Best 5-Inch Wood Chippers (2026)

SuperHandy rates this towable chipper for branches up to 5 inches thick, which lines up with the capacity named in this guide. A 15 horsepower OHV engine with electric start does the work, so you turn a key instead of hauling on a cord. The listing describes the setup as heavy-duty chipping power for serious yard cleanup.

A discharge chute rotates through 270 degrees, which lets you aim chips into a trailer, a garden bed or a pile. The towable design means you can hitch it behind a tractor or ATV and bring the machine to the work instead of dragging branches to it. Some details such as blade count and hopper size are not clear in the available data.

Against the WTRAVEL, which also offers 5 inches, the SuperHandy leads with electric start, while the WTRAVEL uses an easy-pull system. Next to the electric AIVOLT, it is a different class altogether, built for real limbs rather than twigs. It suits someone with mature trees and a tow vehicle. Check the engine oil before each session, and wear ear protection. Keep hands and clothing clear of the hopper. Plan a firm, level work area, and clear a wide space around the discharge chute.

WTRAVEL's chipper handles a 5 inch branch with a 420cc, 15 horsepower gasoline engine that starts with an easy-pull mechanism. The cutting drum is widened to take many types of wood, and the listing mentions 10 inch hardened steel cutting parts. It is positioned for yard maintenance and large cleanup projects alike.

A built-in tow bar hitch and two heavy-duty tires make it practical to move behind a mower or ATV. That is a convenience over smaller portable electric units that you must carry by hand. Because it is gas-powered, plan on fuel storage, oil changes and seasonal engine care.

Compared with the SuperHandy, it has the same engine size but uses a pull start instead of electric start, which is harder on shoulders and wrists. Against the MechMaxx ZONSEN 6 inch, it is a notch smaller and likely lighter. It fits a homeowner with orchard trimmings or storm limbs. Read the product page for warranty terms, since a lesser-known brand may offer limited support. Check the tire pressure before towing, and set the hitch pin securely. Wear safety glasses and gloves, and never feed branches by hand past the hopper opening.

MechMaxx lists this ZONSEN chipper at 6 inches of capacity, one size larger than the 5 inch class in this guide. A 459cc, 15 horsepower single-cylinder, air-cooled OHV engine drives it, and a 12V 20Ah battery supports the electric start. That means you start it with a key rather than a cord.

A trailer bar allows towing behind a mower or ATV, and an emergency stop switch lets you shut the machine down quickly. Double-edged blades can be turned for a fresh cutting side, which extends blade life. The maker lists uses from forestry and orchards to parks, schools and hospital grounds.

Compared with the SuperHandy and WTRAVEL, it handles bigger material and offers electric start along with the extra capacity. Against the smaller 3 inch gas chipper, it is much heavier but far more capable. It is the pick for large properties with regular storm cleanup. Many buyers will not need the extra size, so only choose it if you often cut limbs thicker than 5 inches. Maintain the battery by keeping it charged in winter. Store the machine under cover, and follow the manual for oil and spark plug checks. Always shut the engine off before clearing a jam.

This gas chipper uses a 7 horsepower, 4-stroke OHV engine that runs at 3600 RPM. Maximum branch capacity is 3 inches, which is smaller than the 5 inch class that names this guide. It is built for forestry and landscaping jobs rather than heavy lumber.

Two SKD11 steel blades do the cutting. The listing mentions that it takes thick branches from the side and thinner material through the top, and an access window helps you clear debris faster. Wheels are meant to cope with mud, grass and forestry sites.

Compared with the SuperHandy and WTRAVEL, it handles thinner branches and uses a much smaller engine. Against the electric AIVOLT, it takes branches more than twice as thick but is noisier and needs fuel. It suits a homeowner with fruit trees and shrubs who rarely sees limbs over 3 inches. If you often face thicker branches, step up to a 5 inch model. The access window is a useful feature, because jams are common with leafy material. Shut off the engine before opening it. Let the engine cool before storing, and sharpen or replace blades at the intervals listed in the manual. Wear ear and eye protection every time.

AIVOLT's electric chipper runs on a 15 amp, 1800 watt motor at 4000 RPM. It shreds branches up to 1.8 inches thick, even though one data field in the listing shows 7 inches, so trust the 1.8 inch figure. That puts it far below the 5 inch class in this guide.

The listing describes self-feeding efficiency and edge blades that cut on both sides. Overload and overcurrent protection are built in, along with a safety interlock knob that stops the motor when the unit is opened. Those protections matter on a machine that will jam with leafy material from time to time.

Compared with the gas SuperHandy and WTRAVEL, it is quiet, light and needs no fuel, yet it cannot touch their branch size. Next to the 3 inch gas chipper, it is for lighter work. It is the value choice here, and it suits a gardener with small prunings and a nearby outlet. Use a heavy outdoor extension cord to avoid voltage drop. Unplug the machine before clearing a jam or changing blades. Always feed branches into the hopper butt end first. Do not expect it to replace a gas chipper if you have mature trees. Store it indoors to keep the motor dry.