When you need to deal with overgrown brush and limbs that are hanging over your home, you get the proper tools to do so. Your job wouldn't be complete without a wood chipper or a wood chipper and shredder. The DR Power Equipment family of garden tools is one that you can count on for high quality, durability, and reliance. Whether you're looking for a manual feed chipper that can demolish debris, chop up branches, and create a fine mulch for your garden, or you need something more powerful, you can likely find it through DR Power. So, how do you know which one is right for you? Keep reading for more information on chippers, shredders, the difference, and why DR Power is a brand you should consider for your wood chipping needs.

7 Best DR Power Wood Chipper Comparisons

Why You Should Consider a DR Power Wood Chipper or Shredder

If you live in a rural area, you know there are certain tools and appliances you need, that others who live in the suburbs do not. Especially if you're a fan of gardening and you do it on a big scale. So, chances are likely that you own a tractor and maybe a rototiller. Fun fact: The first American-made rototiller was made in Troy, NY – sound like a familiar brand name? The Troy-Bilt brand was trademarked by Watco Machine Products, which changed its name to Garden Way Manufacturing in 1976. Some of the people who worked alongside the man who helped build the Troy-Bilt name and reputation: Lyman P. Wood. Those people shared the love Wood had of rural living, and the desire to make tools to help those who also love country living to be able to do so in a self-sufficient manner. And that's how DR Power was born.

All that information is to say that DR Power is a company that is run by people who understand your chosen way of life and that you need reliable tools to help you continue farming, gardening, and making your little piece of the earth more beautiful and sustainable.

Every DR Wood Chipper is covered by a two-year limited warranty. So, if you notice any defects in parts or workmanship, you can return your chipper to DR Power for repair, a replacement, or for a full refund, at the manufacturer's discretion.

What's the Difference Between These and the Other Brands

Here's one of the most important pieces of information you need about a DR Power wood chipper or chipper shredder. These are pricey machines. You're not likely to find one for less than $600, unless you buy one used. There's a good reason for that. DR Power wood chippers and shredders are beasts. They don't just manage twigs and leaves by the handful. They can chop and shred 3-, 4-, and 5-inch thick branches. That means you can do some limb cleanup of the trees on your property and then turn those thick, y-shaped branches into nutrient-rich mulch for your garden or flower bed with one of these chippers.

These are all gas-powered wood chippers, so you're going to pay more for that kind of engine. Other brands you may have seen at popular online shopping sites may have cost somewhere around $200, which is significantly cheaper – and they're powered by electricity. While those machines are easier to use, cost far less on the front end, and they require little to no maintenance, they're not likely going to handle what you need to throw at them. Save those little machines for those living in the city or suburbs who only need to shred a few piles of leaves and a few twigs.

You can find some of our top recommendations here.

What to Expect When You Buy a Gas Wood Chipper or Shredder

When you buy a DR Power wood chipper, you need to prepare yourself for what comes with it. If you've been living the quiet rural life for a while now, then you already know what to expect. Gas-powered machines require fuel, engine oil, and they're heavy. You can't just pick one of these chippers up and move it to wherever you want it. Most of these chippers are meant to be towed to the spot you need it.

Maintenance is going to be a part of a DR Power chipper's life if you want it to last. So, you'll need to drain it of fuel when it's sitting dormant in your shed, barn, or garage. And you may need to change air filters. Some of these machines offer electric starts, but most of them are manual.

DR Power offers a couple wood chippers and shredders that can work for the less rural families who have a large yard and need something more powerful than what they can get out of an electric wood chipper. These are typically a bit larger than their electric counterparts, and they're a bit heavier, but they can still be wheeled out to your yard where you need to do the dirty work.

There are a couple things all DR Power wood chippers have in common. One, they are all backed by that same limited warranty, regardless of whether you choose a less expensive, less powerful model. Two, they all undergo rigorous testing processes to determine that they are durable and reliable. Finally, three, all the wood chippers have glowing reviews from consumers who love their yard debris-eating machines.

Which one should you choose? Read the DR Power wood chipper reviews below to see which one makes the most sense for your yard, the work you have to do, and your pocketbook.

 

 

 

 

Top 7 Best DR Power Wood Chipper Reviews

DR Wood Chipper/Shredder 30765

• Start: Manual
• Blade material: Steel
• Max diameter (branch): 3.5 inches
• Weight: 235 lbs.
• Transport: Yard-tow
• Hopper Dimensions: 10 x 13.5 inches
• Warranty: 2 years

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Of all the Dr Wood Chipper reviews, this one is not to be overlooked. The DR 14.50 Wood Chipper and Shredder is one of the middle-level machines that can help you clear your yard of debris faster than you may expect. This branch-eating beast can handle sticks up to 3.5 inches in diameter, so you should be able to break down most of the limbs piling up in your yard. It can also shred leaves, clippings, and more to create a finely chopped mulch to add to your flower beds or gardens. You could also use that mulch as a soil conditioner.

