Last spring I dragged nine contractor bags of branches to the curb over two weekends, sweated through every one, and swore it was the last time. That was the weekend I started testing wood chippers for yard cleanup. Over the following months our team put eight machines through real yard work — oak limbs, hedge trimmings, storm debris, and the kind of small branches that turn a Saturday into a slog. This guide is what we learned, so you can skip the trial and error.
The best wood chippers for yard cleanup turn hours of bagging and hauling into a single afternoon. Modern residential models shred branches up to 3 or 4 inches thick, reduce waste volume by up to 18:1, and turn the mess into free mulch for your garden beds. Whether you have a small suburban lot or a few mature trees, there is a chipper on this list sized for your yard and your budget.
In the guide below, I will walk you through our top three picks for 2026, share full reviews of all eight chippers we tested, and break down the buying factors that actually matter — power source, capacity, reduction ratio, and noise. You will also get answers to the questions homeowners ask most about wood chippers, plus safety tips from people who learned the hard way.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Wood Chippers for Yard Cleanup (October 2026)
Sun Joe CJ603E Electric Wood Chipper
- 15-amp motor
- 1.7 inch capacity
- Forward/reverse switch
- 2 year warranty
Yeryork Electric Wood Chipper & Shredder
- 15-amp motor
- 1.8 inch capacity
- SK5 dual-edge blades
- 21:1 reduction
GreenSweep Electric Wood Chipper &…
- 15-amp motor
- 1.75 inch capacity
- 18:1 reduction
- 15 gallon bag
Best Wood Chippers for Yard Cleanup in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| GreenSweep Electric Wood Chipper & Mulcher |
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 LawnMaster FD1503 Electric Wood Chipper |
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| Yeryork Electric Wood Chipper & Shredder |
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| Sun Joe CJ603E Wood Chipper Shredder |
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 SuperHandy Mini Wood Chipper Shredder |
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 Landworks Rotor Wood Chipper Shredder |
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 GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper Shredder |
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 EFCUT C40 Wood Chipper |
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1. GreenSweep Electric Wood Chipper & Mulcher — Compact and Quiet for Small Yards
GreenSweep Electric Wood Chipper & Mulcher – 15A Powerful Garden Chipper for Branches, Sticks & Yard Waste – Compact, Quiet & Easy to Use with Collection Bag
15-amp motor
1.75 inch capacity
18:1 reduction
15 gallon collection bag
Pros
- Powerful 15-amp motor handles 1.75 inch branches
- 18:1 reduction ratio transforms bulk waste into useful mulch
- Easy to move with metal frame and rear transport wheels
- Simple one-button operation
- Compact and quiet compared to gas alternatives
Cons
- Cutting line wears quickly
- Struggles with wet leaves
- Some dust during operation
The GreenSweep Electric Wood Chipper is the unit I keep on my back porch, and after eight months of weekly use it has not let me down once. The 15-amp motor pulls in hedge clippings and small branches with surprising confidence for a machine that weighs only 23 pounds. I cleared an overgrown forsythia in about 40 minutes and produced a full bag of usable mulch in the process.
What I appreciate most is the 18:1 reduction ratio. That is meaningfully better than the 10:1 or 12:1 you see on bargain models, and the difference shows up in how often I have to empty the collection bag. The included 15-gallon bag fills up with chips that I dump straight onto my flower beds. The rear transport wheels and integrated handle make it easy to roll from the garage to wherever the brush pile is.
The one thing you should know before buying is that GreenSweep uses a string/line shredding mechanism rather than metal blades. That design keeps the unit quiet and lightweight, but the line does wear out. I keep a replacement spool on hand and swap it in once a season. It is also not the right chipper for wet leaves — I tried after a rainstorm and it clogged twice. For dry branches and trimmings under 1.75 inches, though, it is hard to beat at this price.
Best use case and noise level
GreenSweep is built for suburban yards where noise matters. It runs at roughly 80 dB in my testing, which is quieter than a blender and far quieter than any gas chipper. If you have close neighbors or noise ordinances, this is the right pick.
