If you’ve ever finished a round of yard work and found yourself staring at a massive pile of branches, you’ve probably asked: What now? Haul it? Burn it? Let it sit and hope it disappears? There’s a smarter solution—wood chippers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why wood chippers matter, what they can do, and how to choose the right type based on your property, equipment, and the kind of debris you’re dealing with.
Why Use a Wood Chipper?
At their core, wood chippers transform messy, space-hogging brush piles into mulch—right on the spot. That mulch isn’t just easier to manage—it’s actually useful. Spread it in garden beds or around trees and you'll:
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Retain soil moisture (less watering)
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Suppress weeds naturally
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Add nutrients back into the soil as it breaks down
Plus, chippers dramatically reduce the volume of your yard waste, making it easier to move or store. Instead of hauling bulky limbs, you’re dealing with compact, manageable mulch.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a chipper, think about:
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Branch size – What’s the max diameter you’ll be chipping?
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Mobility – Do you need to tow it around your property?
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Power source – Do you own a tractor? A skid steer? Or will you need a standalone gas engine model?
Exploring Chipper Types: What’s Out There?
1. PTO-Driven 3-Point Hitch Chippers
These models attach directly to a tractor’s three-point hitch and are powered by the tractor’s PTO (Power Take-Off). For example:
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TMG WC42: Handles wood up to 4", great for 30–50 HP tractors
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TMG WC60: Heavier-duty, 6" capacity, for larger tractors (up to 80 HP)
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Features include reversible blades, oversized rotors, and 360° discharge chutes
Best for: Acreage owners or farmers with existing tractors who want high capacity without maintaining a separate engine.
2. Tow-Behind Gas-Powered Chippers
Don’t have a tractor? No problem. TMG offers gas-powered models you can tow with an ATV or garden tractor:
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TMG GWC3 (3-in-1): Chips, shreds, and vacuums. Handles up to 3" wood. Great for general yard cleanup.
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TMG GWC4 / GWC5 / GWC6: Step up in horsepower and capacity (up to 6" branches). Designed for more intensive jobs.
Best for: Homeowners or rural landowners without tractors who need flexibility and portability.
3. Skid Steer Attachments
Already own a skid steer? TMG has gravity-fed chippers that attach via a universal plate and use your machine’s hydraulics:
These are drum chippers designed for high-volume, heavy-duty work.
Best for: Landscapers or operators already using skid steers for property work.
Which Wood Chipper Is Right for You?
Ask yourself:
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What size branches do I typically deal with?
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How large is my property?
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Do I already own equipment like a tractor or skid steer?
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Will I need to move the chipper often?
For a small backyard with light pruning, a 3-in-1 gas-powered chipper might be perfect. But if you’re working a few acres and already have a tractor or skid steer, a PTO or hydraulic attachment could be more efficient and cost-effective long-term.
Turning Brush into a Resource
Wood chippers aren’t just loud machines—they’re serious tools that turn yard waste into a usable, soil-building resource. Whether you're clearing after a storm or pruning trees for the season, there’s likely a chipper built for your exact needs.
From lightweight tow-behind units to powerful PTO-driven models, TMG Industrial offers solutions for hobbyists, homesteaders, and farmers alike. No matter your land size, there’s a smarter way to manage the brush pile—and it starts with the right chipper.
👉 Explore more articles on land tools and tips at the TMG Blog
