Equipment library

Chippers: a plain guide for tree service owners

A chipper turns brush and limbs into mulch on the job site. It saves hauling, keeps the yard clean and speeds up every removal and trim. This guide covers the main types, what jobs they fit, how to think about buying or renting, and what to ask a dealer. No brands, no prices, just clear basics.

By Umair Nawaz, Lirevon. Last reviewed: October 2026. General information with no brand names; Lirevon does not sell equipment.

What it is

A brush chipper is a machine with a feed table, feed rollers and a spinning drum or disc with knives. Crew members pull limbs to the table, the rollers draw them in and the knives cut them into chips. A chute then sends the chips into a dump body, a chip box or a pile.

The chips can be sold, given away, used as mulch on the next job or hauled to a drop site. Use the chip volume tool to plan how many loads a day of work makes.

Types and sizes

Sizes below are typical ranges, not promises. Always read the maker's rated capacity for the exact machine.

Small towable chipper

Size and style: Often sized for limbs a few inches thick

Fits: Light trimming, backyards, tight gates

Watch out for: Tires out on large limbs; check what it can really take all day

Mid-size towable chipper

Size and style: Often sized for limbs up to roughly 8 to 12 inches

Fits: Everyday removals and trimming for a one to three crew company

Watch out for: Needs a truck with enough towing rating and a safe hitch setup

Large towable or truck-mounted chipper

Size and style: Larger throats for big limbs and long days

Fits: Land clearing, storm cleanup, utility-style work

Watch out for: Higher cost, more weight and more training and upkeep

Drum style

Size and style: Cuts with a rotating drum

Fits: Strong with mixed brush and heavy limbs

Watch out for: Often costs more; knives need regular care

Disc style

Size and style: Cuts with a flat spinning disc

Fits: Light and simple, often even chips

Watch out for: Can struggle with stringy or very green material; check the maker's guidance

Whole-tree grinder

Size and style: A different class of machine for large volume

Fits: Big clearing contracts

Watch out for: Not a normal tree-crew purchase; rent first

What jobs it fits

Tree trimming and pruning, where there is a lot of brush to clear.
Tree removal, where limbs are cut down and fed as the crew works.
Storm cleanup, where speed matters and brush piles are large.
Land clearing, where volume is high and a larger machine pays off.
Property-management and commercial accounts that expect a clean site.

Not sure which jobs pay best? Our equipment guide and guide to estimating tree jobs help you match machines to work.

Comparison table

A quick side-by-side. It is general and not a ranking. The right choice depends on your trees, your sites and your budget.

Comparison of chippers options
Option	Best for	Main plus	Watch out for
Small towable	Light trimming	Easy to tow and store	Limited limb size
Mid-size towable	Everyday removals	Good mix of size and cost	Needs a capable truck
Large or truck-mounted	Clearing and storms	Handles volume	Cost, weight and training
Rent a larger unit	One big job	No long-term cost	Rental availability in storm weeks

Buy or rent

Do not decide on feel. Put your own hours, rates and costs into the free equipment buy-versus-rent tool. Then think about these points.

Buy when

A chipper is used most work days, you already tow it well, and you can pay for upkeep.

Rent when

You are in a slow season, you need a larger size for one big job, or you want to test a size before you buy.

Used versus new

Used machines can save money but may hide worn knives, bearings or feed parts. Ask for service records and have a shop look at it.

Count the full cost

Add knives, hydraulic service, tires, insurance, fuel, storage and the time of the person who keeps it running.

Ask your accountant

How you pay for equipment can change your taxes. Short explanation, not tax advice.

Safety and training basics

These are general points, not a training course. Always follow the maker's manual, your insurer and US and state safety rules. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Never reach into the feed table. Use a stick or the controls to move limbs.
Feed butt end first and step aside as the limb goes in.
Wear eye, hearing and head protection, close-fitting clothing and no loose items at the feed end.
Know where the stop bar or emergency stop is, and test it before each shift.
Keep the chute pointed away from people, windows and cars.
Train new crew members on the machine before they use it. Follow the maker's manual and US safety rules for tree work. This is a general overview, not safety or legal advice.

Also see our job site safety guide.

What to ask a dealer

Take this list with you and write down the answers. Ask for them in writing. A good dealer will not mind.

What is the rated capacity, and what do owners really chip all day?
What does a knife change cost and how often is it needed?
What does the maker require for service and who nearby can do it?
Which parts wear first, and how fast can you get them?
Is there a written warranty, and what does it cover and exclude?
What towing rating does my truck need, and what hitch and safety chain setup is required?
Can I see service records if this is used?

Compare at least two quotes, and use your own numbers when you check the cost. If you want your phone answered while you shop and work, see our services, pricing or ask for a free audit.

Common questions

What size chipper does a small tree company need?

It depends on your typical limbs. Many one to three crew companies pick a mid-size towable. Measure the thickest limbs you chip on a normal week, then choose a rated capacity with some room to spare. Check the maker's spec.

Should I buy a chipper or rent one?

If you chip most work days, owning often makes sense. If you only need one for a big job or a slow season, renting can be cheaper. Run both through the buy-versus-rent tool with your own numbers.

What is the difference between drum and disc chippers?

A drum chipper cuts with a rotating drum, and a disc chipper cuts with a flat spinning disc. Each suits different jobs. Ask a dealer which fits your material and how knives are serviced.

How do I keep my crew safe around a chipper?

Never reach into the feed table, feed butt end first, wear eye, hearing and head protection, and test the stop control every shift. This is general information, not safety advice. Follow the manual.

What should I check on a used chipper?

Look at the knives, feed rollers, bearings, hoses, tires and the stop controls. Ask for service records and have a shop inspect it. A cheap machine with worn parts can cost more later.

Can I sell wood chips?

Often yes, or you can give them away or use them on jobs. Demand depends on your area, so ask local landscapers and homeowners. Never assume a price.

What truck do I need to tow a chipper?

Match the chipper weight to your truck towing rating, hitch and brakes, using the maker's numbers and your truck manual. Do not guess. Ask your dealer for the exact requirement.

How often do chipper knives need to be changed?

It depends on the wood, dirt and how many hours you run. Dirty or sandy material dulls knives faster. Ask the dealer for the maker's guidance and keep spare knives in the truck.

This page is general information, not legal, tax or safety advice. Lirevon does not sell equipment, and no brands are named on purpose.

Related equipment pages

Spend on machines, not on missed calls

Lirevon helps tree service companies answer every call. Get a free audit, see the services or view pricing.