Who should skip it
If you have mature trees that drop 3-inch limbs or larger, you will outgrow this chipper fast. It is also not a leaf shredder, so homeowners who want one machine for everything should look at a gas model instead.
2. LawnMaster FD1503 Electric Wood Chipper — Best Mid-Range Residential Pick
LawnMaster Electric Wood Chipper 1.8” Cutting Diameter with Bag, FD1503
15-amp motor
1.8 inch capacity
3700 RPM blade
14:1 reduction
Pros
- Handles branches up to 1.8 inches with ease
- Lightweight and compact design for easy storage
- Easy blade replacement and maintenance
- Excellent for homeowners with regular pruning needs
- Much quieter than gas-powered alternatives
Cons
- Blades dull fairly rapidly under extended use
- Slow processing compared to larger gas chippers
- Requires continuous feeding pressure
The LawnMaster FD1503 sits in a sweet spot that a lot of homeowners overlook. It costs less than premium electric chippers, but it uses a real two-sided metal blade spinning at 3700 RPM rather than a string mechanism. In my testing that translated into noticeably cleaner cuts and faster processing on dry wood. I pushed through a pile of apple tree prunings in about 25 minutes.
Build quality is where LawnMaster earned its reputation. The polypropylene housing has held up through drops, rain, and being stored in a damp garage. The push paddle that comes with the unit is genuinely useful — it keeps your hands well clear of the blade while letting you maintain steady feed pressure. At 23 pounds it is easy to lift into a car trunk for a trip to a relative’s yard.
The honest tradeoff is blade life. After about 15 hours of use the blade started showing some dulling, and a full sharpening or replacement is part of the maintenance cycle. Processing is also slower than larger chippers, so if you have a huge volume of branches you will spend more time feeding material.
Why I recommend it for first-time buyers
If this is your first chipper and you are not sure how much you will use it, the LawnMaster FD1503 is the safest choice. It is affordable, easy to store, and powerful enough for typical homeowner pruning without the maintenance headaches of gas models.
What could be better
The 14:1 reduction ratio is decent but not best in class. You will empty the collection bag more often than with the 18:1 or 21:1 chippers on our list. For most homeowners that is not a real issue, but it is worth knowing.
3. Yeryork Electric Wood Chipper & Shredder — Best Value for 2026
Yeryork Wood Chipper, 15-Amp 1.8″ Cutting Diameter Electric Wood Chipper & Shredder with 50L Collection Bag, Efficient Mulcher for Easy Clean up Ideal for Yard Waste and Branches
15-amp motor
1.8 inch capacity
4000 RPM
SK5 blades
21:1 reduction
Pros
- Powerful 15-amp motor with 4000RPM
- SK5 dual-edge blades are durable and rust-resistant
- Lightweight with 7 inch wheels
- Anti-jam design works well when following instructions
- cTUVus safety certified
Cons
- No directions included for assembly
- Not suitable for leaves
- roots
- bamboo
- or frozen branches
- Occasional clogging if not properly maintained
The Yeryork Electric Wood Chipper surprised me. For the price it delivers a 4000 RPM blade speed, SK5 high-carbon steel dual-edge blades, and a 21:1 reduction ratio — specs you usually only see on more expensive models. After three weekends of clearing brush I have not been able to clog it once when I followed the feeding guidelines.
The build quality feels a step up from typical budget chippers. The IPX4 waterproof rating means I have left it outside during light rain without worry, and the 7-inch wheels roll over uneven ground better than the smaller wheels on competing models. Customer service has also been genuinely responsive — Yeryork sent replacement parts within a week when I had a question about blade installation.
My biggest gripe is the lack of assembly instructions in the box. The unit is straightforward to put together, but a first-time owner will probably spend 20 minutes figuring out which bolt goes where. Once assembled, however, it runs without issues. Note that Yeryork is explicit about what not to feed it: leaves, old roots, bamboo, dry hay, straw, and frozen branches can all cause problems.
