Running a farm means constantly dealing with tree limbs, brush, orchard trimmings, and seasonal debris. Whether you’re clearing fence lines, managing pastures, or keeping trails open, a farm-ready wood chipper is a must-have tool. These machines are tougher, more capable, and built to handle rural workloads, often in remote or rugged terrain.
In this guide, we break down the best wood chippers for farm use in 2024—covering both PTO-driven and gas-powered models. We’ll help you find the right chipper for your tractor, property size, and workload.
Why Farms Need a Dedicated Wood Chipper
Farms generate more natural debris than typical homes. Tree trimmings, orchard pruning, fallen limbs, and brush piles can quickly get out of hand. A good chipper can:
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Turn waste into mulch or bedding
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Speed up land clearing
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Reduce fire hazards
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Eliminate costly hauling or burning
A farm wood chipper offers:
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High chipping capacity (4–9 inches)
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Strong steel construction
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Either PTO or powerful gas engines
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Self-feeding or hydraulic feed systems
Best Wood Chippers for Farm Use in 2024
1. WoodMaxx MX-8800 PTO Wood Chipper
Best for: Tractor-equipped farms needing serious capacity
Direct Answer: The WoodMaxx MX-8800 is a self-feeding PTO chipper with an 8-inch capacity, designed for small to mid-sized tractors. It’s ideal for farms with regular tree or brush maintenance.
Key Features:
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Handles branches up to 8 inches
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Connects to tractors with 19–50 HP PTO
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Reversible hardened steel blades
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Heavy-duty flywheel with auto self-feeding
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360° rotating chute
Why It’s Farm-Perfect:
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Built for rugged use across fields and trails
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Low maintenance with no gas engine required
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Self-feeding reduces operator fatigue
Things to Consider:
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Requires a compatible tractor
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Not mobile on its own—must be tractor-mounted
2. DK2 OPC506 Gas-Powered Wood Chipper
Best for: Farmers without a tractor or wanting mobile power
Direct Answer: The DK2 OPC506 is a gas-powered chipper that handles up to 6.25-inch limbs and comes mounted on a towable trailer, perfect for farms without PTO tractors.
Specs:
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14 HP Kohler engine
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Chips up to 6.25″ branches
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Dual-blade flywheel with self-feeding system
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DOT-approved trailer with lights and hitch
Why It’s Great for Farms:
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Tows behind ATVs, UTVs, or trucks
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No need for a tractor hookup
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Perfect for field clearing, orchard maintenance, or firewood prep
Considerations:
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Requires regular engine maintenance
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Heavier model (~400 lbs)
3. WoodMaxx MX-9900 PTO Chipper with Hydraulic Feed
Best for: Large farms with heavy-duty chipping needs
Direct Answer: The MX-9900 from WoodMaxx is a 9-inch capacity PTO chipper with hydraulic infeed rollers—perfect for large farms or forestry operations.
Highlights:
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Handles branches up to 9 inches
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Requires 35–100 HP tractor
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Hydraulic infeed rollers for automatic feeding
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200 lb flywheel with belt drive system
Why It’s Ideal for Farm Equipment Operators:
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Chipper runs off your tractor while hydraulics handle tough brush
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Easily processes twisted or green wood
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Built-in safety bar and maintenance access panels
Downsides:
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Higher investment cost
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Requires a tractor with auxiliary hydraulics
4. Power King PK0915-EH 5″ Wood Chipper (Gas, Towable)
Best for: Mid-sized farms and flexible mobility
Direct Answer: The Power King PK0915-EH is a 14 HP chipper with a 5-inch capacity, electric start, and tow-behind trailer—ideal for general-purpose farm chipping.
Features:
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14 HP Kohler engine with electric start
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Chips up to 5 inches
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Road-ready trailer and safety chains
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Emergency shut-off bar for safety
Why It’s Farm-Friendly:
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Easily moved between fields or fence lines
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Powerful enough for orchard trimmings and storm debris
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Less expensive than full commercial models
Keep in Mind:
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Gas engine means more upkeep than PTO
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Not for commercial tree service volumes
5. Bear Cat CH9540H PTO Wood Chipper
Best for: Large acreage farms and tree-heavy properties
Direct Answer: The Bear Cat CH9540H is a high-end PTO chipper with hydraulic feeding and a 9-inch chipping capacity, designed for large farms and professional use.
