How to Choose the Right Wood Chipper？

Wood chippers are indispensable tools for arborists, landscapers, and woodland managers. Whether you are clearing brush, processing biomass, or managing forestry operations, selecting the appropriate wood chipper ensures efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. With a wide range of options available—such as tracked, trailed, PTO, and various throat sizes—how can you make the right choice? This guide provides key factors to help you find the best chipper for your needs.

Understanding Wood Chipper Types

Tracked Wood Chippers

Ideal for rough terrain, slopes, and remote areas, tracked models offer excellent maneuverability and stability. They are perfect for woodland management and operations on sloped or uneven ground.

Trailed Wood Chippers
These chippers are great for easy transport between different sites. They can be towed behind a vehicle, making them suitable for contractors who work in multiple locations.

PTO Wood Chippers
Powered by a tractor’s PTO shaft, these chippers are cost-effective for large-scale landowners and farmers who already own tractors. They are particularly useful for agricultural and large-scale landscaping operations.

Key Factors to Consider

Size Matters: 6” to 12” Wood Chippers
Smaller 6” chippers are suitable for light landscaping tasks, while larger 10”-12” models can handle heavy-duty forestry work. Consider the size of the material you will be processing when choosing the right chipper.

Infeed Aperture & Throat Size
The infeed aperture determines how much wood you can process at once. A larger throat size reduces the risk of blockages and increases overall efficiency.

Chip Size & Biomass Uses
Wood chippers produce different chip sizes. Smaller chips are ideal for biomass energy production, while larger chips are better suited for landscaping mulch.

Best Chippers for Woodland Management & Biomass

For forestry operations, a biomass wood chipper with adjustable chip size settings is highly recommended. If you are working on a slope, opt for a slope/bank track wood chipper to ensure stability and safety.