A comprehensive guide for finding the best PTO Wood chipper

Here's what you need to know before buying a wood chipper for your tractor

For landowners, casual landscapers and professionals tackling land clearing projects, a PTO-driven wood chipper is an invaluable tool for efficient wood processing.

These robust machines transform unwieldy branches and logs into manageable wood chips, streamlining cleanup and creating useful by-products.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the options for the best PTO wood chipper on the market to help in managing wood waste, explain their features, and provide expert advice to help you choose the right PTO wood chipper for your needs.

What is a PTO wood chipper? Understanding the basics

A PTO wood chipper is a powerful land clearing machine that attaches to a tractor's Power Take-Off system (PTO). Unlike standalone wood chippers, PTO models harness the tractor's engine power, allowing for enhanced performance and the ability to handle larger branches and logs.

These versatile tools are essential for various applications, and are used in farm settings to logging operations, extensive land clearing projects and more.

PTO wood chippers transform raw wood waste into valuable resources. They can process a wide range of materials, from small twigs to substantial tree limbs, producing wood chips that serve multiple purposes. Whether you're maintaining a large property, clearing land for development, removing garden debris or managing a forestry operation, a PTO wood chipper can significantly improve your efficiency and productivity.

Key benefits of PTO wood chippers include:

• Powerful performance for handling thick branches and logs
• Efficient wood processing, saving time and labor
• Versatility in creating useful wood chips for mulching, composting, or biofuel
• Cost-effective solution for those who already own a compatible tractor

Differences from other kinds of chippers

There are multiple types of chippers and garden devices designed to deal with brush and other garden debris, and here are a few different types you can consider:

PTO Wood Chippers: Are powered by a tractor's PTO and don't need a separate power source, and can be easily towed by your tractor's three-point hitch.

Because PTO chippers rely on your tractor's existing output, you don't need to worry about fueling or maintaining a separate engine. PTO wood chippers use the PTO shaft to effectively utilize your tractor's existing horsepower.

Gas Powered Chippers: These wood chippers have their own engine and do not need a tractor, and can be towed or hauled in the back of a truck for greater mobility.

These wood chippers are great for those who do not own a tractor with a PTO shaft, or who want to put their tractor on a trailer or tow it to places where a tractor can't reach

Hydraulic infeed

Many PTO wood chippers on the market feature a hydraulic system for feeding in materials. Here's how it works.

Infeed chute: The operator feeds material into the opening which is then grabbed by the infeed rollers.

Power infeed: The hydraulic feed system, powered by the tractor's PTO, uses the feed roller to grab the material and carry it to the flywheel to chip it up. The infeed speed can typically be adjusted to ensure the optimal conditions for the material being chipped.

Flywheel: With a single flywheel system, the flywheel uses carbide steel blades to chip material into a manageable size, where paddles on the back of the wheel then direct the wood chips out of the discharge chute. With a Twin Flywheel Wood Chipper, a second flywheel spins at a different speed from the first flywheel, helping with discharge flow and making it so any material, even leafy, green branches, can be consistently chipped.

There is also gravity feed options available, such as with the TFG55 PTO. This wood chipper utilizes the PTO power of your tractor but does not use a power feed system, instead relying on gravity to feed material directly to the flywheel.

Practical applications of PTO wood chippers

PTO wood chippers are versatile tools with a wide range of applications in various settings. A heavy duty wood chipper has many uses across for those looking for the best property maintenance tools:

Cleaning up your property: If you have a vast rural property, a wood lot, or even a tightly managed urban land with trees and shrubbery, a wood chipper can help to get rid of unsightly brush and overgrown tree branches.

Tree removal: Plan on taking down any trees on your property? A wood chipper can be a useful tool in tree removal, helping to turn the tree branches, brush piles and other yard waste from the process into a useful pile of wood chips.

Trail making: Plan on carving out a trail throughout your wood lot or forested land? Use a wood chipper when taking out any trees or shrubbery, and use the byproduct to create a soft walking surface for pedestrians.

Gardening and landscaping: Wood chips from your yard waste can be repurposed as bedding for a garden or playground, or to build up low-lying areas of your property.

Factors to consider when choosing a PTO chipper

PTO Power and performance: When selecting a PTO wood chipper for efficient wood processing, consider the machine's capacity and compatibility with your tractor's PTO. For example, the Woodland Mills WC68 6" PTO Wood Chipper, designed for tractors with 20 to 50 HP at the PTO, so if you're looking for something with 6" diameter chipping capacity, you might want to ensure you tractor has the right HP at the PTO.

Capacity and size: Choose a chipper that can handle the inches in diameter amount of branches you typically work with. Larger models like the Woodland Mills WC88 8" PTO Wood Chipper, compatible with tractors from 35 to 100+ HP, can process thick branches and are suitable for more demanding tasks.

Durability and build quality: Look for wood chippers constructed with high-quality materials to ensure lasting performance, especially when processing tough or knotty wood. Pay attention to the quality of the chipper blades and the simplicity of blade replacement.

Ease of use and maintenance: Consider features that enhance usability, such as hydraulic infeed systems. Most Woodland Mill's wood chippers feature a self-contained infeed system for easier operation. Also, look for models with easily accessible maintenance points.

Recommendations for PTO wood chippers

A wood chipper is a versatile tool for property maintenance, but it's important to get one that pairs with your tractor's PTO output. Luckily Woodland Mills makes a compact design, yet powerful machines for many different kinds of PTOs from the major tractor brands to provide the best chipping power. Here are a few choices for the best wood chipper for you:

Woodland Mills TFG55 PTO 5" Wood Chipper

What you want:

• • 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 PTO 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, is 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 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 chipper is also available in a PRO model, 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 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.

"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 TF810 PRO 8" PTO Wood Chipper

What you want:

• • The ultimate 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.

"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

Are PTO chippers better?

PTO wood chippers are generally considered better for large-scale operations and properties because of their power and efficiency. They harness the power of your tractor's engine, allowing for more robust performance compared to standalone gas or electric models.

The best wood chippers can handle larger diameter branches and process material faster, however, they also require a tractor to operate, which may not everyone may own.

But utilizing your PTO's power isn't the only reason for choosing the right wood chipper for you. If you prefer portability or you don't own a PTO tractor, you may want to choose a gas powered chipper.

How big a branch can you put in a wood chipper?

The maximum branch size a wood chipper can handle depends on the specific model. For example, the Woodland Mills WC68 can chip branches up to 6” (15 cm) in diameter, while the larger TF810 PRO model can handle large branches up to 8” (20 cm) in diameter.

Always refer to your chipper's specifications and never attempt to chip material larger than the recommended size to ensure safe and efficient operation.

What makes a good wood chipper?

The best PTO wood chipper should be powerful, durable, and suited to your specific needs. Models like the Woodland Mills WC68, WC88, or TF810 PRO are considered excellent choices due to their robust construction, efficient wood processing capabilities, and user-friendly features like self-contained infeed systems.

The best chipper for you will depend on factors like the size of your property, the type of material you'll be chipping, and your tractor's specifications.

Are small wood chippers worth it?

Small wood chippers can be worth it for homeowners with smaller properties or occasional chipping needs. They're generally more affordable and easier to store than larger models.

However, for larger properties or frequent use, investing in a more powerful wood chipper will be more cost-effective in the long run. Woodland Mills wood chippers offer greater capacity and efficiency, which can save time and effort for anyone with substantial chipping needs.

No matter the output of your tractor's PTO or the size of your property, Woodland Mills has multiple options so you can find the right wood chipper for your needs.