If you’ve got a large property, thick branches, or miles of fence line to maintain, a tow behind wood chipper is a game-changer. Unlike stationary or electric models, towable chippers let you bring the machine to the debris—not the other way around.
Whether you’re clearing storm damage, pruning orchards, or tackling wooded acreage, this guide breaks down the best tow behind wood chippers, how to choose the right one, and what features actually matter when you need mobile, heavy-duty performance.
Why Choose a Tow Behind Wood Chipper?
Tow behind chippers (also known as trailer chippers) are built for:
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Portability: Hook it up to your truck, ATV, or tractor.
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Power: Typically gas-powered with high-horsepower engines.
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Capacity: Designed to handle 4 to 6+ inch limbs with ease.
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Productivity: Ideal for large properties, tree services, and land clearing.
They’re DOT-approved for road travel or off-road capable for rural jobs.
Best Tow Behind Wood Chippers in 2024
Let’s break down the top machines that professionals and large property owners swear by.
1. DK2 OPC506 6” Commercial Tow Behind Wood Chipper
Best for: Heavy-duty residential and commercial chipping
Direct Answer: The DK2 OPC506 is a road-ready, 14 HP gas-powered chipper with a 6.25-inch capacity, ideal for serious landowners and contractors who need to haul and chip across multiple sites.
Top Features:
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14 HP Kohler engine—reliable, commercial-grade performance.
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6.25” max capacity, handling most branches and tree limbs.
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DOT-approved trailer kit with tires, lights, and safety chains.
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Dual-edge blades and heavy flywheel system for smooth operation.
Things to Know:
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Weighs nearly 400 lbs—easy to tow but heavy to move manually.
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Gravity-fed chute, so manual feeding is needed.
2. Landworks Heavy-Duty Tow Behind Wood Chipper
Best for: Landowners needing flexibility and solid chipping
Direct Answer: Landworks offers a rugged 7 HP chipper that can handle 3-inch branches and attaches to ATVs or small utility vehicles, perfect for light to medium-duty chipping around large rural properties.
Highlights:
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3-inch branch capacity with sharp steel blades.
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Towable frame with wide tires for uneven terrain.
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Compact enough for tight spaces or forest trails.
Considerations:
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Not road legal—off-road towing only.
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Better for brush and small trees, not logs.
3. Powerhorse 420cc Tow-Behind Wood Chipper
Best for: Large property owners and frequent chipping tasks
Direct Answer: The Powerhorse chipper features a powerful 420cc engine and a 4-inch limb capacity, mounted on a road-ready trailer frame, ideal for mobile yard cleanup and long-run jobs.
Key Specs:
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15 HP engine with low-oil shutdown.
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4-inch chipping capacity
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DOT tires and hitch pin for easy hauling
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Twin-blade cutting system with an oversized hopper
What to Keep in Mind:
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Heavier than entry-level options
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Best paired with a truck or UTV
4. Detail K2 12″ Commercial PTO Trailer Chipper (WC1200)
Best for: Industrial and municipal use
Direct Answer: The DK2 WC1200 is a PTO-driven, 12-inch capacity chipper mounted on a highway-ready trailer, making it ideal for professionals who need to chip massive trees on the go.
Standout Features:
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Chips up to 12-inch diameter logs
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Heavy-duty Category 1 or 2 three-point hitch
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Highway tow package with DOT lights and fenders
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Adjustable discharge chute and hydraulic feed system
Best For:
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Municipal crews, utility companies, and logging pros
Note: Requires a high-HP tractor for operation
What to Look For in a Tow Behind Wood Chipper
Choosing the right machine depends on what you’re chipping, how often, and where.
1. Chipping Capacity
The diameter a chipper can handle is the single most important metric.
| Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|
| 3” or less | Brush, pruning, orchard work |
| 4–6” | Firewood prep, storm cleanup |
| 7–12” | Commercial forestry, tree service |
Always buy a chipper with a larger capacity than your usual load to prevent jamming.
2. Engine Type and Power
Most tow-behind models are gas-powered, but PTO options exist if you’re pairing it with a tractor.
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7–15 HP engines: Great for 3–6” wood.
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20+ HP: Handles larger commercial workloads.
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Look for Kohler, Honda, or Briggs & Stratton engines for reliability.
3. Towability
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DOT-Approved Trailers: Necessary if you’re hauling on public roads.
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Off-Road Tow Kits: Fine for large properties or farms.
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Hitch type: Most use a standard 2” ball hitch or pin-style ATV hook-up.
Consider the terrain and distance you’ll tow over—some models have larger tires for rough ground.
4. Feed System: Manual vs Hydraulic
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Gravity Feed (Manual): Relies on angle and blade suction. Simpler and lower maintenance.
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Hydraulic Feed: Rollers pull in branches. Safer, faster, and more efficient—ideal for large limbs or bushy debris.
Hydraulic systems cost more but drastically reduce operator fatigue and time.
5. Blade and Flywheel Design
A strong cutting system = longer runtime and fewer jams.
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Dual or quad-blade systems cut faster and distribute wear.
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Reversible blades extend the life between replacements.
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Heavy flywheels (50+ lbs) maintain cutting momentum, especially for thicker wood.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Max Capacity | Engine/Power | Tow Type | Feed Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DK2 OPC506 | 6.25” | 14 HP Kohler | DOT Approved | Manual | Pros, large properties |
| Landworks 7HP | 3” | 7 HP Gas | Off-Road | Manual | Brush, light work |
| Powerhorse 420cc | 4” | 15 HP | DOT Approved | Manual | Medium-duty jobs |
| DK2 WC1200 PTO | 12” | PTO (Tractor) | DOT Approved | Hydraulic | Industrial, commercial |
Who Should Use a Tow Behind Wood Chipper?
Perfect for:
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Acreage owners with regular pruning
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Landscaping businesses that travel
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Tree services needing on-site chipping
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Farmers clearing fence lines or orchards
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Contractors or municipal teams cleaning storm damage
A tow-behind unit is your mobile cleanup crew, ready wherever the job takes you.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your Towable Chipper
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Check tongue weight and tow capacity—match your vehicle or ATV appropriately.
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Always inspect tire pressure and hitch locks before transport.
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Clear wet, leafy, or twisted branches before feeding—they jam more easily.
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Sharpen or flip blades regularly for consistent performance.
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Never chip construction wood—treated lumber destroys blades and voids warranties.
Conclusion: Mobile Power for Real-World Cleanup
When you need flexibility, towing capacity, and raw chipping power, a tow behind wood chipper delivers. Whether you’re clearing backwoods trails or showing up to a jobsite, these machines keep pace with serious outdoor work.
Our Top Picks Recap:
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DK2 OPC506: Best overall tow-behind for heavy-duty, all-around use.
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Landworks 7HP: Best off-road option for light-duty chipping.
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Powerhorse 420cc: Perfect for large properties needing consistent cleanup.
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DK2 WC1200 PTO: Go-to for pros and municipalities with tractors.
Need help choosing based on your truck or acreage? Drop a comment or question—we’ll help you match the right model to your needs. It’s time to take your chipping on the road