Best Chipper Shredders
What is the best chipper shredder? Depending on the needs you may choose one of the beasty gas-powered machines belonging to the class of the commercial- or professional-grade equipment. Otherwise, you may opt for a portable electric chipper shredder capable of dealing with the light-duty tasks. The EARTHWISE GS70015 would be an excellent choice satisfying the needs of any average gardener.
The gas-powered powerful machines like EARTHQUAKE combine the performance of a gas-powered unit and portability of an electrical model. Its high capacity is ensured by the durable 196 cc Kohler engine. The latter allows coping with tough materials of up to 3 inches thick. The heavy-duty cutting mechanism contributes to the high efficiency reducing the volume of incoming material down to 20:1 ratio. The falling down debris may be safely collected in a rugged debris bag with a convenient bottom zipper and a quick connector. The size of this model allows leaving considerably smaller footprint when storing.
Chipper shredders at a glance | Benefits
The majority of gardeners face the problem of debris disposal like sticks, tops, stems or similar. Burning of wastes is the most common and trivial way out. The chipper shredders would prevent you from wasting debris which could be turned into the valuable raw material. The latter can be used as mulch cover which allows saving on purchasing expensive fertilizers. In general, feasibility of chipper shredders is obvious for any homeowners, professional landscapers or just gardening enthusiasts.
However, the big variety of available options on the market makes it difficult to choose a particular model. So, what would be the best chipper shredder for your needs? Let’s unlock this goal!
Domestic- or professional-grade?
If you have a small area which needs a light-duty cleaning like dead leaves or grass removal, then it would be unreasonable to purchase an expensive commercial-grade unit, which would process easily even thin branches of trees. And on the contrary, if you are a happy owner of a large orchard, there’s a high probability that a cheap low-duty chipper shredder would not handle branches or boughs. That is why you should determine the class of your future device in advance.
Domestic tools come with a plastic housing. Steel blades are usually used as a cutting unit. These tools are lightweight and compact, and this fact is especially relevant for small yards or gardens where every foot counts. Besides, residential-grade units would easily fit a trunk of any car. More than that, they are energy-saving and low-cost alternatives to commercial- or professional-grade models. But, with all the above-mentioned advantages you should realize that such low-duty tools will help you to get rid of light debris like leaves, grass, thin stems and similar garden wastes only. The EARTHWISE is a perfect option to perform successfully the above-mentioned tasks at a budget-friendly price.
Commercial-grade chipper shredders would be suitable for larger land plots and public gardens and squares. These machines can have plastic or metal housing. However, you may find a model made of composite materials. Carbide blades, rotor or turbine mechanism may serve as a cutting unit. Such enhanced units would handle raw branches, thick roots, stems and dry vegetable tops.
This class of chipper shredders is very popular among owners of larger open-air territories and cleaning companies focusing on gardening and landscaping. This fact is grounded by a beneficial combination of sufficiently high power and reasonable prices.The SUPERHANDY 3-in-1 unit is a versatile option indeed, capable of covering multiple fields of application.
What about the professional-grade models? This variant would suit your needs if you are going to process large volumes of thin-stemmed trees and thick branches. It would become possible thanks to the highest capacity of such chipper shredders. They are always equipped with an enhanced cutter and built of metal. Some models are even capable of stub disposal. But, when choosing a model of this class you should be totally aware of its high price. The EARTHQUAKE demonstrates enough capacity to withstand the highest loads of any large-scale projects.
Cutting mechanism. This the most essential element is driven by the motor/engine and can be chosen among three types which have particular benefits and designed to treat specific wastes or debris:
Blade – cutting is performed with the help of steel carbide blades. This type of shredders would be most suitable for mulching fallen leaves or cut grass, thin stems, vines and some shoots. However, the structure of such mechanisms doesn’t allow dealing with thick lumps of wood or branches.
