CAT CLASS: HQ-10537

20+ in Brush Chipper

The 20+ in brush chipper class represents industrial whole-tree processing equipment designed for continuous production feeding chip trucks. These machines handle material from 20 inches to over 61 inches in diameter, powered by engines ranging from 242 to 1050 horsepower. This is the heaviest class on the brush chipper ladder, above 16-20 in models.

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

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Chipping capacity	20–61 in (50.8–155 cm)	Maximum diameter of material the chipper can accept and process.
Engine power	242–1050 hp	Diesel engine output required for continuous whole-tree chipping and chip ejection.
Drum diameter	48–94 in (122–239 cm)	Larger drums provide greater cutting arc and flywheel mass for processing heavy timber.
Operating weight	3,629–82,800 kg (8,000–182,500 lb)	Machine mass ranges from trailer-mounted units to self-propelled tracked chippers.
Fuel capacity	227–757 L (58–400 gal)	Onboard diesel storage for extended production shifts without refueling.

How to choose

The 20+ in brush chipper class is specified for large-scale land clearing, timber operations, storm debris campaigns, and utility right-of-way projects where whole trees are processed on site and chips are hauled away by truck. Applications requiring continuous production on material larger than 20 inches—or where self-propelled, tracked mobility is needed in off-road conditions—typically require this class. For residential tree service, municipal brush collection, or material under 20 inches, the 16-20 in Brush Chipper class offers adequate capacity with significantly lower transport and operating costs.

What this size handles

Land clearing for commercial and industrial development with continuous chip-truck loading
Utility right-of-way maintenance processing mature hardwood and softwood trees
Post-hurricane or storm debris reduction processing whole uprooted trees
Timber harvest slash reduction and biomass fuel production in forestry operations
Large-scale municipal brush site operations chipping stockpiled logs and storm debris
Pipeline and transmission corridor clearing with on-site whole-tree processing

Safety & operation

Feed table height and infeed opening size require strict exclusion zones; remote control feed systems are common on larger models
Chip ejection velocities and distances increase with drum diameter and engine power; chip truck positioning and bystander clearance are critical
Operating weights above 10,000 kg require stable ground conditions; tracked models distribute load but can damage pavement and utilities
Noise levels exceed 100 dBA at operator position; hearing protection and communication systems are mandatory for crew

Transport & logistics

Trailer-mounted models require heavy-duty lowboy or equipment trailers; tractor towing capacity must exceed operating weights from 8,000 to over 40,000 lb
Self-propelled tracked units are loaded onto lowboy trailers using integrated ramps or loaded by crane; transport permits often required for width and weight
Fuel tanks, drum assemblies, and feed rollers may require partial disassembly or permit routing for over-width transport on largest models

Power & supply

Diesel engines from 242 to 1050 hp; fuel consumption ranges from 15 to over 80 gallons per hour under continuous load
Onboard fuel tanks support 4 to 8 hours of operation; bulk diesel delivery or refueling trucks are standard for multi-day production sites
Hydraulic feed systems are engine-driven; no external electrical power required for operation

Frequently asked

What distinguishes a 20+ in chipper from smaller brush chipper classes?

The 20+ in class is built for whole-tree production chipping with drum diameters from 48 to 94 inches, engine power from 242 to 1050 hp, and the capacity to feed chip trucks continuously. Models below 20 inches are designed for branch and log chipping at lower production rates.

Are 20+ in chippers always self-propelled or can they be towed?

Both configurations exist in this class. Trailer-mounted models starting around 3,600 kg are towed to site, while self-propelled tracked chippers weighing up to 82,800 kg provide mobility in off-road forestry and land-clearing conditions without a separate tow vehicle.

What chip truck capacity is needed to match production from a 20+ in chipper?

Continuous production from machines in this class can fill a 100-cubic-yard chip van in 1 to 3 hours depending on material type and engine size. Operations typically coordinate multiple trucks or use live-bottom walking-floor trailers to avoid stopping the chipper.

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 2590 (Towable)	540 hp	42,999 lb (19,504 kg)	-
Morbark Eeger Beever 2131	275 hp	12,200 lb (5,534 kg)	60.0 gal
Morbark Model 30 Chiparvestor	1,050 hp	8,001 lb (3,629 kg)	400.0 gal
Bandit Intimidator 21XP	325 hp	16,001 lb (7,258 kg)	-
Bandit 3090 (Towable)	801 hp	54,000 lb (24,494 kg)	-
Morbark 40/36 Drum Chipper	700 hp	51,839 lb (23,514 kg)	300.0 gal