In this review of some of the Top Petrol Garden Shredder Chippers, we are going to look at:

Petrol Garden Shredders in This Review

For this review we have chosen the 4 garden shredders in the table below. All are currently (March 2021) available from Amazon. Of course, there are many other suppliers you can consider.

Please note: The Garden Shredder Review is a member of the Amazon Associate Programme. We may earn when you buy through the links on this site.

Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 4.1kw Petrol Chipper (5.5HP)
Forest Master 6HP Compact Petrol Garden Shredder
Titan Pro Garden Chipper Shredder | 15HP Electric Start Mulcher | Petrol Chipper
T-Mech 15HP Petrol Wood Chipper
Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 Shredder
Forest Master FM6DD Wood Chipper 6hp Petrol Self-Feeding, Compact & Portable - Powerful 6HP Engine (3600 RPM), Reversible Blades, Easy Storage, Chips up to 50mm (2 inches) Diameter
Garden Chipper Shredder | 15HP Electric Start Mulcher | Petrol Chipper from Titan Pro
T-Mech 15HP Petrol Wood Chipper 420cc | Garden Shredder Mulcher 4-Stroke | Timber Bush Branches | Free Assembly and & Tool kit | Free Protection Equipment
Price not available
£492.37
Price not available
£749.99
-
Amazon Prime
-
-
-
-
-
-
Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 4.1kw Petrol Chipper (5.5HP)
Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 Shredder
Price not available
-
-
Forest Master 6HP Compact Petrol Garden Shredder
Forest Master FM6DD Wood Chipper 6hp Petrol Self-Feeding, Compact & Portable - Powerful 6HP Engine (3600 RPM), Reversible Blades, Easy Storage, Chips up to 50mm (2 inches) Diameter
£492.37
Amazon Prime
-
Titan Pro Garden Chipper Shredder | 15HP Electric Start Mulcher | Petrol Chipper
Garden Chipper Shredder | 15HP Electric Start Mulcher | Petrol Chipper from Titan Pro
Price not available
-
-
T-Mech 15HP Petrol Wood Chipper
T-Mech 15HP Petrol Wood Chipper 420cc | Garden Shredder Mulcher 4-Stroke | Timber Bush Branches | Free Assembly and & Tool kit | Free Protection Equipment
£749.99
-
-

Reasons to Buy a Petrol Garden Shredder

We find that there are 3 main reasons why people want to move up to a petrol garden shredder:

We give more detailed information in our article “Buying a Petrol Garden Shredder

Increased Throughput/Speed of Shredding

Increasing the throughput/speed of your garden shredding is not just for those with larger volumes of shredding to do. We adore the Bosch AXT 25TC – it has been our garden shredder of the year for the last several years. With a quoted throughput of 230kg/hour, it can, in theory, shift an awful lot of garden waste. There fact is, you are unlikely to get anything like that level of throughput in reality as you have to pass all of your waste through a slot that is smaller than the average post flap.

Petrol shredders really can cope with much larger volumes of all sorts of brush, bushes and branches. If you have the storage space – they tend to be much bigger than electric models – and don’t mind the noise (could be up to 110dB), a petrol shredder could be just what you need, no matter the size of your garden.

Large Volumes of Shredding

If you have large volumes of shredding, probably from lots of trees and hedges, moving on up to a petrol shredder is going to make a lot of sense.

For the same reasons mentioned above, if you have large quantities of material you need to shred, electric just isn’t going to do the job quickly enough.

Petrol is the way to go.

Shred Where Your Cuttings Are

No matter what sort of shredder you use, it makes sense to shred where your cuttings are. For electric shredders, this often means long extension cables so you can get the shredder where it is needed.

When you move away from ready access to a domestic electricity supply, you have little choice. You will need a petrol shredder.

Things to Consider When Buying a Petrol Shredder

Petrol shredders are, in many ways, more complex than the electric variants. Petrol engines have far more moving parts. Regular servicing is going to be essential. You are going to need fuel and oil. They will need more space to store.

