Best Wood Chipper for Large Branches

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If your yard cleanup involves thick limbs, tree trunks, or storm debris, you need more than a basic chipper—you need a wood chipper built for large branches. These machines are designed to handle branches 5 inches and up, with the power, build, and feed systems to chew through even the gnarliest hardwood.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best wood chippers for large branches in 2024—built for homeowners with acreage, professional landscapers, arborists, and rural property owners. We’ll break down the top models, what makes them heavy-duty, and how to choose the right one based on your needs.

Why You Need a Heavy-Duty Chipper for Large Branches

Standard residential chippers can handle 1.5–2 inches of material. But large branches—especially green or knotted ones—need:

  • More engine torque

  • Wider infeed chutes

  • Self-feeding or hydraulic feed systems

  • Tougher blades and flywheels

If you’re pruning trees, clearing after storms, or managing rural land, investing in a chipper rated for 5″ to 9″+ branches is the only way to keep up with your workload.

Best Wood Chippers for Large Branches in 2024

1. DK2 OPC506 Commercial Wood Chipper – 6.25″ Capacity

Best for: Pros and large property owners

Direct Answer: The DK2 OPC506 is a commercial-grade gas wood chipper that handles branches up to 6.25 inches, powered by a 14 HP Kohler engine and built for daily use.

Top Features:

  • 14 HP Kohler Command Pro engine

  • 6.25-inch max branch capacity

  • Heavy steel dual-blade rotor

  • DOT-approved trailer with lights

  • Self-feeding system with extra-wide chute

Why It’s a Top Choice:

  • Built to handle storm debris, hardwood, and full trees

  • Easy to tow and use on large properties

  • Commercial durability at a homeowner-friendly price

Watch Outs:

  • Weighs 400+ lbs—requires towing

  • Loud—ear protection recommended

2. Power King PK0915-EH Electric Start Chipper – 5″ Capacity

Best for: Large backyards and acreage with thick brush

Direct Answer: The Power King PK0915-EH is a gas-powered, electric-start chipper with a 14 HP engine and 5-inch capacity—perfect for firewood prep and seasonal cleanup.

Key Features:

  • 5″ max limb size

  • 14 HP Kohler engine with electric start

  • Dual cutting blades and rotor design

  • Self-feeding hopper

  • DOT trailer hitch and wheels for road towing

Why It Works:

  • Easier to start and operate than recoil-only models

  • Designed for hardwood, green limbs, and mixed debris

  • Compact enough for homeowners, powerful enough for pros

Limitations:

  • No leaf mulching capability

  • Manual blade maintenance required

3. WoodMaxx MX-9900 PTO Wood Chipper – 9″ Capacity

Best for: Farms and forestry operations with tractors

Direct Answer: The WoodMaxx MX-9900 is a PTO-powered chipper that shreds branches up to 9 inches, ideal for rural landowners or professionals who already have a tractor.

Specs:

  • Requires 35–100 HP PTO tractor

  • Handles up to 9″ logs

  • Hydraulic infeed rollers with adjustable speed

  • 200 lb flywheel and reversible steel blades

Why It’s a Beast:

  • Commercial-grade design with unbeatable capacity

  • Hydraulic feeding makes chipping large or twisted wood easy

  • Made in the USA and built to last for years

What to Know:

  • Not self-powered—requires a tractor

  • Weighs over 1,000 lbs

4. Yardbeast 6525 Gas Wood Chipper – 6.5″ Capacity

Best for: Landscape professionals and municipalities

Direct Answer: The Yardbeast 6525 chips up to 6.5-inch branches and runs on a 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, making it ideal for daily commercial work or heavy residential jobs.

