If you’re regularly trimming trees, clearing branches, or maintaining a larger property, a 4-inch wood chipper gives you the perfect middle ground between residential and commercial-grade machines. These chippers can handle thicker limbs than light-duty models and are powerful enough for property owners, landscapers, and small farm operators.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best 4-inch wood chippers available in 2024, how they compare, and what to look for when choosing the right one for your needs.
Why Choose a 4-Inch Wood Chipper?
A 4-inch wood chipper is ideal for:
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Homeowners with mature trees or large yards
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Small farms needing regular brush and tree cleanup
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Landscaping crews who want a portable, capable machine
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Storm cleanup and firewood processing
With a 4-inch capacity, these machines can chip limbs that most residential chippers can’t handle—without the bulk or cost of larger commercial units.
Best 4-Inch Wood Chippers in 2024
1. Powerhorse 420cc Tow-Behind Wood Chipper
Best for: Property owners who need reliable performance with mobility
Direct Answer: The Powerhorse 420cc wood chipper is a powerful, gas-powered machine that handles branches up to 4 inches thick, with a rugged steel design and tow-behind capability.
Top Features:
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420cc OHV engine (15 HP equivalent)
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4-inch max capacity for branches and limbs
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DOT-approved tow bar for trailers or ATVs
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Steel flywheel and dual blades for smooth chipping
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Heavy-duty frame with wide hopper
Why It’s Great:
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Ideal for clearing acreage or field borders
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Reliable performance for moderate commercial or large residential use
Drawbacks:
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Manual feeding system (no hydraulic feed)
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Heavy (~400 lbs)—requires a tow vehicle
2. GreatCircleUSA Heavy-Duty 3-in-1 Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
Best for: Multi-purpose use in residential and light commercial applications
Direct Answer: This chipper shreds, mulches, and chips branches up to 4 inches, offering versatile performance for users who want one machine to handle everything.
Key Features:
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7 HP 212cc gas engine
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Up to 4-inch chipping capacity
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Three-in-one design for leaves, brush, and branches
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Side discharge and rear mulch collection
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Compact, wheel-based design for maneuverability
Why It’s Worth It:
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Affordable for its size and capacity (usually under $1,000)
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Easy to store and move
Things to Note:
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No trailer hitch—must push manually
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Can be loud—wear hearing protection
3. YARDMAX YW7565 3″ Gas-Powered Wood Chipper
Best for: Smaller properties with mostly 3–4 inch debris
Direct Answer: The YARDMAX YW7565 is a solid choice for light-duty 4-inch chipping, ideal for suburban yards, light farm work, or weekend landscaping.
Why It Stands Out:
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208cc Briggs & Stratton engine
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Chips branches up to 3 inches, occasional 4-inch dry limbs
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Steel blades with easy access panel
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Affordable and reliable for light to moderate use
Ideal For:
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Homeowners who want more than a basic chipper
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Occasional cleanup jobs, not daily use
Limitations:
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Struggles with green or stringy wood above 3.5”
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No tow bar—manual positioning only
4. Landworks Heavy Duty Mini Wood Chipper (Gas-Powered)
Best for: Compact power in rural or mobile settings
Direct Answer: The Landworks gas-powered chipper supports up to 4-inch branches with a smaller footprint and portability, great for farms, trails, or wooded areas.
Features:
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7 HP 4-stroke engine
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Heavy-duty steel blades with recoil start
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3-inch to 4-inch chipping depending on wood type
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Optional tow bar kit available for added mobility
Why It Works:
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Compact and rugged—great for rural or off-grid use
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Cheaper than most trailer chippers
Drawbacks:
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Maxes out with hardwood limbs at 4 inches
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Basic features—no bag or leaf shredder included
What to Look For in a 4-Inch Wood Chipper
1. Chipping Capacity
True 4-inch machines should handle green, dry, and hardwood branches without stalling. Look for:
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Blade quality (hardened steel or tool-grade)
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Engine horsepower (minimum 7 HP recommended)
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Flywheel weight for momentum and smoother feeding
2. Engine Type and Power
Gas-powered models dominate this category.
| Engine Size | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| 208cc–212cc | Residential/light commercial use |
| 420cc+ | Farms, pros, and large properties |
Avoid electric models if you regularly chip anything over 2 inches.
3. Feed System: Manual vs Self-Feeding
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Manual Feed: More affordable, but requires effort
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Self-Feeding: Blade momentum pulls branches in—easier and faster
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Hydraulic Feed (rare in this size): Only in high-end or PTO chippers
4. Towability
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DOT-approved trailers: Can be towed legally on roads
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ATV or garden tractor compatible: Great for farms and fields
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Push models: Lighter, but limited to local movement
5. Multi-function Capability
Some chippers also:
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Shred leaves and vines
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Produce mulch via collection bag
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Offer side or rear discharge for easy raking
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Power Type | Max Branch Size | Towable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerhorse 420cc | Gas | 4” | Yes (DOT) | Large properties, storm cleanup |
| GreatCircleUSA 7HP | Gas | 4” | No (push) | Yard debris, multi-purpose |
| YARDMAX YW7565 | Gas | 3–4” | No | Light-duty chipping |
| Landworks Mini | Gas | 4” | Optional kit | Rural areas, farms |
Who Should Buy a 4-Inch Wood Chipper?
You’re the ideal buyer if you:
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Have a yard or property with mature trees
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Regularly deal with fallen limbs or brush
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Want to create mulch or compost
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Need a chipper that won’t choke on 3–4” branches
Whether you’re prepping firewood, pruning trees, or just cleaning up storm messes, a 4-inch chipper is powerful enough for serious jobs—without the size or price of commercial models.
Conclusion: 4-Inch Chippers That Balance Power and Portability
A 4-inch wood chipper gives you serious yard-clearing ability without going overboard. It’s the right choice for homeowners, homesteaders, and professionals who need reliable performance, season after season.
Final Picks Recap:
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Best Overall: Powerhorse 420cc – towable, durable, and ready for real work
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Best Multi-Function: GreatCircleUSA 7HP – versatile and affordable
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Best for Light Use: YARDMAX YW7565 – compact and efficient
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Best for Farms: Landworks Mini – off-road capable and tough
Need help choosing the right 4-inch chipper for your property or business? Drop a question with your yard size and debris type—we’ll help you find the perfect match.