If you’re in the business of tree removal, landscaping, or large-scale property cleanup, a commercial wood chipper isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. These powerful machines are designed to chip massive branches, dense brush, and whole trees efficiently, safely, and continuously without overheating or slowing down.
In this guide, we break down the best commercial wood chippers in 2024, what features truly matter for professional use, and how to choose the right model for your operation.
What Is a Commercial Wood Chipper?
A commercial wood chipper is a high-powered, heavy-duty machine built to handle:
-
Branches 6 to 12 inches or larger
-
Daily or weekly use in tough environments
-
Extended run times without clogging
-
Hydraulic feeding for consistent productivity
These are the types of machines used by:
-
Tree service companies
-
Municipal crews
-
Contractors
-
Logging operations
-
Landscaping companies with large clients
They come in gas, diesel, or PTO (tractor-powered) versions and are usually towable.
Best Commercial Wood Chippers in 2024
1. Vermeer BC1000XL Wood Chipper
Best for: All-around commercial and municipal use
Direct Answer: The Vermeer BC1000XL is a top-tier commercial chipper with a 12-inch capacity, SmartFeed technology, and legendary durability, making it the go-to choice for tree service companies and city crews.
Why It’s a Pro Favorite:
-
89 HP diesel engine with fuel efficiency and muscle
-
SmartFeed system prevents jams by adjusting feed rate automatically
-
12-inch chipping capacity
-
Heavy-duty belt-driven disc with superior momentum
-
Noise-reducing and safety-enhancing features
Best For:
-
Contractors with large crews
-
Storm cleanup operations
-
Daily field work
Considerations:
-
High price point (often $30,000+)
-
Designed for serious commercial fleets
2. Bandit 250XP Wood Chipper
Best for: Tree services needing maximum capacity and reliability
Direct Answer: The Bandit 250XP is a 12-inch capacity commercial chipper known for aggressive feeding and long-lasting parts, ideal for full-time arborists and land clearing professionals.
Key Benefits:
-
Gas or diesel engine options (120 HP+)
-
Hydraulic feed system with dual horizontal rollers
-
Rugged frame and blade housing
-
Excellent for large-diameter wood and green brush
What Makes It Commercial-Grade:
-
Built for 40+ hour workweeks
-
Reliable parts network and strong resale value
Downsides:
-
Weighs over 6,000 lbs—requires a capable towing vehicle
-
Industrial-level maintenance is needed
3. Morbark Eeger Beever 1415 Brush Chipper
Best for: Contractors who prioritize performance and long-term value
Direct Answer: The Eeger Beever 1415 offers a 14-inch capacity and customizable engine sizes, making it one of the most powerful and adaptable commercial chippers on the market.
Highlights:
-
Available with gas or diesel engines up to 145 HP
-
Features Hydrostatic Feed Wheel for unbeatable control
-
Tandem axle trailer for easy hauling
-
Built-in winch and folding infeed tray
Why Pros Choose It:
-
Powerful enough to handle entire trees
-
Engineered for operator safety and smooth operation
Trade-offs:
-
Significant upfront investment (usually $40K+)
-
Not ideal for small-scale companies just starting out
4. WoodMaxx MX-9900 PTO Wood Chipper
Best for: Commercial farm and forestry use with tractor access
Direct Answer: The WoodMaxx MX-9900 is a PTO-driven chipper with 9-inch capacity, ideal for commercial users in agriculture, forestry, and rural tree services who already own a high-horsepower tractor.
Top Specs:
-
Requires 35–100 HP PTO tractor
-
Hydraulic infeed roller system
-
150 lb flywheel for high-speed chipping
-
Durable powder-coated build with safety bar
Perfect For:
-
Commercial farms
-
Tree management crews in remote locations
-
Landowners with tractor access and serious brush loads
Good to Know:
-
Not self-powered—requires compatible tractor
-
Outstanding price-to-performance value (around $5,000–$6,000)
What to Look for in a Commercial Wood Chipper
When you’re buying for business, you can’t afford downtime or weak performance. Here’s what really matters:
1. Chipping Capacity
Commercial machines should chip at least 6 inches, with most capable of handling 12 inches or more.
Capacity | Ideal Use Case |
---|---|
6–8 inches | Light commercial jobs, orchard trimming |
9–12 inches | Full-time arborist or municipal work |
13–15 inches | Forestry, disaster recovery, high-volume clearing |
2. Power Source: Diesel, Gas, or PTO
Power Type | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Diesel | More torque, longer runtime, fuel efficient | Higher upfront cost |
Gas | Easier starts, lower maintenance | Burns fuel faster |
PTO | Cost-effective if tractor is available | Less portable |
Pro Tip: Diesel is best for all-day crews. PTO is ideal for rural operations with limited fuel access.
3. Feed System
Hydraulic infeed rollers are a must for commercial use. They:
-
Reduce kickback
-
Handle irregular wood better
-
Increase productivity and safety
Look for systems with auto-reverse, feed sensors, and adjustable speed controls.
4. Flywheel vs Drum Design
-
Flywheel chippers: More efficient, better for larger wood, and lower maintenance
-
Drum chippers: Faster with green or fibrous material, but heavier and more complex
Choose based on your material type and work volume.
5. Portability & Tow Package
Most commercial units are DOT-approved and come with:
-
Road-ready tires
-
2″ ball or pintle hitches
-
Trailer brakes
-
LED lights and safety chains
Important: Check your vehicle’s tow capacity—some models exceed 6,000 lbs.
Quick Comparison Table
Model | Capacity | Power Type | Feed System | Weight | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vermeer BC1000XL | 12” | 89 HP Diesel | SmartFeed Hydraulic | ~4,900 lbs | Municipal and tree pros |
Bandit 250XP | 12” | 120+ HP Gas/Diesel | Dual Roller Hydraulic | ~6,000 lbs | Tree services, contractors |
Morbark 1415 | 14” | 130+ HP Gas/Diesel | Hydrostatic Feed | ~7,000+ lbs | Industrial and large-scale |
WoodMaxx MX-9900 | 9” | PTO (35–100 HP) | Hydraulic Infeed | ~950 lbs | Commercial farms, forestry |
Who Needs a Commercial Wood Chipper?
You should consider one if:
-
You run a tree service or landscaping company
-
You service municipal cleanup or disaster recovery
-
You maintain large rural or forested properties
-
You need to chip large branches daily
These machines are built to run hard, run long, and stay sharp.
Tips for Buying and Operating a Commercial Chipper
-
Sharpen or replace blades often—dull blades slow down jobs
-
Train your crew—proper use reduces injury risk and machine wear
-
Inspect regularly—look for cracks, leaks, and loose parts
-
Grease feed rollers and axles as part of daily maintenance
-
Always shut off before clearing jams
Conclusion: Commercial Wood Chippers Built for Professionals
If your business relies on chipping, downtime costs money. That’s why investing in a commercial wood chipper pays off fast—it saves time, labor, and fuel while delivering professional-grade results.
Here’s the recap:
-
Best All-Around: Vermeer BC1000XL—reliable, efficient, and pro-level
-
Best for Tree Services: Bandit 250XP—aggressive feeding and high capacity
-
Best Heavy-Duty Power: Morbark 1415—custom power options and 14” capacity
-
Best PTO Option: WoodMaxx MX-9900—affordable and powerful for tractor owners
Still deciding? Share your crew size, work volume, and budget—we’ll help you find the chipper that keeps your business moving and your margins growing.