The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Commercial Wood Chipper

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Commercial Wood Chipper

For professional arborists in Australia, a reliable commercial wood chipper is an essential piece of equipment. 

Whether you’re clearing storm-damaged branches, managing forestry waste, preserving a tidy garden on residential grounds or maintaining large-scale properties, the right wood chipper makes the job safer, faster, and more efficient.

With top-tier options like Först and Morbark available, choosing the perfect machine involves understanding your needs, comparing features, and deciding whether to rent or buy.

This wood chipper buying guide will help you navigate the essentials and highlight some standout models to consider.

Why a Quality Wood Chipper Matters

For arborists, wood chippers aren’t just about turning branches into mulch—they’re about productivity, safety, and the ability to handle heavy workloads. A good commercial chipper can:

  • Streamline Cleanup: Quickly process thick branches and green waste, reducing time spent hauling debris.
  • Enhance Safety: Minimise manual handling with auto-feed systems and emergency stop features.
  • Create Value: Produce mulch or wood chips that can be reused for landscaping, composting, or other applications.

Renting vs Buying: What’s Right for You?

Buying a Wood Chipper

Buying is often the best choice for arborists or businesses that regularly need a wood chipper. If you frequently manage large-scale jobs, own a contracting business, or want the flexibility to handle any project, owning a machine offers:

  • Long-Term Savings: Over time, purchasing is more cost-effective than repeated rentals.
  • Convenience: Having a chipper ready whenever needed means less downtime.
  • Customisation: Choose a model that perfectly suits your workload and preferences.

Renting a Wood Chipper

Renting can be a practical option if your need for a wood chipper is infrequent or short-term. Arborists might choose to rent when:

  • Tackling a one-off project.
  • Trialling a specific model before committing to purchase.
  • Operating on a smaller budget or during seasonal demand spikes.

Many high-quality models, like those from Först and Morbark, are available for hire, allowing you to access top-tier equipment without a long-term investment.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Wood Chipper

1. Feed Capacity

This refers to the maximum diameter of branches the chipper can process. For heavy-duty commercial use, machines like the Morbark Beever 2131 Diesel Wood Chipper handle larger branches with ease, making them ideal for storm cleanups and forestry applications.

On the other hand, models like the Först ST6 Petrol Wood Chipper are excellent for managing smaller but frequent workloads.

2. Engine Type and Power

The choice between petrol and diesel engines largely depends on your workload and site conditions.

3. Mobility and Terrain

If you frequently work on uneven or challenging terrain, tracked chippers like the Först XR8 Diesel Wood Chipper are unbeatable. The tracks provide superior traction, allowing you to tackle slopes and muddy environments with confidence.

4. Mulch Output and Chip Size

Depending on the job, you might need coarse chips for landscaping or finer mulch for composting. Machines like the Först ST8 Diesel Wood Chipper offer consistent chip size, ideal for arborists producing mulch for clients or resale.

5. Safety Features

When dealing with powerful machinery, safety is critical. Look for:

  • Emergency stop buttons (standard on Först and Morbark chippers).
  • Auto-feed systems to regulate branch input.
  • Protective guards and shrouds around moving parts.

Spotlight on Top Wood Chippers for Arborists

Först ST6 Petrol Wood Chipper

Compact, powerful, and easy to manoeuvre, the ST6 is an excellent all-rounder for arborists managing everyday workloads such as clearing up garden waste in large spaces. This is the perfect wood chipper for smaller urban projects that involve garden maintenance work.

Först TR6P Petrol Wood Chipper

With added mobility from its tracked design, the TR6P is one of the best wood chippers for challenging terrains. It’s designed for arborists or contractors working on slopes or uneven ground, combining portability with power.

Först ST8 Diesel Wood Chipper

A diesel option built for heavy-duty tasks, the ST8 delivers exceptional feed capacity and durability. It’s a go-to for arborists tackling thick branches and high-volume jobs.

Morbark Beever 2131 Diesel Wood Chipper

If you’re dealing with large-diameter fallen branches, harder types of wood or significant workloads, the 2131 is a powerhouse. It’s built to handle the toughest conditions, making it a favourite for forestry and storm cleanup crews.

Först XR8 Diesel Wood Chipper

This reliable wood chipper is the ultimate choice for rugged terrain, as the XR8 features advanced tracking capabilities and a powerful diesel engine. It’s built for the most demanding environments and is perfect for large-scale forestry or off-road operations.

Maintenance and Support

Proper maintenance is key to getting the most out of your investment. All Först and Morbark models are built for long-term reliability, but regular upkeep ensures they stay in top condition.

Tips for Maintenance:

  • Blade Sharpening: Keep blades sharp to maintain efficiency and reduce strain on both the engine and overall blade holder disc system.
  • Oil and Filter Changes: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for engine oil and air filter replacements, especially in dusty Australian conditions.
  • Inspect Belts, Screws and Pulleys: Check for wear and tension regularly to avoid breakdowns of your chipper shredder including areas such as the worm screw system.

After-Sales Support

Brands like Först and Morbark offer excellent after-sales service, with spare parts and technical support readily available. Choosing a chipper with a strong service network in Australia ensures minimal downtime if repairs or replacements are needed.

Making the Right Choice

Investing in a commercial wood chipper is a significant decision, but it’s one that can revolutionise your productivity as an arborist. By weighing factors like feed capacity, engine type, and terrain compatibility—and deciding whether to rent or buy—you’ll find a machine that suits your needs perfectly.

Whether you opt for the portability of a Först petrol model or the raw power of a Morbark diesel chipper, each machine offers unique advantages tailored to professional arborists.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Monitor today for expert advice and support on choosing the right wood chipper.

FAQ

Can commercial wood chippers handle thick fallen branches and other forestry waste?

Yes, commercial wood chippers are specifically designed to handle forestry waste, including thick fallen branches and tough leaves.

Do you offer commercial wood chipper rentals?

Yes we do, make sure to visit our commercial rental page by clicking here.

How do I ensure wood chipper safety?

Always follow safety precautions, wear personal protective equipment, and choose models with emergency stop features.

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