You are here: Home » News » Types of Wood Chippers – Everything You Need to Know

Types of Wood Chippers – Everything You Need to Know

Views: 7     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-06-21      Origin: Site

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
sharethis sharing button

Wood chippers are essential tools in the forestry and landscaping industries. They play a crucial role in efficiently processing wood materials, such as branches, twigs, and logs. With various types of wood chippers available, it's important to understand their differences and functionalities. In this article, we will explore the different types of wood chippers and their applications.


1. Introduction

Wood chippers are machines designed to process wood waste into smaller, more manageable pieces. They are commonly used in landscaping, tree care, and forestry applications. Wood chippers can reduce large branches, tree trunks, and brush into wood chips or mulch, which can be used for various purposes, including composting, landscaping, and fuel.


2. PTO Wood Chippers

PTO (Power Take-Off) wood chippers are designed to be powered by a tractor's PTO shaft. These chippers are commonly used in agricultural and forestry applications, where tractors are readily available.



2.1 Benefits of PTO Wood Chippers

PTO wood chippers offer several benefits:


  • High power output: PTO wood chippers leverage the power of the tractor's engine, which is often significantly higher than standalone engines found in other wood chippers. This allows for efficient chipping of larger branches and logs.

  • Versatility: PTO wood chippers can be easily connected to the PTO shaft of a tractor, making them highly versatile. They can be used in various locations and environments, as long as a compatible vehicle is available.

  • Mobility: Since PTO wood chippers are attached to a tractor, they can be easily transported from one location to another. This mobility is especially beneficial for operations that require moving the chipper over different areas or job sites.

  • Cost-effective: PTO wood chippers eliminate the need for a separate engine, reducing overall costs. Instead, they utilize the power of an existing tractor, making them a cost-effective option for wood chipping operations.


2.2 Factors to Consider with PTO Wood Chippers

Before opting for a PTO wood chipper, consider the following factors:


  • Tractor compatibility: Ensure that your tractor has a compatible PTO and meets the power requirements of the chipper.

  • Mobility: PTO chippers are limited to areas accessible by the tractor, which may not be suitable for smaller or confined spaces.

  • Tractor Compatibility: It is crucial to ensure that the PTO wood chipper is compatible with the tractor or vehicle being used. Consider factors such as PTO shaft size, horsepower requirements, and compatibility with the tractor's hydraulic system.

  • Chipper Capacity: Evaluate the chipper's capacity and determine if it meets your specific needs. Consider the maximum diameter and length of wood it can handle to ensure it is suitable for your intended applications.

  • Operator Experience: Evaluate the skill level and experience of the operators who will be using the PTO wood chipper. Ensure they have the necessary knowledge and training to operate the machine safely and effectively.


3. Hydraulic Feeding Wood Chippers

Hydraulic feeding wood chippers are powerful machines designed for efficiently and effectively processing wood and other organic materials. They offer several features that enhance their performance and make them suitable for various applications.



3.1 Features of Hydraulic Feeding Wood Chippers

Hydraulic feeding wood chippers offer several features, including:


  • Hydraulic System: Hydraulic feeding wood chippers utilize a hydraulic system to control the feeding mechanism. This system allows for smooth and consistent feeding of the wood into the chipper, ensuring a continuous and efficient chipping process.

  • Feed Hopper: These chippers are equipped with a feed hopper where the wood is loaded. The hopper is designed to accommodate large volumes of material, enabling high-capacity chipping operations.

  • Powerful Cutting Mechanism: Hydraulic feeding wood chippers feature a robust cutting mechanism, typically comprising a large, sharp blade or blades. The cutting mechanism is driven by a powerful engine or motor, ensuring effective and fast wood processing.

  • Adjustable Chip Size: These chippers often come with an adjustable chip size setting. Users can choose the desired size of the wood chips produced by the machine, allowing for versatility in applications.


3.2 Applications of Hydraulic Feeding Wood Chippers

Despite their features, hydraulic feeding wood chippers come with several features that enhance their performance:


  • Forestry and Logging: Hydraulic feeding wood chippers are extensively used in forestry and logging operations. They efficiently process tree branches, trunks, and other wood waste generated during tree felling or forest maintenance.

  • Landscaping and Tree Care: These chippers are commonly employed in landscaping and tree care businesses. They can quickly turn tree branches, prunings, and other green waste into wood chips or mulch, which can then be used for landscaping, gardening, or biomass applications.

  • Biomass Production: Hydraulic feeding wood chippers play a crucial role in biomass production. They can process agricultural residues, crop stalks, and other biomass materials, converting them into usable chips for energy generation, such as in biomass power plants or pellet production.

  • Municipal Waste Management: Municipalities often use hydraulic feeding wood chippers for waste management purposes. They can efficiently process tree trimmings, storm debris, and other organic waste, reducing the volume and facilitating disposal or recycling.

  • Composting and Soil Improvement: Wood chips produced by hydraulic feeding wood chippers can be used as a valuable resource for composting and soil improvement. The chips enhance soil structure, retain moisture, and provide nutrients, promoting healthy plant growth in gardening and agriculture.


4. Towable Wood Chippers

Towable wood chippers are portable machines that can be towed behind a vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, making them highly convenient for various wood chipping applications. They offer several advantages and factors to consider when choosing and using them.



4.1 Advantages of Towable Wood Chippers

Towable wood chippers offer several advantages:


  • Portability: The main advantage of towable wood chippers is their portability. They can be easily transported to different job sites or areas where wood chipping is required. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for landscaping, tree care, and forestry operations that involve working in different locations.

  • Power and Capacity: Towable wood chippers often come with powerful engines or motors that enable them to handle larger diameter branches and logs. They have higher chipping capacities compared to smaller, handheld chippers, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.

  • Independence: With a towable wood chipper, you do not need to rely on a specific vehicle or tractor for power. They come equipped with their own engine, allowing you to work independently without needing to connect to another vehicle's power take-off.

  • Efficiency: Towable wood chippers are designed for efficient wood processing. They can quickly chip large quantities of wood, reducing manual labor and saving time.


4.2 Factors to Consider with Towable Wood Chippers

While towable wood chippers have their benefits, there are some factors to consider:


  • Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the towable wood chipper in relation to the towing vehicle's capacity. Ensure that the towing vehicle is capable of safely and effectively towing the chipper to avoid any issues during transportation.

  • Chipper Capacity: Evaluate the chipper's capacity in terms of the maximum diameter and length of wood it can handle. Choose a model that meets your specific needs and intended applications.

  • Safety Features: Check for safety features such as emergency stop buttons, safety shields, and feed control mechanisms. Prioritize models with reliable safety features to ensure operator safety during operation.

  • Maintenance and Durability: Assess the maintenance requirements and durability of the towable wood chipper. Look for models with sturdy construction, accessible maintenance points, and reliable components to ensure long-term performance.

  • Hitch Compatibility: Ensure that the towable wood chipper's hitch is compatible with the towing vehicle's hitch. Consider factors such as hitch size, weight capacity, and ease of attaching and detaching the chipper.


5. Conclusion

Wood chippers are essential tools for efficiently processing wood and organic debris. By understanding the different types available, such as PTO, hydraulic, and towable chippers, you can choose the right one for your specific needs. Consider factors like power, mobility, capacity, and maintenance requirements before making a purchase. With a suitable wood chipper, you can effectively manage wood waste and simplify your landscaping or forestry tasks.





Contact us

Customize Quality Tractor Attachments on Budget

We help you avoid the pitfalls to deliver the quality and value your tractor attachment need, on-time and on-budget.
Contact us