attire

Yard work is not the best time to wear your fanciest clothing, but you still need to think about what you will be dressed in. Avoid baggy clothing, untucked shirts, belts, dangling jewelry, or too long sleeves as they could get caught in the chipper. Long hair should be tied back.

You should also invest in a pair of safety goggles if you do not already own some. Ear protection to protect your hearing is another way to ensure you remain safe while operating your new wood chipper. A hard hat can protect you from any stray chunks of wood as well.

Safety Tips While Feeding the Chipper

A broomstick is ideal for helping to push debris and limbs into the chute of your wood chipper. This will keep your hands and body away from the dangerously sharp blades. Avoid standing directly in front of the feeding chute area or in the path of the hopper.

You will also need to take special care to ensure children or pets are at a safe distance when the machine is in use. As wood chips, shreds, or mulch fly out it could hit a bystander and cause serious injury. Stay on alert at all times since there are no minor accidents with wood chippers; they are almost always severely detrimental.

Keep Things Tidy

Your new wood chipper will create a large amount of debris. That is the machines main purpose. The debris will start to pile up while you are using the wood chipper.

You can easily avoid slipping, falling, or tripping in the debris by adopting a clean as you go policy. Do not let excess debris build up. Sweep it away regularly to avoid accidents.

We hope you enjoyed our article featuring the best wood chippers for cleaning up your yard. Purchasing a wood chipper is a big investment. Not only are the costly but they can be quite large and cumbersome. A wood chipper can also be a very dangerous machine to operate if you do not follow the manufacturer’s directions and warnings.

Now that you understand the major differences in wood chippers, the ways they are powered, and how to stay safer, you can make an informed choice on which is best for you. We would love to hear back from you! Drop us a quick line below with your tips and tricks to safely using a wood chipper and your favorite model.