If you need a faster way to clear branches, brush, and storm debris, a tow behind wood chipper can save serious time on larger properties. The best models combine cutting power, safe towing, and practical feed capacity.
Below, we focus on the features that matter most for real-world cleanup so you can choose a chipper that matches your tractor, ATV, or tow vehicle without overspending on unused capability.
Best 10 Tow Behind Wood Chipper Picks for 2026
Heavy-Duty Towable 6-Inch Option
MechMaxx 6 Inch ZONSEN 420cc 13.4hp E-Start
- 6-inch chipping capacity
- Tow bar, tail light, and stability-focused wheel setup
- Electric start with emergency stop features
Best For: Large properties needing higher-capacity towing and chipping
Easy Tow Upgrade
Earthquake Tazz Chipper Tow Bar Kit
- Fits Earthquake and Tazz chippers
- Tool-free hookup to ATV or lawn tractor
- Heavy-duty steel with quick removal pins
Best For: Compatible chipper owners who need easier towing
Compact Towable 4-Inch Chipper
- 4-inch branch capacity
- Tow bar and 14-inch wheels
- Emergency stop button near feed
Best For: Smaller properties and lighter-duty towing use
Simple Tow-Behind Workhorse
BILT HARD 4 Inch 274cc 9HP E-Start
- 4-inch cutting capacity
- Towable behind lawn tractor or ATV
- Emergency stop bar and rotatable chute
Best For: Routine property cleanup with easy towing
Tow-Ready Heavy-Duty Chipper
- 14hp Briggs & Stratton engine with electric start
- 6-inch max chipping capacity
- Towbar and large wheels for transport
Best For: Large properties, farms, and landscaping cleanup
Maximum-Tow Yard Cleanup
- 14HP Vanguard engine with electric start
- 6-inch capacity with drum cutting system
- Tow hitch works behind lawn tractor or ATV
Best For: Large yards and users who need tractor or ATV towing
Compact Towable Branch Chipper
- Honda 196cc 6.5hp engine with recoil start
- 4-inch chip capacity in a towable design
- Tow bar, wheels, and adjustable discharge chute
Best For: Smaller properties and lighter branch cleanup
Heavy-Duty Commercial Pick
- 25hp ZONSEN V-twin engine with electric start
- Hydraulic feed and 7-inch max branch capacity
- Towbar, wheels, tail lights, and emergency stop bar
Best For: Commercial users needing a high-capacity towable chipper
Practical Mid-Size Choice
- 15hp electric-start engine with 5-inch capacity
- Towbar and large wheels for easier movement
- 20:1 reduction ratio and dual safety stops
Best For: Routine yard cleanup for homeowners and small property crews
Largest Capacity Towable
8-inch 35hp Professional Chipper
- 35hp engine and 8-inch branch capacity
- Four-wheel towable setup with towbar
- 360° chute plus electric start and safety switch
Best For: Professionals and leasing fleets needing maximum towable capacity
Heavy-Duty Towable 6-Inch Option – MechMaxx 6 Inch ZONSEN 420cc 13.4hp E-Start
If you need a tow behind wood chipper for bigger cleanups, this MechMaxx model is built around a 420cc, 13.4hp gas engine and a 6-inch chipping capacity. It adds electric start, towing hardware, and stabilizing wheels, making it a practical choice for property owners who want more capacity and easier movement between job sites.
Best For: Large properties, farms, and users who want 6-inch capacity with towing convenience.
Pros:
- Handles branches up to 6 inches in diameter.
- Includes a trailer bar, 48-inch wheelbase, and large wheels for towing stability.
- Electric start plus emergency stop and maintenance safety shutdowns.
- 360-degree discharge chute and adjustable deflector for easier debris placement.
Cons:
- Very heavy at 639 pounds, so it is not a compact yard machine.
- Performance note says dry hardwood branches may fall short of the advertised size.
- Best suited to users who need a larger, more serious chipper rather than a light-duty tool.