Assembling this garden tool is easy, thanks to a clear instruction manual. And starting this machine is easy enough. Surprisingly, the blades stay sharp, even after hours of chipping away at the wood. There are 24 hammers included for the shredding part of this chipper and shredder combo, so it's sure to pulverize anything you throw at it. The hopper mouth is a bit small, so you'll have to throw smaller handfuls of leaves in at a time. And debris could blow back into the engine because of the position of the shredder chute. Perhaps the biggest issue of all is that this thing chips wood so quickly that you're constantly having to clear the pile of chips to make room for more – is that really a con, though?

PROS

• Easy to assemble
• Easy start
• Blades stay sharp
• Chips and shreds

CONS

• Hopper a bit small for leaves
• An odd position for shredder chute

PRO TIP

If you’re looking for a powerful, affordable mid-range wood chipper and shredder combo, this one might be perfect for you.

DR Wood Chipper CPR11AM

• Start: Manual
• Blade material: Steel
• Max diameter (branch): 3.75 inches
• Weight: 164 lbs.
• Transport: Manual
• Hopper Dimensions: 14.5 x 23.5 inches
• Warranty: 2 years

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When it comes to a Dr Power wood Chipper review, this one has it all. When all you need is a wood chipper to handily deal with the limbs and saplings you need to get rid of, the DR Power 11.5 Wood Chipper could be a solution for you. It offers plenty of power with its gas-powered motor, and it includes a larger hopper than you may expect for a machine of this size. The flywheel with a steel blade is heavy and thick, and it rotates at a speed of 101 mph. That speed translates to about 40 chops per second, so your chore is going to go quickly with the help of this chipper.

The manual start is easy enough to use, but this also requires manual transport. That means you have to pick up by the easy-grip handle and maneuver it to where you need it. Easy enough, considering it's lighter weight compared to some other machines. However, the handlebar is a bit short, so you may find your heels knocking against the machine as you pull it. There is an optional tow kit you can purchase, at least. The other issue is that parts, such as bolts, are often missing, which are easily replaced, but a bit of an inconvenience when you're assembling your new chipper.

PROS

• Self-feeding
• Optional hitch for towing
• Oversized hopper
• Thick, heavy flywheel

CONS

• Parts are often missing
• The handle is a bit too short

PRO TIP

If all you have are limbs and saplings to chop up, then this wood chipper could be a good choice for you.

DR Wood Chipper Shredder CSR21AE

• Start: Manual
• Blade material: Steel
• Max diameter (branch): 5 inches
• Weight: 545 lbs.
• Transport: Road-tow
• Hopper (shredder) Dimensions: 20 x 18 inches
• Warranty: 2 years

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You aren't likely to find a more powerful, more portable, or hungrier wood chipper and shredder than the DR Power 21.0 self-feeding chipper/shredder combo. Your chore of clearing brush, low-hanging limbs, garden debris, or anything else in your yard, really, is going to go quickly with this beast. The chipper side of things can handle up to 5-inch thick branches, so there's no excuse for not cleaning up your acreage. The shredder can take all the sticks, twigs, and leaves you want to throw at it, as long as it's 1.5 inches or smaller in diameter. The result: Finely ground mulch that you'll be able to spread in your garden.

The electric start makes it easy to use, and the road-tow kit, which is included, means you can take this baby beast wherever you need to on your property or even between properties. The biggest issues with this wood chipper and shredder are its price and its maintenance. It's one of the most powerful machines you can buy, so it's going to be an expensive purchase. All gas-powered machines are going to need maintaining, but this one goes through fuel at about a gallon per hour. So, be prepared with enough gas to keep it going.

PROS

• Self-feeding
• Electric start
• Includes road-tow kit
• Powerful motor

CONS

• Gas guzzler
• Expensive

PRO TIP

For bigger jobs, or for more than one property, you’re going to need a bigger machine that you can haul from one place to the next, and this one could be ideal for your needs.

DR Wood Chipper CPR16AM

• Start: Manual or Electric
• Start: Manual or Electric
• Max diameter (branch): 4.75 inches
• Weight: 270 lbs.
• Transport: Yard-tow
• Hopper Dimensions: 17 x 27 inches
• Warranty: 2 years

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A powerful wood chipper is worth its price when it can do the job in way less time than it would take you to haul the stuff, and it's a cleaner option because you aren't burning piles of wood. The DR Power 16.5 self-feeding wood chipper is designed to be used on thicker branches – up to 4.75 inches thick. The machine is meant to be easy to use because of its self-feeding design, so you shouldn't have to force big branches down the hopper. All that said, this machine has its quirks.

Some users say the self-feeding part of this wood chipper doesn't work as well as they expected, and they have to guide each branch down, which takes time. Plus, the wood chipper can often bog down and get clogged, in spite of the extended chute. Additionally, this chipper doesn't seem to do that well with curved branches. Some of these issues could be defects, and so it's important to contact customer support if you notice similar issues.

