The benefits of using a specialist chipper hire company versus DIY methods

If your garden’s buried under a season’s worth of hedge trimmings, fallen branches or storm damage, a specialist chipper hire company is usually the fastest way out of that mess. It’s tempting to grab whatever machine is going cheapest and get stuck in, but the gap between that approach and hiring from a business that actually lives and breathes wood chippers shows up quickly, in the results, the safety of the job and often the final cost too.

At Cambrian Chipper Hire, we talk to people every week who’ve tried the DIY route first and come to us afterwards, usually with a story about a jammed machine or a job that took three times longer than it should have.

Equipment that’s actually up to the job

Consumer-grade chippers bought or borrowed from a general tool hire counter are built for light, occasional use. They’re fine for a handful of thin twigs, but feed them anything with real diameter or a bit of green, sappy growth and they’ll clog, stall or strain the motor.

We stock proper working machines from brands like FORST, GreenMech, Timberwolf and Weibang, in 6-inch and 8-inch capacities, and we know which one suits which job. Clearing a small border is a different task to processing a felled tree, and getting that match right from the start saves hours of frustration.

No maintenance, no storage, no guesswork

Own a chipper and you own its upkeep too. Blades need sharpening, engines need servicing, and a machine that sits unused for months between jobs has a habit of not starting when you finally need it.

Hiring removes all of that. Every machine that goes out from us is regularly maintained and checked before it leaves, so you’re working with equipment that performs the way it should, not something that’s been gathering dust in a shed since last autumn. You also don’t need anywhere to store a chipper for the other fifty weeks of the year.

The right chipper for the job, not just the nearest one

One of the biggest advantages of going through a specialist rather than a general hire desk is guidance. We can talk through what you’re clearing, how much of it there is and what the material’s like, then point you towards a towed or tracked model that actually fits.

Get that wrong with a DIY approach and you’ll either underpower the machine and spend all day feeding it small batches, or end up wrestling something far bigger and heavier than the job called for. Browse our full range of wood chippers for hire and you’ll see there’s a genuine difference between models, not just a one-size-fits-all rental.

Safety that DIY setups often miss

Wood chippers are serious pieces of kit. Loose clothing, tiredness, distraction or simply not knowing a machine’s quirks are behind most of the accidents that happen with hired equipment.

When you hire through a specialist, you get more than the machine. We talk you through safe operation, what the chipper can and can’t handle, and the warning signs that mean you should stop and call us rather than push on. That knowledge, built from years of doing this daily, isn’t something a quick read of an instruction leaflet can replace.

Delivery, collection and a bit of common sense

Chippers are heavy, awkward things to move, and not everyone has a vehicle capable of towing one safely. We deliver and collect, so there’s no borrowed trailer, no straining your back loading a tracked machine onto a flatbed, and no wasted fuel driving across the city to pick one up.

Add it all together and hiring through a specialist rather than muddling through with whatever’s cheapest tends to work out both quicker and less stressful, with a far lower chance of anything going wrong along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to hire a wood chipper?
No. We talk you through safe operation and which machine suits your job before it leaves us, so you don’t need prior experience.

What size chipper do I need for garden branches?
For most garden clearance jobs a 6-inch machine is plenty, though larger felled branches or bigger volumes are better suited to an 8-inch model, something we can advise on when you enquire.

Can a chipper handle green, sappy wood?
Some can struggle with very flexible, sappy branches, which is why picking the right machine for the material matters more than just grabbing whatever’s available.

Do you deliver and collect the chipper?
Yes, we deliver and collect so you don’t need a trailer or a tow-capable vehicle of your own.

Is hiring cheaper than buying a wood chipper?
For most one-off or occasional jobs, yes. Hiring avoids the upfront cost, storage and ongoing maintenance that comes with owning a machine you might only use a few times a year.

If you’ve got branches, hedge cuttings or a tree that needs turning into manageable chippings, get in touch and we’ll help you find the right machine for it. Call us on 02920 569311, email enquiries@cambriangroup.co.uk or get in touch through our contact page.