This is the strongest pick in the group if your priority is capacity and transportability in one unit. The towing setup and safety features help, but the size and weight make it a better fit for frequent or semi-professional use than occasional small-yard cleanup.
Easy Tow Upgrade – Earthquake Tazz Chipper Tow Bar Kit
If you already own a compatible chipper shredder, this tow behind wood chipper accessory is the simplest way to make moving it easier. The Earthquake tow bar kit is designed to fit all Earthquake and Tazz chippers, and it connects to an ATV or lawn tractor without tools.
Best For: Owners of compatible Earthquake or Tazz chippers who want a simple towing solution.
Pros:
- Fits all Earthquake and Tazz chippers with an adjustable brace height.
- Tool-free connection to ATV or lawn tractor.
- Heavy-duty steel construction for everyday use.
- Easy to attach and remove with pins when not in use.
Cons:
- It is only a tow bar kit, not a chipper shredder itself.
- Compatibility is limited to Earthquake and Tazz chippers.
This kit makes sense if your main problem is mobility rather than cutting performance. It is a straightforward add-on that improves transport convenience, but only for owners of the right machines.
Compact Towable 4-Inch Chipper – MechMaxx DUCAR 212cc GS650
This tow behind wood chipper is a smaller-capacity option for homeowners and property managers who still want towing convenience. With a 212cc, 7HP engine and a 4-inch chipping capacity, it focuses on practical yard cleanup, plus a tow bar, discharge chute control, and a safety stop button.
Best For: Smaller properties and users who want a towable chipper with easier handling.
Pros:
- Processes branches up to 4 inches in diameter.
- Includes a trailer bar and 14-inch wheels for moving around the property.
- 360-degree rotating discharge chute with adjustable deflector.
- Emergency stop button is positioned near the feeding port.
Cons:
- Lower power and 4-inch capacity than the larger towable models in this roundup.
- Recoil start only, so it lacks the convenience of electric start.
- Best for lighter-duty work rather than large-volume chipping.
If you want towing features without stepping up to a much larger machine, this MechMaxx model is a sensible middle ground. It is geared toward everyday branch cleanup and safer operation, with capacity that should match typical residential needs.
Simple Tow-Behind Workhorse – BILT HARD 4 Inch 274cc 9HP E-Start
If you’re comparing tow behind wood chipper models for routine yard cleanup, this BILT HARD unit stands out for its 9HP, 274cc gas engine and towable setup. It is built to process branches up to 4 inches, with a steel roller cutting system, emergency stop bar, and a reversible hitch for towing behind a lawn tractor or ATV.
Best For: Homeowners and land managers who want a towable 4-inch chipper with straightforward operation.
Pros:
- 4-inch chipping capacity with a steel roller system for efficient cutting.
- Reversible 2-inch coupler hitch for towing behind a lawn tractor or ATV.
- Emergency stop bar on the feeding chute for added safety.
- 360-degree rotatable discharge chute with adjustable deflector.
Cons:
- The notes mention an easy-pull recoil start, not a true electric start.
- Limited to 4-inch branches, so it is not for larger diameter cleanup.
- Designed for practical yard work rather than heavy commercial chipping.
This is a balanced towing choice if you want dependable branch processing without moving up to a heavier 6-inch machine. The setup is practical, safety-focused, and well suited to regular property maintenance.
Tow-Ready Heavy-Duty Chipper – MechMaxx 6in B&S 408cc
If you want a tow behind wood chipper for bigger cleanup jobs, this MechMaxx model is built around a 14hp Briggs & Stratton 408cc engine and a 6-inch chipping capacity. It adds electric start, a towbar, and large wheels, so it is aimed at users who need serious power with easier movement around a property or worksite.
Best For: Farm, landscaping, and property owners who need a towable chipper for larger branches and routine yard cleanup.
