If you’re tired of dealing with the aftermath of leaf-laden trees and overgrown brush on your property, a Wood Chipper is an effective solution to get your outdoor space back in shape. This versatile machine can be used year-round to tackle various gardening tasks. It’s perfect for reducing organic build-up on your lawn after seasons of leaf accumulation, clearing away debris left behind by storms, or disposing of weeds and dead plants from flower beds and vegetable patches.
Additionally, a Wood Chipper can help create high-quality compost and even produce wood chips from branches like hickory or apple tree for use in your wood smoker.
The 5 Best Wood Chippers
When it comes to tackling yard work, a reliable electric wood chipper or leaf shredder is an essential tool. Among the many options available in the market, three products stood out for their impressive performance and value for money. At the top of our list is the Patriot Products CSV-2515 Electric Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder, which boasts a powerful motor that can handle even the toughest yard waste with ease.
Another notable mention is the PowerSmart PS10 Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder, which offers a compact design and impressive chipping capacity. Rounding out our top picks are the EARTHQUAKE Chipper Shredder and the Landworks Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher Super, both of which deliver high-quality performance and durability. Finally, we also looked at the Handy Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher, which provides a convenient and portable option for smaller yards.
Our Top Pick for the Best Wood Chipper
Our top recommendation for a reliable wood chipper is the Patriot Products CSV-2515 Electric Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder. This compact machine is perfect for residential properties up to half an acre, offering exceptional power and performance at an affordable cost. Despite being electric-powered, it rivals gas-powered models in terms of chipping and shredding capacity, handling tree branches up to 2½-inches thick with ease.
For a powerful and efficient emission-free alternative to gas-powered wood chippers, this device is a great choice. With its fast processing capabilities, you can efficiently reduce large amounts of yard waste and leaves. Check out the latest pricing information on Amazon.
What is a Wood Chipper?
While many wood chippers are capable of breaking down branches into uniform wood chips, their functionality often extends beyond mere size reduction. In fact, many models come equipped with additional features like shredding and mulching capabilities.
Chipping
A wood chipper’s impressive capabilities allow it to efficiently process branches with diameters up to 2-3 inches. To understand how this is achieved, let’s delve into the machine’s inner workings. Once you’ve loaded your branches into either the hopper, a large cone-shaped opening situated at the front or side of the device, the wood chipper’s grinding chamber springs into action. Here, sharp blades and hammers work in tandem to pulverize the branches into manageable wood chips.
The resulting chippings are then either expelled from the machine’s sides or collected in an attached bag.
Shredding and Mulching
The mulching function of this shredding technology is designed to break down fibrous materials like brush or leaves into small, organic particles ideal for composting. This not only streamlines the process of tidying up your garden, but also eliminates the need for manual labor in tasks such as raking leaves from your lawn and pruning branches. With a wood chipper/shredder, you can reclaim hours that would have been spent on these chores, allowing you to focus on more enjoyable pursuits.
How to Choose a Wood Chipper
Size of Your Property: Residential or Rural
When selecting the right wood chipper, your home’s location and size play a significant role. Different models come equipped with various power sources and sizes, catering to distinct needs. For urban or residential homes, the primary concern is managing debris from overhanging trees, such as dead leaves and branches. Occasional larger branches may arise after a storm.
Given proximity to neighbors, it’s wise to opt for a compact electric-powered wood chipper capable of handling 2-inch tree branches. This option minimizes noise disturbances and suits smaller residential properties. In contrast, medium-sized yards and larger rural properties like farms or acreage require more powerful gas-powered wood chippers that can efficiently process thicker branches up to 3 inches in diameter.
These units are designed for portability, featuring sturdy wheels and the ability to be towed behind a trailer, allowing for easy transportation across your property.
Electric Wood Chippers
Electric wood chippers prove to be a practical choice for smaller residential properties, effectively handling tree branches up to 2 inches in diameter. Their clean energy source eliminates the need to worry about noxious fumes, while their quieter operation and reduced maintenance requirements make them an attractive alternative to gas-powered models.
However, their limitations become apparent when dealing with larger volumes of wood or garden waste, as most electric chippers are designed for lighter-duty applications. Furthermore, their non-portable nature means you’ll need to consider the length of any extension cord required, adding an extra layer of planning to your operation.
Gas-powered Wood Chippers
Gas-powered wood chippers boast increased power and versatility, capable of handling tree branches up to 3-inches in diameter without breaking a sweat. Their larger engines and dual-blade design, accompanied by dual hammers, make them an excellent choice for those with expansive yards or acreage plagued by dense foliage. The sheer might of these machines allows them to effortlessly tackle large volumes of wood, particularly hardwood varieties.
While gas-powered wood chippers offer impressive capabilities, they also come with a few caveats. Not only do they consume gasoline, but they’re also pricier than their electric counterparts. Additionally, they tend to be noisier and produce exhaust fumes, necessitating regular oil checks and manual additions. Despite these drawbacks, gas-powered wood chippers remain an attractive option for those seeking to conquer extensive tree-clearing projects.
