Top 5 Tow Behind Wood Chippers: Expert Review & Guide

Does your backyard look more like an overgrown forest than a relaxing retreat? If you are tired of staring at towering piles of fallen branches and messy brush, you are not alone. Cleaning up storm debris or seasonal trimmings is a back-breaking chore that can turn a beautiful weekend into a mountain of manual labor. A tow-behind wood chipper is the ultimate solution to turn that mountain of waste into useful mulch in just a few minutes.

However, finding the perfect machine feels overwhelming. With so many engine sizes, feed types, and safety features on the market, it is easy to feel lost. You want a chipper that is powerful enough to handle thick logs but easy enough to maneuver around your property. Choosing the wrong model can lead to wasted money, constant jams, and endless frustration.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to pick the right tool for your specific needs. We will cover essential power ratings, maintenance tips, and the must-have features that separate a reliable workhorse from a headache. By the end of this post, you will feel confident in your purchase and ready to reclaim your yard. Let’s dive into the details and find the perfect chipper for your next project.

Top Tow Behind Wood Chipper Recommendations

No. 1
Strongway Towable Wood Chipper/Shredder, Small Towable Chipper With 5in Chipping Capacity, 420cc Engine
  • POWERHORSE ENGINE: Gas powered and ready to go, the 420cc Powerhorse OHV Engine is at the heart of the Strongway Towable Wood Chipper/Shredder. This wood shredder not only ensures quick and efficient chipping and shredding, but also guarantees longevity and durability, making it a worthwhile investment for your yard maintenance needs.
  • EASY TRANSPORT: Experience the ease of transportation with this wood chopper, equipped with 16in. tires and a 2in. coupler designed for easy off-road towing. The wood shredder chipper feature allows you to hook up the chipper to an ATV, UTV, tractor, or pickup, making it easy to transport to different work locations.
  • LARGE CAPACITY: With the wood mulcher feature, tackle larger yard waste with ease thanks to the impressive 5in. chipping capacity of this Strongway Wood Chipper/Shredder. The chipper shredder capacity allows you to feed sticks and branches of up to 5in. in diameter into the double-edged steel cutting blades for quick and efficient chipping.
  • DURABLE: Rely on the quality and durability of the woodchipper shredder, featuring double-edged steel cutting blades. This tree chipper is designed to withstand heavy-duty use, ensuring that your chipper remains in top condition for longer.
  • TIME-SAVING: Save time on yard maintenance with the woodchipper, equipped with a 9in. chipper drum that feeds sticks and branches into the cutting blades for efficient chipping and shredding. The mulcher feature ensures that your yard waste is processed quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your garden and less on cleaning it up.
No. 2
BILT HARD Wood Chipper with Tow Hitch - 7.5 HP 224cc Gas Powered Shredder Towable, 3 in 1 Multi-Function Heavy Duty, 3" Max Wood Diameter Capacity with Collection Bag
  • Heavy Duty - Equipped with 2× chipper blades (20M0409) and 6× J type hammer slices, our wood chipper`s rotor disc features strong configurations. With a large 2.0 bushels collection bag capacity, it is perfect for heavy-duty use. Suitable for forestry, gardens, landscaping.
  • Powerful Engine - Our chipper shredder is powered by a 7.5HP 224cc 9.96ft-lbs torque horizontal 4-stroke single cylinder OHV engine. With a maximum engine speed of 4000 rpm, a 15:1 reduction ratio, and a 0.9 gal fuel tank (Fuel w/ 87+ unleaded gasoline), it delivers powerful performance.
  • Effortless Mobility: A reversible tow hitch makes it simple to attach the shredder to your lawn tractor or ATV, offering flexibility and ease of transport across your property. Large 12 inch wheels ensure smooth movement across various terrains, making it easy to maneuver the shredder wherever you need it.
  • Multifunction - Featuring a 1/2" shredding top hopper and a 3" chipping side chute, our wood chipper can chip twigs and shred branches, as well as vacuum(vacuum attachments are not included) and suction leaves. It can compress volume and create ignition wood chips for added convenience.
  • DO NOT Chip - Please avoid chipping wet wood, vines, pine cones, palm branches, or petrified wood, as they may cause the machine to jam and fail. We offer a 90-day warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase.
No. 3
MechMaxx 4 inch DUCAR 212cc 7HP Gasoline Engine Powered Wood Chipper Shredder with Tow Bar, 4" Max Chipping Diameter Capacity, Emergency Stop Button, Model GS650
  • 【POWERFUL】❶Adopts DUCAR 212cc 7HP recoil starting, 4-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled, OHV gas-powered Engine. ❷Eeasily handles up to 4" diameter wood or branch.Stable working,long time chipping,suitable for household,farmers,gardener and horticultural workers use.
