Towable Wood Chippers

Shop Towable Wood Chippers for Mobile, High-Power Cleanup

What Is a Towable Wood Chipper and How Does It Work?

A towable wood chipper—also called a pull-behind wood chipper—is a portable machine designed to break down branches and brush while being easily transported behind a truck, trailer, or ATV. These machines come with a built-in 2-inch ball hitch, DOT-approved trailer kit, and 16-inch pneumatic wheels, making them ideal for mobile yard waste removal.

They operate using a gas-powered engine, often with a centrifugal clutch and direct drive blade system, which powers the drum or disc that chips debris into mulch. Most models feature gravity feed or self-feeding systems, keeping the process smooth and efficient, even with heavy brush or storm debris.

Who Should Use a Tow-Behind Chipper?

Towable wood chippers are a perfect fit for:

  • Landscapers and contractors with multiple job sites
  • Tree service companies that need to move equipment quickly
  • Large property owners or farmers managing acreage
  • Crews clearing storm debris or roadside vegetation
  • Homeowners wanting a mobile wood chipper for rural land

If you need a chipper shredder with trailer kit that can keep up with field work, this is the type of machine you want.

Why Choose a Towable Model Over Standalone Units?

Choosing a tow-behind chipper isn't just about convenience—it's about workflow.

Advantages over stationary units:

  • Mobility: Bring the machine to the debris, not the other way around
  • Faster cleanup: Especially for large outdoor areas or multiple zones
  • Less lifting: No need to haul heavy limbs to a central point
  • Versatile towing: Use with a truck, UTV, or ATV

Whether you're working acreage, running a small crew, or clearing roadside brush, a trailer wood chipper gets the job done faster—and with less fatigue.

Explore Our Best-Selling Towable Wood Chippers

Engine Power and Chipping Capacity by Model

Our lineup includes models with high-torque gas engines, ranging from 212cc to 420cc, and chipping capacities from 3" up to 7".

Quick breakdown:

  • 212cc engines (3" chipping capacity): Great for light to moderate use
  • 301-338cc (4-5"): Ideal for storm cleanup, landscaping, and acreage
  • 420cc+ (6-7"): Built for heavy-duty work—dense limbs, hardwood, and large piles

These machines aren't just strong—they're built for consistent, mobile output.

Highway-Rated vs. Off-Road Towable Chippers

Not all towable chippers are created equal. Some are off-road only, while others come fully equipped for road use.

Here's what to look for:

  • Highway-rated wood chipper: Includes DOT lights, reflectors, and safety chains
  • Off-road models: Designed for hauling on private land or within job sites
  • Speed rating: Always check before towing—some chippers are limited to 35-45 mph

If you're traveling between client locations, you'll want a road towable wood chipper that meets DOT specs.

Popular Features: Self-Feeding, Chute Rotation, and Easy Start Systems

Efficiency comes from smart design. Top features include:

  • Self-feeding chutes: Reduce manual pushing—great for heavy or crooked branches
  • Rotating discharge chutes: Direct chips exactly where you want them (into trailers, piles, or rows)
  • Recoil or electric start systems: Quick, no-fuss engine ignition—even in cold or damp weather
  • Gravity feed designs: Simple, durable, and reliable in all conditions

These features make a huge difference when you're clearing brush in bulk—especially on uneven ground or in remote locations.

Tow Hitch Type, DOT-Compliance, and Tire Specs

Before you hit the road (or trail), check these essentials:

  • Tow hitch: Most models use a standard 2-inch ball hitch
  • DOT-compliant trailer kits: Includes lights, wiring, reflectors, and safety chains
  • Wheels: Look for 16-inch pneumatic tires or larger for field access
  • Axle and frame: Needs to be strong enough for both transport and rough terrain

If your chipper isn't built for hauling, it's going to slow you down. Every model in this category is designed to move—and chip—without compromise.

How to Choose the Right Towable Wood Chipper

What Branch Size and Debris Volume Are You Handling?

Start with the real-world debris you'll face. The chipping capacity matters more than most people realize.

  • For light brush and 1-2" branches, a 3" capacity towable chipper with a 212cc engine is plenty.
  • For daily cleanup, storm damage, or mixed hardwood up to 5", go with a 420cc engine and at least a 5-6" capacity.
  • If you're working on overgrown acreage or with dense limbs, you'll want a high-capacity wood chipper rated for 7 inches and powered by a top-end OHV engine.

Bottom line: don't under-size your chipper. It slows you down, burns more gas, and wears out faster.

Towing Compatibility: Truck, Trailer, or ATV?

Towable chippers aren't just for full-size pickups. Depending on the model, you can hook them to:

  • Utility ATVs: For backcountry or off-road access
  • Lawn tractors or small trailers: On private land or between zones
  • Standard trucks: For road towing with DOT-approved hardware

What to check:

  • 2" ball hitch compatibility
  • Trailer tongue height to match your vehicle
  • If you plan to tow on highways, choose a model with DOT lighting and safety chains

Whether you're hauling a wood chipper for acreage or a jobsite across town, compatibility is key to keeping it mobile.

Field Use, Jobsite Mobility, and Maintenance Tips

If you're using a chipper in the field, mobility and reliability go hand-in-hand.

Tips for smooth operation:

  • Look for 16-inch pneumatic tires for uneven terrain
  • Use a rotating discharge chute to control chip placement in windy or open areas
  • Keep the engine and bearings greased, especially after off-road use
  • Check your blade sharpness every 10-15 hours of work for best performance
  • Always verify your safety chains and hitch lock before towing

A portable wood chipper for towing should work with you, not against you. Prioritize models with low-maintenance, field-ready features.

Towable vs. Stationary Wood Chippers: Which Is Better for You?

Portability, Storage, and Workflow Differences

Stationary wood chippers are fine for occasional backyard use, but they fall short when the job moves.

Here's how they compare:

Feature Towable Wood Chipper Stationary Wood Chipper
Mobility Tow with truck, trailer, or ATV Fixed location only
Ideal For Jobsites, acreage, storm cleanup Garage or small yard use
Setup Park and chip wherever needed Requires hauling debris to machine
Storage Larger footprint, outdoor-rated Compact and garage-storable

If you're working more than one location—or just don't want to drag brush piles—a mobile chipper is the clear winner.

When to Upgrade to a Road-Towable Chipper

It's time to step up to a road towable wood chipper when:

  • You're hauling gear to multiple properties
  • Your current chipper can't keep up with high volume or thicker branches
  • You want a chipper that's ready to roll—legally—on any job
  • You're building a landscaping business or fire mitigation service
  • You need to be efficient, mobile, and ready for any worksite

Look for features like a DOT-compliant trailer kit, safety chains, and reflectors to ensure your chipper is ready for public roads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Towable Wood Chippers Road Legal?

Yes—but only if they meet DOT standards. To tow legally on roads, a chipper must have:

  • 2-inch ball hitch
  • DOT-approved tires
  • Working lights and reflectors
  • Safety chains and compliant braking setup (if required by weight)

Many chipper shredder models with trailer kits are road-ready out of the box. Just confirm the specs if you're planning to tow on highways.

What Size Vehicle Do I Need to Tow a Chipper?

It depends on the size and weight of the chipper:

  • For smaller 3"-5" capacity chippers, a mid-size SUV or small pickup is usually enough
  • For 6"-7" commercial-grade chippers, use a full-size truck with trailer brake capability
  • Always check tongue weight, overall trailer weight, and vehicle towing capacity

Even compact chippers can be heavy once fueled and loaded, so it's worth checking the numbers before you hook up.

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