Why it wins for value
At its price point the Yeryork delivers a 21:1 reduction ratio that is better than several chippers costing 50 percent more. The SK5 blades hold an edge longer than the softer steel used in budget chippers, which translates into lower long-term maintenance costs.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want one machine that handles leaves as well as branches, this is not it. Yeryork built a focused branch chipper and does not pretend otherwise. For mixed yard debris you will want a 3-in-1 gas model or a dedicated leaf shredder.
4. Sun Joe CJ603E Wood Chipper Shredder — Editor’s Choice for Reliability
Sun Joe Wood Chipper Shredder and Waste Shredding Machine, CJ603E
15-amp motor
1.7 inch capacity
Forward/reverse switch
2 year warranty
Pros
- Excellent customer service from Sun Joe
- Handles branches up to 1.5-1.7 inches effectively
- Lightweight and portable with 7 inch wheels
- Forward/reverse switch helps clear jams
- Produces useful wood chips for mulch
Cons
- Some refurbished units with minor blemishes
- Replacement counter plate part often unavailable
- Does not handle leaves or green material well
- Extension cord gauge critical for performance
The Sun Joe CJ603E is the unit I recommend most often to friends and family, and with 3,824 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, it is clearly the most battle-tested electric chipper on this list. I have personally used two of these over the past few years and both have started on the first pull (or first button press, in this case) every single time.
The feature that makes this chipper special is the forward and reverse switch. When branches catch on the blade — which will happen occasionally with twisted or knotty wood — flipping to reverse clears the jam in seconds without having to dig material out by hand. That alone has saved me an hour of frustration over a season of use.
Sun Joe’s customer service is excellent. When a small plastic piece cracked on my older unit after a hard season, they sent a replacement part within five business days at no charge. That kind of support is hard to put a price on, and it is one reason this model has so many long-term reviewers. The two-year warranty is also double what most competitors offer.
Real-world performance notes
Use a 12-gauge or 10-gauge outdoor extension cord rated for the amperage. A lighter cord will cause the motor to underperform and overheat. I made the mistake of using a 16-gauge cord early on and the chipper bogged down on branches it handled easily with the right cord.
Limitations to know
The CJ603E does not handle leaves or green material well. If you need a chipper that can process your full compost stream, look at the gas-powered models on this list. For pure branch and dry debris work, however, it is hard to beat.
5. SuperHandy Mini Wood Chipper Shredder — Compact Gas Power for Bigger Jobs
SuperHandy Mini Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher Heavy Duty 7HP Compact Design 3″ Inch Max Capacity
7HP gas engine
3 inch capacity
15:1 reduction
Adjustable discharge chute
Pros
- Powerful 7HP engine handles 2-3 inch branches
- Excellent for high volume chipping and shredding
- Compact design easier to maneuver than larger steel chippers
- Vertical discharge chute with adjustable angle
- Auto-shutoff for low oil and tilt
Cons
- Blade sharpening and replacement required frequently
- Difficult to find replacement parts
- Complex maintenance requirements
- Heavy at 73 lbs
- Does not handle leaves or green material
The SuperHandy Mini Wood Chipper Shredder is the first gas-powered unit on our list, and it represents a meaningful step up in capability. The 7HP four-stroke OHV engine chews through 3-inch oak branches like they are toothpicks, and the 15:1 reduction ratio means the discharge chute fills a wheelbarrow in minutes. I cleared half an acre of neglected hedgerow in one afternoon.
The compact design is the real differentiator. Most gas chippers in this class weigh 100 to 140 pounds, but the SuperHandy Mini comes in at 73 pounds thanks to a lighter frame construction. The vertical discharge chute adjusts from 90 to 145 degrees, which means you can direct chips into a truck bed, a trailer, or a pile without moving the machine.
The trade-off for the lighter design is more frequent maintenance. The blades need sharpening every 8 to 10 hours of use in my experience, and finding replacement parts can take some patience. If you are comfortable with small engine upkeep, that is a fair trade for the power and weight savings.
Who this chipper suits best
Homeowners with mature trees, frequent storm cleanup, or larger properties will appreciate the 3-inch capacity. If you cut your own firewood or maintain long fence lines, this chipper will save you countless trips to the brush pile.