Areas we cover

We cover Cardiff and the following surrounding areas:

Penarth, Dinas Powys, Barry, Wenvoe, Sully, Llandaff, Whitchurch, Radyr, Tongwynlais, Taffs Well, Caerphilly, Nantgarw, Pentyrch, Creigiau, St Fagans, Peterston-super-Ely, St Nicholas, Rhiwbina, Castleton and more.

Choosing between a tracked wood chipper and a towable wood chipper comes down to access, terrain, type of work and how often you move between sites. The right choice will save time on every job, reduce manual handling and keep your crew safer and more productive.​

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What is a tracked vs towable wood chipper?

A tracked wood chipper is a self‑propelled machine that runs on rubber or steel tracks, built for rough, steep or soft ground where a wheeled chipper or vehicle would struggle. These machines are common in forestry, utilities, rail and large site‑clearance work where stability and off‑road performance are essential.​

A towable (trailed) wood chipper is mounted on a wheeled chassis with a tow hitch so it can be pulled behind a suitable vehicle between sites. Towable chippers are widely used by tree surgeons and landscapers for domestic and commercial jobs with reasonable access, because they travel quickly by road and are simple to position near the work area.​

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Key differences at a glance

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Tracked wood chippers: benefits and best jobs

Tracked chippers are designed for stability, traction and heavy‑duty work where a normal towable chipper would be limited. Tracks spread the machine’s weight, helping it climb banks, traverse rough rides and work safely on uneven terrain when used within recommended limits.​

Key advantages of tracked chippers include:

• Superior off‑road access: Ideal for embankments, woodland, utility corridors and wet or rutted sites where wheeled machines can bog down.​

• High stability and durability: Built for demanding environments, with robust construction for large, continuous projects and tough material.​

• Less manual handling: Because the chipper can drive to the brash, crews spend less time dragging heavy branches, boosting efficiency and reducing fatigue.​

Tracked wood chippers are usually the best choice when you are:

• Clearing woodland or forestry blocks away from hard standing.​

• Working on riverbanks, rail and highway embankments or steep ground where towing would be unsafe.​

• Completing long utility lines or large clearance jobs where the machine must keep up with the work as you move along the site.​

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Towable wood chippers: benefits and best jobs

Towable or trailed chippers focus on road mobility and convenience while still offering strong performance for professional work. Many professional towable models keep weight under 750 kg, making them easier to tow legally with the right licence and setup.​

Key advantages of towable chippers include:

• Fast transport between jobs: Perfect for tree surgery teams doing several domestic or commercial jobs in a day, as you simply hitch up and go.​

• Simple setup on firm sites: Ideal for driveways, streets and car parks where you can park close to the chip site.​

• Cost‑effective power: Professional towable chippers offer strong performance and reliability at a generally lower hire cost than tracked machines of similar capacity.​

Towable chippers are usually the best choice when you are:

• Carrying out domestic pruning, removals and hedge reductions with driveway or roadside access.​

• Visiting several addresses or commercial sites in a single day and need quick road travel.​

• Working mainly on firm, level or gently sloping ground where off‑road traction is not a major issue.​

Safe towing matters too: guidance for towing chippers on UK roads stresses correct loading, nose weight and staying within weight limits, especially when the trailer is carrying timber or chip.​

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How to choose: tracked vs towable for your next job

1. What is the terrain like?

   • Choose tracked if you expect steep banks, soft ground, ruts or off‑road access only.​

   • Choose towable if you’ll mainly be on tarmac, concrete, compacted tracks or gently sloping sites with vehicle access.​

2. How far is the chipper from the brash?

   • Go tracked if brash is spread over a wide area and you want the machine to follow the work.​

   • Go towable if you can park close to the tree or work zone and keep dragging distances short.​

3. How many sites are you visiting in a day?

   • Pick towable if you’re doing multiple domestic or commercial jobs and need fast road travel.​

   • Pick tracked if you’re on one large contract site all day or for several days in a row.​

