For property owners who must deal with dead branches, getting rid of them can be problematic. For many, the solution to getting rid of dead twigs and branches is by using the best commercial wood chipper currently available. This relatively simple device has saved many homeowners time and effort is disposing of dead branches and twigs on their land.
The 5 Best Commercial Wood Chippers
| Editor's Pick | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overal | EFCUT C30 Gas Powered Wood Chipper | 4.2 |
| Runner Up | GreatCircleUSA Gas-Powered Wood Chipper | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Pick | Landworks Gas Powered Wood Chipper | 4.1 |
| 10 HP Engine | Patriot Gas-Powered Wood Chipper | 4.1 |
| 7 HP Engine | SuperHandy Gas Wood Chipper | 4.4 |
However, there are also complications with purchasing a wood chipper. From the size to the price, knowing which one to get or even if you need one will take some consideration. What follows is a guide to identifying what a wood chipper is, whether you really need one, the attributes of wood chippers, and five models that may be right for your needs.
What is a Wood Chipper?
As the name implies, this is a device that breaks down twigs, branches, and wood into smaller particles or chips. Most wood chippers consist of a grinder that is run by a powerful motor. The wood goes into the feeder chute which leads to the teeth of the grinder. The wood is then turned into chips which quickly exit the exhaust chute.
The purpose of the wood chipper is to turn larger branches and twigs into chips or mulch which can be used to fertilize your garden. It provides the means in which unsightly dead branches can be turned into something useful instead of being burned or removed from the property.
Wood chippers come in different sizes ranging from small, occasional use devices to large, commercial machines. Getting the right one for your needs will depend on several factors, but this assumes that you really need one.
Do You Need a Wood Chipper?
Having the best commercial wood chipper around the home is certainly handy, but just how often are you going to use it? Your purchase should be based on the need both today and tomorrow to clear twigs and branches from your property. If you are frequently pruning trees and finding dead branches or twigs, then a wood chipper purchase may be obvious.
But if the need is infrequent, then you’ll want to carefully consider all options before you commit to buying a wood chipper. Here are two popular options for infrequent use.
Rent: One option for those who are only need a wood chipper infrequently, such as after a storm to help clean up the damage, is to rent a chipper. There are some hardware, landscaping, and home improvement stores that may offer wood chippers for rent. This means that you are responsible for cleaning this product once it has been used.
Renting provides a less expensive option compared to purchasing, especially if you only need to chip wood every few years or only after storms have caused damage. The downside is that you must follow the rules of the store when using the product. And if it is damaged or lost, you will lose your security deposit.
Service: Many landscape and lawn care companies have wood chippers that they use to create mulch. A common service is for them to clear the branches and twigs from your property and then use the wood chipper.
A service is often the most expensive option for getting rid of twigs and branches. However, you may find companies that also sell or provide mulch from wood chips as part of their services. This means that you might get a discount if they want to keep the mulch that is created. You will need to find such a service that offers the best prices.
If you live on a property that requires frequent pruning of branches, then purchasing a wood chipper is arguably the best decision. Now that you have made the decision, the next step is looking for the right attributes of a specific wood chipper that suits your needs.
What to Look for in a Wood Chipper?
Size
The size of a wood chipper is based on the diameter of the branches that can be fed into the machine. The larger the size, the more expensive the wood chipper. If most of your property consists of small fruit trees and saplings, then a three-inch wood chipper is probably the best. Large branches may need a wood chipper that can handle six inches in diameter.
Just keep in mind that the larger the size, the more expensive the wood chipper will be.
Ratio of Reduction
Most wood chipper devices will have a reduction ratio printed on the side. For example, an 8 to 1 ratio means that the wood you put into the chipper will be reduced to 1/8th its original size. The larger the ratio, the more powerful the machine. But this may also add to the expense.
Power Source
There are basically three types of power sources for wood chippers.
- Gasoline
- Electric
- PTO
The gasoline models are arguably the most available, but they are also the noisiest. Electric powered chippers tend to be smaller and easy to maintain, but lack the size and power of gasoline wood chippers. PTO is from your tractor or outside motor. Such chippers tend to be quite large and bulky, making them more difficult to move around.
Other factors include having a separate shredding chute for smaller debris such as leaves. This makes it easier to use the chipper if you are spreading mulch that includes small twigs and leaves. Plus, there are chippers that come with bags to catch the chips. The larger the bag, the more chips it can hold. But the heavier the bag will be.
