A 6-inch wood chipper is the biggest size we stock here at Equipment Outfitters, but what can a 6-inch wood chipper handle in real-world applications? Is it REALLY 6” branches, or a little more/less? We’re going to help you set your expectations and choose the right wood chipper.
The short answer is this - we don’t recommend feeding anything more than 6” branches into your wood chipper. It’s rated at that capacity for a reason. That's the BEST case scenario, too. It may top out at 4-5 inches if you’re working with forked, twisted, or hardwood material.
Species, moisture content, knife sharpness, feed angle, and whether the machine uses a drum or disc all play a direct role in how close you can push that rating. You can get in touch with our team here at Equipment Outfitters for a personalized suggestion on the ideal wood chipper and more advice on using it correctly.
Factors Influencing the Performance of a 6-inch Wood Chipper
It’s important to understand wood chipper sizing in general if you’re going to be working with this equipment on your property. These machines are sized based on maximum branch diameter under ideal conditions, not a promise that every piece of material at that size will feed smoothly.
Wood Species and Density
A 6-inch rating assumes average-density wood. But there are obviously instances where you’re going to work with softer or harder varieties. Density directly impacts torque demand at the cutting surface.
Softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir feed close to the full 6" rating without slowing down much. Dense hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple) cut real capacity down fast, though. Most operators see smoother performance with hardwoods by feeding 4.5-5.5 inch material, especially when branches are straight.
Moisture Content (Green vs Seasoned Wood)
Fresh, green branches shear more easily and self-feed better. But dry or seasoned wood resists cutting and tends to bounce or stall at the knives. A 6-inch chipper that handles green oak at 5-6" may struggle with dry oak above 4-5".
Moisture also affects chip quality, which matters if you’re going to be using those chips for anything after the fact. Dry wood spits out shorter, more fractured chips. This can also slow the discharge rate.
Branch Shape and Forking
Diameter alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Straight limbs feed predictably. Forked, crooked, or knotted material is another story, though. There’s more cutting load as multiple contact points hit the knives at once.
Forks often need trimming for a 6-inch chipper even when the main stem measures under 6”. Trying to force Y-shaped limbs through the machine is the fastest way to bog a machine. We know you want to work as efficiently as possible, but it’s worth taking your time with proper prep.
Chipper Design (Drum vs Disc)
These are the two main types of chippers you’ll come across.
Drum chippers handle near-capacity material with more ease as the rotating mass carries momentum through changes in thickness. Disc chippers rely on knife strikes, so sudden diameter changes are felt immediately.
Both can be rated at 6”, but drum designs tolerate variation better during continuous feeding. You can learn more about the differences between a drum vs disc chipper in our blog.
Engine Power and Drive System
Two machines labeled “6-inch” can perform very differently, even just based on their engine. A 10-15 HP engine with belt drive and proper flywheel mass holds RPM far better under load than a smaller engine at the same throat size.
Power delivery is more important than peak horsepower. Torque at operating RPM determines whether the chipper keeps pulling or stalls.
Blade Sharpness and Clearance
A dull blade turns a 6-inch chipper into a 4-inch chipper overnight. Sharp knives with ample clearance slice cleanly and work at the optimal feed speed. Worn edges crush fibers instead of cutting them, increasing load and reducing usable capacity.
So, you better learn how to sharpen wood chipper blades if you’re hoping to get the most out of your machine!
Feed Rate and Operator Technique
One other thing to consider is your workflow. Continuous, controlled feeding beats forcing material every day of the week. Let the chipper pull at its own pace to keep RPM stable and prevent clogging.
What Can a 6-inch Wood Chipper Handle?
All that being said, what can a 6-inch wood chipper handle? As the name suggests, nothing more than 6” in diameter. But you need to think carefully about what you’re actually trying to chip or shred.
A good rule of thumb: size your chipper so your typical material is 20-30% smaller than the rated capacity. That buffer keeps feed speed consistent, minimizes kickback, and prevents constant trimming. Hard species, forks, and dry limbs all cut into that usable capacity regardless of the number on the decal.
That’s why it’s such a good idea to get equipment recommendations from an expert who actually works around these machines day in and day out. That’s where we come in!
Get a Personalized Recommendation at Equipment Outfitters!
Whether you’re looking for the best wood chipper for home use or a commercial wood chipper, we stock the best brands the industry has to offer and their most sought-after machines. Our team helps property owners pick the ideal equipment every day.
You’ll also gain access to the lowest prices, guaranteed, with hassle-free financing to boot. Our customer support team is here for you from A to Z, whether you have a question about using your machine or you run into an issue.
How to Use a 6-inch Wood Chipper (Quick Tips)
A 6-inch wood chipper can handle a lot more if you know how to use it properly. Here are some quick tips on making the most of your machine:
- Stage your material before starting: Cut branches to manageable lengths and trim off large forks. Straight, single-stem pieces feed cleaner and you’ll get closer to the chipper’s rated performance this way. It’s worth the extra work for a smoother workflow.
- Start with the thick end first: Feeding the butt-end first gives the knives a solid bite and helps the machine pull material in smoothly instead of bouncing it at the throat.
- Feed at a steady pace instead of bursts: Let the chipper control the speed. If engine RPM drops hard, back off and let it recover before feeding the next piece.
- Stay realistic with hardwoods: Softwood can approach the full 6” rating. Dense hardwood usually performs better in the 4.5-5.5” range, especially when dry.
- Keep knives sharp and clearance correct: Dull blades cut into capacity fast and force the engine to work harder. A sharp set of knives is the difference between smooth self-feeding and constant stalls.
- Watch discharge flow: Slowing chip output or back-pressure at the chute is a sign you’re feeding too aggressively or working with dull knives.
- Never push material by hand: Use a push paddle or another branch to guide shorter pieces. Keep hands well clear of the feed opening at all times.
You should also take your time to read through the manual that comes with your wood chipper. You’ll get better and better at using it with each job.
Closing Thoughts on What a 6” Wood Chipper Can Handle
So, what can a 6-inch wood chipper handle? As the name suggests, up to 6” diameter material. At least, in a perfect world. But out in the real world, hardwoods and oddly shaped branches will slow your machine down at 6”. You need to set your expectations based on what you’re feeding through the chipper.
But no matter what you process, we have a machine for you here at Equipment Outfitters. From our heavy-duty wood chippers to lighter gas wood chippers, you can work ultra-efficiently by letting us recommend the ideal make and model.
Don’t play the guessing game. Reach out and get clear, practical guidance from people who work with this equipment every day.