Wood Chippers vs Shredders: What's The Difference?

Wood Chippers

A wood chipper is built to handle the big stuff, such as larger branches, small tree trunks, and the debris from bulkier outdoor tasks.

These machines operate by slicing wood into smaller chips using sharp blades, and are usually powered by either a petrol or electric engine. The method is similar to chopping wood with an axe, but far faster and far safer.

Wood chippers are typically used for landscape and forestry work, as well as farming. They're perfect for shaping large branches and small wood into easy-to-handle pieces that can be used for mulching, composting, or removal.

Wood Shredders

A wood shredder, however, is designed for breaking down softer and smaller debris. This refers to the type of everyday items you'll come across in the yard or garden, such as fallen leaves, garden clippings, shrubs, and thin twigs. Once you've got a shredder's attention, little is safe from its chopping: shredders tear such tiny elements into tiny fibrous pieces. Essentially, think of almost everything soft as what your garden needs.

The end product is ideal for composting, enhancing garden nourishment, or waste that's willing to decompose faster. Some shredders also come with adaptable chutes that allow you to control the size of the final material.

Although shredders handle leafy and soft material exceptionally well, they struggle with thick branches. Materials that are too dense may jam the blades or reduce the machine's efficiency, and this is why it's much better for lawns to use these units solely with branches they can handle.

Chipper Shredders

You may have come across the phrase "chipper shredder" before. Essentially, these are hybrid machines that combine the best of both realms: a quality chipper-shredder can handle thick branches like a normal wood chipper, but with the versatility of shredding softer materials such as leaves, clippings, and smaller twigs.

Most chipper-shredders have dual bays: a larger chute for branches and woody material, plus a smaller one for softer garden waste. Inside, the machine uses a mixture of blades and flails to help both shred and chip based on the nature of each material. This is the reason wood chipper shredders are so popular for those who desire the best in one compact tool.

The main reason chipper-shredders are so popular is that they let you get more done with a single tool, without needing two machines, and because you'll save storage space too.

Wood Chippers And Shredders: The Major Differences

Although both are meant to deal with yard waste, let's get into the nitty-gritty with each one on its own, with the main differences between chippers and shredders:

Purpose And Functionality

Wood chippers are built for tackling substantial wood pieces. They reduce big branches into similar-fit chips in mulch, making them ideal for landscaping, composting, or safe disposal. Wood shredders focus on softer materials, producing fibrous, shredded matter suitable for composting or soil improvement.

Material Compatibility

If your garden has thick, stubborn branches, a wood chipper is the best tool for the job. For leafy material, twigs, and green waste, a wood shredder is the more effective. For everyday yard tasks where you have BOTH in-waste, a chipper-shredder combo can handle both chipping and shredding functions, providing a hybrid solution for versatile outdoor work.

Output

Chippers produce uniform, chunky wood chips, which are ideal for mulch. Shredders generate finer, fiber-like matter which is better suited for composting and gardening. The difference of the end products changes how one may use the resulting bits of the machine for landscaping or composting work.

Volume Of Waste

Large-scale pruning or tree-clearing requires the added power of a chipper, while smaller garden maintenance activities may call for a shredder to handle efficiently the smaller, softer material.

Portability And Size

Chippers, particularly petrol ones, tend to be heavier and larger due to their larger engines and cutting mechanisms. Shredders, especially electric models, are often more compact and portable, making them perfect for smaller gardens or urban yards.

Benefits Of Using A Chipper Or Shredder

Using a wood chipper or shredder has several advantages beyond just waste disposal:

• Garden Nutrition: Chipped and shredded mulch can feed soil as it decomposes, providing vital nutrients to support healthy growth.
• Wood Scraps: Create wood mulch from your wood chippings, perfect for shielding plant roots and preserving soil moisture.
• Less Extra Energy: Machines drastically reduce the time and effort required for garden clean-up.
• Environmental Gains: Recycling garden waste reduces landfill contributions and promotes sustainable gardening practices.
• Cost-Effective Mulch: Producing your own mulch at home will cut out the financial costs you may otherwise pay in your garden shop.

Finding The Right Machine

Selecting between a wood chipper and shredder depends on your specific needs. Here are some points to assist your decision:

• Type of Debris
• Volume of Waste
• Desired Output
• Maintenance and Durability

At BP Machinery, we stock an extensive lineup of wood chippers and chipper-shredders in Australia. All products are sourced from leading brands and can be shipped nationwide. Explore our current lineup of wood chippers for sale right here online, or drop by any of our stores in Melbourne.

Cleaning And Maintaining Your Wood Chipper Or Shredder

Although you'll generally receive good warranty coverage, a well-maintained machine not only lasts longer but also works more effectively. Here's a simple, straightforward guide:

1. Safety First

Always ensure the machine is switched off and the engine has stopped moving. Disconnect the spark plug (for petrol models) and eliminate any cargo before loading or handling. Always wear safety gloves and eye protection too, of course.

2. Visual Inspection

Check the hopper, blades, chutes, or damaged knives. Check the edges for burns, and inspect guards and hooks too. Ensure not connected when handling sharp parts.

3. Cleaning Process

Hopper Bay: Inspect or replace every 500 hrs of use or if clogged with debris. Always pay attention and clean out this section.

Engine Air: Replace every 25 hours, with the filter changing every 25-hours. Watch the engine before start-up.

Oil Filter: Check every 100 hours on a regular basis or every 6 months with a quality fuel-based oil replacement.

Fuel Filter: Clean every 100 hours or every 6 months.

Learn more about our chipper and shredder range here.

4. Engine Maintenance

• Check the oil levels and engine components.
• Replace the filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Monitor fuel quality and top up as needed.

5. Regular Servicing

Even if you look after the machine yourself, a professional service once a year is a great idea. Having a specialist ensures that internal components are functioning smoothly, which will in turn extend the lifetime of your unit and help you avoid costly future repairs. Preventative maintenance avoids costly repairs and ensures safe operation.

The Backyard Provider Wood Chipper Range

At Backyard Provider, we offer a wide selection of wood chippers and chipper shredders in Australia. This includes both compact and heavy-duty machines.

We stock:

• Wood Chippers
• Garden Shredders
• Chipper Shredders
• Combi Units
• Self Feeders