CAT CLASS: HQ-10534

10-13 in Brush Chipper

The 10-13 in brush chipper is the entry size in the towable chipper ladder, designed for 12 in production chipping where whole limbs feed directly into the machine without bucking them down first. Powered by 36.5–115 hp diesel engines, these machines weigh 2,100–2,300 kg and are typically deployed on medium-scale tree service, land clearing, and vegetation management projects. This size class bridges handheld and commercial chipping, offering the smallest footprint for full-limb processing.

246

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Chipping capacity	12–30 in (30.5–76.2 cm)	Maximum diameter material the chipper accepts; range reflects measurement standards and feed opening geometry across models.
Engine power	37–115 hp	Diesel horsepower driving the chipper disc or drum; higher power sustains feed rate on dense or knotty hardwoods.
Operating weight	4,630–5,071 lb (2,100–2,300 kg)	Total machine weight including fuel; determines trailer rating and tow vehicle requirements.
Fuel capacity	20–25 gal	Onboard diesel tank capacity; typical runtime is 6–8 hours under continuous feed.

How to choose

The 10-13 in class is appropriate when the material stream consists primarily of limbs and branches up to 12 in diameter and the workflow benefits from continuous feeding without manual bucking. For lighter pruning debris, smaller hand-fed models (outside this ladder) may suffice. When trunk sections, storm-damaged hardwoods, or sustained 13+ in material dominate the workload, the 13-16 in Brush Chipper delivers the disc mass and horsepower needed to maintain feed speed and chip quality. Choose this size when portability, maneuverability on residential or municipal sites, and the ability to process whole limbs in one pass align with the project scope.

What this size handles

Municipal tree trimming programs processing street-tree prunings and limbs from bucket-truck operations
Residential tree service chipping branches and limbs from removals up to 12 in caliper
Right-of-way clearing along roadsides and utility corridors with mixed hardwood and softwood brush
Land clearing for site development where vegetation is primarily limbs and saplings under 13 in
Storm debris cleanup after wind events, processing fallen limbs and broken canopy material
Park and golf course maintenance reducing pruned branches and small-diameter tree sections on site

Safety & operation

Feed chutes designed to keep operators outside the rotor zone; reversible feed rollers allow clearing jams without approaching the cutting chamber
Most models include emergency stop bars, feed-roller lockout, and disc/drum guards meeting ANSI Z133 or equivalent standards
Hearing protection required; sound levels typically 95–105 dB(A) at operator position during operation
Operators must be trained in limb orientation, binding recognition, and kickback response; never feed material above rated capacity

Transport & logistics

Towed behind pickup trucks or utility vehicles using standard 2 in or 2-5/16 in ball hitch; most models include surge or electric brakes
Gross trailer weight typically under 3,000 kg, compatible with 3,500 kg GVWR trailers or the chipper's integral tow frame
Highway transport requires safety chains, lighting harness, and compliance with local width and braking regulations for towable equipment

Power & supply

Self-powered by onboard diesel engine; no external electrical or hydraulic supply required
Fuel consumption typically 2–4 gallons per hour under load; 20–25 gallon tanks support full-day operation with one refill
Hydraulic feed rollers powered by the same engine; some models offer variable feed speed control

Frequently asked

What distinguishes the 10-13 in class from smaller hand-fed chippers?

The 10-13 in class features self-feeding hydraulic rollers that pull material through without manual assistance, accepts whole limbs up to 12 in, and typically includes disc- or drum-style cutting rather than blade arrays. Smaller hand-fed units require the operator to push material and handle lower capacities.

Can this size class handle hardwoods like oak or ash at full 12 in capacity?

Models at the higher end of the horsepower range (near 115 hp) maintain feed speed on dense hardwoods at or near 12 in diameter. Lower-horsepower models may slow or stall on green hardwood above 10 in; consult manufacturer feed-rate charts for specific species and moisture content.

What trailer or tow vehicle is typical for this weight class?

A half-ton or larger pickup truck with a tow rating exceeding 3,000 kg is typical. The chipper's integral tongue and axle assembly allow direct towing; no separate trailer is required unless regulations or site conditions dictate decoupling.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Engine power	Operating weight	Fuel capacity
Bandit 200UC	84 hp	4,799 lb (2,177 kg)	-
Bandit 200XP	140 hp	6,301 lb (2,858 kg)	-
Bandit 250XP	147 hp	6,799 lb (3,084 kg)	-
Vermeer BC1000XL Gas Brush Chipper	89 hp	4,680 lb (2,123 kg)	20.0 gal
Morbark BVR10	74 hp	5,201 lb (2,359 kg)	16.9 gal
Vermeer BC1000XL Tier 4 Final Brush Chipper	49 hp	4,996 lb (2,266 kg)	25.0 gal