1. Introduction

After a big storm or major pruning project, the sight can be overwhelming. Branches, limbs, and brush pile up quickly. What started as a productive weekend becomes a disposal nightmare. How do you handle all that wood waste efficiently and safely?

This is where a wood chipper becomes essential for any landowner, hobby farmer, or homeowner with substantial property. It doesn't just solve a disposal problem. It transforms it into an opportunity.

A quality wood chipper is what turns the unmanageable branches into valuable and uniform wood chips. This waste is turned into compost as a natural mulch in garden beds, landscape cover, pathway product, or compost supplement. You not only free up your grounds, minimize the risk of fire and generate a workable resource, you do so simultaneously.

But with all the available types, sizes, and sources of power, it can be confusing to search through to find a wood chipper on sale. The incorrect decision results in the frustration, loss of money and a machine that does not fit your needs.

We're here to prevent that. This guide walks you through every critical decision point. From choosing the right power source to inspecting a used machine. Our goal is to equip you with expert knowledge to select the perfect wood chipper for your property, confidently and effectively.

2. The First Big Decision: Gas, Electric, or PTO Wood Chipper?

The most basic and initial decision you will make will be centered on the source of power. The choice determines the power and range of the machine, its portability, and the range of use areas on your premise. They are three broad categories, which are gas-powered, electric and Power Take-Off (PTO).

Gas-Powered Wood Chippers: Power and Portability

Gas-powered chippers are the most common choice for homeowners with larger properties. They offer a self-contained power source. This means you can tow or wheel them anywhere you need to work, far from any electrical outlet.

These machines pack a significant punch. Engine sizes handle branches from 3 inches up to 6 inches or more in diameter. They are the workhorses of residential and light commercial cleanup. Keep in mind they require regular engine maintenance, including oil changes and fresh fuel. They're also louder than their electric counterparts.

For instance, homeowners needing robust performance without a tractor can consider a model like the MechMaxx 4-Inch Wood Chipper (GS650). It offers a great balance of power from its 6.5HP engine and capacity to handle substantial debris.

Electric Wood Chippers: Quiet and Convenient for Smaller Yards

Electric wood chippers perfectly suit suburban houses with smaller gardens and not so heavy-duty cleaning. Their major benefits include that they are noiseless, do not produce exhaust gas and they can easily be started using a button. They're also very low maintenance.

The main limitation is power. Most electric chippers are designed for smaller twigs and branches, typically under 2.5 inches in diameter. They're also tethered to a power outlet by an extension cord. This limits their range and can be cumbersome to manage.

PTO Driven Wood Chipper: Maximum Power for Tractor Owners

If you own a compact or utility tractor, a pto wood chipper is often the most powerful and efficient option. This type of chipper has no engine of its own. Instead, it connects directly to your tractor's Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft.

This setup leverages your tractor's powerful diesel or gas engine to drive the chipper's flywheel. This allows it to process very large diameter wood with ease. It's the go-to choice for farmers, ranchers, and those managing forested land. We'll explore this category in much greater detail shortly.

At-a-Glance Comparison

To help you visualize the best fit, here's a simple breakdown of the three types.

Feature	Gas-Powered Chipper	Electric Chipper	PTO Driven Wood Chipper
Power Source	Onboard gasoline engine	Electrical outlet	Tractor's engine via PTO shaft
Ideal Use Case	Medium to large properties, remote areas	Small suburban yards, light cleanup	Farms, large estates, land clearing
Power Level	Medium to High	Low to Medium	Very High
Portability	High (can be towed anywhere)	Low (limited by cord length)	High (goes wherever the tractor goes)
Average Cost	Moderate	Low to Moderate	Moderate to High (plus tractor cost)

Further Reading

For an even more detailed breakdown of these categories, we recommend this Understanding the Types of Wood Chippers: A Complete Guide for 2024.

3. A Deep Dive into the PTO Wood Chipper

For those with a tractor, the PTO chipper represents a significant step up in performance and capability. Understanding how these machines work is key to determining if one is right for your operation.

What is a PTO Driven Wood Chipper?

A pto wood chipper is an implement designed to be powered by a tractor. It connects to two key systems on your tractor: the Power Take-Off and the three-point hitch.

The PTO is a splined driveshaft, usually at the rear of the tractor, that can be engaged to power attachments. A connecting shaft runs from the tractor's PTO to the chipper's input shaft. This transfers the engine's horsepower directly to the chipper's cutting mechanism. This eliminates the cost, weight, and maintenance of a separate engine on the chipper itself.