Core Features:

  • 6.5″ branch capacity

  • 20 HP electric start engine

  • Self-feeding chute with heavy-duty flywheel

  • DOT-compliant trailer package

Why It Stands Out:

  • Cuts through thick hardwood with ease

  • Designed for continuous-duty operation

  • High resale value and dependable support

Downsides:

  • Premium price point

  • Large footprint—requires ample storage space

5. Bear Cat CH9540H PTO Chipper – 9″ Capacity

Best for: Heavy-duty farm and forestry applications

Direct Answer: The Bear Cat CH9540H is a professional PTO chipper that devours branches up to 9 inches, powered by tractors with 35–60 HP.

Highlights:

  • PTO-driven, connects to Category 1 or 2 tractors

  • Chips up to 9-inch limbs

  • Hydraulic feed with adjustable rollers

  • Built-in hitch for trailer transport

Why It’s Serious Equipment:

  • Built for non-stop clearing jobs

  • One of the largest capacity chippers in its class

  • Ideal for storm cleanup, logging sites, or tree services

What to Consider:

  • Price reflects commercial-grade construction

  • Requires hydraulic connections and experienced operation

What to Look for in a Chipper for Large Branches

When choosing a chipper for branches over 4 inches, these are the key features that matter:

1. Chipping Capacity

Choose a machine that comfortably exceeds your largest branch size.

Capacity Best For
5″ Large yard, seasonal cleanup
6″–7″ Property maintenance, storm debris
8″–9″+ Forestry, municipal work, commercial crews

2. Engine Type or PTO Drive

  • Gas-powered chippers (7–20 HP) are great for portability and off-grid use.

  • PTO chippers are ideal if you already own a tractor and want to avoid maintaining another engine.

3. Feeding Mechanism

  • Self-feeding: Uses chute angle and blade momentum to pull in wood. Works best on straight limbs.

  • Hydraulic feed: Uses motor-driven rollers to pull in large, twisted, or irregular branches. Best for large volume jobs.

4. Blade and Flywheel Design

  • Look for reversible, hardened steel blades

  • A heavy flywheel (100–200 lbs) helps power through dense or wet wood

  • Easy blade access for sharpening and cleaning is a must

5. Portability and Towing

  • DOT-approved trailers for legal road towing

  • ATV or UTV-compatible models for off-road work

  • Consider weight and storage needs—some models exceed 1,000 lbs

Quick Comparison Table

Model Power Source Max Capacity Feed System Towable Best For
DK2 OPC506 Gas (14 HP) 6.25″ Self-feeding Yes (DOT) Contractors, large properties
Power King PK0915-EH Gas (14 HP) 5″ Self-feeding Yes (DOT) Homeowners, acreage
WoodMaxx MX-9900 PTO (35–100 HP) 9″ Hydraulic feed Tractor mount Farms, forestry
Yardbeast 6525 Gas (20 HP) 6.5″ Self-feeding Yes (DOT) Commercial landscapers
Bear Cat CH9540H PTO 9″ Hydraulic feed Tractor mount Logging and storm crews

Who Should Buy a Chipper for Large Branches?

You’re the ideal buyer if:

  • You regularly cut 4-inch+ limbs or small logs

  • You’re cleaning up after tree removal or wind damage

  • You need to turn heavy brush into mulch

  • You want a chipper that can work all day without jamming

These machines are ideal for homeowners with acreage, small farms, tree services, and anyone who wants to turn large, ugly debris into clean, usable chips.

Conclusion: Big Power for Big Jobs

If you’re dealing with large branches, a standard chipper just won’t cut it. The best wood chippers for large limbs offer power, performance, and feeding systems that keep the work moving without frustration.

Final Picks Recap:

  • Best Overall: DK2 OPC506 – 6.25” capacity and ready to tow

  • Best PTO Option: WoodMaxx MX-9900 – Massive 9” capacity with hydraulic feed

  • Best Electric Start: Power King PK0915-EH – Easy start and solid 5” power

  • Best for Pros: Yardbeast 6525 – Commercial-grade chipping and towing

  • Best Farm Workhorse: Bear Cat CH9540H – Ultimate PTO performance

Still unsure which one fits your job? Let me know your average branch size, property type, and whether you have a tractor—I’ll help you pick the perfect match.

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