You are facing a pile of logs and branches, a huge task ¹². You wonder if a wood chipper is strong enough for the job. You need to know its limits before you start.

The size of a log a wood chipper can handle depends entirely on the specific model ⁷⁹. Small, portable chippers might handle branches up to 120 mm, while large, industrial machines can process logs up to 50 cm or even 80 cm in diameter ⁵¹⁶.

In my 22 years of manufacturing wood chippers at TIROX, this is one of the most important questions customers ask ¹⁰¹². Using a machine that is too small for the job is not just inefficient; it is dangerous ⁷⁹. The power of the machine, its infeed opening, and its feeding system all determine what it can safely handle ⁹¹⁰. Understanding these factors is key to choosing the right tool and getting your work done safely.

How big of a log can you put in a wood chipper?

You have logs to clear, but you are not sure if your machine can handle them. Putting a log that is too large into a chipper is a serious safety risk ⁷.

The maximum log size a wood chipper can take is determined by its “maximum diameter rating” ⁹. Our professional models can handle logs up to 50 cm, but you must always check the specific rating for your machine to avoid dangerous overloads ⁷⁹¹⁶.

In my experience, you cannot treat all wood chippers the same ⁹. There is a big difference between a small brush chipper and an industrial-grade machine ⁹. A smaller, portable model like our ZSYL-600 is designed for logs up to 120 mm ⁵. It’s perfect for landscaping or small-scale clearing. But if you try to force a larger log into it, you risk damaging the engine and blades, or worse, causing a dangerous kickback ⁹. Our larger, industrial machines like the horizontal grinders are built for much bigger jobs ¹⁸. For example, some of our heavy-duty models can process logs with a diameter up to 80 cm ¹⁶. These machines have the power and heavy construction needed to break down large timber safely ¹⁰. The number one rule is to always know the limits of your specific machine ⁹.

Wood Chipper Class and Log Capacity

Always match the log to the chipper’s capacity ⁷. Never force a log that is too big for the machine’s infeed opening ⁹.

How big a branch can a chipper handle?

You need to clear branches of various sizes. You want to work efficiently without stopping to cut every thick branch into smaller pieces. Knowing your chipper’s limit is key.

A chipper handles a branch based on its diameter, the same way it handles a log ⁹. Even our smaller gasoline models can typically take branches up to 120 mm (about 4.7 inches) thick, while larger machines handle much bigger ones ⁵⁹.

From a machine’s point of view, a thick branch is no different than a log of the same diameter ⁹. The crucial measurement is how thick it is, not whether you call it a branch or a log. Our machines, from the smallest portable units to our large industrial models, are all rated for a maximum diameter ⁹. So, if your chipper is rated for 20 cm, it can handle any branch or log up to that thickness. However, the type of wood can make a difference. Softwoods like pine are easier to chip than dense hardwoods like oak ¹³. For bushy or flexible branches, the design of the chipper matters. Many of our machines use hydraulic feed rollers that actively grab and pull the branches in, which helps manage awkward shapes and prevents them from getting tangled ⁹. This makes the whole process smoother and safer.

Factors Affecting Branch Chipping

• Diameter: This is the most important factor. Always stay within the machine’s specified maximum diameter ⁹.
• Wood Hardness: Hardwood requires more power to chip than softwood of the same size ¹³.
• Branch Shape: Long, flexible branches can sometimes wrap around the cutting mechanism in certain chipper types ¹³. Our drum-style chippers with hydraulic feeders are very good at handling this kind of material ⁹.
• Condition: Clean wood is best. Feeding in wood with a lot of dirt or mud will dull the blades very quickly, making the machine less effective ¹¹.

For most tree care and landscaping jobs, our garden chippers are perfectly designed to handle a wide mix of branches and smaller logs efficiently ¹⁵.

Can wood chippers handle logs?

You have heard wood chippers are mainly for branches. It is a common question whether they are strong enough to process solid, heavy logs safely and effectively ⁸.

Yes, many wood chippers can absolutely handle logs, but this ability is reserved for industrial-grade models specifically designed for the task ⁷⁹. These machines are built with the power, feeding systems, and robust construction necessary to process logs safely ⁷⁹¹⁰.

I have been building these machines for over two decades, and I can tell you that a small garden chipper and a large industrial chipper are two completely different beasts ⁹¹⁰. You cannot expect a small machine to do a big machine’s job ⁹. Trying to chip a log with a unit not designed for it is a recipe for disaster ⁹. Our industrial machines are built to take on logs. This requires several key features. First is power. You need a powerful engine, often over 100 horsepower, to cut through dense wood without stalling ¹⁰¹². Second is a hydraulic forced feeding system ⁹. This uses powered rollers to grip the log and pull it into the cutting drum at a controlled speed ⁹. This is much safer and more effective than trying to push a heavy log by hand ⁹. Finally, the whole machine, from the frame to the cutting drum and blades, must be built to withstand the immense forces involved in breaking down solid logs ¹⁰.

Features Required for Chipping Logs

So, yes, chippers can handle logs ⁷. But it must be the right kind of chipper, one built for heavy-duty, professional work ⁷⁹.

Conclusion

The size of a log a wood chipper can handle is determined by its specific model. Always check the maximum diameter rating. Industrial chippers with powerful engines and hydraulic feeders are designed to handle large logs safely and effectively.