Here’s just a few of things you should consider when making your petrol shredder buying decision:

FeatureValuesComments
Power4-15 HPTypical domestic garden shredders will be in the range 4 to 15 HP. 4HP is approximately 3000W. That’s about the same power output as the most powerful electric shredder we have reviewed – the Ryobi RSH3045U.
Size780x480x910

940x840x1300
Sample sizes. These are quite big machines and don’t break down for storage
Weight38 to well over 100kgWeight is very important if you are going to try to move one of these by hand for any distance
ThroughputHigher is betterThe throughput of a petrol shredder is rarely quoted. I guess there are so many variables that it doesn’t always make sense. It’s worth asking the question.
Maximum Cutting Diameter50 – 100mmThere is no doubt that you can chip or shred much bigger cuttings with a petrol shredder. The higher power, high speed of the motor, and overall design mean it is unlikely that this sort of shredder is going to get blocked easily
Fuel efficiencyFuel efficiency, much like throughput, is not often quoted. Once again, too many variables to provide a meaningful estimate
As a rule of thumb, the more cc the engine, the higher the fuel consumption
Fuel tank capacityIf you are using one of the bigger machines hard, you will be using quite a lot of fuel. Larger fuel tanks will let you keep working for longer
Towing attachmentAs you get to the larger home petrol shredders, you are likely going to want to tow it to where it is needed. Some models have a tow attachment fitted. On others it is an optional extra
Noise levels100dB+Petrol shredders are noted for being noisy. The nature of a petrol engine means that it can only deliver power efficiently are relative high rpm. When shredding larger, tough branches, the noise level is going to be sustained at well over danger levels.
Starter MechanismRecoil
Electric
Pull cord, recoil starters are often provided as standard. Electric starters may be an optional extra.
PPE includedYou can easily buy PPE separately. It is just a nice touch when PPE is provided. You definitely should be wearing ear defenders, googles and gloves when using these machines
Feed chuteswidth x breadth x lengthlarger cross section makes it easier to feed spindly twigs and general brush. Longer chutes allow you to place more waste in the chute so you walk away and let gravity and the shredder do its job.
Waste ChutesWaste chutes might not seem much of a deal. However, none of these shredders provide collection bins or bags. You are expected to shred onto the ground. Being able to direct the waste chute makes it easier to get the shreddings where you need them to go.
petrol shredders – key features

Top Petrol Garden Shredder Reviews

We will conduct in-depth reviews of each of the shredders at a later time. For now, we wanted to give you an overview of the petrol shredder chippers available for gardeners now.

We have ordered the review in terms of power output.

Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 4.1kw Petrol Chipper

The Zipper may be the only petrol machine to have a power rating in kilo watts. There are 745.7 kilowatt (kW) to one horsepower. Quick bit of arithemetic and we see the Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 would also be rated at 5.5HP.

Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 Shredder
  • Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 Shredder
  • Grinder
Features
FeatureValuesComments
Power5.5 HPTowards the lower end of the range reviewed here. As you will see, the Zipper still provides a good shredding experience
Size555x850x870Fairly big for a low end petrol shredder
Weight90kgPretty heavy for a machine at the lower end of the spectrum. could be a sign of good, robust construction but will impair maneuverability
ThroughputNot stated
Maximum Cutting Diameter100mm100mm is 4 inches for those who prefer imperial measures. That is an outstanding claim on a fairly small petrol shredder
Fuel efficiency/engine size196cc
Four stroke
Fuel efficiency not given
Fuel tank capacityNot stated
Towing attachmentNo
Noise levels115dBThis is a truly noisy machine. Hearing protection will be essential
Starter MechanismPull cord and electricGood to see both a pull cord (recoil) and electric starter option.
PPE includedNo
Feed chute/hopper size152×127Good sized feed chute. Gives come credence to the manufacturers claim, “reliably crushes all raw materials you can find in the garden such as shrubs, all sorts of branches or other plants”
Waste ChutesAdjustable
Zipper Mobile Wood Chipper – petrol shredders – key features
Zipper Mobile Wood Chipper – We Like

Comes with an IP20 rated cover to store it outdoors. To be fair, we would prefer to use the cover inside an outhouse or barn

Cuts an impressive array of garden waste – not just woody branches and cuttings.

