How to choose a wood chipper How to choose a wood chipper Easy to use Cheap Cutting system How much power

A wood chipper or brush chipper is a device powered by an electric or internal combustion engine that is used to shred wood particles such as branches and cut them into chips. These chips can be used as compost, mulch or disposed of at recycling centers and later used in other industries such as the furniture and construction sectors. Choosing the ideal brush chipper can help you save time and energy. In this guide, we will discuss important information to help you make your choice.

How to choose the right wood chipper?
Choosing a wood chipper depends on the size of the wood chips you need to cut. To better choose a wood chipper for your project, consider four main points: the engine, the cutting system, the required power, and the different configurations.

Which engine to choose?
Electric and internal combustion engines are the two main types of engines used in brush chippers. Knowing the differences between these engines should help you choose the right one for your project. Although less common, tractor mounted (PTO) brush chippers also have certain advantages.

Electric brush chippers are designed for occasional use and are usually used on medium-sized farms. The power of brush chippers with electric motors varies between 1800 watts (2.41 hp) and 3000 watts (4 hp), which is enough to crush soft branches between 35 mm and 50 mm in diameter.

Internal combustion engine brush chippers are designed for intensive use. Recommended for orchards or gardens larger than 1000 square meters. These machines have a power between 6 hp and 200 hp and are capable of crushing any type of wood, whether soft or hardwood, up to 75 mm in diameter.

PTO-driven brush chippers are those that are hung behind a tractor and run on the tractor's motor. More affordable and easier to use than electric chippers. Additionally, access to certain types of land is difficult to do without a tractor, so a tractor-mounted brush chipper is essential.

Which cutting system to choose?
The capacity of a wood chipper indicates the maximum diameter of branches it can handle. There are four main cutting systems to choose from: blade carrier disc system, rotor system, turbine system and worm screw system. The type of work planned will require one of these four, and you have to be very selective in finding the right match.

The blade carrier disc system consists of blades attached to a disc that rotates at high speed (from 200 to 450 rpm), which makes it possible to collect very fine fragments. This type of machine is used for small chippers for occasional use. It is usually used to shred leaves and soft branches with a diameter of no more than 35 mm, not hardwood.
The rotor system, also known as a drum chipper, is used to shred plants with a diameter of up to 45 mm or even 50 mm. Its notches and cutting speed of 4000 rpm allow it to shred medium-hard hedges and shrubs. Once the wood chips pass through the drum chipper, the shavings are relatively coarse and suitable for composting. In addition, this type of machine is quieter.
The turbine system, which works on a similar principle to the rotor system, is more efficient. Designed for grinding very hard wood such as wide branches of trees or bushes up to 150 mm in diameter.
The worm screw system is very powerful. It can grind hardwood up to 250 mm in diameter. However, this grinding system is very sensitive to disturbances. It also requires more maintenance.