Three Features to Look for When Buying a Wood Chipper
Power
When selecting a wood chipper, the power capacity of the machine should be a primary consideration. Electrically-powered models boast engines ranging from 14-15 Amps, while gas-powered machines feature engines spanning 4-10 horsepower and engine sizes from 120-320cc. While smaller electrically-powered chippers may be suitable for residential properties, some models can actually rival their gas-powered counterparts in terms of power and vacuum capabilities.
Ultimately, the ideal power level depends on the size of your property and the type of garden debris you need to dispose of or utilize in your compost heap.
Feed Capacity and Size of the Chute/Hopper
When selecting a wood chipper, the feed capacity is a crucial factor to consider. It refers to the amount of garden debris that can be fed into the hopper or chute at one time. If you have a small amount of branches and leaves to process, a machine with a smaller hopper size would be suitable. On the other hand, if you need to chip a large quantity of dense brush and leaves, a wood chipper with a wider hopper is necessary.
Feeding too much material into a small hopper can cause problems, including jams that can lead to malfunctioning and slower processing times. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a machine with a hopper size that matches your specific needs. In addition to the feed capacity, some gas-powered wood chippers come equipped with self-feeding or extra vacuuming power.
This feature enables you to simply place the branches or leaves into the hopper or chute and let the high-powered suction do the work for you. Before operating a wood chipper, it’s also important to consider the type of material you’ll be mulching. Wood chippers are designed primarily for processing wood, brush, and leaves, so feeding in other types of waste, such as plastic, newspaper, or pine needles, can cause the machine to malfunction.
Always read the instructions before using a wood chipper to ensure proper operation.
Handy Operating Features
Some wood chippers stand out for their innovative operator features, making it easier to get the job done efficiently. Electric models, in particular, boast user-friendly designs that allow you to start chopping with just a simple push of a button. Additionally, some units come equipped with collection bags featuring a ‘Bottom-Out’ zipper system, enabling you to easily empty the contents without having to dig through debris.
Furthermore, certain chippers, such as the PowerSmart PS10 Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder, take safety precautions to the next level by including features like a safety locking knob that prevents the blades from spinning until you’re ready to use it. This unit also sports an overload switch, which kicks in if you accidentally feed too many branches into the hopper, ensuring your continued safety while operating the machine.
Other perks might include extra safety goggles and extended warranties of up to 2 or 3 years, providing added peace of mind for homeowners and professionals alike.
Six Safety Tips When Using a Wood Chipper
When operating a wood chipper, safety is paramount. These powerful machines can cause serious harm if not used correctly, so it’s crucial to prioritize caution. The intense suction and razor-sharp blades are designed for efficient cutting, but they can also pose significant risks if mishandled. Before using your wood chipper, thoroughly read the instructions or manual provided by the manufacturer.
This will not only ensure a smooth operating experience but also prevent frustrating issues with the machine’s functionality. Moreover, reading the instructions can save you from lengthy phone calls to customer service representatives. In addition to following the instructions, it’s vital to wear appropriate safety gear and clothing. Avoid loose attire and opt for safety glasses and sound-reducing earplugs that still allow you to hear the engine running.
This will minimize distractions and prevent accidents. When dealing with machine jams, remember to never reach inside the hopper or chute while the device is operational. Instead, ensure the machine is switched off before attempting to remove any clogged material. Similarly, refrain from leaning over to gaze directly into the hopper or chute while the machine is running, as loose organic material can potentially fly out and strike you in the face.
When feeding branches into the hopper, exercise extreme caution. It’s best not to push the wood with your hands; instead, use a larger tree branch to propel the branches into the machine. This will reduce the risk of accidental contact or injury. Finally, never leave the machine unattended and keep it out of reach from children. By following these simple guidelines, you can significantly minimize the risks associated with using a wood chipper and ensure a safe and productive experience.
5 Best Wood Chippers – Reviews
Patriot Products CSV-2515 Electric Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder
Patriot’s wood chipper and shredder is a compact yet powerful unit that can tackle branches up to 2½-inches in diameter. With an electric motor powering its performance, this machine can quickly get to work with just the push of a button. The 2-ounce capacity bag ensures efficient collection of chipped wood and organic gardening waste. Its sturdy construction, weighing in at 95lbs, is well-balanced on its two wheels, making it suitable for use on smaller properties up to half an acre.
A 2-year warranty, standard collection bag, and safety goggles are also included. When operating the chipper away from a power source, a heavy-duty extension cord with a capacity to handle the unit’s 14-amp draw is crucial to avoid power surges. The pros of this product include its suitability for small properties, impressive cutting action, quiet operation, and comprehensive warranty. However, it may not be the best choice for larger properties due to its limited collection bag capacity.
PowerSmart PS10 Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder
The PowerSmart PS10 Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder is a compact yet robust device, boasting a 15 Amp motor that effortlessly tackles branches up to 1.5/8-inches in diameter, even tackling tough woods like walnut. Its mulching function is particularly useful for quickly replenishing your compost heap. Weighing only 33lbs and featuring 6-inch wheels, the machine is easy to maneuver around your garden, with a convenient push-button start.
