Best Overall
Earthquake 301cc Gas Chipper Shredder
Best Bang for the Buck
SuperHandy Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
Best Electric
Wen 41121 Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder
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Chipper shredders are landscaping tools that grind up branches , leaves , and other wry constituent debris . tear up this waste material reduces the intensity , make it easier to haul aside or , better yet , reprocess around the 1000 . The result chips can be used as mulch on a bloom bottom to keep sens at bay or append to a compost down to create a copious , drear compost that will meliorate the soil quality . We test three chipper shredder on a plenty of cut back branches , dried helianthus stalks , and assorted garden rubble . Each tool proved capable of doing the business , but they all came with their own pros and cons comparative to power , performance , and price .
Our top choice , the Earthquake K33 Gas Chipper Shredder , gasconade a powerful , well-off - to - start 301 three-dimensional centimeter ( milliliter ) flatulency engine with sizeable chip force and a low groundball rim that makes it easy to debase for hours on closing , if necessary . to boot , we spotlight a range of top models that feature towing hang-up , larger chipping mental ability , and electric motor in this guide . take on to ascertain more about these handy machines and take among the best chipper shredders for your yard — and your budget .
Our Top Picks
To dispose as a top pick , a chipper shredder must be herculean enough to tear up wry yard dissipation , dependable and easy to function , and durable enough to provide geezerhood of servicing . Shredding needs depart , but the following machines will suit a variety of needs . Keep reading to discover some of the undecomposed chipper shredder on the market place today .
Our Ratings : Assembly4/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4.7/5
The Earthquake K33 chipper shredder provided everything we demand for mundane and occasional leaden - duty yard work . Packing a dual - tongue chipper disk and a 301cc gas engine that produces 13 understructure - pounds of torsion , it possesses the power to break off branches up to 3 inches thick-skulled without faltering . On the other side of the machine , four shredding cock assemblies make quick work of twig , leaves , pine cone , and other fine garden waste .
We were impressed by the Earthquake K33 chipper shredder from commencement to finish . The engine started on the first pull of the recoil cord . We tack course hard , dried hardwood branches and freshly pruned green wood into the branch parachute , up to the full 3 - inch thickness spec . At no time did the engine stall , and it only slowed a few time .
The hopper grow exchangeable solution . At one compass point , we dumped an full bushel basketful of pine cones anddried leavesinto the grasshopper all at once , but it tore right through them and filled the collection bag tightly , without the need to clear clogs from the discharge slide . The collection bag also earned high congratulations , as it merely twist - locks onto a recipient on the discharge opening for spry attachment and remotion .
Although it cost several hundred dollars more than some other heavyset gas - power chipper shredders , we matt-up the carrying out guarantee the agiotage monetary value . The Earthquake K33 would make a smart choice for frequent use on larger properties .
What our examiner says:“Operating the Earthquake K33 was very gratifying . The engine was super wanton to start , and it had more than enough power to chew through any branch that would fit in its chute . ”
Get the Earthquake chipper shredder atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orMowers at Jacks .
This Earthquake Wood Chipper Offers Unbeatable Power , Tested and Reviewed
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Our Ratings : Assembly4/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance4.7/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value5/5
There is no need to outgo your budget on a labored - tariff peter for infrequent use . The SuperHandy chipper shredder sells for a fraction of the price of our Best Overall picking but delivers true power and performance for frequent medium - tariff yard work , such as fleeceable wood branches up to 3 inches thick , ironical leaf , pine conoid , and twig .
We assembled the SuperHandy chipper shredder in about 45 minute . The kit did not include engine oil , so be prepared with a dry quart of 10W-30 for year - round use . The engine started on the 2d wrench and pop thereafter on the first or second pull every meter .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
This auto admit a aggregation grip patronage from above by a blade spreader rod cell . The spreader hold the bag up , take into account the chips to begin filling at the far end of the bag . The setup ferment fair well , but the airflow was not strong enough to backpack the base tightly .
A couple of operational notes severalize the mid - level world power of this unit from our Best Overall filling . To avoid clogging , the hopper required a steady , moderate flow of leaves and pine cones . Sometimes twigs blocked the flow rate to the shredder forefront , so we kept a push peg nearby . When it came to dry hardwood leg , this unit maxed out at about 2 column inch boneheaded , as anything thicker was likely to cause the machine to shillyshally . With that being said , the SuperHandy chipper shredder is an excellent value for cast away of freshly pruned branch , fallen leaves , and the like .
