Best 6 Inch Wood Chipper

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If you’re regularly clearing large branches, pruning trees, or cleaning up storm debris, a 6-inch wood chipper hits the sweet spot between residential ease and commercial-grade power. These machines are powerful enough to handle heavy brush and logs, yet compact and affordable enough for small farms, landscapers, and serious homeowners.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best 6-inch wood chippers available right now, what features matter most, and how to choose the right model for your property or business.

Why Choose a 6-Inch Wood Chipper?

A 6-inch chipper can process logs and limbs up to 6 inches in diameter, making it an ideal upgrade from light-duty models. It’s perfect for:

  • Storm cleanup and firewood prep

  • Tree service professionals and landscapers

  • Small farms and rural properties

  • Anyone who needs commercial power without going full industrial

6-inch models come in gas-powered and PTO-driven options, and many are towable, adding convenience and mobility.

Best 6-Inch Wood Chippers in 2024

1. DK2 OPC506 Commercial 6-Inch Wood Chipper

Best for: Heavy-duty property owners and contractors

Direct Answer: The DK2 OPC506 is a top-rated 6.25-inch chipper with a 14 HP Kohler engine, designed for professionals and landowners needing reliable, portable power.

Top Features:

  • 14 HP Kohler Command Pro engine

  • Chips up to 6.25-inch diameter limbs

  • Road-legal DOT-approved trailer kit

  • Dual-edge cutting blades and heavy flywheel

  • Self-feeding chute for easier operation

Why It’s a Top Pick:

  • Great balance of price, performance, and portability

  • Built for daily use in rugged conditions

What to Know:

  • Requires oil and fuel maintenance

  • Loud and heavy (~395 lbs), best used outdoors

2. Powerhorse 420cc Tow-Behind Wood Chipper

Best for: Budget-conscious pros and serious landowners

Direct Answer: The Powerhorse 420cc wood chipper handles 6-inch branches with ease and features a durable trailer frame, making it a fantastic mid-tier machine for large properties.

Key Specs:

  • 15 HP (420cc) engine

  • Chips up to 6 inches in diameter

  • DOT-compliant towing setup

  • Solid steel construction with oversized hopper

Why You’ll Like It:

  • Performs well on thick logs and brush

  • Excellent option for mid-sized commercial work

Downsides:

  • Manual feed system

  • Heavy to move without a vehicle

3. WoodMaxx MX-8800 PTO Wood Chipper

Best for: Small farms with tractors

Direct Answer: The WoodMaxx MX-8800 is a powerful PTO-driven wood chipper that handles 6- to 8-inch logs and is ideal for tractor owners seeking long-term durability.

Features:

  • Connects to 19–50 HP tractors

  • Self-feeding horizontal chute

  • Reversible high-carbon tool steel blades

  • Adjustable infeed and discharge chutes

Why It’s Farm-Friendly:

  • No need for a gas engine—runs off your existing tractor

  • Built in the USA with rugged materials

Considerations:

  • Not standalone—tractor required

  • No hydraulic feed (that’s available in the MX-9900 model)

4. Yardbeast 6525 6.5-Inch Wood Chipper

Best for: Commercial-grade backyard or farm use

Direct Answer: The Yardbeast 6525 features a 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and chips up to 6.5 inches, delivering premium chipping performance with easy mobility.

Highlights:

  • Commercial-duty dual-edge cutting system

  • Massive 121 lb flywheel

  • DOT-compliant trailer with 2” coupler

  • American-designed and built

Why Pros Love It:

  • Ideal for full-day chipping jobs

  • Strong customer support and durable parts

Watch Out For:

  • Premium price tag (just under $4,000)

  • Bulky—requires towing and space for storage

What to Look For in a 6-Inch Wood Chipper

Before you commit, make sure the machine fits your land, workflow, and transportation needs.

1. Chipping Capacity

Even though all models here chip up to 6 inches, that doesn’t mean you should feed max-size material all the time.

  • 4–5” hardwood logs are typical for daily use

  • Save 6-inch capacity for large cleanup or occasional big branches

Pro Tip: Feeding oversized, twisted limbs can slow your machine down—trim or split before chipping.

2. Engine Power or PTO Compatibility

Power Source Ideal For Notes
Gas-Powered Homeowners, contractors Portable, powerful, no tractor needed
PTO-Driven Small farms, homesteads Runs off existing tractor (19–50 HP)

Gas models generally come with 14–20 HP engines. The more HP, the smoother the operation on thick material.

3. Feed System: Manual vs Self-Feeding vs Hydraulic

  • Manual Feed: You push branches in. Slower but simpler.

  • Self-Feeding: The machine pulls in straight limbs with its blade momentum. Easier to use.

  • Hydraulic Feed: Uses powered rollers to pull in branches—best for dense brush or knotted limbs.

If you’re chipping regularly, hydraulic feed is worth the upgrade. For general use, self-feed systems work great on most straight branches.

4. Towability and Portability

Most 6-inch chippers are tow-behind models, with trailer-ready setups including:

  • 2” ball couplers

  • DOT tires and fenders

  • Safety chains and road lights

These features matter if you’ll move your chipper between job sites or fields.

5. Flywheel and Blade Design

  • Heavier flywheels (75–125 lbs) deliver more consistent chipping

  • Look for dual-edge, reversible blades

  • Easy-access blade compartments = faster maintenance

Quick Comparison Table

Model Max Capacity Power Type Feed Type Towable Best For
DK2 OPC506 6.25” 14 HP Gas Self-feed Yes (DOT) Contractors & farms
Powerhorse 420cc 6” 15 HP Gas Manual Yes (DOT) Large residential
WoodMaxx MX-8800 8” PTO (19–50 HP) Self-feed Tractor-mounted Small farms
Yardbeast 6525 6.5” 20 HP Gas Self-feed Yes (DOT) Commercial use

Who Should Buy a 6-Inch Chipper?

You’ll benefit the most if:

  • You routinely deal with large branches and tree trimming

  • You own a small farm or landscaping business

  • You need a machine that lasts for years, not seasons

  • You want to reduce hauling, burning, or dumping fees

Tips for Running a 6-Inch Chipper Efficiently

  • Sharpen or flip blades regularly—dull blades cause jams

  • Feed large limbs butt-first to minimize resistance

  • Use protective gear—chippers are loud and powerful

  • Keep oil and fuel topped off if gas-powered

  • Clear jams only when the machine is off and fully stopped

Conclusion: Power Meets Portability in the 6-Inch Class

A 6-inch wood chipper is a powerful step up from residential models, offering the ability to handle serious jobs while still being manageable in size and cost. Whether you’re a landowner with trees to manage or a pro looking for dependable performance, there’s a model here that fits the bill.

Recap of Top Picks:

  • Best Overall: DK2 OPC506 – Road-ready, powerful, and well-built

  • Best for Tractor Owners: WoodMaxx MX-8800 – Efficient PTO-driven performance

  • Best Budget Performer: Powerhorse 420cc – Great value for residential pros

  • Best Premium Model: Yardbeast 6525 – Commercial-grade design with high output

Still deciding? Let us know your property size, debris type, and towing setup—and we’ll help you pick the best 6-inch chipper for your exact needs.

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