Tired of constantly pushing branches into your chipper? A self-feeding wood chipper is a total game-changer. These machines are designed to pull in branches automatically, saving you time, effort, and sore shoulders. Whether you’re managing storm debris, cleaning up tree trimmings, or keeping your property clear, a self-feeding chipper speeds up the process while boosting efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best self-feeding wood chippers for residential, farm, and professional use in 2024—plus what features to look for and which model best fits your needs.
Why Choose a Self-Feeding Wood Chipper?
A self-feeding chipper uses either gravity, flywheel momentum, or a hydraulic roller system to pull in branches automatically. This means:
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Less manual feeding = less fatigue
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Faster chipping = higher productivity
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Safer operation = fewer jams and injuries
They’re perfect for:
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Tree service crews
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Farmers with woodlots or orchards
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Homeowners with large yards and mature trees
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Anyone dealing with regular brush cleanup
Best Self-Feeding Wood Chippers in 2024
1. WoodMaxx MX-8800 PTO Wood Chipper
Best for: Tractor owners and farm use
Direct Answer: The WoodMaxx MX-8800 is a high-capacity PTO-driven chipper with a self-feeding system that handles up to 8-inch branches—ideal for farms, orchards, and rural properties.
Top Features:
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Chipping capacity: up to 8 inches
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Fits tractors with 19–50 HP PTO
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Heavy-duty flywheel-powered self-feed
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Reversible, hardened steel blades
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Adjustable 360° discharge chute
Why It’s Great:
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No separate engine needed—powered by your tractor
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Self-feeding system works smoothly on straight branches
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American-built with excellent quality materials
Things to Note:
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Requires a PTO-compatible tractor
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Not ideal for tight urban yards
2. DK2 OPC506 14 HP Commercial Wood Chipper
Best for: Contractors and serious property owners
Direct Answer: The DK2 OPC506 is a gas-powered chipper with a gravity-assisted self-feed system that can chip branches up to 6.25 inches. It’s ideal for large-scale clearing and frequent use.
Key Highlights:
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14 HP Kohler engine
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Chips up to 6.25-inch branches
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Self-feeding hopper for hands-free operation
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DOT-approved towable trailer
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Dual steel blades and massive flywheel
Why It’s Worth It:
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Starts easily and runs cleanly for hours
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Built-in wheels and trailer hitch for mobility
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Commercial-grade durability
Considerations:
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Large and heavy—requires towing
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Premium pricing, but top-tier value
3. Woodland Mills WC68 PTO Wood Chipper
Best for: Mid-size tractors and rural landowners
Direct Answer: The Woodland Mills WC68 is a robust, self-feeding wood chipper that connects to 20–50 HP tractors and handles up to 6-inch branches with ease.
Main Features:
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Chipping capacity: 6 inches
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Self-feeding via flywheel design
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Large, well-angled infeed chute
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360° rotating discharge chute
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Powder-coated steel construction
Why It’s a Solid Choice:
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Runs smooth and steady with minimal manual feeding
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Built for rugged use—orchards, trails, brush lines
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Good value in the PTO chipper category
Potential Drawbacks:
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PTO-only—no standalone engine
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Assembly required before first use
4. Yardbeast 6525 Gas-Powered Self-Feeding Chipper
Best for: Heavy-duty residential and light commercial use
Direct Answer: The Yardbeast 6525 uses flywheel momentum and gravity-fed design to self-feed limbs up to 6.5 inches, powered by a 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine.
Highlights:
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Self-feeding system pulls in branches automatically
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Industrial-grade flywheel (121 lbs)
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20 HP engine with electric start
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DOT-compliant trailer for road use
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Made for continuous daily operation
Why It’s Heavy-Duty:
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Designed for landscapers and serious property managers
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Handles both dry hardwood and green brush
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Built tough for longevity and high-volume work
Downsides:
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Large and expensive
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Heavier than other models (700+ lbs)
5. Landworks Mini Wood Chipper (Gas, Self-Feeding)
Best for: Homeowners and small farm users on a budget
Direct Answer: The Landworks Mini Chipper offers a self-feeding, gas-powered solution for branches up to 3 inches—perfect for firewood prep, pruning, or trail cleanup.
