Looking for a solid wood chipper to clean up your yard or run your landscaping business more efficiently? If you've narrowed it down to YardBeast and Boss Industrial, you're in the right place.
These two American-built brands offer serious power, reliability, and performance-but they're built for different kinds of work. Let's break it down so you can find the one that fits your life, your home, and your workload.
Quick Overview: YardBeast and Boss Industrial at a Glance
What Both Brands Offer Homeowners and Pros
Whether you're tackling weekend yard cleanup or managing a professional business, both brands have something to offer:
- YardBeast focuses on versatile, all-in-one shredders and chippers for homeowners, landowners, and small landscaping businesses.
- Boss Industrial leans into heavy-duty chipping, with larger capacity machines tailored for high-volume jobs, storm cleanup crews, and firewood prep.
Both brands have been around for years, building a reputation for durability and dependable service. Their machines aren't just one-season wonders-they're designed to last, even with hundreds of hours of use.
Main Differences at a Glance
Here's a fast side-by-side to help you visit the right side of this matchup:
Capacity:
- YardBeast tops out at 7", but most models focus on the 2.5" to 4.5" range.
- Boss Industrial offers up to 6.25" capacity, built for heavy limbs and large yard debris.
Weight:
- YardBeast machines range from ~180 lbs (YB2050) to over 600 lbs (7027 model).
- Boss chippers are consistently heavier, built with robust steel frames and larger drums.
Design:
- YardBeast often includes shredding systems (great for leaves, twigs, and shrubs).
- Boss focuses purely on chipping, with high-efficiency dual-belt drums and centrifugal clutches.
Engine:
- YardBeast uses reliable Kohler Command Pro motors (429cc+).
- Boss Industrial runs on Briggs & Stratton XR Series-powerful and easy to maintain.
Pricing:
- Both brands sit in the $1,000-$3,500+ range, depending on size.
- For the same price tier, YardBeast often includes more features, while Boss gives you higher capacity.
If you're comparing specs on a product page, make sure to check weight, branch diameter, and discharge control. These aren't small details-they can make or break your experience, especially if you're working long hours each week.
YardBeast Wood Chippers: Built for Versatility and Durability
Key Strengths of YardBeast Machines
YardBeast has built a name on true versatility. Here's what stands out:
- Chipping and Shredding Combo Unlike most chipper-only models, YardBeast machines can break down both thick limbs and smaller yard waste-twigs, leaves, even soft garden scraps. That's a game-changer if your property has mixed debris.
- Heavy-Duty Steel Frames These machines are built for uneven terrain. With wide turf tires, a low center of gravity, and ATV towing kits on many models, you won't get stuck halfway through your job.
- Wide Model Range From the compact YB2050 for urban yards to the commercial-grade 7027, YardBeast covers nearly every use case-homeowners, pros, and even agricultural applications.
Best YardBeast Models to Consider
Here's a quick breakdown of top picks, depending on your yard and budget:
YB2050 - Compact and Practical
- 3" capacity, perfect for tight spaces and light seasonal cleanup.
- Lightweight (~180 lbs), easy to move, and very fuel efficient.
- 3.5" branch capacity + a full shredding system.
- Includes ATV towing kit and a rugged 14HP Kohler engine.
- Great for rural home users and small landscaping businesses.
3514ATV / 4521 / 6525 - Heavy-Duty Rural Workhorses
- Built for daily use on larger properties.
- Commercial-grade construction, long chutes, high output.
- Ideal if you chip a lot every week or run a full-service yard business.
Who Should Choose YardBeast
If your cleanup involves more than just big branches-think leaves, shrubs, and garden waste-YardBeast is a smarter choice. It's also a go-to if:
- You live on uneven or sloped land where wheel stability matters.
- You want one machine that handles all kinds of debris-not just wood.
- You're looking to grow a side business in property maintenance or fire mitigation.
- You need a machine that keeps up with you for years to come.
