Whether you’re clearing brush, trimming trees, or maintaining a small farm or large property, a 5-inch wood chipper gives you the perfect mix of power, portability, and practicality. It’s powerful enough to handle serious branches and logs, but not so bulky that it becomes difficult to move or store.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the best 5-inch wood chippers available in 2024, how they compare, and what to consider when choosing the right model for your land, tractor, or workload.
Why Choose a 5-Inch Wood Chipper?
A 5-inch chipper is often the sweet spot for serious DIYers, farmers, and landowners who need:
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More capacity than typical residential chippers (usually max out at 3″)
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A more manageable, less expensive alternative to commercial 6- to 9-inch chippers
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Power and flexibility for firewood prep, storm cleanup, or seasonal pruning
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A machine that won’t bog down or choke when faced with hard or freshly cut wood
These machines are available in gas-powered, PTO-driven, and tow-behind configurations, depending on how you plan to use it.
Best 5-Inch Wood Chippers in 2024
1. Power King PK0915-EH 5” Gas Wood Chipper
Best for: All-around heavy-duty residential and light commercial use
Direct Answer: The Power King PK0915-EH offers robust performance with a 14 HP engine and 5-inch chipping capacity, making it ideal for property owners who need mobility and muscle.
Key Features:
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14 HP Kohler engine
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5-inch max branch capacity
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Towable with DOT-approved tires and 2″ hitch
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Dual-edged hardened steel blades
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Emergency stop and safety bar included
Why It’s a Top Pick:
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Excellent power-to-weight ratio
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Strong enough for large branches and thick brush
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Portable and road-towable for on-site work
What to Watch:
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Requires regular blade sharpening for peak performance
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Some assembly required upon delivery
2. SuperHandy 7HP Heavy-Duty Wood Chipper
Best for: Budget-conscious users with moderate chipping needs
Direct Answer: SuperHandy’s 7 HP gas chipper offers a smaller but still rugged design, capable of handling 4- to 5-inch branches depending on wood density, great for medium-duty cleanup jobs.
Specs:
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212cc engine
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Rated for 3″ nominal, up to 5″ for dry branches
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Compact design, fits in small sheds or garages
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Includes safety shut-off and side ejection
Why It Works:
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Affordable and durable
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Good for occasional large branch jobs
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Low-maintenance with reliable recoil start
Limitations:
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Works best on dry or seasoned wood
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Not ideal for constant heavy-duty commercial use
3. Victory Tractor Implements WC5 PTO Wood Chipper
Best for: Small farms with tractor access
Direct Answer: The WC5 by Victory Tractor is a rugged, PTO-powered chipper designed for tractors with 18–40 HP, offering reliable 5-inch capacity without needing a gas engine.
Highlights:
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5-inch max branch diameter
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Fits Category 1 three-point hitch
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Self-feeding horizontal chute
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Reversible dual-blade cutting system
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No belts – direct PTO connection for better torque
Why It’s Farm-Ready:
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No engine maintenance—uses your tractor’s power
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Great for orchards, woodlots, and rural property lines
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Lower cost of ownership long-term
What to Consider:
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Requires tractor PTO (540 RPM) to operate
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Stationary use only—can’t be towed
4. Dosko 620-16 Commercial Wood Chipper
Best for: Landscaping crews and pros on the move
Direct Answer: Dosko’s 5-inch commercial chipper features a 16 HP engine and road-ready frame, built to handle daily use in tree removal or landscaping businesses.
Features:
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16 HP Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine
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5-inch branch capacity
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Gravity self-feeding with high-speed blade rotation
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DOT-approved wheels and lighting system
Why It’s Commercial Grade:
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Strong enough for pine, oak, and green wood
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Reliable for full-day operation
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Easy to tow to job sites
Drawbacks:
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Higher cost, but built for volume
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Heavier than residential models (over 600 lbs)
What to Look For in a 5-Inch Wood Chipper
Choosing a chipper of this size is all about finding the right balance of power, portability, and price. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Engine or Power Source
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas-Powered | Homeowners, mobile chipping | Powerful, self-contained, portable | Needs fuel and regular maintenance |
| PTO-Driven | Tractor owners, farms | No engine to maintain, cost-effective | Requires tractor PTO |
| Electric | Not suitable for this size range | — | Not available in true 5″ capacity |
2. Blade and Rotor System
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Look for hardened steel blades, ideally reversible
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A heavier flywheel (50+ lbs) gives smoother performance and helps reduce stalling
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Dual-blade systems process material faster and more efficiently
3. Feeding Mechanism
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Self-feeding designs use blade rotation and gravity to pull material in—great for clean, straight branches
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Hydraulic feed is rare in 5-inch chippers but adds speed and safety when available
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Wide infeed chutes allow easier loading of bushy or irregular material
4. Towability and Portability
Most 5-inch chippers over 300 lbs will either be:
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Tow-behind models with DOT-approved hitches
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Stationary PTO units for field placement
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Push-to-position chippers for fixed-location chipping
If you need to move it frequently, go for a model with large pneumatic tires, a trailer hitch, or even a swivel discharge chute for easier chip control.
5. Durability and Safety Features
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Powder-coated steel frames resist corrosion and weather damage
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Emergency stop bars and safety locks protect operators
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Easy-access panels make it simple to change blades or clear jams
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Power Source | Max Capacity | Towable | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power King PK0915-EH | Gas (14 HP) | 5″ | Yes (DOT) | Farms, large properties |
| SuperHandy 7HP | Gas (212cc) | Up to 5″ | No | Budget and residential |
| Victory WC5 PTO | PTO (18–40 HP) | 5″ | No | Tractors and field use |
| Dosko 620-16 | Gas (16 HP) | 5″ | Yes (DOT) | Pro crews and contractors |
Who Should Buy a 5-Inch Wood Chipper?
You’re the right fit for a 5-inch chipper if you:
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Own multiple acres or a wooded lot
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Regularly handle branches thicker than 3 inches
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Need a chipper with more muscle, but don’t want a full-blown commercial model
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Want cleaner, faster cleanup after storms, pruning, or firewood splitting
If you have a tractor, a PTO model saves money over time. If you need mobility, choose a towable gas-powered unit.
Conclusion: Choose the 5-Inch Chipper That Fits Your Workload
When you’ve got serious yard debris or dense brush to deal with, a 5-inch wood chipper makes your work easier, faster, and a whole lot cleaner. You’ll spend less time hauling limbs and more time turning waste into usable mulch or compost.
Final Picks Recap:
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Best Overall: Power King PK0915-EH – towable, powerful, and user-friendly
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Best for Budget: SuperHandy 7HP – compact power at a lower cost
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Best for Tractor Owners: Victory WC5 – efficient and reliable PTO power
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Best for Pros: Dosko 620-16 – built for contractors and landscapers
Still not sure which chipper suits your land and lifestyle? Let me know your tractor type, property size, and typical debris—and I’ll help match you to the perfect chipper.