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CAT CLASS: HQ-10535

13-16 in Brush Chipper

The 13-16 in brush chipper class handles heavy removals, storm response, and municipal right-of-way contracts where material diameter and throughput exceed residential trimming volumes. This size sits between the 10-13 in brush chipper for residential and light commercial work and the 16-20 in brush chipper for large-scale land clearing. Machines in this band typically deliver 93–174 hp and weigh 2,600–13,500 kg.

246
Models
14
Brands
Brush Chipper

Cat classes

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

Key specifications

SpecificationTypical rangeWhat it means
Chipping capacity15–38 in diameterMaximum branch diameter the chipper feed system and disc or drum can process in a single pass.
Engine power93–174 hpDiesel horsepower to drive the cutting mechanism and maintain feed speed under load.
Fuel tank capacity95–170 litresOnboard diesel storage; larger tanks extend operating shifts without refueling on remote sites.
Operating weight5,732–29,762 lb (2,600–13,500 kg)Total mass including chassis, engine, and feed system; determines trailer and tow-vehicle requirements.

How to choose

Choose the 13-16 in brush chipper when work involves sustained processing of 12–15 in diameter hardwood branches, municipal tree maintenance programs, or multi-day storm debris operations requiring high throughput and extended runtime. Step down to the 10-13 in brush chipper for residential pruning, smaller tree services, and jobs where portability and lighter towing capacity outweigh chipping speed. Step up to the 16-20 in brush chipper when material routinely exceeds 15 in diameter, such as whole-tree chipping, utility right-of-way clearing, or land-development contracts where a larger drum and higher horsepower justify the added transport and fuel costs.

What this size handles

  • Municipal street tree removals and scheduled right-of-way maintenance
  • Storm debris cleanup following high winds or ice damage in residential and commercial districts
  • Utility line clearance where crews process multiple 10–15 in diameter oak, maple, or ash limbs per day
  • Park and cemetery tree services requiring all-day operation and high-volume chipping
  • Subdivision development site clearing of secondary growth and storm-damaged trees
  • Commercial property maintenance contracts with mature hardwood specimens

Safety & operation

  • Operators must maintain clear zones around the feed chute and discharge to prevent contact with moving components and flying debris.
  • Emergency stop bars, reverse-feed controls, and automatic feed-roller shutoff are standard on most models; verify functionality before each shift.
  • Personal protective equipment includes hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, and high-visibility clothing; loose clothing and jewelry must be secured or removed.
  • Secure the chipper to the tow vehicle or stabilize with outriggers during operation to prevent tipping or movement under asymmetric feed loads.

Transport & logistics

  • Most models require a tandem-axle or tri-axle equipment trailer rated for 6,000–15,000 kg gross combined weight, depending on chipper configuration.
  • Heavier drum-style machines in this band may need a one-ton or larger tow vehicle with integrated trailer brake controllers and pintle or ball hitch rated to 13,500 kg GCWR.
  • Lighter disc chippers in the lower weight range can tow behind three-quarter-ton pickup trucks with appropriate hitch and electrical connections.

Power & supply

  • All machines in this class use onboard diesel engines; no external power source is required on site.
  • Fuel consumption typically ranges from 15–35 litres per hour under continuous chipping, so plan for on-site refueling on multi-day projects.
  • Hydraulic feed systems draw power from the same diesel engine that drives the cutting disc or drum, simplifying operation and eliminating separate power hookups.

Frequently asked

What differentiates a 13-16 in chipper from a 10-13 in model on municipal contracts?
The 13-16 in class offers higher horseplemena, larger fuel capacity, and faster feed systems, reducing cycle time on high-volume jobs and enabling crews to process storm debris or right-of-way trimmings with fewer refueling and clearing interruptions.
Can this size handle whole-tree chipping for land clearing?
Machines at the upper end of this band (38 in capacity, 170+ hp) can chip small whole trees, but sustained whole-tree work is more efficient with the 16-20 in or 20+ in brush chipper classes, which offer larger infeed and higher torque.
What tow-vehicle class is required for a 13,500 kg chipper in this band?
A one-ton or larger pickup or medium-duty truck with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) exceeding 15,000 kg, equipped with trailer brakes, appropriate hitch hardware, and electrical connections for lights and brake controllers.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

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

ModelEngine powerOperating weightFuel capacity
Morbark BVR13 102 hp5,201 lb (2,359 kg)16.9 gal
Bandit Intimidator 15XP 139 hp12,000 lb (5,443 kg)-
Vermeer BC1500 Brush Chipper 130 hp7,319 lb (3,320 kg)50.0 gal
Vermeer BC1200XL Gas Brush Chipper 135 hp5,679 lb (2,576 kg)-
Vermeer BC1500 125 hp6,907 lb (3,133 kg)-
Morbark M15R 174 hp13,499 lb (6,123 kg)32.0 gal

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Sources

Every specification is verified against the manufacturer's published data, with the source linked for reference.

13-16 in Brush Chipper

8 models · Every spec cited to source