Wood chippers are essential tools for managing garden waste, turning branches, leaves and other yard debris into useful mulch or compost. Whether you’re maintain a large property or simply tidying up your backyard, a wood chipper can save you time and effort. At Ace Hardware, we offer a selection of wood shredders to suit your needs.
Electric Vs. Gas-Powered Wood Chippers
Wood chippers do what their name implies: they make wood chips by breaking down larger pieces of wood into smaller pieces. They are large and heavy, but are often designed with wheels to make transport easy. Most wood chippers are gas-powered but electric models are also available. Let’s look at the difference between the two:
- Electric wood chippers: Ideal for small to medium-sized yards, electric wood chippers are lightweight, easy to use and require less maintenance than gas-powered alternatives. They can easily handle smaller branches. They operate more quietly than gas models, too.
- Gas wood chippers: Gas-powered wood chippers are suitable for larger properties and heavy-duty tasks. They can handle much larger branches than electric models and can be used continuously.
Benefits of Using Wood Chippers
Aside from keeping a tidy yard, a wood chipper presents the option to reuse the debris around your yard, allowing for an eco-friendly alternative to burning. With the byproduct of your wood debris, you can create mulch for healthier garden beds and plant growth. Simpler still, they allow for easier removal of debris to speed up outdoor cleanup. You can make your wood chipping more manageable with the help of a chainsaw.
How Are Wood Shredders Different?
Wood shredders are like wood chippers but they break down smaller organic materials like leaves and twigs, while wood chippers handle larger branches. However, a dual-purpose combo wood chipper shredder is a great option for the dedicated DIYer. Combining the best of both tools, you can handle a range of debris in no time.
How to Choose a Wood Chipper
To get the most of your wood chipper shredder, look for these features:
- Horsepower: Most homeowners don't need a high horsepower model wood chipper, but if you're using your machine as a pro, more horsepower can mean a more efficient operation.
- Chipper capacity: If you need to get rid of extremely large branches and pieces of yard debris, it’s important that your chipper can handle the load.
- Reduction ratio: This number describes how efficient a wood chipper will be in converting organic material into smaller, easy-to-handle amounts of waste.
- Tow bar:As well as strong, durable wheels, a tow bar or hitch post can make transporting your machine across larger yards or worksites considerably easier.
How to Grind a Tree Stump?
When you’ve cut down a tree, the stump will need to be removed if you’re prepping the area for new landscaping. Follow these steps:
- Choose a stump grinder: Stump grinders are designed specifically to help with these issues. Your local Ace might have stump grinders available to purchase or rent, so be sure to check in.
- Prepare the area: Trim the stump close to the ground with a chainsaw and clear debris around the stump.
- Set up the grinder: Position the grinder near the stump, adjusting the wheel directly above.
- Grinding the stump: Start grinding by moving the grinder wheel back and forth, clearing the subsequent wood chips as necessary. You may need to grind the exposed roots, too.
- Clean up: After you’ve grinded the stump down to a few inches below ground level, fill the hole with chips, mulch or topsoil.
Shop Wood Chippers Near You at Ace Hardware
Find wood chippers near you at Ace to help make yard work more manageable. We also offer a host of other outdoor power equipment for all your needs, from log splitters and pole saws to hedge trimmers and more. You can also shop online for fast shipping or free in-store pickup where available. Whether you’re a construction worker, gardening professional or a homeowner, find the right equipment for your needs at Ace today.
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