Chipper/Shredder Buying Guide

For Yarders and professional landscapers alike, managing downed branches, twigs, and yard debris can be a frustrating chore, especially when you don’t have the right equipment and tools. Whether you’re cleaning up after a storm or just doing routine yard maintenance, piles of organic waste can destroy any property’s beauty. The good news is a chipper/shredder efficiently turns bulky yard waste into valuable mulch you can use for landscaping, composting, or hassle-free disposal.

Choosing the best chipper/shredder lets you maximize your time with minimal hassle. But how do you know what type of chipper/shredder to get? The best model depends on factors like yard size, type and amount of debris you’re dealing with, engine power, and how frequently you use your tool.

Our wood chipper review and buying guide walks you through everything you need to know about finding the best wood chipper/shredder.

How Does A Wood Chipper Work?

Wood chippers break branches, leaves, and other yard clippings into smaller pieces. As you feed debris into the machine’s hopper, the chipping blades and shredding knives inside rapidly chop material into chips or shreds. The result can be used as mulch or compost—or you can dispose of it.

Thanks to robust engines and cutting mechanisms, gas-powered chippers are perfect for larger branches and debris. They provide the power and reliability you need to process thick, woody material, so they’re a popular choice for those big, tough jobs.

Types of Wood Chippers

There are two primary types of wood chippers: dedicated chippers and chipper/shredder hybrid combos. Understanding how they differ ensures you can make an informed decision about which is best, based on your exact needs.

Chippers

Chippers are built to handle heavy wood debris, making cleanup fast and easy. They offer the following features and design:

Dedicated function: Exclusively for chipping wood, chippers are ideal if you primarily deal with branches and woody debris.

Output: Produces uniform wood chips, great for landscaping or composting.
Power sources: Electric, gas, or power take-off (PTO) engines.
Best for: Properties and lots that require regular tree trimming or forestry debris removal.

Chipper/Shredders

Designed to tackle all your cleanup needs—branches, leaves, and garden waste—with ease. Chipper/shredders are versatile and designed to handle a wide range of yard waste.

Dual function: A wood chipper and shredder combined, chipper/shredders allow you to process both heavy woody material alongside softer debris, like leaves and twigs.
Output: Adjustable for different chip and shred sizes.
Flexibility: Ideal for Yarders and landscapers who deal with both green and dry debris. Also great for mulching leaves and small branches.
ECHO models: ECHO chipper/shredders are a hybrid, offering the most versatility for all your yard cleanup tasks.

How to Choose a Wood Chipper

To find the best chipper/shredder, you want to think about maneuverability, mechanisms, engine power, and performance.

Easy Transportation and Maneuverability

A chipper/shredder’s design impacts how easy it is to move around the area you’re maintaining. Look for the following features:

Large, sturdy wheels: Makes it easier to work on thick terrain or uneven ground.

Ergonomic handles: Offers comfortable pushing and pulling, reducing user strain.
Weight: Lightweight models are easier to maneuver but may have less power. Heavier machines offer power and durability for long or hard jobs.

ECHO’s gas-powered chipper/shredders are engineered for stability, power, and ease of transport. They offer hassle-free movement to wherever debris has accumulated, so you can get the job done.

Understanding Chipper Blades & Cutting Mechanisms

The quality and design of a chipper/shredder’s blades and cutting mechanism affects performance and lifespan.

Heat-treated blades: Superior cutting efficiency and durability; reduces how often you need to sharpen or replace the blades.
Chipper/shredder hybrids: Hybrid models have both chipping and shredding capabilities, so you can process all your yard waste at one time, with one tool.
Self-feeding vs. hydraulic infeed: Self-feeding models use the force of their blades to pull in material. A hydraulic infeed offers a smooth, controlled operation.

Engine Power & Performance

Engine power is always an important consideration when determining the capacity and speed of any power tool. ECHO chipper/shredders come with 208cc, 306cc, or 420cc engines. The higher the displacement, the greater the chipping speed.

Occasional use: A 208cc chipper/shredder is suitable for small yards and occasional cleanup jobs.
Moderate use: A 306cc model is ideal for medium-sized properties and more frequent use.
Heavy-duty needs: The 420cc machine is best if you’re working on large properties, have thicker branches, or are dealing with commercial-level workloads.

Gas-powered chippers are known for their reliability and strength. They can handle tough materials without stalling, making them a smart choice for Yarders and the pros.

Safety Tips for Using a Chipper/Shredder

As with any power tool, safety is critical when operating a chipper/shredder. Take the following precautions to prevent accidents:

PPE: Don’t operate a chipper/shredder unless you’re wearing gloves, safety goggles, ear protection, and sturdy clothing that protects you from flying debris and loud noise.
Inspect debris and materials: Remove rocks, metal, or large foreign objects before feeding wood or debris into the machine.
Positioning: Never stand directly in front of the hopper. Standing off to the side ensures you can avoid any potential kickback.
Keep hands and feet clear: Don’t push debris into the machine with your hands or feet. Use a stick or branch instead.
Supervise children and pets: Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the chipper/shredder while it’s in use.
Regular maintenance: Sharpen your chipper/shredder’s blades regularly and inspect it for wear before every use.

The Right Chipper for Your Yard

Selecting the best chipper/shredder depends on the type and volume of debris you normally deal with, yard size, and how often you’ll use it. Dedicated chippers can be great for heavy wood processing where you primarily break down large branches and limbs. A chipper/shredder, however, is versatile enough for residential settings or when dealing with leaves, twigs, and smaller garden debris in addition to branches. ECHO’s gas-powered chipper/shredders deliver the power, reliability, and ease of use that Yarders and professional landscapers rely on for fast yard cleanup.

Before purchasing your next chipper/shredder, think about the job and features we’ve discussed here: chipper type, engine power, and ease of use. With the right chipper/shredder, you can turn all your yard waste into valuable mulch, keeping your property looking its best.

Explore ECHO’s gas-powered chipper/shredders today to find the perfect match for your needs.