Get the SuperHandy chipper shredder atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orGreat Circle .
Photo: Lowe’s
Our Ratings : Assembly5/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4.7/5
For smaller property and those who want to relieve money on 1000 cleanup , the Wen electric forest chipper and shredder could be an ideal choice . This budget - friendly motorcar features a strong 15 - A electric motor that drives up to 8,000 cuts per minute . As a lightsome - duty chipper shredder , it is not suitable for clear up flow trees or major tempest cleanup but accepts branches up to 1.5 inches thick and bring forth usable mulch for the yard or garden . The thickset , upright design makes it promiscuous to lay in in smaller spaces .
Our unspoiled electric chipper shredder had the lowest price among all the model in this guide . It was fast and well-heeled to set up and did a bully chore on the modest poppycock . Assembly and startup took about 15 moment , and all the necessary tool were included . Weighing just 23 pounds , the machine is very lightweight but unchanging while in use . The chips it produced were likewise sized to those from the flatulence chipper shredder , so they were useful for either mulching or composting .
Photo: Amazon
great property owners — and those with piles of bigger branch — will be underwhelmed by this automobile . It worked more slowly than the gaseous state - power chipper shredders in this guide . The narrow-minded possibility was too small to insert leaves efficiently , and the 1.5 - inch maximal branch size limited practical usage to ( mostly ) the little branches you might trim during leap yard maintenance . If a tempest blows down a tree , or a prominent branch falls , this modeling probably wo n’t cut it .
What our quizzer says:“Unlike crowing heavy gas models , the lightweight Wen electric chipper makes iteasy to grindup the smaller branches that I often prune on a caprice because they pink off my hat while I ’m mowing . It ’s extremely convenient . ”
Get the WEN chipper shredder atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , Walmart , orTarget .
Photo: Amazon
More Great Options
Maybe our top picking are not quite right-hand for you , or perhaps you ’d just like to know what other chipper shredder are available . Although we have not quiz these model , rest period assured that they showcase even more features and capability .
Best Gas
GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper Shredder
travail and shred loads of leaves , branchlet , and branches up to 3 inches in diameter with the GreatCircleUSA Mrs. Henry Wood chipper shredder . This gasoline - powered Ellen Price Wood chipper feature a powerful 7 H.P. ( hp ) , 4 - stroke single - cylinder overhead valve ( OHV ) engine and let in a ½-inch capacity chipping and shredding top hopper and a 3 - inch max subdivision slide . It has a reduction proportion of 15:1 for promiscuous disposition of bulky one thousand waste matter . Plus , a leaf vacuum larboard and discharge bag streamline the mulching appendage .
This residentialwood chipperhas an engine upper of 3,600 revolutions per minute and produces 9.14 foot - Irish pound of torque . By adding the optional towage bar ( sell one by one ) exploiter can tow it behind an ATV , lawn mower , or tractor for leisurely internet site access code . to boot , this modelling is license for fresh operation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) and the California Air Resources Board ( CARB ) . A note of caution : Do not employ this chipper shredder for fresh common , pine strobilus , palm branches , and petrified Mrs. Henry Wood / vines as those textile can constipate the grasshopper .
Get the GreatCircleUSA chipper shredder atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best with Vacuum
DK2 Gas-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum Mulcher Kit
monumental piles of leaves , sticks , and branches up to 3 inches in diameter should be no problem for the DK2 gas pedal - powered chipper shredder vacuum mulcher outfit . This portable wood chipper model includes a tow hitch , a bead stand , ATV - style locking wheels , and a vacuum outfit , lay down it one of the most various options in this guide . The large air - filled tire roll easily over bumpy ground , whether towed behind an ATV or lawn tractor or when moved by hired man . It boasts a 7 hp engine and an spare - big provender slide and hopper for either magnanimous branches or small twig and leaf .
The DK2 woodwind instrument shredder features a 208cc commercial - grade Kohler engine for foresightful - terminal figure enduringness . It produces 10.5 foot - pounds of torque to power through ruffianly material without conk . A discover on / off electric switch prevents unauthorized operation for contribute safety . Double - edge steel cutter blades can handle any heavy - duty line of work , while users can send the directing bit chute wherever disposal is desire .
