Drum vs. Disc Chippers: Which Is Right for You?

What Is the Difference Between a Drum and a Disc Chipper?

The biggest difference is where the knives sit. A drum chipper mounts its knives on a cylindrical drum, while a disc chipper mounts them on a heavy rotating disc. That one design choice affects four things:

• Blades: how the knives are mounted and how they meet the wood.
• Cutting performance: the size and consistency of the chips.
• Utilization: the material and jobs each style handles best.
• Efficiency: the power and fuel it takes to get the job done.

Here's how each style works.

What Is a Drum Chipper?

A drum chipper processes wood residue, like twigs and branches, into chips about 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) in size. The name comes from its cutting knives, which are mounted horizontally on a cylindrical drum.

How Does a Drum Chipper Work?

The rotating drum pulls material toward the knives. Because these chippers are built for heavy-duty work, they typically run on gas-powered engines that drive the drum through a system of pulleys and belts.

Drum chippers generally offer more crushing power than disc chippers. On average, they're also more durable and more compact.

Benefits of a Drum Chipper

Drum chippers run smoothly without giving up power or durability. Their knives contact the wood at a greater angle and cut with the grain. That produces a better-quality chip and helps production, fuel efficiency and equipment life.

What Is a Disc Chipper?

A disc chipper turns logs and branches into uniform wood chips, ranging from 50 to 200 mm (about 2 to 8 inches). The name comes from its cutting knives, which are mounted on a heavy rotating disc.

How Does a Disc Chipper Work?

As the disc spins, its knives slice material into larger pieces before it's broken down into chips.

Medium- and large-capacity disc chippers cut wood at a 45-degree angle for excellent chip quality. Smaller disc chippers cut at a 90-degree angle, which handles small-diameter trimmings and fibrous material better.

Benefits of a Disc Chipper

Disc chippers are more energy efficient. They're often used in smaller chippers because the disc can be smaller and lighter and can run on a smaller engine. Disc chippers also deliver more uniform cuts, depending on the size and amount of wood being fed.

Drum or Disc: Which Chipper Is Right for You?

It comes down to the material you chip most and the chip you need at the end of the day.

• Choose a drum chipper if you want crushing power, durability and a compact footprint.
• Choose a disc chipper if you want uniform chips and lower energy use.

Not sure which style fits your work? Cal-Line has sold and serviced Bandit chippers since 1986, with factory-trained technicians across California, Oregon, Washington and Utah. Find a Cal-Line location near you.

Frequently Asked Questions