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Why Buy a Wood Chipper?
Autumn and winter pruning leaves most gardens with a heap of branches, hedge prunings and woody stems. You can pay for a skip, take it all to the tip, or burn it where that is allowed. A wood chipper turns the pile into chippings that you can use as a path surface, a mulch or a bulky ingredient for the compost heap, and it shrinks the volume dramatically in the process.
The difference between a chipper and a leaf shredder matters. Light shredders with spinning blades suit leaves, soft stems and thin twigs. A proper chipper has a robust blade or drum and is built to take woody branches. The models below range from affordable mains-powered machines for tidy suburban gardens to petrol chippers for large plots, orchards and anyone who clears a lot of timber.
We have picked six machines covering electric and petrol power, with a spread of prices. The maximum branch size quoted by each maker is a limit for fresh, straight branches, so expect to stay a little under it for tough, knotty or dry hardwood.
At a Glance: Garden Wood Chippers Compared
Prices are approximate and change with stock. Branch capacity is the maker’s stated maximum.
| Product | Power | Max branch | Best for | Approx. price |
| MAXLANDER 2600W Garden Shredder | Electric, 2600W | 45mm | Small gardens on a budget | Around £110-130 |
| Hyundai Electric Garden Shredder 2400W | Electric, 2400W | 45mm | Small to medium gardens, wheeled and portable | Around £160-180 |
| Forest Master FM4DDE 4HP Electric | Electric, 4HP (2800W) | 50mm | Quiet running with more capacity | Around £440-460 |
| Crytec CRC200X Petrol | Petrol, 212cc | 60mm | Medium to large gardens | Around £480-510 |
| Forest Master FM6DD 6HP Petrol | Petrol, 6HP (208cc) | 50mm | Regular use, hedgerows and orchards | Around £500-520 |
| Hyundai Petrol Wood Chipper 420cc | Petrol, 420cc (14hp) | 100mm | Large plots and heavy clearances | Around £1,250-1,400 |
The Products, One by One
1. MAXLANDER 2600W Garden Shredder
The MAXLANDER is the cheapest way into proper branch chipping in this list. A 2600W mains motor drives dual-sided blades, and it takes branches up to around 45mm across. A 45 litre collection bag catches the chippings, and a 10 metre cable gives a sensible working radius from a socket.
It is a compact machine that is easy to store in a shed, which suits small and medium gardens where a few bags of prunings is the typical job. As with all shredders at this price, feed branches steadily and clear jams promptly rather than forcing material in. The collection bag is small, so expect to empty it often.
Pros: Low price, light and compact, 45mm capacity, long cable, collection bag included.
Cons: Small collection bag means frequent emptying. Not built for all-day use, and tough hardwood needs feeding slowly.
Who it suits: anyone with a small to medium garden who wants to clear annual prunings without a big outlay.
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE MOTOR: This electric garden shredder is equipped with a robust 2600W (15-amp) motor and a high-speed 4,000 RPM blade system.
- LARGE 45L COLLECTION CONTAINER:This gardening tool wood chipper comes with a removable 45-liter dustproof collection bag, which effectively prevents wood chips from flying and collects the debris.
- HIGH-QUALITY DUAL-SIDED BLADES: With extremely sharp SK5 dual-sided blades, this electric wood shredder easily shreds even hard branches and is resistant to damage, ensuring a long service life.
- SAFETY COMES FIRST: Built for safe and reliable operation, this electric wood chipper features overload protection, a safety lock system, and a feed paddle to keep your hands away from the cutting area. The motor automatically shuts off under overload conditions and allows for quick restarts and resets, extending the machine's lifespan.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: This powerful electric garden shredder weighs only 9.6 kg and is designed with two wheels and an integrated handle for easy maneuverability. The package includes 1*garden shredder , 1*plunger, 1* 45L collection bag, 1*Manual. If you have any questions or problems, please contact our official after-sales team email.
2. Hyundai Electric Garden Shredder 2400W
Hyundai’s electric shredder is a familiar name at a moderate price. A 2400W motor spins at around 4200rpm and handles branches up to roughly 45mm. It comes with a detachable collection bag, a push stick for guiding in overhanging material and a 10 metre cable, and it carries a three-year warranty.
