7 Best Chipper Shredders for Homeowners

Best Chipper Shredders for Homeowners

If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden with lots of greenery, such as trees and shrubs, you’ll need a technique for dealing with trimmed, fallen, and other vegetation that has fallen into your yard.

Chipper shredders are powered machines used in landscaping that chop up dry organic material like branches and leaves. Use the resulting shredded chips on a flower bed as mulch to prevent weed growth or add them to a compost pile to create a rich, dark compost that will improve the soil’s quality.

These useful tools make it simple to create ready-to-spread chips from smaller branches, twigs, leaves, and other small garden waste.

If purchasing a chipper shredder for your yard and garden seems like a smart investment, continue reading to learn about the features and factors to take into account, as well as why the machines that follow are regarded as some of the best available.

Best Chipper Shredders for Homeowners- Our Top Picks

1. SuperHandy Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher

 

The gas-powered SuperHandy wood chipper shredder is an effective option for large yards with numerous trees and bushes because of its strong 7-hp engine, which can cut through branches up to 3 inches in diameter.

The SuperHandy Mulcher Chipper includes two chutes: a side chute for branches and a top chute for leaves and twigs up to a half-inch in diameter.

The fine shreds produced by the 15:1 reduction ratio are appropriate for mulching or composting. Tow this tree shredder with a lawn tractor or utility vehicle equipped with a tow bar adapter, making it simpler to move around the yard.

The shredded debris can be collected and used as mulch or compost by attaching a second leaf bag (supplied) to the discharge chute.

Pros

• It has an extended lifespan.
• It is strong and resilient.
• Quick and simple to assemble.
• Branch diameters up to 3 inches can be cut by a 7-hp engine.
• Dual chutes, one on top for leaves and twigs and one on the side for branches

Cons

• Discharge bag may need to be often emptied because it fills up quickly.

2. Sun Joe CJ603E 15-Amp 1.7-Inch Cutting Diameter Electric Silent Wood Chipper/Shredder

 

The Sun Joe CJ603E Silent Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder helps you recycle, reduce, and reuse your yard waste. It has a top-load gravity chute, a reduction ratio of 21:1, and can create pieces that are almost twice as small as those made by certain other machines. Up to 134 inches in diameter, the Sun Joe may sever branches.

This is ideal for converting leaves, twigs, brush, and branches up to 1.73 inches in diameter into nutrient-rich mulch since it has a 15-amp electric, environmentally friendly engine, which emits no carbon dioxide to improve air quality.

The top gravity-feed chute on this wood chipper has a safety cover that prevents the blades from whirling while the cover is open. The machine’s bottom discharges little chips, which can be collected by tying on the included collection bag.

The device has wheels for maneuvering about the yard and an easy-pull handle. It must be powered by a heavy-duty 12- to 14-gauge extension cord.

Pros

• Gravity feed offers a 21:1 reduction ratio for composting and mulching.
• Branches are efficiently chipped and shredded using a 15-amp motor.
• For better air, eco-friendly with no carbon emissions.
• When opened, the safety hopper’s locking knob stops the motor from working.
• 7-inch wheels and a small shape make it portable.
• Small chips should be discharged into the collection bag that is provided at the base of the machine.

Cons

• If the equipment malfunctions, replacement parts could be pricey.

3. GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher

 

The GreatCircleUSA wood chipper shredder can grind and shred a lot of leaves, twigs, and branches up to 3 inches in diameter.

This sturdy machine has a robust 7-horsepower (hp) 4-stroke single-cylinder overhead valve (OHV) gas engine and includes a 3-inch maximum side chute and a 1-inch capacity chipping and shredding top hopper.

With a 15:1 reduction rate, this chipper shredder can turn 15 bags of yard trash into 1 bag of mulch. Additionally, a leaf vacuum port and discharge bag are included for mulching. Additionally, it has efficient CR12MoV cutting blades.

The maximum speed and torque of this commercial wood chipper, which has a 0.7-gallon capacity, are 3,600 revolutions per minute.

This wood chipper shredder includes attachments for a leaf blower and offers the ability to be towed across bigger yards by a lawnmower, ATV, or other vehicle for increased convenience.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have both recognized this model as safe, which is the cherry on top.

Pros

• 7-hp single-cylinder 4-stroke OHV gas engine.
• For mulching, there is a leaf vacuum port and a discharge bag.
• A 15:1 reduction ratio is excellent.
• Handles branches up to 3 inches in diameter.
• Towable with a lawn tractor.

Cons

• The discharge bag is thin and fragile.
• Tow bar sold separately; can only be carried over short distances by hand.

4. Detail K2 Power – OPC503, 3” Cyclonic Chipper Shredder

 

The DK2 Chipper Shredder & Vacuum is designed as a heavy-duty commercial chipper and has all the capabilities required to maintain a sizable yard or garden. The chipper can handle branches up to 3 inches in diameter and has a big capacity feeder chute.

With a 20:1 reduction ratio, it does an outstanding job of turning dry yard waste into mulch. Shredded dry leaves are cut into very small bits that are perfect for compost or spreading on lawns.

You can quickly remove leaves by attaching it to a lawn mower or ATV. It comes with a tow bar and a vacuum attachment to collect leaves. There are only three bolts needed to remove the vacuum.

Pros

• Featuring a 7 HP, 4000 RPM commercial engine from Kohler, the machine is heavy-duty and a worker.
• A substantial adjustable feed chute made for 3″ trees and branches.
• Feed bin with a big capacity, a tow bar, and a leaf vacuum.

Cons

• You need to tighten the bolts frequently.