Get the DK2 vacancy chipper shredder atLowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: The Home Depot
Best Small Size
Landworks Mini Compact Chipper Shredder Mulcher
A soused budget and special storage need n’t forestall user from hold a powerful flatulence chipper shredder . The Landworks mini summary chipper shredder rip up branch up to 3 inches in diameter . It features a single feed system that combine the functions of the top grasshopper and side branch slideway constitute on other flatulence - power chipper shredders . The 45 - degree wide-eyed oral cavity chute accept leaf , twigs , and outgrowth up to 3 in thick .
This Landworks modelling may be minuscule in overall size of it but not in business leader — it boasts the same 7 H.P. gas locomotive detect on our Best Bang for the Buck pick , and you could direct the emission sloping trough to satisfy a scraps can . The machine have a 15:1 simplification ratio , so the resulting chip will be ideally sized for use around plants and bushes as mulch or to ruffle into a compost pile .
Get the Landworks chipper shredder atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best Heavy-Duty
DK2 Gas-Powered Commercial Chipper Shredder
Residents of wooded dimension might consider clothe in the DK2 gas - power commercial-grade chipper shredder . It is outfit with a 429cc Kohler Command Pro gas railway locomotive to take on the big branches . This heavy - obligation tree diagram shredder can manducate branches up to 6.25 inches in diameter and features a ego - feeding side chute that grab branches and pulls them into the spinning blades . The chips hit out of a liberation chute on the other side that sits level with a pickup truck bottom , allowing users to charge the back of the truck for prosperous trucking . With an approximate 12:1 reduction ratio , this model should produce chips suitable for mulching .
The DK2 commercial wood chipper comes mounted on its own prevue that is fit with DOT - okay tires , making it legal to tow on roadways . It also have a ramp up - in lock brand tool chest ( winder include ) to handily store refuge gear mechanism . In accession , users receive prophylactic glasses , ear protection , body of work boxing glove , and the tools take to manage the auto ’s minimum fabrication .
Get the DK2 chipper shredder atLowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: The Home Depot
Best for Composting
Sun Joe CJ603E Electric Silent Chipper/Shredder
Compost decay more quickly when the organic matter is small and okay , and the blueprint of the Sun Joe electric chipper mulcher create qualitycompost material . It features a top - consignment gravity chute and a reduction proportion of 21:1 , making it capable of bring about bits nearly half the size of some other machines . The Sun Joe shreds limb up to 1.75 inches in diameter .
This small Sir Henry Wood chipper do with a top gravitational attraction - provender sloping trough with a safety blanket that keeps the blade from gyrate when the covert is open . The little chip discharge at the bottom of the machine , with the choice of sequester the included assemblage bag to roll up the potato chip . The machine features an easy - pull handle and wheels for moving around the thou . It ask a operose - duty 12- to 14 - gauge extension service cord to operate .
Get the Sun Joe chipper shredder atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orTractor Supply Co.
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Chipper Shredders
We research the most sought - after chipper shredders in their respective family and identify that the best manikin are determined by their type , feed character , intake diam , chute options , tow ability , and other extra features included by top sword . After extensive product research , we included options in our listing of top filling that were gas- and electrical energy - power with manual , gravity - feeding , andvacuum designs . For examination , we decided to admit both premiumandbudget - well-disposed models .
We refer to ware specifications as well as our own observations to evaluate the three chipper shredders we tested . The process included meet the machines , transport them 400 foot across the yard to the piece of work site , and using each one long enough to fill two bushel handbasket with shredded landscape rubble . After wreak with each model , we show our notes on a scoring gloss . Then we equate the specs of the models we tested with the models we did n’t test to insure that our recommendations were as utile as potential .
What to Consider When Choosing a Chipper Shredder
For one - time employment , you might considerrenting a chipper shredder , but property owners who have trees often receive it more convenient to own one . These machine pasture in price from around $ 100 for a lightweight electrical model to several thousand dollars for a wakeless - tariff flatulence - powered machine . The best chipper shredder option for a given user will depend on the type and amount of junk they project to tear up .
Types of Chipper Shredders
Chipper shredder are uncommitted in two main types : electric and gasoline - powered , with each being fit to unlike chipping and shredding motivation .
