The Best Wood Chippers of 2023

If you live on a wooded lot up to an acre in size, the CSV-3100B by Patriot is a wonderful choice. Large volumes of leaves and/or branches are no problem for this chipper shredder. Though the size of this machine does not vary a whole lot from other 3" models, the size of the 3100B's engine certainly does. At 10HP, this Patriot has the most powerful engine out of the entire CSV Series. A commercial-grade Vanguard engine by Briggs & Stratton produces up to 3800 RPM's allowing the massive rotor the speed to shred and chip much faster than the average chipper shredder. Weighing in at 20 lbs., with a 14" diameter, this rotor is no joke and wields two angled heat treated chipping knives exclusive to Patriot. The patented process that goes into these knives allows you to slice wood rather than chop it. The knives are also reversible for 2x the lifespan. In addition to these exclusive and highly effective knives, the Patriot CSV-3100B features six Y-hammers capable of reducing debris down to an 8:1 ratio for a fine mulch perfect for compost. The outboard bearing featured on the CSV-3100B makes it a direct drive chipper. In short, this means that the chipper produces more power and has fewer components to break and maintain like you would on a belt and pulley configured chipper shredder. The direct drive configuration, massive rotor, and patented chipping knives makes this Patriot CSV-3100B a top pick and the 'The New Performance Standard'.

If you're a landscaper, municipality, arborist, etc., who is looking for a high-quality commercial-grade chipper capable of being towed down main street or the main highway, the Wallenstein BXT6238 chipper may be the best option for you. Limbs and branches up to 6" in diameter are processed into mulch in a matter of moments with the 35HP Kohler Command CH980 engine. Also featured on the Wallenstein BXT6238 is a centrifugal clutch, heavy-duty belt system, and convenient electric start. A massive 197-pound rotor 30-inches in diameter rotates at 1280 RPMs. With the size and speed of the rotor, the four hardened steel knives have no problem chipping up gnarly branches and limbs. A 360-degree rotating hood allows you to control where you want your chips to go, whether it's in the back of your truck or into the garden. An all-around sound choice, the Wallenstein Self-Feed Tow-Behind Chipper has the features and power to accommodate most any application and earns a spot in my top recommended commercial-grade chippers.

New from Power King this year is the 5" chipper/shredder model PK0915. It is the beefier big brother to the model PK0903 that has been a great performer for customers over the years. The 14hp Kohler Command Pro engine features a cyclonic air filter system that is perfect for extra dirty conditions. Combined with a steel-forged crankshaft and cast iron cylinder, you should enjoy many years of trouble-free service. The unit has an extra-large feed chute to handle small trees, branches, leaves, crop straw and many other types of yard waste. The 360-degree omni-directional discharge spout will direct the chippings exactly where you want them and is tall enough to clear most truck tailgates. What makes this unit unique is that it uses a drum design with high-strength fusion-welded reversible blades for chipping. This allows it to do a much better job of shredding leaves and other materials than typical rotor designed chippers. Power is delivered to the drum by a dual V-belt system which produces drum speeds of 3600 rpm. And last but not least it has a 1-7/8" ball hitch receiver that allows it to be towed around your property easily for added convenience.

A wonderful design and the great performance provided by the Patriot CSV-2515 makes it one of the best electric chippers on the market. As an electrically powered chipper, this Patriot produces zero fumes making it safe to use inside or in close quarters. This workhorse and its 1.5 HP motor are fully capable of chipping unrelenting materials such as branches 2-1/2" in diameter, making it a terrific choice for composting debris like bamboo and hay in addition to general yard waste cleanup. Designed with the homeowner in mind, the assembly instructions are very clear-cut and easy to follow. Piecing together the CSV-2515 is painless; 15-30 minutes and a few screws and bolts and you're done! This model is ideally suited for a modestly sized property owner of up to ½ an acre with the primary intent to shred garden debris/leaves and chip branches up to 2 and ½ inches in diameter that are routinely found during yard care.