You want to work smarter, not harder. But how loud is an industrial wood chipper? These can operate as high as 120 decibels or more! That’s really loud. Yet, there are also electric wood chippers that are way quieter if noise is a concern.
It all depends on the size of the engine and the capacity of the machine itself. We’re going to help you set your expectations for the wood chipper noise level - and more importantly, how to manage it.
You’ll also find the best commercial wood chipper lineup here at Equipment Outfitters, featuring the best brands and their most popular models at unbeatable prices. Get a personalized recommendation today!
How Loud is an Industrial Wood Chipper?
Wood chipper noise is measured in decibels (dB) on a logarithmic scale - so small number changes translate to big jumps in sound energy.
Manufacturers usually quote sound levels taken at a set distance (often 25 or 50 feet) but real-world readings change based on load and surroundings. That’s why two machines with similar ratings can feel very different once you start feeding material.
So just how loud is an industrial wood chipper?
How Many Decibels is a Wood Chipper?
You know it’s loud, especially if you’ve used one before. But let’s get a little more specific about a wood chipper noise level you can expect. A heavy-duty wood chipper usually falls into one of these three categories:
- Small electric or homeowner gas chippers: ~85-95 dB
- Mid-size gas chippers (3–5 inch capacity): ~95-105 dB
- Large industrial chippers (6-inch and up): ~105-120 dB
For context, sustained exposure to 85 dB can damage hearing over time. So what would constant use of a more industrial-grade wood chipper do to your hearing?
What Could That Do to a Person?
There’s a reason wood chipper manufacturers are so adamant about you wearing ear protection while operating these machines. There are real risks of exposure to this much noise, including:
- Temporary or permanent hearing loss after short sessions
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that can last hours or become chronic
- Fatigue and reduced reaction time from constant high noise
- Increased stress and difficulty communicating on a jobsite
Don’t worry. We’re going to share tips on staying safe with your wood chipper in just a few moments. But let’s get a little more specific about what influences the wood chipper noise level.
Factors Affecting the Wood Chipper Noise Level
Your wood chipper will produce different levels of noise in different settings. That’s why it’s impossible to say how loud a wood chipper is without knowing more about the specific equipment you’re using and how you’re using it. Factors at play include:
- Engine size: Larger engines obviously make more noise even at idle.
- Operating RPM: Higher RPM equals higher blade tip speed, and in turn, more cutting noise.
- Chipper style: Drum chippers create a steadier, lower-pitched roar; disc chippers produce sharper, repetitive impact noise. Learn more about the drum vs disc chipper comparison in our blog.
- Material diameter: Feeding near max capacity leads to more resistance and raises engine and cutting noise.
- Wood species: Dry hardwoods make more noise while being cut than green softwoods.
- Feed rate: Forcing material strains the engine and will thus cause more noise.
- Blade condition: Dull knives tear instead of cut, increasing noise and vibration.
- Housing and discharge design: Thin steel panels and open chutes reflect and amplify sound.
- Surroundings: Hard surfaces, buildings, and trailers reflect noise back toward the operator. This is part of why we recommend chipping in open areas if possible.
Comparison With Other Everyday Noises
So clearly, wood chippers are loud. But just how loud is an industrial wood chipper compared to other equipment? Really, not as loud as you’d think! For comparison:
- Normal conversation: ~60 dB
- Lawn mower: ~85-90 dB
- Leaf blower: ~95-100 dB
- Chainsaw: ~105-110 dB
The truth is, any sort of power equipment you’ll use on your property is going to produce noise. A wood chipper is no exception. That’s why it’s imperative that you use proper ear protection.
How to Deal With Wood Chipper Noise
As unpleasant as listening to your wood chipper may be, there’s no better way to manage debris on your property. They’re a necessary piece of equipment in your arsenal. You just need to know how to deal with wood chipper noise safely.
Ear Protection
This is the most important takeaway from our guide on wood chipper noise. There are two types of protection you can rely on:
- Foam earplugs (NRR 25-33): Good for short sessions or backup protection.
- Over-ear earmuffs (NRR 26-30): Faster to put on and better for consistent use.
There isn’t anything wrong with doubling up, either. Earplugs underneath earmuffs can be worth it when running 6-inch and larger chippers for extended periods of time. Speaking of time…
Time Limits
Try to limit continuous use if you can. Break long chipping sessions into 20-30 minute intervals. Rotate tasks when possible so one person isn’t standing at the infeed for hours. Prolonged exposure above 100 dB can take a toll quickly, even with protection.
Distance From Chipper
This should be obvious, but anyone who doesn’t need to be in the vicinity of your wood chipping process shouldn’t be. Keep bystanders 50-100 feet away when possible.
Try to position the discharge chute away from walls, trailers, or buildings that reflect sound back toward you, too. Feed from the side when the design allows instead of standing directly in front of the drum or disc housing.
Maintaining Your Machine
Regular wood chipper blade sharpening isn’t just going to keep your machine working as efficiently as possible. It’s also going to help manage tearing noise to some degree.
Other maintenance measures include correct belt tension to prevent squealing/vibration and addressing loose guards or panels that rattle and amplify sound. Tighten those up ASAP!
Smart Operating Habits
Even just using your wood chipper properly can make a big difference in how much noise it makes. Don’t force oversized material; let the chipper do the work and pull branches in at its own pace. Try to minimize high idle RPMs when the machine isn’t actively chipping.
It’s also a good idea to try to set up on dirt or grass rather than concrete when possible to minimize sound reflection. But at the end of the day, the wood chipper noise is inevitable. Do your best to protect yourself from it - that’s all you can do!
Final Thoughts on Wood Chipper Noise Levels
So, how loud is an industrial wood chipper? In some cases, these pieces of equipment can produce up to 120 dB - that’s really loud. But it’s not unbearable when you have the right ear protection and use your machine safely.
All that’s left to do now, if you haven’t already, is set yourself up for success with the right gas wood chipper from Equipment Outfitters. Your search for the best wood chipper for home use or industrial applications ends here.
We stock the most respected brands in the industry and their most popular models, always at the lowest price and with hassle-free financing options. You can find the ideal equipment for any property or application here in our lineup. We make it easy - narrow by size below:
Or better yet, connect with our customer care team for one-on-one support and let us give you a tailored recommendation! We help match contractors, farmers, and property owners with the right machines on a daily basis and can do the same for you.
It all starts with a conversation, so what are you waiting for? Take the next step towards a streamlined workflow at Equipment Outfitters today.