Now that you know what a wood chipper is and what to look for, the next step is finding the right product for your needs. What follows are five popular commercial wood chippers that can start your search for what you need.
Here are the Five Best Commercial Wood Chipper Products
The five products are all highly touted and well regarded for their durability and versatility. This will give you a place to start when trying to find the best wood chipper for your needs.
1. C30 Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
- Size: 39.4” x 31.5” x 47.2”
- Engine: 7HP 212cc 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Gas Engine
- Torque: 8.8 ft.-lbs.
- Weight: 116 pounds
- Branch Diameter: 3”
- Reduction Ratio: 20 to 1
The EFCUT C30 is lighter than the other wood chippers on this list, although only by a few pounds. It has a reputation for being tough and durable.
Overall, this is one of the best commercial wood chipper products on the market. The front and back check window makes it simple to replace the blade. Plus, you can remove debris that gets stuck in the chipper rather easily. In addition, the device has a slightly higher torque compared to similarly priced wood chippers. And, it comes with two replacement blades as part of the package.
2. Heavy Duty Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
A solid, portable wood chipper, this GreatCircleUSA product offers plenty of features for those who need to chip wood frequently on their property or as part of their lawn care or landscaping business.
- Size: 30” x 24.10” x 41.6”
- Engine: 7HP, 212cc 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Gas Powered
- Torque: 8.1 ft.-lbs.
- Branch Diameter: 3” maximum
- Reduction Ratio: 15 to 1
A tow bar kit is sold separately, so you can tow the chipper behind your lawn mower, small tractor, or ATV. Plus, there is a detachable vacuum hose sold separately that can be used to scoop up the leaves.
One interesting attribute is that this wood chipper is EPA and CARB certified to aid in the prevention of fires. This means that it can reduce the branches and twigs which often help spread fires into small, less flammable chips. You can create firebreaks which separate the trees so that fires are less likely to spread.
The chipper itself is quite solid, durable, and can run for hours while chipping and shredding twigs and branches. It’s easy to tow but can also be pulled by hand where needed thanks to the wheels at the base. The vacuum attachment which is sold separately is a nice feature for fall cleanup of the yard.
However, this wood chipper is not recommended for fresh plants, pine cones, vines, petrified wood, or branches from palm trees as they can clog up the machine. Plus, some customers have reported that their wood chippers have come in less than perfect condition when sent by GreatCircleUSA. Such issues may be corrected by the time you read this article.
3. Super Heavy Duty Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
This upright wood chipper, shredder, and mulcher is like the SuperHandy version in that it uses the slanted housing design.
- Size: 30” x 24.1” x 41.6”
- Weight: 130 pounds
- Engine: 7HP, 212cc 4-Stroke Single Cylinder Gas Powered
- Branch Diameter: 3” maximum
- Reduction Ratio: 15 to 1
- Torque: 8.1 ft.-lbs.
- Unleaded Gas (no ethanol)
- Slanted Housing Design
- Large Catch Bag
- Tow Bar Kit
One interesting feature is that this wood chipper can be hooked to your lawn mower or ATV and towed on its wheels to the desired location thanks to the tow bar kit.
This wood chipper is designed for gardening and standard lawncare when dealing with fallen branches. The gas tank has enough capacity to run for hours, allowing you to turn plenty of branches into mulch. It weighs a little heavier than similar models, but not enough to be a difference-maker.
The tow bar kit is nice. And for the most part it is a reliable machine. One possible downside is that the motor may not be covered by the warranty. This may be problematic for those who expect to use this device frequently. Otherwise, it is a solid, dependable wood chipper.
4. CSV-3100B Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder Mulcher
This wood chipper by Patriot Products is a step-up compared to most others on this list. That is because this chipper offers a 10-horsepower engine as opposed to the 7-horsepower of the competitors. It is also priced higher as well.
- Size: 35” x 24” x 37”
- Weight: 139 pounds
- Engine: 305cc and Briggs doesn’t list a max torque
- Branch Diameter: 3” maximum
- Reduction Ratio: 20 to 1
- Motor: 10HP
The larger horsepower makes this wood chipper by Patriot Products more suitable for commercial work and large property owners. One possible issue is that the chute is quite straight, making it a little more difficult to feed branches that are curved. You may have to chop them apart separately before putting them into the chipper.
It is a pull-start engine which is easy enough for most people. However, you will have to follow the instructions to ensure that it works properly. It is highly durable and can run for several hours on a full tank of gas and the extra horsepower does show.
5. Ultra Heavy Duty Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
This three-in-one wood chipper is designed for personal use, although it may have limited commercial applications.