Pros:
- 14hp Briggs & Stratton 408cc engine with electric start
- Handles branches up to 6 inches in diameter
- Towbar plus large wheel setup for easier transport
- 360° rotary discharge chute and adjustable deflector for debris control
Cons:
- Tests noted softer branches performed better than dry hardwood
- Heavy-duty unit may be more machine than a casual homeowner needs
This is a strong fit if your priority is capacity and mobility in one towable package. The warning about harder dry branches is worth keeping in mind, but for softer yard waste and regular branch cleanup, it looks well equipped.
Maximum-Tow Yard Cleanup – BILT HARD 6in Drum Chipper
This tow behind wood chipper is built for users who want high-capacity branch processing and easy towing behind a lawn tractor or ATV. The BILT HARD model combines a 14hp B&S Vanguard 408cc engine, a 6-inch cutting capacity, and a drum-style cutting system designed for steady, efficient yard and farm cleanup.
Best For: Buyers who want a towable 6-inch chipper with tractor or ATV towing convenience.
Pros:
- 14HP B&S Vanguard 408cc engine with electric start
- Processes branches up to 6 inches in diameter
- Reversible 2-inch coupler hitch for towing behind a tractor or ATV
- 360° rotatable discharge chute with adjustable deflector
Cons:
- At 628 pounds, it is a very heavy machine
- Size and towing setup make it better suited to larger properties
For buyers focused on mobility and branch capacity, this model checks the key boxes. The weight is substantial, but that is part of what supports its heavy-duty build and large cutting capability.
Compact Towable Branch Chipper – MechMaxx 4in Honda GS650
If you want a tow behind wood chipper for smaller branch work, this MechMaxx model steps down to a 4-inch capacity while keeping a tow bar and two-wheel setup for movement around the property. Its Honda 196cc 6.5hp engine and recoil start make it a more compact option for regular yard, farm, and landscape cleanup.
Best For: Homeowners and property users who need a towable chipper for branches up to 4 inches.
Pros:
- Honda 196cc 6.5hp engine with recoil start
- 4-inch max chipping diameter for lighter branch work
- Tow bar and 14-inch wheels for easier transport
- 360° rotary discharge chute and adjustable deflector
Cons:
- Smaller capacity than the 6-inch towable models
- Recoil start may be less convenient than electric start
This is the more practical choice if you do not need the larger capacity of a full-size chipper. It keeps the towable format and useful discharge controls, but it is better matched to lighter-duty branch handling.
Heavy-Duty Commercial Pick – 7-inch Towable 25hp Chipper
If you need a tow behind wood chipper for bigger cleanup jobs, this MechMaxx model is built for serious throughput. With a 25hp ZONSEN engine, hydraulic feed, and towable setup, it’s aimed at users who need to move between sites and chip larger branches without constant hand feeding.
Best For: Contractors, farms, and commercial properties that need a towable chipper for branches up to 7 inches.
Pros:
- 25hp 750cc V-twin engine with electric start for easier startups.
- Hydraulic feeding helps pull material in smoothly without forced pushing.
- Towbar, rear wheels, front wheel, and tail lights support transport between jobs.
- Emergency stop bar and rubber flap add important operator safety features.
Cons:
- Very large and heavy machine, so it’s not ideal for small yards or occasional use.
- Requires more storage and transport planning than compact chipper-shredders.
This is the kind of tow behind wood chipper that makes sense when capacity and mobility matter more than portability. It’s well suited to regular professional use, especially where large branches and repeated hauling are part of the job.
Practical Mid-Size Choice – 5-inch Towable 15hp Chipper
This tow behind wood chipper is a more manageable option for homeowners, farmers, and gardeners who still want real transport convenience. The 15hp electric-start engine, trailer bar, and large wheels make it easier to move around a property while handling branches up to 5 inches.
Best For: Homeowners and property caretakers who want a towable chipper for routine yard and farm cleanup.
Pros:
- Electric start 420cc engine keeps startup simple.
- Towbar plus 19-inch wheels make transport easier across work areas.
- Emergency stop button and stop bar are close to the operator.
- 20:1 reduction ratio and double-edge blades improve processing efficiency.
