Wood Chipper vs Shredder

The right equipment can save you hours of back-breaking work when you’re staring at a yard full of downed branches after a storm, managing piles of brush from a lot clearing, or just looking to turn seasonal yard waste into usable mulch.

Whether you need to break down thick, heavy limbs or shred piles of leaves and twigs into fine mulch, there’s a machine built for your exact needs. But our customers often come to us wondering which machine makes the most sense: a wood chipper vs shredder.

A wood chipper is designed for large-diameter branches and hardwood debris, producing coarse chips quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, wood shredders break down smaller branches, leaves, and softer material into fine, garden-ready mulch.

So, the choice between a wood shredder vs wood chipper will come down to what exactly you’re trying to clean up. If it’s too big for a shredder, a wood chipper will be your only option. There are some models that combine shredding and chipping capabilities in one, though!

Whether you need one, the other, or both, your search ends here at Equipment Outfitters. We carry the best wood chippers and shredders online, with proven brands, free shipping, and real support. Shop our wood chipper lineup today or get a personalized recommendation!

What is a Wood Chipper Good For?

A wood chipper is designed to handle large, dense, and unwieldy branches that are too big for a standard shredder. These heavy-duty machines reduce thick hardwood and green wood into manageable pieces fast. But how do they work?

Chippers have powerful blades and high torque to process branches several inches in diameter, anywhere from 3” to 6”. They’re especially useful when you’re working with freshly cut, moist wood, which can bog down weaker machines.

This type of equipment can produce coarse wood chips that can then be repurposed for pathways, garden beds, or simply hauled away more easily than full-size limbs.

A wood chipper is a powerful investment in your arsenal if your work involves cleaning up after storms, clearing wooded lots, or breaking down logging debris. These are a staple for landscapers, tree services, and property owners with a lot of mature trees.

What is a Wood Shredder Good For?

A wood shredder is better suited for lighter, softer, and smaller yard debris. It’s more commonly associated with routine residential maintenance. Shredders efficiently create fine mulch from waste, whether you’re dealing with dry twigs, thin branches, leaves, and/or garden clippings.

Shredders are built with flails or hammers rather than heavy cutting blades, so they can break down fibrous and leafy material into a much finer output than a chipper. They’re great for seasonal cleanups in the spring and fall. You can effortlessly clear out excess brush, trimmings, and leaves without bagging everything by hand.

Shredders are also more compact, quieter, and easier to store than chippers, which is why they make more sense for smaller yards and residential settings. 

Wood Shredder vs Wood Chipper: Key Differences to Consider

Be clear, both the wood chipper vs shredder machines have their place in property cleanup. It’s not a matter of one being inherently better than the other. It all comes down to how each machine performs across specific criteria. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing. 

Log and Branch Diameter Capacity

The easiest way to choose between a wood shredder vs wood chipper is by assessing the size of material each machine is designed to handle and comparing that to your property’s needs.

Wood chippers are built for thick, heavy branches and hardwoods, often processing material over 6” in diameter depending on the model. They use large, high-strength blades to shear through tough, green wood that would stall or jam a smaller shredder.

On the other hand, wood shredders are made for much lighter debris - think dry twigs, thin branches, and leafy or fibrous material up to 1” to 2” in diameter. Trying to feed thick logs through a shredder will overwhelm its mechanisms and could damage the machine.

Texture and Size of Output Material

What you want to do with the output material also plays a role in whether a wood chipper vs shredder makes more sense for your operation. 

Chippers produce coarse wood chips that can then be used for mulching trails, creating rustic ground cover, or simply reducing the volume of debris for easier transport. The chips come out larger and irregular in size.

In contrast, shredders generate a much finer, more consistent output. It’s closer to sawdust or lightweight mulch. You can use this material for mixing into compost piles, mulching delicate flower beds, or top-dressing gardens.

Power, Portability, and Noise

Chippers tend to be larger and more powerful. While there are a few electric wood chipper models in our lineup at Equipment Outfitter, you’ll likely need a gas wood chipper to achieve the necessary torque for cutting dense wood.

As a result, chippers are louder, heavier, and less convenient for quick jobs or residential use. That said, you can tow these machines behind a vehicle or ATV. They’re easy to move around a job site or from property to property. 

Wood shredders are more compact, quieter, and usually available in electric models. They’re easier to maneuver and store.

Maintenance Requirements

Wood chippers take on quite a bit of wear and tear when put to use, so you can imagine how much more maintenance they require than their shredder counterparts. Blades need sharpening, moving parts should be greased, and the engine needs routine care just like any other gas-powered machine.

That’s not to say a wood shredder is entirely maintenance-free, though. It needs a bit of care as well. But, there are fewer moving parts to deal with, and the wear on cutting mechanisms is typically less intense. Electric models need almost no upkeep beyond keeping them clean and inspecting flails or hammers for wear.

Cost and Longevity

Finally, think about the budget you have to work with when choosing between a wood chipper vs shredder. 

A wood chipper is usually more expensive because it has heavier construction, larger engines, and higher capacity. You get what you pay for, though, as these can save you money through their better efficiency. 

We have mini wood chippers starting under $500, but a larger commercial wood chipper could cost you well over $10,000 depending on the brand and capacity you go with.

Wood shredders aren’t necessarily cheap, but they are more affordable than chippers. They don’t hold up as well under commercial-scale use but can be plenty durable and cost-effective for the right tasks.

Some Models Combine Chipping and Shredding Capabilities!

What if it wasn’t a matter of choosing between a wood chipper vs shredder? You can get the best of both worlds in a combination machine! These units are designed to handle a wider range of yard debris without requiring two separate pieces of equipment.

They usually feature a heavy-duty chipping chute capable of processing thick branches, along with a separate shredding chamber for finer material like leaves, twigs, and soft brush. This way you can switch seamlessly between producing coarse chips and finer mulch.

They’re particularly useful if your workload varies seasonally or includes mixed debris. While not as specialized as dedicated chippers or shredders, a combo unit strikes a practical balance for many homeowners and smaller operations.

But whether you decide to go with a combination machine, a dedicated chipper, or a specialized shredder, look no further than our collection here at Equipment Outfitters. 

Elevate Your Workflow at Equipment Outfitters Today

We help hard-working property owners and professionals streamline their cleanup with equipment that performs. Our wood chipper and shredder lineup includes trusted models from the best brands like Yardbeast, Detail, SuperHandy, PowerKing, and more.

We’ve hand-picked every product we carry for durability, ease of use, and value because we know you don’t have time for anything less than the best. You’ll also get the lowest prices online, free shipping, and hassle-free financing to make the purchase more accessible. 

Best of all our customer service team knows these machines inside and out. Whether you need a compact shredder for routine yard work or a commercial-grade chipper for big jobs, we’re here to help you find the right fit. Narrow it down below based on the material size below: 

• 3-inch wood chipper
• 4-inch wood chipper
• 5-inch wood chipper
• 6-inch wood chipper

Or better yet, connect with our experts today for one-on-one support. We’ll talk over your needs and budget to provide a tailored recommendation that suits your operation! 

Wrapping Up Our Wood Chipper vs Shredder Comparison

That wraps up our wood shredder vs wood chipper comparison. We know this can be a complicated decision with a lot of moving pieces, but hopefully you understand the role each machine plays and which is right for you now.

Chippers handle large, tough branches and produce coarse chips. Shredders excel at smaller debris and create fine mulch. Combo models offer flexibility for mixed needs. Match the tool to the job and you’ll save time, effort, and money in the long run.

The only thing left to do now is browse our collection and compare top models online, or reach out to our support staff for personalized guidance. Transform your process today at Equipment Outfitters.