Maximum cutting size – the ability to cut branches up to 100mm diameter is impressive

Rated Price – . No reviews in English yet and I don’t read German. French reviews were good.

Zipper Mobile Wood Chipper – We Don’t Like

Price – Price not available is fairly steep for a 5.5HP machine. As it has not been available in the UK for long – all the Amazon reviews are in German or French, it remains to be seen whether the Zipper provides good value for money.

Noise – with a rated noise level of 115dB, this is a truly noisy machine. We would think that they would offer PPE as standard.

No towing attachment.

Forest Master FM6DD 6HP Compact Petrol Wood Chipper

Forest Master provide this same machine with a pull start and with an electric starter. The electric starter is about a £60 option. In reality, the increase in price simply gets you the battery that you wire into your shredder yourself.

In general, we think the electric starter option will suit most people.

Sale
Forest Master FM6DD Wood Chipper 6hp Petrol Self-Feeding, Compact & Portable - Powerful 6HP Engine (3600 RPM), Reversible Blades, Easy Storage, Chips up to 50mm (2 inches) Diameter
  • Powerful 6HP Engine: The 6-horsepower 208cc 4-Stroke LCT Maxx Series engine delivers impressive power directly to the drive shaft, ensuring efficient wood chipping without the need for belts.
  • Twin Reversible Blades: The FM6DD features twin reversible blades that extend their lifespan, providing cost savings by doubling their usage.
  • Compact & Portable: With its hinged hopper and chute that can be folded away, the chipper takes up minimal storage space, perfect for small gardens or limited storage areas.
  • Easy Maintenance: Convenient access to the drum through the filling chute and exit chute makes maintenance tasks quick and straightforward.
Features
FeatureValuesComments
Power6 HPTowards the lower end of the range reviewed here.
Size780 x 480 x 910Big for a low end petrol shredder
Weight38kgThat is not a misprint, this petrol shredder really does weigh just 38kg.
The downside is that the machine only cuts up to 50mm diameter
ThroughputNot stated
CutterBladesReversible, drum mounted blades
Maximum Cutting Diameter50mmOverlaps with the very best of the electric shredder capacity
Fuel efficiency/engine size208cc
Four stroke
Fuel efficiency not given. One user claims to get 2hours solid use from a tank of petrol
Fuel tank capacityNot stated
Towing attachmentNo
Noise levels90dBThis is quieter than almost all electric garden shredders. Quite an accomplishment for a petrol shredder.
Starter MechanismPull cord and electricGood to see both a pull cord (recoil) and electric starter option. Electric starter is standard fit – you pay extra to get the battery.
PPE includedNo
Feed chute/hopper size152×127Chute can fold for better storage
Forest Master 6Hp Wood Chipper - chute folded up
Waste ChutesAdjustableCan be angled to blow waste where you want it to go
Forest Master FM6DD petrol shredders – key features
Forest Master FM6DD 6HP Compact Petrol Wood Chipper – We Like

There is much to like about Forest Master’s entry level petrol shredder. While quite large, it is very light for a petrol shredder. Lightweight, coupled with large wheels, mean moving this machine around your garden is a breeze.

It shreds wood waste right up to the claimed 50mm diameter.

It is quick and easy to assemble. Starts easily – whether on pull cord or on the electric starter.

For giving you freedom from the electricity supply, this could be just the shredder you need.

Forest Master FM6DD 6HP Compact Petrol Wood Chipper – We don’t Like

In some ways, there is not much about this machine we don’t like. The problem for us is that it is not much of a step up from an electric garden shredder.

In fact, you can buy the Forest Master with a 2800W electric motor as an option.

