Wood Chippers vs Shredders: Key Differences Explained

Sep 24th, 2025

Maintaining a neat and tidy garden often comes with a not-so-fun reality: heaps of branches, twigs, leaves, and general green waste. This is why wood chippers and shredders have become indispensable tools. Although they might seem similar at first glance, they actually serve a very different purpose.

So, if you’re in the market for reliable landscaping equipment, we’re going to break down the key differences between wood chippers and chipper shredders.

Wood Chippers

A wood chipper is designed to tackle the big stuff, such as larger branches, small tree trunks, and the debris from bulkier wood.

These machines work by slicing wood into uniform chips using sharp blades, and are mostly powered by either a petrol or electric engine. The process is similar to chopping wood with an axe, but far faster and far safer.

Wood chippers are commonly used for landscaping and forestry work, as well as agriculture. They’re perfect for turning large branches and wood waste into manageable pieces that can be used for mulching, composting, or disposal.

Wood Shredders

A wood shredder, on the other hand, is designed for processing softer and smaller organic material. This means the kind of everyday items you’ll find around the garden or the footpath, like leaves, garden clippings, shrubs, and thin twigs; these are all in a shredder’s wheelhouse. Rather than chopping, shredders tear and slice material into fine, fibrous pieces. Essentially, they’re almost like a blender for your garden waste.

The end product is ideal for composting, biomass production, or waste that’s ready to go in your green bin. Some shredders also come with adjustable screens that allow you to control the size of the shredded material.

While shredders handle leafy and soft material exceptionally well, they struggle with thick branches. Materials that are too dense can jam the blades or reduce the machine’s efficiency, and this is why they’re much better for routine clean-ups rather than heavy-duty timber processing.

Chipper Shredders

You might’ve come across the term ‘chipper shredders’ before. Essentially, these are hybrid machines that combine the best of both worlds. A quality chipper shredder can handle thick branches like a standard model, but with the added versatility of shredding softer materials such as leaves, clippings, and smaller twigs.

Most chipper shredders feature dual hoppers: a larger chute for branches and woody material, and a smaller one for softer organic waste. Inside, the machine uses a combination of blades and flails, allowing it to process material into both wood chips and finely shredded mulch.

The main reason chipper shredders are so popular is that they allow the user to save both time and effort. Instead of switching between two machines, you have a single unit that does it all!

Wood Chippers and Shredders: The Major Differences

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and cover the main differences between chippers and shredders:

Purpose and Functionality

Wood chippers are built for tackling substantial wood waste. They reduce large branches into uniform chips or mulch, making them ideal for landscaping, composting, or safe disposal. Wood shredders focus on softer materials, producing fibrous, shredded matter suitable for composting or soil improvement.

Material Compatibility

If your garden has thick, stubborn branches, a wood chipper is the tool for the job. For leafy material, twigs, and green waste, a wood shredder is far more effective. For mixed tasks, some machines like STIHL’s Multi-cut combine both chipping and shredding functions, providing a hybrid solution for versatile garden work.

Output

Chippers produce uniform, chunky wood chips, while shredders result in a finer, varied material. This difference in output determines how the product can be used; mulching for landscaping vs. composting and soil enrichment.

Volume of Waste

Large-scale pruning or tree clearing requires the processing power of a chipper, whereas routine garden maintenance with smaller clippings can be handled efficiently by a shredder.

Portability and Size

Chippers, particularly petrol models, tend to be heavier and bulkier due to larger engines and cutting mechanisms. Shredders, especially electric versions, are often more compact and portable, making them suitable for smaller gardens or urban properties.

Benefits of Using a Chipper or Shredder

Using a wood chipper or shredder has several advantages beyond just waste disposal:

Garden Nutrients: Chipped and shredded material can be used as mulch or compost, improving soil fertility.

Weed Control: Mulch from wood chips helps suppress weeds while retaining soil moisture.

Time-Saving: Machines drastically reduce the time and effort required for garden clean-up.

Environmental Impact: Recycling garden waste reduces landfill contributions and promotes sustainable gardening practices.

Cost-Effective: Rather than purchasing mulch or compost, you create your own from materials already in your garden.

