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What Is the Difference Between a Wood Chipper & Shredder?
When it comes to wood chipping and shredding, you need the right tool for the job. But what exactly is the difference?
Put simply, a wood chipper is designed for larger branches and logs, reducing them into small chips or mulch. It typically uses spinning blades with larger openings in the hopper. On the other hand, a shredder is usually used for smaller branches and twigs, as well as leaves and yard waste. It has finer cutting blades than a wood chipper and a smaller feed
Different Types of Wood Chippers & Shredders
Wood chippers and shredders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on your needs. So the first step in shopping for one is to think about what type of wood you need to process and what size material you need to end up with.
Chippers are better suited for large pieces of woody material such as branches, logs, and small stumps. They also feature a hopper that can be used to quickly break down long pieces of wood into chips. You can put dry wood through a chipper, but wetter or green wood may be more effectively processed with a shredder or mulcher.
On the other hand, shredders are well-suited for leaves and other leafy material that tends to clog up chippers more easily. They also create smaller particles than chippers do, resulting in much finer mulch at the end of the process.
When selecting your ideal machine, it's important to consider how much power you need (many machines come with petrol or electric engines) and how easy it is to use and maintain the machine.
Can You Use a Wood Chipper to Shred Leaves?
No. If you're looking for a tool to help you manage the leaves in your garden, then a wood chipper is not the ideal tool. Leaves are much too light and soft for a wood chipper and they will just clog up the machine—they need to be shredded. A shredder is the right way to go if you want to handle leaves in the garden.
Different Types of Shredders
The type of shredder you'll need depends on what material you plan on feeding into it. There are two main types:
1. Electric shredders, which are designed for home use and require an outlet nearby.
2. Gas-powered shredders, which can run on propane or gasoline and can handle tougher materials like large branches or thick stems.
It’s easy to see why wood chippers and shredders are so popular among homeowners and gardeners. They provide an excellent way to manage your yard waste and create useful mulch and compost for your yard. Whether you choose a wood chipper or a shredder, be sure to look for one that has the right size and power for the jobs you need it to do. For more outdoor maintenance check our selection of Chainsaws and Tillers & Cultivators from Yardworks, Mastercraft and more top brands.
