Looking for the best light duty wood chipper? If you’re managing a small yard or just need a chipper for occasional use, you don’t need a huge, heavy-duty machine. Light duty wood chippers are perfect for leaves, twigs, and small branches—and they’re easy to use, affordable, and compact. In this guide, we highlight the best light-duty wood chippers to keep your outdoor space clean and your compost pile thriving.
What Is a Light Duty Wood Chipper?
Light duty chippers are designed for branches up to 1.5–1.75 inches, and are perfect for homeowners who do regular pruning, mulching, or storm cleanup. They’re typically electric or compact gas-powered models with user-friendly features and minimal maintenance needs.
Why Choose a Light Duty Wood Chipper?
Here’s why a light-duty model might be the best fit for you:
- Great for small yards with trees or shrubs
- Easy to store and move thanks to their compact design
- Low cost compared to commercial chippers
- Efficient for composting and mulching garden debris
Top 5 Best Light Duty Wood Chippers
1. Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper
Chipping Capacity: Up to 1.5 inches
Best For: Basic yard cleanup and home composting
Sun Joe’s CJ602E is one of the most popular electric chippers on the market. It’s lightweight, quiet, and perfect for turning small branches and leaves into mulch. Plus, it has a locking hopper for safety and easy transport wheels.
- 14-amp motor with 4,300 RPM
- Built-in safety features
- Ideal for suburban homeowners
2. Earthwise GS70015 15-Amp Corded Electric Chipper/Shredder
Chipping Capacity: Up to 1.75 inches
Best For: Gardeners who want a clean, efficient mulching solution
The Earthwise GS70015 offers more cutting capacity than most other light-duty models. It includes a 1.2-bushel collection bin and push stick, which helps maintain a mess-free and safe working environment.
- 15-amp motor for consistent power
- Rear wheels for portability
- Great for compost prep
3. PowerSmart PS10 Electric Garden Chipper
Chipping Capacity: Up to 1.6 inches
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners and first-time users
The PowerSmart PS10 is powerful for its price and compact size. With durable steel blades and an ergonomic handle, it’s user-friendly and effective for basic yard debris. It also features overload protection for safer operation.
- Compact frame with wheels
- Easy push-button start
- Ideal for twigs and dry material
4. WEN 41121 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper
Chipping Capacity: Up to 1.5 inches
Best For: Lightweight leaf and stick shredding
This model features high blade speed (8,000 RPM) and comes with a collection bag and push stick. WEN is known for durability in budget tools, and this chipper is no exception. It’s efficient for small cleanups and fits easily in a garage or shed.
- Lightweight and mobile
- Push paddle included
- Fast blade cutting for fine chips
5. SuperHandy Electric Wood Chipper (Mini Version)
Chipping Capacity: Up to 1.5 inches
Best For: Small yards and apartment community gardens
The SuperHandy mini chipper is compact and quiet, ideal for use in tight spaces. It’s effective on small wood debris, cardboard, and light yard waste. The high-torque motor and durable design make it one of the best ultra-compact options.
- Low vibration and noise
- Steel blade design
- Convenient storage size
What You Can and Can’t Do With a Light Duty Chipper
Light-duty chippers are great for:
- Dry twigs and small branches
- Cardboard, dry leaves, and hedge trimmings
- Garden waste for compost
But they’re not suited for:
- Thick hardwood limbs over 2 inches
- Wet or stringy material (can clog the blades)
- Commercial or daily use on large properties
How to Get the Best Results from a Light Duty Chipper
- Use dry, trimmed branches: Wet or curved pieces can cause jams
- Clean after each use: Keeps blades sharp and housing clear
- Sharpen or replace blades: Every 10–20 hours of use
- Feed slowly and evenly: Let the chipper pull in material on its own
Looking to Scale Up? Explore Financing Options
If you plan to grow your property maintenance or take on larger landscaping work, consider investing in a PTO or commercial-grade chipper. Check your tractor loan eligibility here to explore your options for affordable equipment financing.
FAQs About Light Duty Wood Chippers
Can I use a light duty chipper for leaves and grass?
Yes for dry leaves, but not grass. Wet grass can clog the blades and reduce performance. Stick to dry, brittle materials.
How often do I need to maintain a light chipper?
Clean and inspect it after every use. Sharpen blades every few uses depending on volume and branch type.
Are electric models better than gas for light-duty work?
Yes. Electric models are quieter, lighter, and easier to maintain—perfect for small yards and casual use.
Conclusion: Light on Weight, Big on Utility
Light-duty wood chippers like the Sun Joe CJ602E and Earthwise GS70015 make yard work easier and more efficient without the hassle of a gas engine. They’re affordable, low-maintenance, and ideal for anyone with a small to mid-sized yard.
Need more power down the line? Check your tractor loan eligibility now and start planning your upgrade for larger-scale land care.
Have a favorite light-duty chipper? Let us know in the comments and help others find the right fit for their yard!