The Powersmart chipper also comes equipped with two essential safety features: a locking knob that prevents blade spin until you’re ready to load the hopper or chute, and an overload switch that kicks in if you overfeed the hopper. Perfect for small residential properties, this unit is surprisingly quiet and easy to clean.
Its pros include ideal suitability for small gardens, versatile chipping, shredding, and mulching capabilities, ability to cut branches up to 2-inches, lightweight design, easy start-up, and ease of cleaning. The cons are that it’s not designed for heavy-duty work, has a relatively small chute, and lacks a collection bag. You can check the price on Amazon.
EARTHQUAKE Chipper Shredder
The EARTHQUAKE Chipper Shredder is a powerful machine designed for medium-sized yards and larger properties with wooded areas. Its robust construction features high-quality steel blades and housing, balanced by 11-inch wheels and a front kickstand. The device is powered by a reliable 4-cycle, 212cc Viper engine that provides an additional 20% of suction strength to efficiently chip, grind, and shred branches up to 3 inches in diameter into wood chips or mulch.
A notable feature is the collection bag’s capacity for 2 bushels of wood chips, along with a ‘Bottom-Out’ zipper and ‘Dock-and-Lock’ bag connector that enable quick attachment and detachment for easy disposal. Weighing only 34 inches high, this user-friendly chipping machine allows for effortless garden debris loading into its hopper. Furthermore, the compact design makes it suitable for garage or shed storage.
EARTHQUAKE has designed the chipper with a handlebar angled to place the center of gravity directly above the wheels during transport, ensuring extra stability and safety. On the plus side, this wood chipper boasts strengths such as its strong engine, ease of start-up, powerful chipping action, and convenient features like the Bottom-Out zipper and Dock-and-Lock bag connector. However, some users have noted that the wheels are not excessively durable.
Overall, it is a solid choice for those seeking to process garden debris effectively.
Landworks Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
For gardeners with a medium-sized plot, dealing with leaf cover or tree branches can be a significant challenge. Similarly, those with larger acreage may struggle to manage forested land. The 3-in-1 Landworks Chipper and Shredder is an excellent solution for these scenarios. This compact machine belies its impressive power, thanks to its easy-starting, efficient 4-stroke 7 HP gas engine.
The grinding chamber features two heavy-duty steel knives and hammers that can effortlessly chip branches up to 3 inches in diameter and shred twigs and brush measuring up to ½ inch in thickness. The over-sized self-feeding side chute allows for convenient feeding of tree branches, while the wide hopper accommodates leaf and twig debris.
Additionally, the optional leaf vacuum kit enables you to turn green waste into mulch, making it an attractive feature for gardeners looking to streamline their yard work. Landworks has also incorporated several innovative features into its design, including a rubber cap on the chute that creates a stronger vacuum for sucking in dry or wet leaves and an auto feeding mechanism that facilitates faster and safer operation.
The slanted housing minimizes jamming issues, ensuring optimal performance from the chipper. While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the machine’s noise level and unclear instructions, the 3-in-1 Landworks Chipper and Shredder remains a powerful and versatile tool for managing leaf cover and tree branches in medium-sized yards and larger acreage.
SuperHandy Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
The SuperHandy 3-in-1 Wood Chipper stands out as an excellent choice for homeowners with larger yards, boasting a robust 7 HP 212cc 4-cycle engine that delivers exceptional chipping performance. This machine excels at processing tree branches up to 3 inches thick, effortlessly shredding and mulching them as needed. Its side collection bag can hold chips or mulch, making it an efficient tool for yard maintenance.
The semi-pneumatic wheels, measuring 6 inches in diameter, ensure the chipper remains well-balanced and easy to maneuver around your property, reducing strain on your back and joints. One of its standout features is the vacuum inlet option, designed for hassle-free leaf loading into the chipper, eliminating the need for constant bending to fill the top hopper shredder.
Additionally, this versatile machine can be attached to an ATV or mower tractor, providing greater flexibility with a tow bar kit available separately. SuperHandy backs their product with a 3-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind for your investment. While it has its drawbacks – namely being quite loud and potentially struggling with heavier organic matter in the chute – the chipper’s benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences.
The collection bag may be smaller than some users might prefer, but its overall performance makes up for this shortcoming.
Our Top Pick for the Best Wood Chipper
When it comes to identifying the best wood chipper for residential use, our top recommendation is the Patriot Products CSV-2515 Electric Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder. This compact machine boasts impressive power and a high-quality cutting and shredding performance at an affordable price point. Ideal for properties up to half an acre in size, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient wood chipper.
Despite being electric-powered, this model rivals its gas-powered counterparts in terms of chipping and shredding capacity, handling branches up to 2½-inches thick with ease. For an emission-free alternative to traditional gas-powered models that still packs a punch, the CSV-2515 is a fantastic option. To explore pricing and availability, be sure to check out this top-rated wood chipper on Amazon.