Cons:
- 5-inch cutting capacity is smaller than heavier-duty towable models.
- Single-cylinder engine is better suited to lighter workloads than commercial-grade chipping.
For users who need mobility without moving up to a full commercial machine, this model hits a useful middle ground. It’s a practical tow behind wood chipper for everyday cleanup where ease of use and transport matter.
Largest Capacity Towable – 8-inch 35hp Professional Chipper
When the job calls for maximum capacity, this tow behind wood chipper stands out with an 8-inch cutting ability and a 35hp ZONSEN engine. It’s built with a towbar, four-wheel setup, and 360-degree discharge chute, making it a strong fit for professional crews that need both power and jobsite mobility.
Best For: Professional users and leasing companies that need a high-capacity towable chipper for demanding work.
Pros:
- 35hp 1000cc engine handles branches up to 8 inches.
- Four-wheel towable design improves stability during transport.
- 360-degree rotary discharge chute helps direct debris where needed.
- Electric start, tail lights, and emergency stop switch add convenience and safety.
Cons:
- Large size and weight make it a serious equipment purchase, not a casual tool.
- Best suited to bigger properties and commercial work, not light residential cleanup.
If you want the biggest cutting capacity in this group, this model is the most capable tow behind wood chipper here. It is designed for professionals who need strong feeding performance, stable towing, and enough power for larger branches.
How We Picked the Best Tow Behind Wood Chipper Options
We prioritized chipper size, engine output, towing setup, safety controls, and the kind of debris each unit is best suited to handle. For this category, bigger is not always better: the right Tow Behind Wood Chipper should match your property size, branch diameter, and available towing equipment.
We also favored practical features like electric start, emergency stop controls, durable wheel assemblies, and tow bars that are easier to connect and move across uneven ground.
Quick Comparison: What Matters Most
Smaller 4-inch units are often a better fit for regular yard cleanup and lighter branches, while 5-inch and 6-inch machines offer more flexibility for mixed brush and heavier limbs. Large-capacity models are best for acreage, storm recovery, or users who want fewer limitations on feed size.
Hydraulic feeding can improve efficiency on larger jobs, but it usually makes the machine more expensive and more specialized. If you mainly process occasional limbs and trimmings, a simpler towable design may be the better value.
Key Buying Factors for a Tow Behind Wood Chipper
Chipping Capacity
Always check the maximum branch diameter rating, but treat it as a ceiling rather than a target. Real-world performance is usually better when you stay below the published max, especially with dense hardwood.
Engine Power and Start Type
Horsepower and engine displacement affect how easily the machine handles continuous feeding. Electric start is a convenience worth considering if you expect frequent use or want easier operation in cold weather.
Towing and Mobility
Look at the tow bar design, wheel setup, and whether the chipper is intended for ATV, lawn tractor, or vehicle towing. A stable chassis and well-balanced frame matter as much as raw power when moving over gravel, grass, or slopes.
Safety and Control Features
Emergency stop bars, accessible shutoff switches, and clear feed-area controls are especially important on larger machines. These features can make a Tow Behind Wood Chipper safer and easier to use during long cleanup sessions.
Maintenance and Build Quality
Durable blades, accessible service points, and a solid frame help reduce downtime. If you plan to use the chipper season after season, prioritize parts availability and a design that is easy to clean and inspect.
Who Should Buy Which Tow Behind Wood Chipper?
Choose a 4-inch model if you want a more manageable option for routine yard work and smaller properties. Step up to a 5-inch or 6-inch chipper if you handle mixed debris, larger limbs, or frequent storm cleanup. Go with a larger hydraulic or high-horsepower unit if you maintain acreage, process heavy brush regularly, or want maximum throughput with fewer feed interruptions.
If you are comparing a Tow Behind Wood Chipper for the first time, the smartest choice is usually the smallest model that comfortably handles your typical debris. That keeps ownership costs, storage needs, and towing demands under control while still giving you the performance you need.