- Size: 29.5” x 25.7” x 40.6”
- Weight: 120.7 pounds
- Branch Diameter: 3”
- Reduction Ratio: 15 to 1
- Slanted housing design
- Motor: 7HP 212cc 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder Engine
- Torque: 8.1 ft.-lbs.
- Unleaded Gasoline (no ethanol)
- Large Catch Bag
This wood chipper is primarily designed for gardens, planting, and forestry situations. It does have a powerful motor for its size. Plus, it does have wheels, so you can easily drag it to where it is needed. Although pulling it long distances or loading onto a truck may be more difficult for one person.
One potential issue is that the wood chipper’s motor is so powerful that the device may shake. Plus, depending on the number of smaller branches and twigs fed into the machine, a few may pass through untouched. However, the device itself is easy to start, will stay running for hours on a full tank, and is relatively easy to maintain.
Comparison Table of the 5 Best Commercial Wood Chippers
| Model | Engine Brand | Horse Power | Displacement | Branch Diameter | Reduction Ratio | Max Torque | Max Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EFCUT C30 Wood Chipper | RATO | 7hp | 212 CC | 3-inch | 20:1 | 8.85 ft-lb | 3800 rpm |
| GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper | RATO | 7hp | 212 CC | 3-inch | 15:1 | 8.1 ft-lb | 3600 rpm |
| Landworks Wood Chipper | RATO | 7hp | 212 CC | 3-inch | 15:1 | 8.1 ft-lb | 3600 rpm |
| Patriot Wood Chipper | Briggs & Stratton Vanguard | 10hp | 305 CC | 3-inch | 20.1 | Briggs doesn’t list a max torque- by mfg | 3600 rpm |
| SuperHandy Wood Chipper | RATO | 7hp | 212 CC | 3-inch | 15:1 | 8.1 ft-lb | 3600 rpm |
See also:
- Top 10 Best Commercial Leaf Blowers
- Top 14 Best Commercial String Trimmers
- The Best Way to Use a Commercial String Trimmer
- Top 5 Best Commercial Walk Behind Mowers
- A Guide to using Zero Turn Mowers Effectively and Safely
FAQ’s
For those who are considering purchasing one of the five best commercial wood chippers listed here, there are some frequently asked questions you might have to help make the best-informed decision.
Any Additional Accessories Needed? You will need ear plugs as all the wood chippers listed here operate at over 100db in terms of noise. Safety glasses are also recommended for any errant chips that come out from the discharge chute.
Are the Bags Necessary?
No, you do not need to bag the wood chips if you do not mind where they land once they leave the discharge. For those who own large properties that simply need to remove the wood, then no bag is necessary. However, if you want to keep your yard neat and tidy, then you will need the bags.
Does It Need Oil?
Yes, all gasoline wood chippers need oil much like your lawnmower and vehicles. Since oil is not usually provided with the product, be sure to check its recommendations to see what weight of the oil is needed. Remember that cold conditions may change the requirements of the oil.
Is Higher Torque Better?
Yes, the more torque the motor provides, the more power is applied to the cutters inside. This means that the device will chop up or shred the branches easier when they are loaded into the chipper.
However, the difference in torque between the five wood chippers listed here is not all that much. You may not notice the difference at all depending on which model you purchase.
Is More Horsepower Better?
Perhaps, but while the motor itself is more powerful, that does not mean it can shred or chip larger branches. The capacity of the machine and the design of the shredding teeth is what makes a chipper more durable and reliable.
Does the Warranty Include the Engine?
Not in all cases. You will need to check with the manufacturer and seller to see what is covered and what is not. Remember that as with most machines with moving parts, some areas may not be covered which includes the engine.
Which Is the Best?
All five of the best commercial wood chipper products listed here are certainly worth purchasing if you have a frequent need to remove branches or create mulch from wood chips. They are perfect for homeowners as well as those in the commercial landscaping or lawn care business where wood chipping is a needed service.
Apart from the Patriot Products chipper, the other four are virtually identical in terms of engine size, capacity, and torque. This means that the differences between the chippers are minimal, but there are a few accessories that some chippers include which may affect your purchase decision. The Patriot Products version has more horsepower and torque, but it is also more expensive.
Choosing the best commercial wood chipper starts off by understanding what the device really does for landowners. If one is right for your needs. And which attributes along with what models are best for your property. The more thought you put into getting the right product, the better off you are when having the best wood chipper that suits the needs of your property or business.