Rotor - This mechanism comprises a large sharpened gear which is capable of processing bigger debris like stems or branches. Such chipper design has the power to handle thick lumps of wood. Nevertheless, such unit would hardly process soft debris like leaves or as-cut grass. They would be just mashed and fall out. Long stems would stick and wind on a gear. This fact will lead to the necessity of a constant cleaning of the cutting mechanism. Besides, machines with rotor-type cutting mechanism are usually heavier due to design peculiarities.
Turbine – this type combines the benefits of two above-mentioned mechanisms and is considered to have the most advanced design. These machines are equipped with a rotating tapered shaft with embedded blades. This feature allows chopping and crushing both recently cut and dry garden debris of any size. The high price is the only downside of such chipper shredders.
Electric units are equipped with motors up to 4kW and may be powered by the single- or three phase power outlets for light- and heavy-duty purposes. This feature should be obligatory considered when choosing a chipper shredder, as overcurrent will cause motor burnout, whereas low voltage won’t be enough to start the unit.
The electric-powered tools are mainly equipped with a blade-type cutting mechanism designed to handle light and thin debris. However, there are some super powerful exceptions. In general, electric corded chipper shredders have several undisputable advantages like fuel-free system which is an eco-friendly aspect. Low noise level is another advantageous feature of electric devices, thus they can be operated at any day or night time with no disturbance to the surroundings. Besides, electric models are usually cheaper than their gas-powered counterparts with a good performance. Nevertheless, you may face some downsides when operating a chipper shredder of this type. The restricted mobility due to a power cable or extension cord, dependence on power source availability, and lower power output in comparison with gas options are among them. Overall, the electric chipper shredders would be suitable for smaller yards or gardens to mulch light debris.
Modern gas-powered chipper shredders are mostly equipped with 2-stage engines. Having chosen one of such machines, you become an owner of a commercial- or professional-grade model. The latter features higher power and performance to tackle larger volume of work. Besides, gas units run on fuel, thus they do not need electric power supply source. They have greater maneuverability, due to absence of a limited cable/cord, and usually come on wide rugged wheels. With all above-mentioned beneficial features they might be less advantageous than the electric units in terms of a high noise level and complicated maintenance. Thus, a gas-powered chipper shredder would become the most attractive option, if you have a large outdoor territory with plenty of greens and trees with no electricity available.
Throughput. This parameter shows the maximum amount of debris a chipper shredder is capable to process. It is determined in lbs per hour. High throughput of a unit saves the time of a user. However, the higher the capacity is, the more power will be required. Consequently this fact would increase price, size and weight of the device, as well as expenses for electricity or fuel. In order to pick the right option, you should estimate the volume of planned work which depends, in its turn, on the area. It is preferable to purchase a chipper shredder of a slightly higher throughput than is planned, to tackle more challenging tasks if required, and not to overpay for a useless power.
Chipping and shredding diameter. This parameter determines the maximum allowed thickness of the incoming debris with no risk of chipper shredder damage. This characteristic is important for the machines designed for branch and wooden lump chopping, and depends on their class and type of the driven mechanism. Gas-powered units take the lead in this case, as they can process thicker materials in comparison with the electric models. The diameter of cut branches may be different depending on a class of a chipper shredder:
- domestic – up to 1-1/2 inches;
- commercial – 2 inches;
- professional – 3 inches and more.
Power output. This value is measured in kW for electric models and HP for gas-powered options. In particular, the electric units can deliver from 1.5 up to 4 kW, and the gas models are capable of generating up to 8 hp, accordingly. Higher power output will enable a chipper shredder to cut thicker branches and increases operating speed.
Charging/discharging hopper. There is a receiver on the upper part of the housing of a chipper shredder. Some models have possibility to adjust its position. And it would be more convenient to feed the incoming material through the tilted hopper than vertically positioned one.
The mulched/chopped material falls off through a discharging hopper. It also can be positioned straightly or tilted, depending on a model. With a help of a deflector you may regulate its position according to your needs (downwards or upwards).
Weight. This type of gardening equipment is usually offered in a quite heavy design depending on the power type and class of a chipper shredder. The weight can be from 22 up to 220 lbs and influences on maneuverability of a unit.