Bottom line? If you're looking for a home chipper that fits into your life without sacrificing reliability, YardBeast earns its spot. Whether you're managing your property or helping out friends, it'll get the job done-and with fewer clogs or headaches. It's true value for real users, not just a spec on a page.
Boss Industrial Wood Chippers: Power and Capacity Focused
What Sets Boss Industrial Apart
If you're looking for raw power and big branch capacity, Boss Industrial pulls ahead. These machines aren't built for light cleanup-they're built to eat limbs up to 6.25 inches thick, day in and day out. That matters if you run a landscaping business, manage firewood, or need a dependable tool after a big storm rolls through in August.
Here's what makes Boss stand out:
- High Capacity: Most models handle 5"-6.25" branches with ease, ideal for hardwoods and storm debris.
- Dual-Belt Driven Drums + Centrifugal Clutch: This system delivers power efficiently and helps reduce stress on the engine over time. You'll feel it when the machine fires up cleanly, even after sitting unused for a couple of weeks.
- Adjustable Discharge Chute: Want mulch to shoot left, right, or into a trailer? You've got control. Perfect for landscapers who need to manage output for different jobs.
Whether you're running a weekend service gig or a full-time yard care business, this system keeps up with heavy volume.
Best Boss Industrial Models to Know
Boss keeps it tight with a focused product line that packs serious punch:
CGR50 - Residential & Light Commercial
- Perfect for homeowners with large yards or side hustles.
- 4"-5" capacity, reliable Briggs & Stratton engines, solid frames.
- Lighter than the CGR60, easier to tow, and faster to assemble.
- Handles 6.25" logs like nothing.
- Bigger drum, more weight (~380 lbs+), but worth it for high-volume jobs.
- Ideal for firewood prep, rental fleets, or post-storm cleanup services.
If you're browsing the product page, you'll see how each model balances power, portability, and output. The CGR60 is an investment, but it's the kind of tool that pays for itself after a couple of big jobs.
Who Boss Industrial Is Best For
Boss is the no-nonsense pick for buyers who want maximum throughput without extra frills. It's for people who:
- Run a business or provide regular chipper services to clients.
- Tackle home cleanups after hurricanes, snow load breaks, or fire prep (no one wants to deal with ashes all over the yard).
- Prefer a simplified machine focused on chipping, not shredding.
- Work in environments where clogging or underpowered units cost time and money.
This is the brand you pick if your workload doesn't slow down-August, December, or spring cleanup alike.
Shop Boss Industrial Wood Chippers →
Side-by-Side Comparison: YardBeast vs Boss Industrial
Power and Engine Performance
Both brands deliver, but the feel is different.
- YardBeast uses Kohler Command Pro engines, known for durability, quiet starts, and fuel efficiency. They're smoother, especially in cold starts.
- Boss Industrial pairs with Briggs & Stratton XR Series, which offer raw torque and higher RPMs, ideal for thicker, denser limbs.
If you've run outdoor machines for years, you know the true test is startup reliability. Kohler wins on refinement. Briggs wins on raw grunt.
Branch and Debris Capacity
- YardBeast: Most models top out around 3.5-4.5", but many include shredding hoppers. That's useful for leafy material, compost, or prepping green waste.
- Boss Industrial: Pure chipping machines-no shredding, but capacities are bigger. If you're regularly breaking down 5"+ hardwood, Boss is the clear winner.
Ideal breakdown:
- YardBeast → Mixed debris on mid-sized home lots
- Boss → Large limbs, tree services, and heavy-duty storm cleanup
Portability and Storage
- YardBeast: Offers ATV towing kits, turf wheels, and lower profile frames for better slope handling. Easier to move by hand on soft ground.
- Boss: Heavier frames and bulkier builds. Includes 2-inch ball hitches, but requires a lot of space for storage and trailer clearance.
In tight sheds or garage corners at home, YardBeast wins. For trailers and mobile services, Boss is built to roll.
Maintenance, Support, and Warranty
- YardBeast: Simple access to belts and blades. Kohler engine support is solid nationwide. Parts are easy to find, and their website has solid tech support pages.