It weighs just over 10kg and is wheeled, so it is easy to shift between the hedge, the border and the compost bay. It costs more than the cheapest machines, but a known brand and a longer warranty are worth something if you plan to use it every autumn.
Pros: Established brand, wheeled and portable, push stick included, three-year warranty, 45mm capacity.
Cons: Costs more than the budget machines for a similar branch capacity. Collection bag is modest in size.
Who it suits: gardeners who want a dependable small electric chipper from a recognisable name.
No products found.
3. Forest Master FM4DDE 4HP Electric Wood Chipper
Forest Master is a specialist in chippers, and the FM4DDE is its mains-powered model. A 4HP electric motor (around 2800W) runs from a normal domestic supply and chips branches up to 50mm. It uses a direct drive system, so there are no belts to adjust, and it has twin reversible blades that can be turned to extend their life.
Electric power means no petrol, no fumes and less noise than a petrol machine, which is welcome in a built-up area. It is a step up in build and capacity from the budget shredders, and a good compromise for a keen gardener with a mature garden and a mains socket within reach.
Pros: Direct drive, reversible blades, quieter than petrol, runs from a normal socket, 50mm capacity.
Cons: Considerably dearer than the basic electric shredders. You are tied to a mains cable, and the capacity is not much higher than cheaper models.
Who it suits: keen gardeners who want a more robust electric machine and prefer to avoid petrol.
- Compact & Efficient: The FM4DDE is a compact wood chipper that efficiently chips wood up to 50mm in diameter.
- 4HP Electric Motor: Powered by a 4HP 2800 watt electric motor running on domestic mains supply, ensuring powerful performance.
- Direct Drive System: The chipper operates on a direct drive system, eliminating the need for belt adjustments, ensuring better performance.
- Twin Reversible Blades: The FM4DDE comes with twin reversible blades, effectively doubling their life span and reducing the need for resharpening.
- Easy Maintenance & Storage: The hinged hopper and chute design facilitate easy maintenance and storage, providing quick access to the drum.
4. Crytec CRC200X 60mm Petrol Wood Chipper
The Crytec CRC200X is a petrol chipper with a 212cc engine and a quoted 60mm chipping capacity, a good size for substantial hedge and fruit tree prunings. It uses a hinged outlet chute, which helps when you are storing or moving it, and pneumatic wheels make it easier to pull over lawns and uneven ground.
Being petrol, it can be used anywhere in the garden without a cable, and it is aimed at gardens where you generate a lot of woody waste. It has safety switches, which is something to look for on any chipper. It has fewer owner reviews than the better known brands, so it is wise to check the latest feedback before buying.
Pros: 60mm capacity, no cable needed, pneumatic wheels, safety switches, folding chute.
Cons: Fewer long-term owner reviews than established brands. Petrol maintenance and noise come with the territory.
Who it suits: medium to large gardens with plenty of woody prunings.
- Robust 212cc RATO Engine:
- Impressive 60mm Chipping Capacity
- Lightweight and Compact
- Hinge System on Outlet Chute
- Chipping and Mulching
5. Forest Master FM6DD 6HP Petrol Wood Chipper
The FM6DD pairs a 6HP four-stroke engine of around 208cc with direct drive to the cutting shaft, with no belts to wear or adjust. Dual reversible blades extend service life, and the machine chips branches up to around 50mm.
Forest Master has a long-standing reputation among UK gardeners and small estates, and this is one of the better-known petrol models in the lower price bracket. It is a sensible step up for anyone who has outgrown an electric shredder, wants to work away from the house and does not need to tackle really thick timber.
Pros: Respected brand, direct drive, reversible blades, cable-free, strong owner feedback.
Cons: Heavier and noisier than electric machines. Capacity is similar to the cheaper petrol models. Check stock, as availability can be limited.
Who it suits: regular users with a large garden, hedgerow or orchard who want a proven petrol machine.
- Robust 6HP Engine: Equipped with a 6-horsepower, 208cc 4-Stroke LCT Maxx Series engine, this wood chipper delivers powerful performance directly to the drive shaft, eliminating the need for belts and enhancing efficiency.
- Dual Reversible Blades: The FM6DD comes with dual reversible blades, which significantly prolong their service life and provide economic benefits by allowing for extended use.