Finding the Right Machine

Selecting between a wood chipper and shredder depends on your specific needs. Here are some points to guide your decision:

Type of Material
Volume of Work
Desired Output
Maintenance and Durability

At BW Machinery, we stock an excellent range of wood chippers and chipper shredders in Australia. All products are sourced from leading brands and can be shipped nationwide. Explore our current selection of wood chippers for sale right here online, or drop by one of our stores in Melbourne.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Wood Chipper or Shredder

Although you’ll generally receive good warranty coverage, a well-maintained machine not only lasts longer but also works more efficiently. Here’s a quick, straightforward guide:

1. Safety First

Always ensure the machine is turned off and the engine has stopped moving. Disconnect the spark plug for petrol models and remove any clogs before cleaning. Never allow children or untrained individuals to operate the machine.

2. Visual Inspection

Check for cracks, loose bolts, or damaged blades. Inspect the engine oil level, and ensure guards and chutes are intact. Gloves are essential when handling sharp components.

3. Cleaning Process

Remove dust, chips, and debris from both the hopper and discharge chute. Use a dry cloth or vacuum; never use water as it may damage the engine or blades. Prompt cleaning after each use prevents buildup and maintains performance.

4. Engine Maintenance

Spark Plug: Inspect or replace every 100 hours of use. Clean deposits and check the gap.

Engine Oil: Replace every 50 hours, with the first change at 20 hours. Warm the engine before draining.

Air Filter: Clean every 50 hours or monthly with a water-based degreaser.

Fuel Filter: Clean every 100 hours or every three months.

5. Regular Servicing

Much like a visit to the mechanic or the dentist, we’d recommend getting your equipment checked on an annual basis. Arranging a service is the best way to ensure that the carburettor, blades, and engine remain in peak condition. Preventive maintenance avoids costly repairs and ensures safety.

Learn all about our repair and servicing options here!

The BW Machinery Chipper Shredder Range

BW Machinery offers a wide selection of wood chippers and chipper shredders in Australia. This includes both compact and heavy duty equipment.

We stock

BWM CP20 Chipper Shredder with Briggs and Stratton 6.5HP Engine (Self Feeding)

This compact and powerful chipper is ideal for domestic use. It can chip branches up to 50mm maximum in diameter and complete your garden work in minutes. You can easily move it through a very narrow place, and store it in a corner of your garage.

Features:

Powered by Briggs & Stratton 6.5HP OHV engine
Designed for chipping branches and also palm fronds
Alloy steel chipping knives
Chips branches up to 50mm (2”)
2 Years Chipper Warranty
3 Years Engine Warranty

BWM PRO100K (Key Start) Combi Chipper

A heavy-duty combi chipper aimed at domestic and commercial users; offers both high and low output modes and key-start ignition.

Features:

Ideal for acreage or commercial use
Powered by Briggs & Stratton 13.5HP OHV engine (Key Start)
2 in 1 function to allow chipping both dry and wet materials
Equipped with alloy steel chipping knives
Chips branches up to 102mm (4”)
Solid handle bar for easy transportation
2 years domestic chipper warranty
3 years engine warranty

GREATBULL GBK130H Chipper – Honda GX390 13hp Engine (Self Feeding)

A genuine Honda OHV GX390 13hp Engine and alloy steel chipping knives chipper:

Features:

Ideal for acreage or commercial use
Powered by Honda GX390 OHV engine (Honda Australia Approved)
Equipped with alloy steel chipping knives
Chips branches up to 102mm (4”)
Adjustable discharge chute
50mm Tow Bar Coupler
Portable design for easy transport
12 Months Chipper Warranty
3-Year Engine Warranty

Find the Right Gardening Equipment at BW Machinery

Large, tough branches? Go for a chipper. Soft leaves and garden waste? A shredder will do the job. For that extra little bit of versatility, there’s always chipper shredders that combine the best of both worlds and allow you to tackle all sorts of garden waste.

Still not sure whether you need a standard wood chipper, a shredder, or equipment that can handle both? Browse our range of wood chippers for sale and find the perfect electric chipper shredder or heavy-duty chipper shredder to suit your needs. Our products are exclusively sourced from leading brands, and every product comes with a warranty guarantee.

Prefer to check them out in person? You’re always welcome to stop by any of our Melbourne stores at Cheltenham, Bentleigh East, Ringwood and Seaford. We’d be happy to see you!