- Boss Industrial: Dual-belt system is efficient but requires attention over years of use. Briggs engines are also easy to service, but the clutch and drum assembly can be more complex.
Both offer 2-year warranties, with engines supported by the manufacturers. YardBeast feels easier for DIYers. Boss is better for shops or businesses with a service tech on call.
Price-to-Value Ratio
At the same price tier:
- YardBeast gives you more features: shredding, terrain handling, lighter frame. Great for homeowners who want all-in-one flexibility.
- Boss Industrial gives you more power: higher branch capacity, tougher build. Better for those running services or dealing with constant cleanup.
Think long-term: What kind of work will this chipper do most of the year? That's the deciding factor.
How to Choose the Right Chipper for Your Needs
Match the Machine to Your Yard and Workload
Let's keep this simple. Before you hit that checkout page, ask yourself two things:
- Where do I live?
- How often do I chip?
- Urban lot: Space is tight, debris is lighter. You're dealing with pruning waste, twigs, small branches. A compact chipper like the YardBeast YB2050 is easier to store, maneuver, and use around fences or garden beds.
- Rural property: You're likely clearing large limbs, storm damage, or prepping firewood. You'll want a tougher machine, possibly towable, with higher throughput-like the Boss CGR60 or YardBeast 7027.
And don't overlook usage frequency:
- Occasional cleanup: Once or twice a week after lawn work? You don't need a monster machine. Focus on ease-of-use, low maintenance, and a decent chip size.
- Regular chipping: Running a landscaping business or clearing land regularly? You need a chipper that doesn't slow you down. Prioritize capacity, speed, and durability.
The true value isn't in the horsepower-it's in how well the machine fits into your day-to-day life.
Think Beyond Capacity: What Actually Saves Time
It's not just about what fits down the chute. Here's what really makes a difference when you're 40 minutes into a job:
- Self-feeding: Some machines naturally pull branches in without forcing. Saves your shoulders and tons of time.
- Discharge control: Adjustable chutes let you direct mulch where you want it-into a pile, trailer, or compost zone. Less raking, more productivity.
- Maintenance access: Need to clear a jam or replace a belt? Some models require tools, others let you pop it open in seconds. That's hours saved over the course of a year.
Don't just read the spec page-watch how it works. If a machine lets you stay efficient and clean, it'll make your business or yardwork run smoother.
Don't Forget Safety and Ease-of-Use
A powerful machine means nothing if it's awkward-or dangerous-to run.
- Operator comfort: Consider chute height, vibration dampening, and handle placement. If you're feeding hundreds of limbs in a session, fatigue sets in fast.
- Emergency access: You need an easy-to-reach kill switch. No exceptions.
- Vibration levels: High vibration not only wears you out-it can shake parts loose over time. A solid build with balanced drum design minimizes this.
Whether you're working alone, helping friends, or running a paid service, safety is a priority. Don't gamble with it.
Final Verdict: YardBeast vs Boss Industrial - Which Is Best for You?
If You Value Versatility and Shredding Capability → Choose YardBeast
Best for homeowners, mixed debris, and ease of terrain mobility
YardBeast is ideal if you're looking for an all-in-one solution that can chip and shred. It's especially practical for:
- Homeowners with leafy yards and seasonal debris
- Light-duty services or weekend business work
- Anyone who wants a machine that fits into daily life and terrain-without going overboard on size or weight
You can chip, clean, and compost-all with one tool. And you'll still have room in the garage.
If You Want High Capacity and Raw Power → Go with Boss Industrial
Best for professionals, firewood prep, and storm cleanup
Boss Industrial is for those who need no-compromise performance:
- Business owners clearing big limbs fast
- Firewood prep for rural home use
- Municipal services, rental fleets, or storm response crews
- Those who want machines that grind through ashes and aftermath with zero hesitation
If you're dealing with serious cleanup, or if August storms leave your yard covered in branches, Boss will keep up-no excuses.