  • 【EFFICIENT】 ❶Using 2x blades+1x anvil, the double-edge blade design makes the blades sharper. Made of CR alloy steel material, it has better corrosion resistance, high strength, and good wear resistance. ❷Remarkable 20:1 reduction ratio, stronger processing capacity and higher efficiency than ordinary wood chipper.Kevlar material belts, high strength and good toughness. ❸Which is more wear-resistant than ordinary belts.Greatly reduce machine maintenance frequency.
  • 【CONVENIENT】 ❶Machine is equipped with a trailer bar and 2x wheels(14'') for convenient transportation,can effortlessly move wood chippers to various areas. ❷360° rotary discharge chute and adjustable deflector,can cooperate better with loading equipment and accurately discharge debris. ❸There is a small box next to the feeding chute that can hold documents such as drawings, manuals, or small tools.
  • 【SAFETY】 The emergency stop button is set next to the feeding port, very close to the operator. When encountering emergency or equipment malfunctions, the machine can be quickly stopped to protect the safety of the equipment and operators.
  • 【APPLICATION】 ❶Use for forestry, gardens, park,orchard,plantation,schools, hospitals, urban roads,landscaping, green waste recycling or other yard waste. ❷Can be used to aid in fire prevention and building firebreaks. ❸You can turn leaves, twigs, cuttings or other yard waste into decorative sawdust, coverings, or fertilizers to enrich the soil and maintain your house, land, or commercial property.
No. 4
BILT HARD 7.5HP 224cc Gas Powered Wood Chipper Shredder with Tow Hitch, 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Mulcher, Towable Design, 3" Max Branch Capacity, 1/2" Shredding Hopper
  • POWERFUL 7.5HP 224CC ENGINE-Powered by a reliable 7.5HP 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine delivering 9.96 ft-lbs torque and up to 4000 RPM, this gas-powered wood chipper provides strong and consistent performance for heavy-duty yard cleanup, landscaping, and forestry applications. Equipped with a 0.9-gallon fuel tank, it runs efficiently using 87+ unleaded gasoline.
  • HEAVY-DUTY CHIPPER & SHREDDER SYSTEM-Built with 2 durable chipper blades and 6 J-type hammer blades, the reinforced rotor disc ensures efficient chipping and shredding. Handles branches up to 3 inches in diameter and includes a large 2.0-bushel collection bag for convenient debris collection and reduced cleanup time.
  • 2-IN-1 MULTI-FUNCTION DESIGN-Features a 3" side chute for chipping branches and a 1/2" top hopper for shredding leaves, twigs, and yard debris. Perfect for reducing yard waste volume, creating mulch, and producing useful wood chips for landscaping, composting, or fire starter material.
  • USER-FRIENDLY & SAFE OPERATION-Designed with a convenient inspection window for quick blade maintenance, clearing jams, and checking internal components. Built-in portability and stable frame make it easy to move around your yard or jobsite. Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses during operation.
  • IMPORTANT USE & WARRANTY NOTICE-Do not chip wet wood, vines, palm branches, pine cones, or petrified wood to prevent clogging or damage. This gas wood chipper is ideal for dry branches and yard debris. Backed by a 90-day warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for added peace of mind.
No. 5
MechMaxx 4'' inch Honda 196cc 6.5HP Gasoline Engine Powered Towable Wood Chipper Shredder with Tow Bar, 4" Max Chipping Diameter Capacity, Emergency Stop Button, Model GS650
  • 【POWERFUL】❶Adopts HONDA 196cc 6.5HP recoil starting, 4-stroke single cylinder, air-cooled, OHV gas-powered Engine. ❷Eeasily handles up to 4" diameter wood or branch.Stable working,long time chipping,suitable for household,farmers,gardener and horticultural workers use.
  • 【EFFFICIENT】 ❶Using 2x blades+1x anvil, the double-edge blade design makes the blades sharper. Made of CR alloy steel material, it has better corrosion resistance, high strength, and good wear resistance. ❷Remarkable 20:1 reduction ratio, stronger processing capacity and higher efficiency than ordinary wood chipper.Kevlar material belts, high strength and good toughness. ❸Which is more wear-resistant than ordinary belts.Greatly reduce machine maintenance frequency.
  • 【CONVENIENT】 ❶Machine is equipped with a trailer bar and 2x wheels(14'') for convenient transportation,can effortlessly move wood chippers to various areas. ❷360° rotary discharge chute and adjustable deflector,can cooperate better with loading equipment and accurately discharge debris. ❸There is a small box next to the feeding chute that can hold documents such as drawings, manuals, or small tools.
  • 【SAFETY】 The emergency stop button is set next to the feeding port, very close to the operator. When encountering emergency or equipment malfunctions, the machine can be quickly stopped to protect the safety of the equipment and operators.
  • 【APPLICATION】 ❶Use for forestry, gardens, park,orchard,plantation,schools, hospitals, urban roads,landscaping, green waste recycling or other yard waste. ❷Can be used to aid in fire prevention and building firebreaks. ❸You can turn leaves, twigs, cuttings or other yard waste into decorative sawdust, coverings, or fertilizers to enrich the soil and maintain your house, land, or commercial property.
