How to choose the right wood chipper for your landscaping needs

This guide shares how to choose the right wood chipper for you and your property

There's a lot to consider when choosing the ideal wood chipper for your property.

But selecting your wood chipper, choosing which machine is best for dealing with your wood waste doesn't have to be a challenge, and there are lots of options for picking the right wood chipper for you.

Whether you're dealing with tree debris, yard waste, or regular maintenance, understanding the different types of wood chippers and their capabilities will help you select the right wood chipping machine that meets your needs. So what is the best wood chipper for you?

What's the difference between PTO and gas wood chippers?

When looking at residential models of wood chippers, or something for farm or small-to-medium scale commercial use, there are fundamentally two different types of machines to consider.

PTO wood chippers

PTO (Power Take-Off) wood chippers are a great solution for property owners with a tractor. These chippers connect directly to a tractor's PTO. By using the tractor's existing power source, PTO chippers eliminate the need for separate engine maintenance and additional fuel costs while still delivering powerful processing of wood chips. A more powerful engine on your tractor also means compatibility with larger wood chippers too.

These chippers are great for those with existing PTO-compatible tractors and want to get the most out of their tractor's horsepower.

Gas-powered wood chippers

With a range of power outputs, gas-powered wood chippers efficiently process both softwood and hardwood. Wood chippers with gas engines have greater mobility that lets users work anywhere on their property, making them ideal for professional landscapers and property owners dealing with regular, heavy-duty clearing tasks.

Because these chippers prioritize portability and don't need a tractor, these machines are great for residential property owners who don't own a tractor, or who want to easily haul a wood chipper across multiple properties.

Twin Flywheel vs Single Flywheel

Single flywheel chippers use one flywheel to both chip and throw material. That means it has to strike a balance between chipping power and airflow. It works well, but with light or leafy material, you may need to mix in heavier branches to keep it moving through the chip stream.

Twin Flywheel separates the functions of chipping and throwing. One flywheel chips at the ideal speed for powerful chipping, while the second flywheel spins twice as fast to create strong airflow and throw chips farther. This allows it to handle soft branches and light or leafy material more reliably, no mixing required.

Bottom line: twin flywheel means less prep, smoother operation, and better performance with all types of material.

Gravity Infeed vs Hydraulic Infeed

Gravity Assist Infeed: This system relies on the steep angle of the chute to naturally guide larger materials into the chipper, requiring you to push or assist some smaller material in. Once the material is engaged with the flywheel, the 3-blade design facilitates a smooth and consistent draw. However, the amount of effort needed to assist material in can vary depending on the type and size of what you're chipping.

You may need to pay more attention to material preparation and feeding when it comes to light weight and leafy material, which feeds best when it's mixed with heavier material.

Hydraulic Infeed: This system features an infeed roller that actively grabs and pulls material into the chipper making for a very efficient process. It also provides a consistent feeding action and allows all types of materials to be handled in the same way, regardless of shape, weight or size. Also featuring forward, neutral and reverse feeding directions with variable speeds, this system is typically considered a superior feeding system over gravity-assist infeed systems.

Both systems are effective, and the choice often depends on budget, the types of material you expect to process most often as well as on how hands-on you'd like to be during material preparation before chipping, etc.

Checklist: What to consider before buying a wood chipper

1. Compatibility

Each model of Woodland Mills wood chipper is designed for certain ranges of horsepower from your tractor's PTO.

How much power your tractor puts out will influence which chipper you'll need. Check the compatibility of the chipper before purchasing or attaching it to your PTO, to ensure you have the proper amount of RPM required for operation.

For gas-powered wood chippers, none of Woodland Mills machines use diesel engines, so ensure you are always using gasoline for fuel and keeping up with regular maintenance.

For PTO chippers, it's recommended you pick the largest chipper that's compatible with your tractor's PTO output, as that will ensure you have the highest capacity available to you. Also ensure your tractor is capable of lifting whatever model you choose as well.

2. Portability: Weight, Size, and Maneuverability

The choice between wheeled and towed chippers depends largely on your transportation capabilities and typical working environments. Consider the limitations of your storage space and the types of terrain where you’ll operate the machine. The size of your chipper should be appropriate for accessing the kind of sites where you typically work.

All Woodland Mills wood chippers can be towed on a hitch, on the back of an ATV or truck, to take them anywhere they need to go.

3. Feed Mechanism: Hydraulic vs Gravity

Hydraulic feed systems offer precise control. Hydraulic feed ensures an easier time on the operator, where the machine is doing most of the work to bring material to the flywheel for chipping.

Gravity feed systems do require more work from the user to prepare and feed material, but it is a reliable feed system for affordable, entry level machines.

Other considerations when choosing a wood chipper

Property size: What size of property do you have? Do you have a larger property that may require a larger machine or do you need something smaller for more occasional property maintenance?

Match chipper capacity to property needs: Plan on chipping frequently or chipping larger branches? You may want to invest in a larger chipper

Consider frequency of use: If you only need a wood chipper for odd jobs around your property, you may want to consider a mid-size model or something that's easier to store

When looking at wood chipper models, assess the material type and size you plan to chip:

• • Maximum branch diameter
  • Green vs. dry material
  • Leaf processing ability
  • Seasonal debris variation
  • Mixed material handling

What is the best wood chipper for me?

We usually recommend going with the biggest chipper your tractor can handle. Start by checking the horsepower at your tractor’s PTO, then match it up with the compatible chipper models.

If your budget allows, go for the highest capacity chipper that works with your tractor's horsepower, ensuring your tractor can safely lift it. That way, you’ll be able to chip the largest material possible with the equipment you already have.