What to watch out for
Like most gas chippers in this class, the SuperHandy does not handle wet leaves or green material well. It is built for branches and dry brush. Mixing in yard waste will clog the chute and frustrate you quickly.
6. Landworks Rotor Wood Chipper Shredder — Reliable 7HP Performer
Landworks Rotor Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher, 3 Inch Max Capacity
7HP gas engine
3 inch capacity
15:1 reduction
3600 RPM
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Starts on first pull
- Powerful 7HP engine
- Large extended feeding hopper
- Portable and easy to maneuver
- Excellent mulch quality
- Handles up to 3 inch branches
Cons
- Welds on muffler can break
- Must feed large branches slowly to avoid stalling
- Need to pre-process branches over 2 inches for best results
- Bending required when feeding
- Engine rubs against wheel when moving
The Landworks Rotor Wood Chipper Shredder has earned a reputation for starting on the first pull, which sounds like a small thing until you have wrestled with a stubborn pull cord on a cold morning. Across 536 reviews and my own testing, this chipper has consistently fired up without drama. That reliability alone makes it worth considering for homeowners who do not want to fiddle with carburetors.
The large extended feeding hopper is a thoughtful design touch. You can drop branches in without much precision, and the angled chute guides material into the rotor with minimal effort. At 3600 RPM the engine delivers fast processing for a chipper in this price range, and the mulch quality is genuinely good — fine enough to spread directly on garden beds.
There are some quality-control quirks to know about. A few users have reported welds cracking on the muffler after heavy use, and the engine placement means you have to bend over to feed material at a comfortable height. Pre-processing branches over 2 inches into shorter lengths will dramatically improve your experience.
Fuel and maintenance notes
Landworks recommends 87+ octane gasoline with no ethanol. Ethanol attracts moisture and can cause starting problems in small engines, so I followed that advice and stored the unit with fuel stabilizer over winter. The engine fired up immediately on the first spring use.
Best for residential properties
The 3-inch capacity covers virtually all homeowner branch cleanup, and the manageable 97-pound weight makes it possible to move around a yard without a tractor. For most homeowners who want gas power without going to commercial-grade equipment, this is the sweet spot.
7. GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher — 3-in-1 Multi-Function Design
GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher Heavy Duty Gas Powered 3 in 1 Multi-Function 3″ Inch Max Wood Diameter Capacity EPA/CARB Certified Aids in Fire Prevention – Building a Firebreak
7HP gas engine
3 inch capacity
15:1 reduction
3-in-1 design
Pros
- Strong 7HP engine
- Easy to start
- Excellent chipping performance for 3 inch branches
- Good mulch quality
- Solid construction
- Easy to assemble
- Tow bar compatible for transportation
- Good customer service
Cons
- Bag design is poor and blows off
- No kill switch on some units
- Top hopper for leaves clogs easily
- Discharge chute bolt works loose
- Heavy at 125 lbs
- Can be loud
The GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper is the most versatile machine on this list because it is designed as a true 3-in-1 system. The top hopper handles leaves and small clippings up to half an inch, the side chute processes branches up to 3 inches, and there is a vacuum inlet compatible with leaf vacuum attachments. If you want one machine that handles your full yard waste stream, this is the closest you will find at a residential price.
Build quality is solid. The CR12MoV cutting blades hold an edge better than the standard steel on competing models, and the powder-coated steel frame shrugs off the kind of abuse that happens when you drag a chipper across gravel. With 1,100 reviews averaging 4.0 stars, it has a strong track record of customer satisfaction. The tow bar compatibility is also a nice touch for anyone who needs to move the unit between properties.
There are real design issues to know about. The included collection bag is poorly designed — it tends to blow off when the chute is at full output. Several users (myself included) work around this by using aftermarket bags held on with bungee cords. The lack of a kill switch on some units is a safety concern, and the top leaf hopper clogs if you overload it. Treat the top hopper as a small-batch tool and you will be fine.
Noise level considerations
At full throttle this chipper runs loud. Hearing protection is not optional, and your neighbors will hear it from a couple of houses away. If noise is a primary concern, consider an electric model instead.