No. 6
EARTHQUAKE 1692327 Chipper-Shredder Tow Bar Kit, Fits All and Tazz Chippers, Adjustable Brace Height, Fits Most ATV’s or Lawn Tractors, Heavy Duty Steel
  • PERFECT FIT – The adjustable brace allows the tow bar to fit all Earthquake and Tazz chippers.
  • CONVIENIENT – Makes quick work of moving to and from your work area. Connect to your vehicle of choice and simply tow your chipper shredder from one job site to the next.
  • EASY-TO-USE – Can be connected to your ATV or lawn tractor without any tools. Simply attach the tow bar pin to your tow vehicle.
  • DURABLE –Features a heavy-duty steel construction that allows it to stand up to everyday use.
  • QUICK ATTACHMENT - Attaches to chipper shredder with easy-to-use pins, allowing the tow bar to be easily removed when not in use.
No. 7
MechMaxx 6 inch ZONSEN 459cc 15hp E-Start Gas Powered 4-Wheels Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher with Towbar/Tail Light/Emergency Stop Button/Stop Bar, Model B150 Yellow
  • 【POWERFUL】❶Adopts Zonsen 459cc 15hp, 4-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled, OHV gasoline engine,and equipped with a 12V20Ah lead-acid battery. ❷Upgraded electric start, simple and fast startup. ❸Easily handles up to 6" diameter wood or branch. ❹Stable working,long time chipping,suitable for household,farmers,gardener and horticultural workers use.
  • 【CONVENIENT】❶ Machine is equipped with a trailer bar for convenient transportation, 48'' wheelbase for more stability when towing. ❷ 2x rear wheels(19'') and 2x foldable front wheel(13'') make the machine travel faster and more stable.Can effortlessly move wood chippers to various areas. ❸ The front wheels can be locked to ensure straight-line movement. ❹ 360° rotary discharge chute and adjustable deflector can accurately discharge debris.
  • 【SAFETY】❶ Emergency stop switch can be used to stop the machine quickly in case of emergency to protect the safety of the operator. ❷ When the feeding and discharge chute is open, the gasoline engine will trigger a limit switch and shut down to ensure safety during maintenance. ❸Tail lights are synchronized with the vehicle's brake and turn signals. Ensures safe driving.
  • 【EFFICIENT】❶ The double-edge blade design makes the blades sharper. Made of A8 material, it has better corrosion resistance, high strength, and good wear resistance, stronger processing capacity and higher efficiency than ordinary wood chipper. ❷ Kevlar material belts, high strength and good toughness.Which is more wear-resistant than ordinary belts.Greatly reduce machine maintenance frequency.
  • 【APPLICATION】❶Use for forestry, gardens, park,orchard,plantation,schools, hospitals, urban roads,landscaping, green waste recycling or other yard waste. ❷You can turn leaves, twigs, cuttings or other yard waste into decorative sawdust, coverings, or fertilizers to enrich the soil and maintain your house, land, or commercial property.
No. 8
MechMaxx 5'' Inch E-Start 420cc 15hp Gas Powered Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher with Tail Light, Towbar, Emergency Stop Button, Stop Bar, Model P4205 (Yellow)
  • 【POWERFUL】 P4205 wood chipper adopts electric starting 420cc 15hp 4-stroke single cylinder air-cooled OHV gas-powered engine,and equipped with a 12V20Ah lead-acid battery.Easily handles up to 5" diameter wood or branch.Stable working,long time chipping,suitable for household,farmers,gardener and horticultural workers use.
  • 【CONVENIENT】 Machine is equipped with a trailer bar for convenient transportation,and 2x front wheels(19'')+1x rear wheel make the machine travel faster.Can effortlessly move wood chippers to various areas.Adjustable deflector allows for more accurate discharge debris.There is a small box next to the feeding chute that can hold documents such as drawings, manuals, or small tools.
  • 【SAFETY】 The emergency stop button is located on the upper side of the feeding drum, and the emergency stop press bar on the lower side, very close to the operator.When encountering emergency or equipment malfunctions, the machine can be quickly stopped to protect the safety of the equipment and operators.In addition, there are triangle warning signs and tail lights safeguard your safety.
  • 【EFFFICIENT】 Using 2x blades+1x anvil, the double-edge blade design makes the blades sharper. Made of CR alloy steel material, it has better corrosion resistance, high strength, and good wear resistance.Remarkable 20:1 reduction ratio, stronger processing capacity and higher efficiency than ordinary wood chipper.Kevlar material belts, high strength and good toughness.Which is more wear-resistant than ordinary belts.Greatly reduce machine maintenance frequency.
  • 【APPLICATION】 Use for forestry, gardens, park,orchard,plantation,schools, hospitals, urban roads,landscaping, green waste recycling or other yard waste. You can turn leaves, twigs, cuttings or other yard waste into decorative sawdust, coverings, or fertilizers to enrich the soil and maintain your house, land, or commercial property.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing a Tow Behind Wood Chipper