5. Landworks Mini Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher

 

The Landworks smaller compact chipper shredder can shred branches up to 3 inches in diameter for hundreds less money than comparable larger units. Therefore, consumers should not be prevented from purchasing a large, powerful gas chipper shredder by a limited budget.

It has a top hopper for leaves and tiny twigs and a side chute for branches. Because of the machine’s 15:1 reduction ratio, the chips will be finely shredded, making them perfect for use as mulch around plants and bushes or as compost pile food.

The Landworks’ overall size may be a little small, but its power is not; it has a 7-hp gas engine, and its discharge chute may be set up to empty into a trash can.

Pros

• Gas engine with a powerful 7 horsepower.
• Reduction Ratio of 15:1.
• For large branches, use the side chute; for leaves and branches, use the top hopper.
• To make use clean and simple, a discharge chute can be positioned anywhere is necessary.
• Built to be lightweight and compact.

Cons

• It requires some assembly and could be challenging for new users.

6. PowerSmart Corded Wood Chipper,15-Amp Electric Garden Chipper

 

The PowerSmart electric chipper shredder has a strong 15-amp electric motor that can grind and shred branches with a diameter of up to 158 inches. An electric chipper shredder might be the perfect solution for light trash and tiny yards.

A safety hopper locking knob on the PowerSmart twig and leaf shredder’s top gravity feed chute prevents the motor from working when it is opened.

Users will end up with small pieces of wood and leaves that will swiftly degrade in a compost bin because of its 17:1 reduction ratio.

One  can attach a bag (provided) to the discharge chute to collect the chips because the device discharges chips at the bottom of the machine. You will require a heavy-duty 12- or 14-gauge outside extension cord for the device to function.

Pros

• Brushless motor with a 15 Amp rating.
• Gravity-feed top chute for extra safety.
• When opened, the safety hopper locking knob stops the motor from working.
• Discharge bag for shredded or mulched debris is supplied.
• Highly adaptable and light.

Cons

• A heavy-duty 12- or 14-gauge external extension cord is necessary
• Possibly only appropriate for intense chipping and shredding

7. WEN 41121 15-Amp Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder

 

If you prefer moving a wood chipper around the yard instead of bringing a mound of garbage to one location and only need to perform modest yard cleanup, the Wen Rolling Electric Wood Chipper and Shredder is your best bet.

Due to its ergonomic pull handle and two large 6-inch wheels, the machine is easy to maneuver in tight quarters.

It can shred branches up to 112 inches in diameter thanks to a gravity-feed duct at the top. It generates little chips with a 17:1 reduction ratio, which can be utilized as mulch or as compost bin feed because they degrade quickly.

This tiny electric wood chipper operates quietly, has wheels for easy maneuverability about the yard, and has a safety lock on the chute that prevents the blades from whirling while the chute cover is open.

A push stick is also provided for pushing trash into the chute, as is a collection bag that attaches to the bottom to collect the chips.

Pros

• Compact and portable.
• The chute’s safety lock prevents the blades from whirling.
• A push stick can be used to help push rubbish back into the chute or collection bag.
• Excellent reduction ratio
• Warranty is valid for two years.

Cons

• Limited capacity

See Also:

• Best Heavy-duty Wood Chipper Shredder
• The Best Garden Hand Cultivators
• 6 Best Small Gas Garden Tiller

Tips for Using a Chipper Shredder Safely

• To protect your eyes from flying debris, put on safety glasses.
• Users should wear hearing protection when operating a strong gas chipper shredder.
• A nice pair of leather work gloves will protect the hands from pricks and scratches when loading twigs and objects like rosebush stems.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chipper Shredders for Homeowners

Reduction Ratio

The reduction ratio of a chipper shredder is the amount of debris that it can shred. This number appears in the product’s description as a numerical ratio, such as 12:1.

Determine the reduction ratio of a chipper/shredder by assessing how many bags of debris it takes to produce one bag of mulch.That is very dependent on whether you are shredding leaves or chipping branches. A higher reduction ratio results in a finer-textured bag of mulch.

Yard Size and Debris

In general, an electric chipper shredder is more suited to a small yard than a large yard, but this is not true. A tiny wooded lot may generate more twigs and yard garbage than a large lot with a few trees. Consider how much debris the yard produces while deciding which type is ideal.

A large, gas-powered chipper shredder is ideal for yards larger than half an acre, cleaning up after a major storm, or clearing areas for replanting.

Power Source

Gas or electricity are commonly used to power chipper shredders. Electric chippers are low-maintenance appliances that are ideal for light cleanup and are better for the environment.On the other hand, gas machines are typically more powerful and are not restricted by a cord, although they may necessitate more maintenance.

Capacity

This relates to the machine’s maximum branch diameter. If you only need a chipper to pick up twigs, a low-capacity machine will suffice. If you want to chip thick branches, you’ll need to invest in a more professional model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do chipper blades last?

The material you are cutting and how frequently you use a wood chipper blade might affect how long it lasts. Single-sided blades normally last 75 to 150 hours, however double-sided blades have a lifespan of 150 to 300 hours, which is twice as long as that of a single-sided blade.

How does a chipper shredder differ from a chipper?

A chipper is designed for woody material, while a shredder can handle more plant matter, such as dried leaves.This is because of how their blades and internal equipment break down the material. This is the fundamental distinction between a chipper and a chipper shredder.

The wood will just be broken into little bits by a chipper; unlike a chipper shredder, it won’t be mulched.

Conclusion

The ideal chipper shredder for you will depend on the size of your yard, the kind of garbage you want to remove, and your budget, as you can see from our in-depth post. We sincerely hope that one of these will appeal to you.