Wood Chipper Buyer Guide — How to Choose the Right Size

The most important specification when choosing a wood chipper is maximum branch diameter (chipping capacity). Choose a machine rated larger than the biggest branch you expect, otherwise it will clog or stall frequently. 

A. Match chipper size to property size

Property / Workload	Typical debris	Recommended chipper
Small yard (<0.5 acre)	Leaves, twigs, small branches	Electric chipper (2–3 in / 50–75 mm)
Medium yard (1–5 acres)	Tree pruning, storm debris	Petrol chipper (4–6 in / 100–150 mm)
Large property / farm	Tree limbs, small trees	Heavy-duty chipper (6–8+ in / 150–200 mm)

*Electric models are quieter and easier to maintain but handle only small branches. *Petrol machines are more powerful and suited for bigger properties. 

B. Size rule (very important)

A good rule: Buy a chipper 25–50% larger than your biggest branch.

Example:

Largest branch	Recommended chipper
50 mm(2 in)	100mm chipper
75 mm (3 in)	120mm chipper
125 mm (5 in)	150mm chipper

 *Running a chipper at its maximum capacity constantly increases jams and blade wear. 

C. Power guide

Approximate engine power needed:

50-75mm in capacity: 6–8 HP

100-120mm in capacity: 10–20 HP

150mm in capacity: 20+ HP

*Hardwood needs more power than softwood. 

D. Key features to look for

1.       Self-feeding  - Reduces jams and manual pushing.

2.       Large hopper - Better for leaves and brush.

3.       Blade access / maintenance door - Makes jam clearing easier.

4.       Transport style - Portable wheel unit vs trailer.

 

Example chipper types

Small homeowner unit: 80mm Electric or 100mm 7HP Petrol Woodchipper

Up to 80-100mm (~3-4”) branch capacity

Portable electric or petrol unit

Good for pruning and yard cleanup.

Mid-size property machine: 120mm 15HP Petrol Woodchipper

Up to 120mm (~4–5") capacity

Towable commercial style.

Heavy duty: 150mm 20HP Petrol Woodchipper

Up to 150mm (~5-6") capacity

Towable commercial style.

2. How to Avoid Wood Chipper Jams

1. Feed material correctly

Always feed butt-end first (thick end first) so the blade can chip the branch naturally. 

2. Do not overload

Common jam causes:

Cause	Prevention
Branch too big	Stay under rated diameter
Too much material at once	Feed slowly
Wet leaves or vines	Mix with wood branches
Dirt or stones	Clean branches first

 

*Overloading or forcing material is a major reason chippers jam. 

3. Keep blades sharp

Dull blades cause:

slow cutting

high engine load

frequent jams

*Sharpen or replace regularly.

4. Avoid these materials

Do NOT chip:

vines

long fibrous plants (such as: bamboo)

palm fronds (some machines struggle)

wet leaf piles

dried wood

3. How to Fix a Wood Chipper Jam (Safe Method)

 Never clear a jam while the machine is running.

Step-by-step

1)       Turn off engine / unplug machine

2)       Disconnect spark plug or PTO

3)       Wait until blades stop completely

4)       Open access panel if available

5)       Use a stick or pry tool to remove wood

6)       Check discharge chute for blockage

7)       Reassemble and restart

*Reaching into the hopper with hands is extremely dangerous due to sharp blades and stored energy.

Pro trick used by arborists:

When chipping brush:

Alternate thick branches and leafy material.

This keeps airflow moving and prevents clogging.

✅ Simple rule:
Correct size machine + slow feeding + sharp blades = almost no jams.