Forest Master FM4DDE Compact Self-Feeding Wood Chipper - 4HP Direct Drive, 2800W Electric Motor - Chips Branches Up to 50mm (2 inches) in Diameter
  • Compact & Efficient: The FM4DDE is a compact wood chipper that efficiently chips wood up to 50mm in diameter.
  • 4HP Electric Motor: Powered by a 4HP 2800 watt electric motor running on domestic mains supply, ensuring powerful performance.
  • Direct Drive System: The chipper operates on a direct drive system, eliminating the need for belt adjustments, ensuring better performance.
  • Twin Reversible Blades: The FM4DDE comes with twin reversible blades, effectively doubling their life span and reducing the need for resharpening.

Practically all the specs of the electric version are the same as for petrol. It can cut up to 50mm branches. Users say it does this pretty well.

Like many electric shredders, this petrol (or electric) shredder doesn’t cope too well with soft, spindly, green waste. And, like with many electric shredders, some users complain about the awkward, narrow feed mechanism.

Titan Pro 15 Hp Electric Start Petrol Shredder Chipper TP15ESchip

The T-Mech wood chipper is assured to make light work of excess twigs, leaves and branches. Ideal for professional gardeners and landscapers but also great for amateur gardeners that need to clear that garden waste!

T-Mech
Garden Chipper Shredder | 15HP Electric Start Mulcher | Petrol Chipper from Titan Pro
  • Key-start, with an integral 12 sealed cell battery
  • Large top hopper for leaves, brush and branches up to 10mm
  • Side chute for thicker branches up to 75mm
  • Powerful 15HP engine
FeatureValuesComments
Power15 HP15HP begins to move into the commercial gardener/landscaping market.
Size940x 840x 1300Stands nearly 5 feet high. You will need quite a lot of space to store this machine
Weight103kgVery big, very heavy
Throughput26m3/hYou’ll need to picture a heap of branches and brush that is a 3mx3mx3m to get any idea how much this is.
Quoting volume isn’t really helpful as branches and brush may have the same volume but the shredding effort is completely different
CutterHammermill
Single blade for side loading larger branches
Reversible, drum mounted blades
Maximum Cutting Diameter102mmOverlaps with the very best of the electric shredder capacity
Fuel efficiency/engine size420cc
Four stroke
Fuel efficiency not given. One user claims to get 2hours solid use from a tank of petrol
Fuel tank capacity6.5l
Towing attachmentYesYou really will want to move this machine by towing it behind your garden tractor or ATV
Noise levels110dBPretty noisy – you are going to want to wear hearing protection. Still considerably quieter than the Zipper earlier in this review
Starter MechanismElectriccomes with an integral 12 cell battery
PPE includedNo
Feed chute/hopper sizeFeed chute is very large and well able to cope with brush and softer clippings.
Waste ChutesAdjustableCan be angled to blow waste where you want it to go
petrol shredders – key features
Titan Pro 15 Hp Electric Start Petrol Shredder Chipper – We Like

No nonsense design. Machine is well constructed and will cope with large amounts of brush and general wastes. It is easily able to deal with branches, via the side chute, right up to the claimed 75mm.

This machined will need more assembly that the machines earlier in this review. Fortunately, instructions are clear and assembly should tax most users.

This shredder has 2 mechanisms for dealing with shredding. Most shredding, that fed through the main chutes, is reduced to a fairly fine dust by the hammer mill. Larger branches, fed in via the side chute, are chopped by a single blade (3600rpm).

This 2 action design means there is only one blade that may become blunt. Forest master provide clear, concise instructions on how this blade may be sharpened.

It is good to see that a towing attachment is included. With a machine weighing over 100kg, you really don’t want to be moving in too far manually.

Titan Pro 15 Hp Electric Start Petrol Shredder Chipper – We Don’t Like

While we haven’t experienced it personally, it is slightly alarming to hear of Titan Pro Machines bursting into flames.

