Picking the right wood chipper for your yard can be a bit of a headache. Whether you’re dealing with small branches after a storm or planning a major garden makeover, there’s a wood chipper for you. Let me walk you through how to find the best wood chipper to make yard work a breeze.
Different types of wood chippers
When you’re trying to decide what size wood chipper to choose for your yard, it’s crucial to understand the different types offered on the market.
Electric Wood Chipper
Electric wood chippers are an excellent choice for those with smaller yards and less need for grinding. Their main attraction is their compact size and ease of use. Simply plug in and you can start grinding those smaller branches and leaves. They are much quieter than oil-fired wood chippers, making them a neighborhood-friendly option.
Fuel Wood Chipper
Fuel wood chippers are a powerful solution for those who deal with larger yards or need to do more tasks. Their greater power and maneuverability allow you to handle a wide variety of grinding tasks without being tied to a power cord. Oil-fired wood chippers vary greatly in size and power to meet the needs of different yard sizes and workloads.
PTO Wood Chipper
PTO wood chippers are another option, especially for those who own tractors or other machinery with a PTO connection. These wood chippers can efficiently process large quantities of wood and horticultural waste, often with more power and capacity than standalone models. They are popular among farmers, gardeners and property owners who need to maintain large tracts of land.
Factors to consider when choosing a Wood Chipper
Choosing the right size wood chipper was not an easy task for my yard. Multiple factors play an important role, each of which significantly influences the final decision.
Yard Size
The size of your yard directly affects the type of wood chipper I will need. Smaller yards typically produce less waste, which means a lighter, more compact electric wood chipper may be the perfect choice.
Types of wood and waste materials
Electric wood chippers typically handle materials up to 2 inches in diameter. Oil-fired wood chippers, on the other hand, can handle larger, harder branches, often up to 3 inches or more in diameter. PTO wood chippers are especially suited for heavy-duty tasks and can efficiently process larger branches and wood waste.
Frequency of use
How frequently I would use the wood chipper had a critical impact on the selection process. For those who occasionally need to clean up light yard waste, investing in a portable, easy-to-use electric model seems like the logical choice. Its simplicity and efficiency in handling light tasks make it the preferred choice for occasional yard cleanup tasks.
Understanding the capacity and size of a wood chipper
Size does matter when it comes to choosing the right wood chipper. The type and size of wood chipper you will need will mostly depend on the specific task you plan to accomplish and the size of your property.