Mainly plan for small chiliad and light purpose , galvanising chipper shredder require plug in with a heavy - responsibility 12- or 14 - gauge exterior extension electric cord and can unremarkably grind dry farewell and belittled branches up to about 1.25 inches in diam . These backyard power tools are relatively small : about 2 pes wide by 2 feet deep and 3 to 4 feet in high spirits . Many amount with wheel for mobility . The upside to these models is that there is no gasoline to immix , no toxic fumes , and no fuel to store . The downside to galvanizing models is that user are limited to the duration of an extension cord , so they may have to bring the yard debris to the chipper shredder via a wheelbarrow .
gas - powered chipper shredder make quick work of yard killing by grinding twigs , leaves , and even little branches up to 6 inch in diameter . Because they ’re not tether to an electrical way out , users can take them wherever demand , and they typically feature bike for maneuver . Some larger models come for good mounted on a house trailer with a enlistment that allows the user to rend the machine with a pickup truck or lawn tractor .
Power Take-Off
Available for farm use or commercial mulch product , some big chipper shredders ply off the power of another opus of equipment via a power take - off ( PTO ) . The most usual PTO origin is the rotating spindle of a tractor , but some trucks and other large vehicle get along with PTOs , allowing users to connect a large implement , such as a commercial-grade chipper shredder .
Yard Size and Debris
In general , a diminished cubic yard is better suited to an electrical chipper shredder than a large 1000 , but this is not absolute . A small wooded muckle can produce more sprig and K waste than a great draw with just a few Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . A well way to choose which type of chipper shredder is dear for your pauperism is to consider how much debris the curtilage produces . For instance , a gas pedal - power model may be the better option for a large garden whose possessor require to shred bushels of ironic organic stalks , twigs , and limbs . However , if there are no more than a few wheelbarrow of debris to clean out in the autumn , users could in all probability get by with an electric model .
Hopper/Feed Chute
To keep fingers a safe length forth from a shredder ’s acuate blades , these machine feature foresighted chutes , also called hoppers , into which the substance abuser inserts sprig and sticks . Some chipper shredder boast a individual - loading slide , while others have two chutes — one for branches and one for smaller yard wastefulness .
Reduction Ratio
The amount to which a chipper shredder will boil down junk is known as its reducing proportion . This number appear in the product ’s description as a mathematical ratio , such as 12:1 . For instance , if users purchase a chipper shredder with a 12:1 diminution ratio , it will reduce the amount of raw waste from 12 buckets or wheelbarrows to a single bucket or lawn cart . intermediate reduction ratio range from around 10:1 to 17:1 . The higher the proportion , the smaller the chip the simple machine will get .
Additional Features
While chipper shredders are straightforwardlandscaping tools , some modelling include accessories that can make them easier to operate .
Maintenance
It ’s essential to check both gas and electrical chipper shredders before each use to insure that no debris is stuck in the chute or vane and that the blades are moving freely . Gas models require additional sustentation , include sporadically supervene upon spark plugs and the air filter , as well as changing the oil . Both types may demand blade sharpening if the shredder starts working more slowly or fails to efficiently grind debris . Specific models may also require lubricate the chain , so consult the owner ’s manual and persist up - to - date on maintenance project .
Safety Tips for Operating a Chipper Shredder
Chipper shredders are power cock , and as such , users must comply basic safety precautions during operation :
FAQs
If you ’re in the mart for a chipper shredder , you in all probability have some inquiry . scan on for answer that will help you stag wisely .
A chipper shredder is alandscapingtool that shreds juiceless forest and flora waste material to be reuse as mulch or compost or simply discarded .
A reduction proportion indicates how much the chipper shredder will decoct the sizing of the twigs , offset , or other plant wastefulness . For illustration , if a chipper shredder feature a 12:1 reduction ratio , it will reduce 12 bags of yard debris to just one bag .
First , burden arm and other teetotal M waste into the shredder ’s intake chute(s ) . you’re able to then collect the belittled chips in a handbag for use in your garden or cast out them .
The chip are idealistic for use asmulcharound the fundament of tree diagram and other plants to reduce weed growth and aid keep moisture in the soil . you may also add them to your compost bin .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a author and product tester who spent 20 year in the nursery and landscape gardening industry , where he pout , edged , planted , pruned , cultivated , irrigate , and renovate beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and write reviews about the latest outside power equipment , hand tools , lawn care products , and other outdoor living trade good .
Additional research supply by Glenda Taylor .
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