Key Specs:
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7 HP gas engine
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Max chipping size: 3 inches
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Compact frame with self-feeding hopper
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Tow bar optional
Why It’s a Smart Pick:
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Lightweight (100 lbs) and easy to move
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Great for light-to-moderate yard work
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No need to constantly push material in
What to Know:
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Not suitable for thick, irregular wood
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Smaller flywheel = slower processing of green material
What to Look for in a Self-Feeding Wood Chipper
1. Feed Type: Gravity vs Hydraulic
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gravity/Self-Feed | Uses flywheel momentum and chute angle to pull in branches | Residential & mid-size use |
| Hydraulic Feed | Uses motorized rollers to feed wood | Commercial and tough brush |
Hydraulic feeds are superior for twisted or knotty branches but are more expensive and require more maintenance.
2. Chipping Capacity
Choose a model that gives you headroom over your average branch size:
| Max Capacity | Ideal Use |
|---|---|
| 3 inches | Light property maintenance, backyard use |
| 4–6 inches | Routine yard cleanup, orchards, heavy brush |
| 6–8 inches | Large-scale pruning, tree service, storm cleanup |
3. Engine or Power Source
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Gas-powered models offer full mobility and raw power
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PTO chippers save money if you already own a tractor
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Electric chippers rarely offer self-feed features
4. Portability & Tow Options
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Look for DOT-approved trailers if you’ll move between sites
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ATV-compatible tow kits are great for fields or trails
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For smaller models, wheeled bases make maneuvering easier
5. Durability & Maintenance
The best self-feeding chippers feature:
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Reversible hardened steel blades
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Heavy flywheels (50–200 lbs) for consistent pulling power
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Easy-access blade housings for quick sharpening or replacement
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Safety features like emergency stops or auto shutoffs
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Power Type | Max Capacity | Self-Feed Type | Towable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WoodMaxx MX-8800 | PTO | 8″ | Gravity/Flywheel | Tractor mount | Farm/land use |
| DK2 OPC506 | Gas | 6.25″ | Gravity | Yes (DOT) | Pros, contractors |
| Woodland Mills WC68 | PTO | 6″ | Gravity | Tractor mount | Mid-size farms |
| Yardbeast 6525 | Gas | 6.5″ | Gravity | Yes (DOT) | Landscaping pros |
| Landworks Mini | Gas | 3″ | Gravity | Optional | Light residential |
Who Should Buy a Self-Feeding Wood Chipper?
A self-feeding chipper is perfect if:
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You regularly process 4″+ branches or large brush piles
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You’re tired of manually pushing material into a chipper
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You own a farm, orchard, or wooded property
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You run a landscaping or tree service business
These chippers do the hard part for you, letting you work smarter—not harder.
Conclusion: Clean Up Smarter with Self-Feeding Power
Whether you’re clearing out storm damage or making mulch from annual trimmings, a self-feeding wood chipper can cut your work time in half. With models for tractors, tow-behind setups, and compact gas engines, there’s an option for every property and budget.
Top Picks Recap:
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Best Overall: WoodMaxx MX-8800 – PTO-powered beast with 8″ capacity
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Best for Contractors: DK2 OPC506 – Towable, gas-powered, and commercial-grade
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Best for Mid-Sized Farms: Woodland Mills WC68 – Durable and efficient PTO unit
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Best for Pros: Yardbeast 6525 – Big capacity with pro-level performance
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Best Budget Option: Landworks Mini – Lightweight, self-feeding, and affordable
Need help choosing? Tell me your property size, tractor access (if any), and typical branch size—I’ll help match you to your ideal self-feeding chipper.