- Compact and Portable: The chipper's design includes a foldable hopper and chute, making it highly space-efficient and ideal for use in areas with limited storage, such as small gardens.
- Simple Maintenance: This model offers easy access to the drum via the input and output chutes, facilitating straightforward and quick maintenance tasks.
- Dedicated UK Customer Support: Forest Master ensures excellent customer service with dedicated support from a UK-based call and service center, providing timely help and expertise.
6. Hyundai 420cc Petrol Wood Chipper
This is the heavyweight in our line-up. A 420cc, 14hp four-stroke engine with electric start drives a two-blade drum that is designed to take branches up to around 10cm across. The chute rotates through 180 degrees so you can aim chippings straight into a wheelbarrow or trailer, and the self-feeding action draws material in for you.
It is far more machine than most gardens need, and the price reflects that. If you manage a large property, clear trees regularly or run a small woodland, it can save a great deal of time. For an ordinary suburban plot, it is hard to justify.
Pros: Takes branches up to 10cm, electric start, rotating chute, self-feeding, three-year warranty.
Cons: Expensive, heavy and needs a lot of storage space. Overkill for small gardens.
Who it suits: large plots, smallholdings and anyone with a regular supply of thick branches.
- Quickly chip large quanities of wood: Ideal for large garden clearances or maintaining estates/business premises
- Extremely powerful wood chipper: Powered by a 420cc / 14hp Hyundai electric-start 4-stroke engine
- Heavy-duty 2-blade drum mechanism: Designed to draw in and chip branches with up to a 10cm diameter.
- 180-degree rotatable chute: Easily direct wood chippings into wheelbarrows / trailers or into a neat pile
- Easy-access emergency stop mechanism: Extra safe to use
Buying Guide: Choosing a Wood Chipper
Electric or petrol?
Electric chippers are quieter, cheaper to run, start at the touch of a button and need very little maintenance. They suit gardens up to medium size where a mains socket or extension lead is within reach. Petrol machines give you freedom from the cable, more power and bigger capacity, but they are noisier, heavier and need regular servicing, fresh fuel and oil checks.
Chipping capacity
Look at the thickest branch you realistically need to process. Most domestic pruning is under 40mm, which any machine here can handle. If you cut up fallen trees or large hedge stems, look at the petrol models with 60mm or more.
Feeding and jams
Branches chip best when they are fresh and relatively green. Dry hardwood is harder on blades and more likely to cause a jam. Cut side shoots off long branches, feed the thick end first and never push material in by hand. Always use the push stick that comes with the machine.
Noise and neighbours
Chippers are loud. Wear ear defenders, and think about the time of day you run one, especially in a built-up area. Electric models are noticeably quieter than petrol, although none are quiet.
Safety
Wear eye protection, ear defenders, gloves and sturdy boots, and avoid loose clothing and dangling cuffs. Keep children and pets well clear, and make sure the machine is switched off and has stopped before you clear a blockage or empty the collection bag. For more on staying safe with powered cutting tools, see our guide to using a chainsaw safely.
What to do with the chippings
Fresh chippings make a good path surface or a mulch on beds, though they take nitrogen from the soil as they break down, so keep them on top rather than digging them in. Mixed with grass clippings and kitchen waste, they add the woody bulk that a compost heap needs to stay airy.
Autumn and winter timing
The best time to chip is when you prune. Most trees, shrubs and hedges are cut back from autumn into late winter, so a chipper is most useful between now and spring. Avoid pruning hedges and trees in the bird nesting season, and check for nests before you cut.
Our Recommendation
For a typical small to medium garden with a mains socket close by, the Hyundai electric shredder is a sensible all-round choice from a known brand, while the MAXLANDER is the one to pick if budget is the priority. If you want something sturdier without moving to petrol, the Forest Master FM4DDE is the best of the electric options here.
For larger gardens, orchards or regular heavy clearing, the Forest Master FM6DD is a proven petrol option, the Crytec CRC200X offers bigger capacity for a similar price, and the Hyundai 420cc is the machine to buy when you really need to chip thick timber. Whichever you choose, match the machine to the branches you actually cut, and be realistic about how often you will use it.
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