Understanding the 3-Point Hitch System

The three-point hitch of the tractor deals with stability and transportation. The three point wood chipper is manufactured with a frame with three connection points in correspondence to the three arms of the tractor hitch. This forms a strong, secure relationship that enables you to pick the whole chipper off the ground so that it can be transported easily in the rough terrains.

It's crucial to match the chipper's hitch category to your tractor's. Most compact and utility tractors use a Category 1 hitch. Agricultural tractors of greater size can utilize a Category 2 or 3 hitch. A 3pt wood chipper with mismatched hitch category is dangerous to use, and it may wear down the tractor and the implement. Look always at the manufacturer specifications of your tractor and the chipper.

Key Advantages of a PTO Chipper

Opting for a PTO model offers several distinct benefits for the right user.

· Massive Power: This is because by employing the engine of a tractor (20 HP-100 HP) these chippers have the capability to cut larger and harder material than most standalone slicers.

· Cost-Effectiveness: You are not having to pay twice as much to have two engines, so the outright cost of the machine is usually less than a gas-powered chipper of similar capacity. There is also just single engine to maintain and fuel.

· Durability: PTO implements are normally constructed to agricultural standards. They are made of heavy gauge steel and sturdy bearings and plain solid designs that are built to last years of hard labor.

· Mobility: Your chipper can move to wherever your tractor can. This is needed to clear fence lines, clean up downed trees in a woodlot, or get around in far reaches of a large property.

4. How to Choose the Right Size & Key Features for YOUR Job

Once you've settled on a power source, the next step is to drill down into the specifications that match the work you actually do. Buying a chipper that's too small leads to constant frustration. One that's too large is a waste of money and power.

Consideration 1: What is Your Maximum Wood Diameter?

The largest specification of any wood chipper is its capacity, measured as maximum branch diameter which it can chip. This may go as little as 2 inches in a small electric model to more than 8 inches on a large PTO or commercial chipper.

Be practical in your needs. Though you may at times be faced with a 5 inch limb to cut, when 95 percent of what you are doing is cutting branches that are 3 inches or less a 4 inch capable chipper will probably be just right.

We strongly advise choosing a capacity that's slightly larger than the thickest branches you expect to chip on a regular basis. This provides a safety margin. It prevents you from constantly pushing the machine to its absolute limit and extends its service life.

Consideration 2: What Volume of Debris Will You Process?

Think about how much you need to chip and how often. Are you doing a light cleanup for a few hours each spring and fall? Or are you clearing acres of land or constantly managing debris from a large orchard or woodlot?

There is a direct correlation between the volume of work and the amount of the horsepower (HP) as well as the chipper design. A smaller engine or less HP of the tractor can be used in conducting light-duty tasks. In high-duty, continuous work, you will require higher power to keep the flywheel moving and dislodge chips without being clogged.

Generally speaking, a pto wood chipper capable of processing logs up to 4 inches is supposed to be compatible with a tractor of 25-45 HP. A 6-inch capacity model would probably require a 40-70 HP tractor. The proper performance will always be at manufacturer specified HP range.

Consideration 3: Hopper Style and Feed Mechanism

The hopper is where you insert the branches. Its design and feed mechanism dramatically affect the user experience, speed, and safety of the machine.

There are two primary feed systems: gravity feed and self-feed (or hydraulic feed). A gravity feed system is dependent upon the slope of the hopper and the weight of the branch to deliver it to the cutting blades. A gravity feed can require greater time on the manual pushing and guiding material. This can be slower and more physically demanding.

A self-feeding chipper uses powered rollers to actively grab a branch and pull it into the machine at a consistent rate. This is a game-changer for larger jobs. It significantly reduces the physical effort required, improves safety by keeping your hands further from the cutting mechanism, and dramatically increases your work-rate. For anyone processing a large volume of material, a self-feed system is a highly recommended feature.

5. New vs. Used Wood Chipper For Sale: A Buyer's Inspection Checklist

The allure of saving money can make a used wood chipper for sale very tempting. While you can find excellent deals, the used market also carries significant risks. A thorough inspection is non-negotiable.

The Pros and Cons of Buying Used

The primary advantage of buying used is, of course, the lower initial cost. You can often get a much higher-capacity machine for the price of a new, smaller one.

The downsides, however, are substantial. There's typically no warranty. The machine's history is often unknown. There could be hidden mechanical issues that turn your great deal into a costly repair project. You're buying the machine "as-is."

Your Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for a Used Chipper

Approach any used chipper with a critical eye. We've inspected countless machines. This is the checklist we use to separate the good deals from the bad investments. Go through it step-by-step.