A tow behind wood chipper is a powerful tool for property owners. It turns piles of branches into useful mulch. Choosing the right one saves you time and hard work. Use this guide to find the perfect model for your yard.

Key Features to Look For

First, look at the chipping capacity. This tells you the maximum diameter of branches the machine can handle. Most homeowners need a chipper that handles at least 3 to 4 inches. Next, check the engine power. Higher horsepower allows the machine to chew through hard wood without stalling. Finally, look for a large feed hopper. A wide hopper makes it easier to insert bushy branches without trimming them first.

Important Materials

Durability matters for heavy-duty yard work. Look for a heavy-gauge steel frame. Steel stands up to vibrations and accidental bumps better than plastic or thin metal. The cutting blades should be made of hardened steel. These blades stay sharp longer and resist chipping when they hit tough wood. Always check that the tires are pneumatic. These tires handle bumpy terrain much better than solid plastic wheels.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

A high-quality chipper features a gravity-feed or self-feeding design. These systems pull the branches into the blades automatically. This saves you from pushing heavy wood by hand. Quality also depends on the discharge chute. A chute that rotates 180 degrees lets you aim mulch exactly where you need it. Avoid models with weak safety latches or thin, flimsy housing. These parts often break after a few seasons of use.

User Experience and Use Cases

Tow behind chippers are perfect for large properties or wooded lots. You can hook them to your lawn tractor or ATV. This makes moving the machine around the yard very simple. You will have a great experience if you prioritize safety. Always wear safety glasses and ear protection. These machines are loud and throw small chips at high speeds. Use the mulch you create to enrich your garden soil or create paths in your yard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I safely move a tow behind chipper?

A: Always secure the hitch pin properly before moving. Keep your speed slow, especially on hills or uneven ground.

Q: Does the chipper need a lot of maintenance?

A: Yes. You must check the oil, clean the air filter, and sharpen the blades regularly to keep the engine running well.

Q: Can I chip wet wood?

A: It is best to chip dry wood. Wet wood is heavy and can clog the discharge chute more easily.

Q: What should I do if the chipper jams?

A: Turn off the engine and remove the spark plug wire first. Use a heavy stick to clear the blockage. Never reach inside with your hands.

Q: Is a tow behind chipper better than a standalone chipper?

A: Yes, if you have a large property. It saves your back because you can tow it directly to the brush pile.

Q: Can this machine handle palm fronds?

A: Some models struggle with palm fronds because they are fibrous. Check the manual to see if your model is rated for stringy materials.

Q: How loud are these machines?

A: They are quite loud. Always wear ear protection while the machine is running.

Q: Do I need a special hitch for my tractor?

A: Most tow behind chippers use a standard pin-style hitch. Check the product description to ensure it matches your tractor type.

Q: Where should I store the chipper?

A: Store it in a dry garage or shed. Cover it with a tarp to protect the engine from dust and moisture.

Q: How often should I replace the blades?

A: Replace or sharpen the blades when you notice the machine struggling to pull branches in or when the chips become uneven.