Top Best Chipper Shredders
We’ve made the best selection of the modern advanced chipper shredders. Some of them can be successfully used when fulfilling some professional-grade landscaping or cleaning projects like the gas-powered machines. Other chosen models like electric corded will be suitable for the light-duty jobs in smaller gardens.
1. EARTHQUAKE Chipper Shredder K32, 33968 Heavy Duty | Best Gas-Powered
This gas-powered model demonstrates an incredible performance in a compact design. Its powerful 196cc, 4-cycle Kohler engine gives an opportunity to chip 3” diameter branches and bunches of leaves. Besides, an easy-starting system will contribute to user-friendliness, facilitating its operation and saving time of a user.
This machine features a rugged steel hopper to safely receive tough materials. The tri and j-type hammers of the rotor system will reduce material 20:1. The included debris bag may be used as a collecting compartment with a bottom zipper and a quick bag connector. In spite of an outstanding performance, the Tazz K52 has a perfect size facilitating its handling, transportation or storage.
Features
- Power source: gas-powered
- Chipping diameter (in): 3
- Weight (lbs): 119
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 29.9 x 24.6 x 51
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This model is one of the best options in its class featuring enough power in its portable design to tackle the most challenging pulverizing tasks around the largest gardens or yards.
EARTHQUAKE: Check the current price
2. SUPERHANDY WOOD CHIPPER SHREDDER MULCHER | The Most Powerful & Universal 3-in-1
This is another advanced and versatile gas-powered chipper shredder which features the professional-grade 7 hp 212cc 4-stroke engine. The latter enables the machine to process wood limbs up to 3’’ in diameter. Besides chipping and shredding functions, this device is capable of mulching light debris like fallen leaves and dead grass. The system is equipped with a low-oil sensor contributing to a safe operation and thus increasing its durability.
This model has a compact and ergonomic design to improve convenience and overall efficiency during its operation. In particular, it comes with an extended adjustable discharge hopper which can be 90°-145° angled. The improved maneuverability of this unit is ensured by the rugged all terrain wheels.
Features
- Power source: gas-powered
- Chipping diameter (in): 3
- Weight (lbs): 86.8
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 34.6 x 32.2 x 22.8
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This is one of the most powerful and universal 3-in-1 model among other chipper shredders from our list, and it fairly stands the name being a super handy unit indeed.
SuperHandy: Check the current price
3. EARTHWISE GS70015 | Best Electric
This notable unit is driven by a durable 15-Amp motor with steel blades which generates up to 4500 RPM. This value is enough to handle materials up to 1 ¾ in diameter.
For safety reasons the GS70015 comes with a tamper tool to keep an operator’s hands off the cutting mechanism. This model is supplied with 1.2-bushel collecting bin to accumulate the cut debris and easily distribute it above the ground by disconnecting the bin from the unit. The rear wheels contribute to its portability, thus being easily moved around your territory. The design of a cutting mechanism provides access to perform proper cleaning.
Features
- Power source: electric corded
- Chipping diameter (in): 1.7
- Weight (lbs): 31
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 24 x 18 x 42
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I would recommend this model for those who strive for an eco-friendly and quiet option with no desire to spend time for preparatory work and routine maintenance.
EARTHWISE: Check the current price
4. SUN JOE CJ602E | Best Budget
Being manufactured by the reliable brand of outdoor power tools, this electric chipper shredder will efficiently reduce and recycle the majority of garden debris. It will handle up to 1.5-inch branches to turn it into natural fertilizer thanks to a powerful 15-Amp motor. The latter enable reaching the speed of up to 4,300 RPM which is enough to enhance the efficiency when working with materials of different thickness and weight. The on/off switch of this unit makes the starting process quick and effortless.
The upper hopper is equipped with a safety locking knob to prevent the motor from running when opened. Convenience of operation is also ensured by the compact and lightweight design, as well as 6-inch wheels with a stand frame for better stability.
Features
- Power source: electric corded
- Chipping diameter (in): 1.5
- Weight (lbs): 26.2
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 19.7 x 17.3 x 37.8
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This is the most compact and budget-friendly electric model from our list designed to efficiently fulfill light-duty jobs on smaller territories.