It seems the problem is caused by the waste chute becoming blocked and causing the shredder to overheat. The trick is to make sure you clear the chute regularly.

You really are beginning to cross over to professional gardner’s tools with this shredder. Unfortunately, while the throughput is likely to satisfy most domestic gardeners, it may well not sway the professional.

T-Mech 15HP Petrol Wood Chipper

T-Mech 15HP Petrol Wood Chipper 420cc | Garden Shredder Mulcher 4-Stroke | Timber Bush Branches | Free Assembly and & Tool kit | Free Protection Equipment
  • Powerful 15HP Engine: The T-Mech wood chipper features a robust 15HP 420cc engine with a remarkable 2400–3600rpm blade speed, ensuring efficient chipping of twigs, leaves, and branches.
  • Large Cutting Capacity: With an impressive cutting capacity of 102mm, this wood chipper effortlessly handles substantial garden waste, making it ideal for professional gardeners and landscapers.
  • Portability and Convenience: Equipped with wheels, this chipper is fully portable, allowing easy movement around your garden.
  • Free PPE and Tool Kit: Includes free personal protection equipment (PPE) with ear muffs for safety. Additionally, the package comes with a complimentary assembly and maintenance tool kit, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
FeatureValuesComments
Power15 HPFor the T-mech, the 15HP shredder is a move into the commercial gardener/landscaping market.
Size880x640x1340Stands taller than the Titan Pro but has a considerably smaller footprint
Weight104kgIt is a big, heavy machine
Throughput
CutterHammermill
Single blade for side loading larger branches
Reversible, drum mounted blades
Maximum Cutting Diameter75mmOverlaps with the very best of the electric shredder capacity
Fuel efficiency/engine size420cc
Four stroke
Fuel efficiency not given. One user claims to get 2hours solid use from a tank of petrol
Fuel tank capacity6.5lNot stated
Towing attachmentYesThree is a handle at the top of the feed chute. You are meant to tilt the shredder towards you and pull to move. With very small wheels, this shredder is not suitable for towing
Noise levelsNot statedWe’d expect it to be pretty noisy. PPE supplied.
Starter MechanismPull-recoil
PPE includedyesT-Mech provide a PPE and state very clearly, “Do not operate this machine without using full PPE”
Feed chute/hopper sizeFeed chute is very large and well able to cope with brush and softer clippings.
Waste ChutesAdjustableCan be angled to blow waste where you want it to go
petrol shredders – key features
T-Mech 15HP Petrol Wood Chipper – We Like

Large feed chute

102mm cutting diameter

Supplied PPE

T-Mech 15HP Petrol Wood Chipper – We Like

Very large and heavy with only manual handling options. It is obviously designed to be moved around on a truck or trailer. Most home gardeners won’t have this choice.

Anecdotally, the throughput of the machine is not as high as we would expect from a machine of this size.

It seems this T-mech is supplied in a form suitable for a home garden but is aimed at the professional market. It ends up satisfying neither.

Summary

This round-up petrol garden shredder review was intended to give you some insight into the range of petrol garden shredders available to the home gardener.

We feel that the T-Mech is aimed at the professional gardener but is built in a style to appear to the home market. Sadly it seems to fall between the 2.

The Zipper ZI-HAEK4100 4.1kw Petrol Chipper is an extraordinary machine. It cuts a wide range of garden waste including softer, green cuttings and stems that tend to jam other petrol shredders.

With a maximum cutting diameter upto 100mm, the range of the Zipper is impressive – particularly for a 6HP machine.

About the only thing we didn’t like was the noise. At 115dB, you definitely need to wear hearing protection.

Forest Master FM6DD 6HP Compact Petrol Wood Chipper is another interesting machine. If we were simply looking to free ourselves of the need to connect to the mains electricity supply, and we weren’t looking to shred huge volumes, the Forest Master would be a simple step up.

Weighing in at just 38kg, this is not that much heavier than our top electric shredder – the Bosch AXT25TC

Last update on 2024-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API