4. What’s your budget and project size?

   • Tracked chippers typically cost more to hire but can pay for themselves on big, challenging projects by saving time and labour.​

   • Towable chippers offer excellent value for routine tree work and maintenance where access is straightforward.​

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Hire the right chipper with Cambrian Chipper Hire

No two jobs are the same – and that’s why having access to both tracked and towable wood chippers gives your business a real edge. Whether you’re tackling steep, muddy banks or a full day of domestic removals, matching the machine to the terrain is the fastest way to protect your team, your schedule and your profit.​

Cambrian Chipper Hire supplies high‑performance tracked and towable wood chippers for professional tree surgeons, arborists, landscapers and grounds contractors across the UK, with flexible short‑ and long‑term hire options to suit your workload. Get in touch today to talk through your next project, and get expert help choosing the best tracked or towable wood chipper hire for your job.

Get in Touch

Need help or have a question, use our contact page to send us your enquiry or call us on 02920 569 311.

Selecting the right wood chipper is essential for tackling outdoor projects effectively, whether you’re a professional arborist, landscaper, or DIY enthusiast managing garden maintenance. With numerous types and sizes of wood chippers available, understanding what each offers can make a significant difference in performance, efficiency, and safety. This guide will walk you through the key considerations for choosing the best wood chipper for your needs.

1. Understanding Wood Chipper Types

Wood chippers come in various types, each suited to different tasks:

• Electric Wood Chippers: Ideal for small-scale tasks, electric wood chippers are lightweight and suitable for garden maintenance. They are generally quieter and require less maintenance, but their power is limited compared to petrol models.
• Petrol Wood Chippers: Known for their power and versatility, petrol wood chippers can handle larger branches and tougher materials. They are more suited to large properties and professional use.
• Tracked Wood Chippers: These chippers provide excellent mobility on uneven or rough terrain. Ideal for challenging landscapes, they are commonly used in commercial settings where stability and access to remote areas are necessary.
• Towable Wood Chippers: Offering the convenience of being transported between sites, towable chippers can be hitched to a vehicle. They’re perfect for larger projects that require frequent relocation.

2. Determining the Right Size for Your Project

The size of your chipper affects its capacity and the types of materials it can handle. Here are some pointers to help choose the appropriate size:

• 6-Inch Capacity Chippers: Suitable for light to medium tasks, these chippers can handle branches up to 6 inches in diameter. They’re often ideal for residential landscaping and small commercial projects.
• 8-Inch Capacity Chippers: Perfect for larger projects, these chippers can handle thicker branches and larger volumes of debris. They are well-suited for professional arborists and contractors dealing with substantial tree or brush removal.

3. Key Features to Look For

When selecting a wood chipper, it’s important to look for features that enhance ease of use, safety, and performance:

• Self-Feeding Capability: Some chippers feature self-feeding mechanisms that pull branches in automatically, saving time and reducing manual effort.
• Safety Features: Safety is crucial with wood chippers. Look for models with emergency stop buttons, wide in-feed chutes, and sturdy hopper designs to protect the operator.
• Easy Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep chippers running smoothly. Look for models with easy access to blades, filters, and other parts to streamline upkeep.

4. Matching the Chipper to Your Specific Needs

Consider the specific tasks you’ll be undertaking. For example, small-scale landscaping and garden clean-ups are manageable with smaller electric chippers, while larger, heavier-duty petrol models are needed for commercial clearing and larger branches.

5. Noise Levels and Environmental Impact

Electric chippers are generally quieter and emit no direct emissions, making them an eco-friendly option for residential areas. In contrast, petrol chippers are louder and emit fumes, though newer models often meet strict environmental standards.

6. Hiring a Wood Chipper from Cambrian Chipper Hire

At Cambrian Chipper Hire, we offer a wide range of chippers suited for all types of projects. Our expert team can help guide you through the selection process to ensure you choose the right machine for your needs. Our rental options are flexible and affordable, whether you need short-term or long-term hire.

Get in Touch

Need help or have a question, use our contact page to send us your enquiry or call us on 02920 569 311.