SUN JOE: Check the current price
9 Best-Selling Best Chipper Shredder Comparative Table
FAQ
How does a chipper shredder work?
Branches, leaves and other garden debris are processed in a chipper shredder in the following way:
- raw materials are charged through a funnel
- then debris goes through a cutting mechanism driven by a motor/engine and shredded into chips or mulch
- materials processed fall in a special container downwards.
Then cut debris are frequently used as compost for soil fertility improvement.
How to use a chipper shredder safely?
In general a chipper shredder is a quite simple device; however its improper use may cause dangerous situations. Thus, before the start-up you should carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and safe operating rules.
While working with a chipper shredder take special care that no hard objects come into the cutting mechanism. You should be even more careful when feeding material into a charging hopper. You must never try to release stuck branches if a chipper shredder is in operation. Many manufacturers offer their products with special tamper tools to avoid any physical contact with a cutting system. Beside, you shouldn’t forget about safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection in case if you run a gas-powered model.
While working with an electric unit, check the integrity of its electrical insulation and other current-conducting elements. Flammable materials should be handled observing special precautions when running a gas chipper shredder.
How to sharpen chipper shredder blades?
A cutting mechanism is one of the main units of a chipper shredder. And its condition influences on the speed and quality of the cutting process. In order to get a desired quality of mulch or compost, you should ensure that blades are sharpened in an appropriate way.
Actually, you can sharpen it by yourself. For this purpose, you should use an electric grinder. While using the latter, observe a sharpening angle and its uniformity. Any deviation may lead to impairment of cutting properties. Besides, its unevenness may cause vibrations and jerking. Thus, the best sharpening result can be achieved at special machines with a laser angle indicator. Overall, if after sharpening of a cutting blade, there’s still unevenness, than this blade must be replaced by a new one.
Benefits
A modern chipper shredder will grant you an opportunity to solve several gardening or landscaping issues in a row, such as the following:
- The territory of your garden or yard will be always cleared and maintained
- You will be able to make high-quality natural mulch or compost
- Saving – it won’t be necessary to spend money on debris disposal or mulch purchase
- Finally, you will be able to use the entire space of your territory, as no branches or piles of leaves will hoard it.
Trusted brands
There are plenty of manufacturers of chipper shredders on the global market offering different products for domestic and professional applications. However, we’ve prepared the list of reliable brands having a broad selection of the relevant advanced products.
Bosch – globally recognized brand which offers several highly demanded electric shredders for gardening enthusiasts and professional landscapers. Their products feature different power ratings, but the innovative turbine cutting mechanism is their outstanding feature. Besides, all models are equipped with a unique intake system which considerably speeds up the cutting process. Overall, the Bosch products feature the German high quality, convenience in operation, great performance and safety.
Sun+Snow Joe - the U.S. based company which was found in 2004 as a manufacturer of snow blowers. Nowadays, the company offers a wide range of outdoor equipment for various purposes and seasons. In particular they have a large selection of pressure washers, hedge trimmers, air compressors, leaf blowers, chipper shredders, etc. The company’s line of electric wood chippers and log splitters would satisfy even the most challenging needs. The chipper shredders from Sun Joe are the great combination of an extreme power and unmatched prices.
Black&Decker – another well-known U.S. brand which manufactures a vast variety of outdoor equipment including garden and lawn tools. Most of their products are designed for domestic purposes featuring outstanding capacity and reliability. In particular, their chipper shredders will be mostly suitable for light-duty jobs on smaller holdings. More than that, the products are offered at quite reasonable prices.
Earthquake – belongs to Ardisam, manufacturer of power tools since 1991, which is located in Wisconsin. They are widely known within the U.S. for the broad selection of gas-powered chipper shredders. Their products are distinguished by compactness featuring, at the same time, the competitive power and efficiency. Their easy-to-start system and rugged design enhances user-friendliness and reliability of the machines, thus granting extra comfort during operation.