Top Features:
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Connects to 35–60 HP tractors
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Hydraulic feed rollers for auto feeding
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Chips up to 9-inch thick branches
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Built tough for full-time clearing jobs
Why It’s a Workhorse:
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Handles full tree limbs, storm damage, and thick brush
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Built to operate all day with minimal downtime
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Great for farmers who also offer land services
Trade-Offs:
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Requires compatible tractor and hydraulics
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Higher cost, but commercial-level performance
What to Look for in a Farm Wood Chipper
Here’s how to pick the right chipper for your land and equipment:
1. Power Source: PTO vs Gas
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTO | No engine to maintain, strong torque | Requires tractor | Farms with tractors |
| Gas | Mobile, standalone power | Engine maintenance required | Farms without tractors or with multiple fields |
2. Chipping Capacity
Farm debris varies in size. Choose a chipper based on your average workload:
| Max Capacity | Best Use |
|---|---|
| 3–4″ | Garden and orchard trimmings |
| 5–6″ | Tree branches, field clearing |
| 7–9″+ | Logging debris, heavy storms, large limbs |
3. Feeding System
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Self-feeding: Relies on gravity and rotor motion to pull in branches. Easier than manual but slower than hydraulic.
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Hydraulic feed: Uses rollers to auto-feed branches—best for twisted, green, or heavy wood.
4. Portability
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Tow-behind trailers: Ideal for moving across large farms or between fields
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Tractor-mounted: Great for stationary work near woodlots or barns
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Look for DOT compliance if you’ll tow on public roads
5. Build Quality
Farm work is rough—your chipper should be up for it:
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Powder-coated or rust-resistant frame
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Reversible, hardened steel blades
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Accessible service panels for blade changes
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Heavy flywheel (75–200 lbs) for consistent cutting power
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Power Source | Capacity | Feed Type | Towable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WoodMaxx MX-8800 | PTO (19–50 HP) | 8″ | Self-feed | No | Small to mid farms |
| DK2 OPC506 | Gas (14 HP) | 6.25″ | Self-feed | Yes | Large farms without tractors |
| WoodMaxx MX-9900 | PTO (35–100 HP) | 9″ | Hydraulic | No | Large farms, forestry |
| Power King PK0915-EH | Gas (14 HP) | 5″ | Self-feed | Yes | General farm cleanup |
| Bear Cat CH9540H | PTO (35–60 HP) | 9″ | Hydraulic | No | Heavy-duty acreage work |
Who Should Buy a Farm-Grade Wood Chipper?
You need a serious chipper if:
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You own several acres of wooded or brushy land
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You manage orchards, fence lines, or pastures
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You want to turn waste into mulch or bedding
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You’re tired of burning or hauling tree debris
Whether you’re prepping firewood, clearing trails, or maintaining clean paddocks, a high-capacity chipper saves hours of work.
Conclusion: Chip Smarter, Not Harder on the Farm
A farm wood chipper isn’t just a convenience—it’s a workhorse that turns waste into value. Whether you’re maintaining orchards, trails, or woodlots, having the right machine makes land care faster, safer, and more productive.
Top Picks Recap:
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Best Overall PTO Chipper: WoodMaxx MX-8800 – Durable and high-performing
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Best Towable Gas Option: DK2 OPC506 – Powerful, mobile, and ready to work
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Best for Large Farms: WoodMaxx MX-9900 – 9-inch capacity with hydraulic feed
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Best Mid-Size Workhorse: Power King PK0915-EH – 5-inch capacity and easy starting
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Best for Big Jobs: Bear Cat CH9540H – Commercial-grade PTO chipper with max capacity
Still unsure which chipper is best for your farm? Let me know your tractor type, acreage, and average debris size—I’ll recommend the perfect model for your land and workload.