Buying a petrol wood chipper is a big decision, and the right machine depends on what you need to chip and where. In this guide, JCB Tools walks you through the key questions and compares our two heavy-duty petrol chippers, so you can choose with confidence.
What does a wood chipper do?
A wood chipper reduces branches, hedge trimmings and other woody waste to chippings. That makes it far easier to move, compost or take to a recycling centre. The chippings also make an excellent mulch, which helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and add nutrients to the soil.
JCB petrol chippers are built for estates, farms, construction sites, roadsides, pathways and large garden clear-ups.
How to choose a wood chipper
Size and type of waste
Check the maximum branch diameter a machine can take. Think about whether you will mostly process soft, leafy material or thicker, woody branches. A machine with a larger chipping capacity gives you more flexibility.
Petrol or electric?
- Electric shredders are usually cheaper, smaller and lighter, but limited by cable length and suited to lighter garden waste.
- Petrol chippers are more powerful and let you work anywhere, with no power supply needed. They cost more and need regular servicing and fuel.
For woodland, estates and site clearance, a petrol chipper is the practical choice.
Moving the machine
On rough ground, large pneumatic wheels and a tow mount make a big difference. Both JCB chippers have an ATV tow mount for moving around a site. They are not road towable.
Compare the JCB-CH75100P and JCB-CH150120PE
| Feature | JCB-CH75100P | JCB-CH150120PE |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum chipping diameter | 100 mm / 4” | 120 mm / 4.72” |
| Engine | 7.5 hp, 224 cc, 4-stroke JCB petrol | 15 hp, 457 cc, 4-stroke JCB petrol |
| Starting | Recoil start | Electric start |
| Blades | Twin reversible blades | Twin reversible blades |
| Outlet chute | 360° rotating | 360° rotating |
| Wheels | 14.5 inch pneumatic | 16 inch pneumatic |
| Towing | ATV tow mount (not road towable) | ATV tow mount (not road towable) |
| Fuel tank | 3.6 litres | 6.5 litres |
| Warranty | 3 years domestic, 1 year commercial | 3 years domestic, 1 year commercial |
Key differences
- Chipping capacity: the JCB-CH150120PE takes branches up to 120 mm, compared with 100 mm for the JCB-CH75100P.
- Power: the JCB-CH150120PE has a 15 hp engine, double the 7.5 hp of the JCB-CH75100P.
- Starting: the JCB-CH150120PE has electric start. The JCB-CH75100P uses a recoil start.
- Wheels: the JCB-CH150120PE has larger 16 inch wheels for rough ground.
- Run time: the JCB-CH150120PE has a larger 6.5 litre fuel tank.
Which should you choose?
If you regularly deal with larger branches or long chipping sessions, the JCB-CH150120PE is the better fit. For general clear-ups and branches up to 100 mm, the JCB-CH75100P does the job.
Need advice? Call our team on 01646 687 880 or contact us online.
