In This Guide
Tow-behind wood chippers bridge the gap between compact property machines and larger industrial equipment. They provide independent power and can move from property to property without being tied to a tractor PTO. That flexibility makes them attractive to tree services, landscapers, farms and large-property owners.
Who Needs a Tow-Behind Chipper?
Tow-behind machines are especially useful for crews that move between jobs, property owners who do not want to dedicate a tractor to chipping, and businesses that need self-contained equipment. A truck can deliver the chipper while skid steers or tractors remain available for other tasks.
Start With Normal Branch Diameter
Size the chipper for the material you process regularly, not the largest limb you have ever encountered. Buying too small creates extra chainsaw work. Buying far too large increases purchase price, weight, fuel use, storage demand and tow-vehicle requirements.
Feed System Changes Productivity
Smaller machines may rely on gravity or self-feeding behavior. Larger professional chippers often use powered feed rollers. Hydraulic or hydrostatic feed can pull irregular branches into the cutting system at a controlled rate, reducing manual effort during high-volume work.
Compare the number of feed rollers, feed-speed control, forward and reverse functions and automatic feed management.
Engine Power
The engine must maintain cutting-system speed under load. Consider fuel type, manufacturer support, displacement, cooling, fuel capacity and electric start. Commercial buyers should also think about fleet standardization and local service availability.
Machine Weight and Tow Vehicle
As capacity rises, machine weight rises too. Verify tow rating, hitch class, tongue-weight limits, gross combined weight rating, electrical connector and brake requirements. The hitch, receiver and ball all need adequate ratings.
Road-tow equipment may also include safety chains, lighting, brakes, fenders and highway tires. Check applicable local transportation requirements before towing on public roads.
Infeed Opening Matters
Advertised branch diameter tells only part of the story. Real branches contain forks, side shoots and crooked sections. A larger infeed opening can reduce chainsaw preparation even when two machines have similar rated diameter. Tree-service crews should pay close attention to throat dimensions and feed-roller design.
Evaluate the Discharge Chute
Decide where chips need to go: ground pile, pickup bed, dump trailer, chip truck or landscape area. A rotatable chute and adequate discharge height can reduce repositioning and cleanup. Think about the machine as part of the full jobsite workflow.
Tow-Behind Chipper Buying Checklist
Record typical branch diameter, maximum frequent diameter, hardwood versus softwood mix, monthly operating hours, required feed system, engine preference, machine weight, tow-vehicle capacity, storage dimensions and discharge needs. Then compare machines using the same criteria.
Browse ATE's Tow-Behind Wood Chippers and broader Wood Chippers lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tow-behind chipper should I buy?
Choose around the branches you process regularly rather than occasional maximum pieces.
Is hydraulic feed worth it?
For recurring high-volume work, powered feed can materially improve control and productivity.
Can I tow one with a pickup?
Potentially, but machine weight and exact vehicle towing specifications must be verified.
PTO or tow-behind?
PTO can be efficient for tractor owners, while tow-behind machines provide independent power and transport flexibility.
Ready to Choose the Right Equipment?
American Timber Equipment carries professional-grade equipment for property owners, farms, contractors and commercial operations.