At the end of the day, the right chipper is the one that balances power, compatibility, and what you need it to handle.

Woodland Mills TFG55 PTO or GAS Wood Chipper

What you want:

• • A gas powered chipper, or...

  • A wood chipper for your subcompact tractor with a PTO output between 12 to 50 HP

    • An economical wood chipping option

    • A gravity infeed system

Key features:

• • 5" x 5" (13 cm x 13 cm) opening for handling larger branches

    • Feed system engineered to work with gravity to easily feed in material

    • Heavy-duty construction for durability in demanding conditions

    • Three reversible blades for extended use between sharpenings

Best suited for:

The TFG55 is the perfect wood chipper for smaller property owners on a budget, including hobby farm owners or those who plan on doing maintenance work for their small trees and shrubs. This value-oriented, entry-level wood chipper ensures that everyone, even those with small tractors or those without a tractor, are able to get their chipping jobs done across their property.

"I am very happy with the TFG55 PTO Wood Chipper, which mounted and runs well on my compact Kubota BX25D tractor," says Kenneth, who has been enjoying his chipper.

Woodland Mills WC46 and TF46 4" PTO Wood Chipper

What you want:

• • A wood chipper for your subcompact tractor with a PTO output between 15-30 HP

    • Features a hydraulic infeed system

    • Can chip material up to 4" in diameter

    • Has the option for single or Twin Flywheel

Key Features:

• • 4" x 6" (10 x 15 cm) opening for efficient wood processing

    • Self-contained infeed system for easier operation

    • Direct drive system for optimal power transfer

    • 360-degree rotating discharge chute for flexible chip direction

Best suited for:

The WC46 is a workhorse for acreage property owners and tree care operations, including those with small subcompact tractors. Proven successful with hundreds of satisfied landowners, this capacity chipper is also available in a PRO model, the TF46 PRO, which takes advantage of Twin Flywheel technology for the smoothest and easiest chipping experience.

"After reviewing several sawmills I chose the WC46 for my hobby farm. It is perfect for my application. The auto feed setup was a primary consideration. It has proven to be my favorite. Overall this machine is great and I truly appreciate the quality of Woodland Mills products," says Rodger, a WC46 owner.

Woodland Mills WC68 and TF68 6" PRO PTO Wood Chipper

What you want:

• • A wood chipper for your subcompact tractor with PTO output between 20 to 50 HP

    • Features a hydraulic infeed system

    • Can chip material up to 6" in diameter

    • Features Twin Flywheel technology for consistent and efficient chipping

Key features:

• • 6" x 8" (15 cm x 20 cm) opening for efficient wood processing

    • Self-contained infeed system for easier operation

    • Direct drive system for optimal power transfer

    • 360-degree rotating discharge chute for flexible chip direction

Best suited for:

The WC68 PRO Wood Chipper is ideal for landowners and small-scale forestry operations looking for a versatile and powerful wood chipper. Its compatibility with a wide range of tractor sizes makes it suitable for various property sizes and types of terrain. For more comprehensive and consistent chipping power, consider the TF68 PRO Wood Chipper with Twin Flywheel.

"A well-built machine. I have 58.5 acres of mixed forest and have been using my wood chipper almost daily for the past three months. I work it hard and it has stood up well. Anytime I've had issues or questions, the customer support has been great. I'm very happy with my purchase," says Mary, a satisfied WC68 owner.

Woodland Mills WC88 and TF810 PRO 8" PTO Wood Chipper

What you want:

• • The highest capacity chipping solution for tractors with a PTO output between 35 to 100+ HP

    • A wood chipper that can candle up to 8" branches

    • Features Twin Flywheel technology for the most consistent chipping experience

Key features:

• • Patented Twin Flywheel Technology for improved efficiency

    • 8" x 10" (20 cm x 25 cm) opening for processing larger materials

    • Self-contained infeed system for smooth operation

    • 8 segmented reversible blades for consistent performance

Best suited for:

The TF810 PRO Wood Chipper is ideal for professional-grade wood chipping needs, including large-scale land clearing projects and commercial forestry operations. Its innovative design and powerful performance make it suitable for chipping branches, dealing with yard debris and taking on the most demanding wood processing tasks. Whether you have very hard wood or are looking for a brush chipper to clean up your property, the TF810 PRO a bigger machine that will get the job done.

"Excellent chipper at an excellent price. I have my TF810 PRO on my Kubota L6060. They are perfectly matched. The chipper has plenty of power for whatever you put through it and the feeder roller never overpowers the flywheel and causes bogging. At the same time the fuel consumption on the tractor is impressive. Would highly recommend," says Andrew, a satisfied TF810 PRO owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I select a wood chipper?

Look at what equipment your property needs, which means not only the truck, but the tractor and wood waste removal options you need as well. Consider your property size, type of tree debris, frequency of use, and power source.

Gas-powered chippers offer standalone operation and excellent portability, making them ideal for smaller properties or situations where tractor access is limited. For those who own a tractor, PTO-driven chippers typically offer more power and better value by using your tractor's existing engine for operation. Look out for optional features you'd like and see what makes sense for your property.

In general look out for:

• • Wood chippers that are compatible with your tractor

  • That can chip the materials you have on your property

  • That have a maximum capacity that suits your needs

  • That benefits your overall productivity on your land

What is the difference between a wood chipper and a chipper shredder?

A wood chipper primarily processes branches and larger wood pieces into chips, while a chipper shredder is a dual-purpose tool that can handle both woody material and softer yard debris like leaves, twigs, and garden waste.

A chipper shredder produces smaller, less uniform chips and are best for occasional yard cleanup where both woody and soft debris need processing.