PROS

• Self-feeding
• Electric start optional
• Optional road-tow kit
• 50-lb. flywheel

CONS

• Bogs down easily
• Has problems with curved branches

PRO TIP

If you’re looking for a simple wood chipper with a standard yard-tow kit included, this one could work for you.

DR Wood Chipper Shredder CSR11BM

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One of the best things about this DR Power 11.5 Wood Chipper and Shredder is that it's a bit more powerful than entry-level machines. That little bit of extra power allows you to chip larger diameter sticks, and shred bigger twigs and handfuls of leaves. The manufacturer of this machine claims this chipper and shredder combo can take on up to 4-inch branches, and nearly 1-inch thick yard debris, but customers mostly disagree. Perhaps it has more to do with the type of wood, but most experienced that this chipper had issues with branches any larger than 3 inches. However, others said they were able to push this wood chipper to take 4.5-inch branches.

It's easy enough to haul this chipper and shredder around your yard by the handles, but you can opt to get a yard-tow kit, which would allow you to hitch this to an ATV or tractor, which would make it even easier to move around your property. The shredder tends to clog often, and you'll find that the mulch created piles up too quickly. You'll have to clear under the discharge with a shovel often to keep the path clear for more mulch.

PROS

• Electric start optional
• Optional yard-tow kit
• Small enough to transport manually
• Affordable

CONS

• Shredder clogs easily
• Chipper results may vary
• Discharge is too low

PRO TIP

If you need an affordable wood chipper and shredder combo for a smaller piece of property, then this machine might fit your needs.

DR Wood Chipper CPR21AE

• Start: Electric
• Blade material: Steel
• Max diameter (branch): 5.75 inches
• Weight: 325 lbs.
• Transport: Yard-tow
• Hopper Dimensions: 19 x 30.5 inches
• Warranty: 2 years

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The DR Power 21.0 self-feeding wood chipper is one of those workhorses that costs a pretty penny up front, but it ends up being a sound investment if you have to deal with acres of property that holds lots of trees and brush. The machine munches on almost any thick stick you throw at it, but technically it's meant to handle up to 5.75-inch diameter branches. Most of those who've bought and used this chipper say it's best for branches up to 4 inches thick. Any thicker than that and the motor slows down quite a bit.

The electric start makes it easy to start each time. And you get a yard-tow hitch that's standard with this machine. For towing between properties, though, you'll have to purchase a road-tow kit separately. Oddly, the extended chute is also an optional, separate purchase. At the price point, this machine sits at, it's surprising that the chute isn't just included. The good news is that the discharge on this unit is situated high, so it should be easy to point and shoot the wood chips where you want them to go: the ground, the bed of a truck, wherever.

PROS

• Electric start
• Optional road-tow kit
• Optional extended chute
• High discharge

CONS

• Expensive
• Thick sticks slow motor

PRO TIP

If a powerful wood chipper is something you need to clear out piles of branches, this one could be a good choice for you.

DR Wood Chipper Shredder 38212

• Start: Manual or electric
• Blade material: Steel
• Max diameter (branch): 3 inches
• Weight: 126 lbs.
• Transport: Manual
• Hopper (shredder) Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.75 inches
• Warranty: 2 years

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If you've been browsing the different chippers and shredders out there thinking that they're all way too much machine for what you need, then you might want to consider the DR Power 9.5 Wood Chipper Shredder. Softwood, hardwood, and yard debris are all no match for this hungry chipper and shredder combo. Of course, this isn't the most powerful machine on the market, and it isn't something you can tow behind your tractor or truck. This is an entry-level tool that's going to help make yard duty easier on you, but you're going to have to move it around manually.

As a chipper, this machine gets good reviews. It can handle up to 3-inch sticks, but it has a little trouble with dried wood. Greenwood is what it's hungry for. The shredder, however, gets less-than-glowing reviews. It can chew up the thinner sticks and twigs but leaves bog it down a bit. And then there's the maintenance of this chipper and shredder. All gas-powered units need maintenance, but the placement of the oil and the dipstick is awkward, at best, making it difficult to add, change, and check the oil.

PROS

• Manual or electric start
• Includes collection bag
• Affordable

CONS

• Shredder bogs with leaves
• Maintenance is a pain

PRO TIP

For a decent chipper and shredder combo for your house that doesn’t sit on acres and acres of land, this one could be a good choice.

Conclusion

You have lots of choices when it comes to wood chippers and shredders – even within the DR Power Equipment family of outdoor tools. Some of the units are better suited for large properties, while others are best for those who have landscaped yards in need of some cleanup. Overall, though, if you're looking for the absolute best chipper money can buy, then set your sight on the DR Wood Chipper Shredder CSR21AE.

This self-feeding chipper and shredder in one package is a hungry beast that wants all your branches, sticks, and yard debris for lunch. It has a powerful engine that is easy to get going thanks to an electric start. Plus, it comes with a road-tow kit that's standard, which makes it easy to haul from property to property. Branches as thick as 5 inches are no match for this machine, and anything bigger should probably just be used as firewood. If you want the best DR Power wood chipper, then consider this gas-powered mechanical beaver.