1. Inspect the Frame and Housing. Look closely at all structural components. Hairline cracks - inspect the steel, particularly at the engine mount, axle and hitch. Check to see any non-factory welds, showing a prior major failure and repair. Most often surface rust is expected but the deeper and flaking rust can interfere with the structural integrity.

2. Check the Chipper Blades/Knives. This is the heart of the machine. Ask the owner to open the housing so you can see the blades mounted on the flywheel. Are they sharp to the touch, or are they rounded over? Examine the blades; look at them for big chips or cracks. Enquire what is their last sharpening or replacement. New blades may cost you a lot and hence include this fact in your negotiation in case they are in bad condition.

3. Examine Belts and Pulleys. On a gas powered machine, inspect the status of the drive belts to the engine to chipper flywheel. Check for cracking, fraying, glazing and excessive looseness. Faded belt is an indication of neglect and will require immediate replacement.

4. Evaluate the Engine (for Gas Models). Ask the owner to start it from cold. A healthy engine should fire right up in a few pulls. Be on the lookout for excessive blue or white smoke from the exhaust, which may indicate inside engine wear. Listen for any rattling or knocking noises. Look at the oil on the dipstick; it should be clean and not black, or milky.

5. Check the PTO Shaft (for PTO Models). If you're looking at a PTO chipper, inspect the PTO shaft that comes with it. The universal joints at each end should be tight with no play. Critically, ensure the plastic safety shield is intact and rotates freely. A missing or broken shield is a major safety hazard.

6. Look at the Hopper and Discharge Chute. Ensure that there is no serious dent within the hopper or chute which may block the flow of material. Make sure that the discharge chute spins freely and can be locked in place.

7. Ask for a Demonstration. This is the most important step. Do not buy a chipper without seeing it run and chip wood. Bring a few branches that are representative of what you'll be processing. Feed them through the machine and observe how it performs. Does it bog down? Does it eject chips cleanly? Listen for any unusual noises under load. If the seller is unwilling to demonstrate it, walk away.

6. Conclusion

Selecting the proper wood chipper does not need to be complicated, although it is a large investment. It is possible to make a long-term investment by the systematic consideration of your needs.

It is a simple procedure Decide which power source works best in your location and on your property: the portability of gas, the low noise level of electric, or the massive thrust of a PTO model that rides on your tractor.

objectively evaluate your work. Ensure the chipper matches the capacity and features- such as the feed system to the size and volume of wood you engage in most of the time. This will guarantee that you have a machine that is competent yet not excessive.

Lastly, check out our guide on how to inspect a wood chipper machine to determine its worth, be it a brand new machine or a used wood chipper machine. A successful purchase begins with being knowledgeable about what to shop. Now that you know what you can do with all those branches, you can tackle that overwhelming stack and make it something valuable, as opposed to trash.

7. FAQs

1. What is the main difference between a wood chipper and a shredder?

A wood chipper has sharp and hardened steel blades that are rotated very fast to saw solid branches and limbs into uniform wood chips. A shredder normally employs blunt hammers or flails to destroy, tear and pulverize softer leafier, garden waste such as leaves, cornstalks and small twigs. Most machines sold to homeowners are combinationchipper shredders with a chute for each activity.

2. How often do I need to sharpen my chipper blades?

This is very much determined by frequency of use, and what kind of wood you are chipping (hardwood dulls faster than softwood). A rule of thumb is to inspect them after 25-50 hours operation. It will be time to change it when you observe a drastic performance loss, when the machine finds it difficult to draw in branches or when the engine is working harder than it normally works.

3. Can I put wet or green wood in a wood chipper?

Yes, absolutely. Most quality chippers handle green wood very effectively, often better than very dry, hard wood because it's softer and cuts more easily. However, try to avoid feeding in large quantities of wet, leafy green material (like fresh hedge clippings) all at once, as this can sometimes clog the discharge chute.

4. What horsepower (HP) does my tractor need for a pto wood chipper?

This is entirely dependent on the chipper's capacity. Always check the manufacturer's recommended HP range. A smaller 3-inch or 4-inch capacity PTO chipper might only require a 20-40 HP tractor. A larger 6-inch or 8-inch model could require a tractor with 50-100 HP to operate effectively and safely.

5. Is a bigger wood chipper always better?

Not necessarily. A chipper that's oversized for your typical needs will be more expensive to purchase, more difficult to move and store, and will consume more fuel or require a larger tractor than necessary. The best approach is to buy a machine that comfortably handles the size of material you process most often, with a little bit of extra capacity for the occasional larger branch.