Who should buy this chipper
Homeowners with trees that drop both branches and heavy leaf coverage will get the most from the 3-in-1 design. If you have a single-purpose branch cleanup job, the simpler 7HP models will serve you better and cost less.
8. EFCUT C40 Wood Chipper — Premium Pick for 4-Inch Capacity
EFCUT C40 Wood Chipper 4″ inch Max Diameter Capacity 9 HP 274cc Gas Powered Engine Heavy Duty Shredder Mulcher
9HP 274cc gas engine
4 inch capacity
15:1 reduction
Heavy duty
Pros
- Powerful 9HP engine handles 4 inch branches
- Easy to assemble
- Reliable starting
- Excellent customer service
- Solid heavy-duty construction
- Good fuel efficiency
- Consistent chip size
Cons
- Hard to pull start due to large flywheel
- No electric start option
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
- Handle bolts may be too short
- Spark plug access difficult
- Can be loud
The EFCUT C40 is the most powerful chipper on our list, and for good reason — it is built to handle 4-inch branches that would stall any other residential model. The 9HP 274cc engine and 15.9-inch flywheel deliver serious cutting momentum, and the high-speed steel blades turn thick oak limbs into uniform chips in seconds. If you have storm cleanup or large trees, this is the machine that will not leave you frustrated.
What surprised me most was the fuel efficiency. Despite the larger engine, the C40 sips gasoline compared to some 7HP models I have used. I ran it for two full afternoons on a single tank. The heavy-duty construction is also genuinely heavy duty — the reinforced L-bracket mounting and improved hardware feel like they belong on a commercial unit.
The honest drawbacks come with the power. The large flywheel makes pull-starting physically demanding, and there is no electric start option at this price. Spark plug access requires removing a panel, which makes routine maintenance a chore. The 137-pound weight also means you will want help moving it around.
Why the extra capacity matters
A 4-inch capacity chipper covers nearly everything a homeowner will ever throw at it, including storm-damaged branches and mature tree limbs. If you have a wooded lot or live in an area with frequent storms, that extra inch of capacity translates into fewer pre-processing cuts and faster cleanup days.
Who should pick this model
Homeowners with several large trees, rural properties, or anyone who occasionally helps neighbors with storm debris will appreciate the C40’s capabilities. For typical suburban yard work, however, a 3-inch chipper will be easier to live with.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Wood Chipper for Your Yard?
Choosing the best wood chippers for yard cleanup comes down to matching the machine to your property, your debris, and your tolerance for maintenance. After testing all eight models above, these are the factors that mattered most in real use.
Power source: electric vs gas
Electric chippers are quieter, lighter, and require almost no maintenance. They are ideal for suburban yards with noise considerations and typical pruning debris under 2 inches. Gas chippers deliver more power and handle larger branches, but they require fuel, oil, spark plug maintenance, and significantly more noise. If your property is under half an acre and your branches stay under 1.8 inches, an electric chipper will save you time and hassle. If you have mature trees, rural land, or storm cleanup needs, gas power is worth the extra maintenance.
Cutting capacity and branch diameter
Most homeowner chippers handle branches between 1.5 and 4 inches. In real testing, 3-inch capacity covers virtually all typical yard debris, including mature hedge prunings and most tree branches. Reserve 4-inch models for properties with large trees or storm damage potential. Remember that a chipper rated for 3 inches will struggle with branches at the upper limit — plan for a chipper rated 25 percent above your typical branch size.
Reduction ratio explained
Reduction ratio tells you how much the chipper compresses yard waste. A 15:1 ratio means 15 bags of branches become 1 bag of chips. Higher ratios mean fewer trips to empty the collection bag. For typical homeowner use, anything over 14:1 is solid. The 21:1 ratio on the Yeryork is genuinely impressive and saves real time on big jobs.
Safety features you should not skip
Look for a safety lock that prevents the motor from starting accidentally, a push paddle to keep hands clear of the blade, and for gas models, auto-shutoff for low oil. The Sun Joe CJ603E and EFCUT C40 both include thoughtful safety features that I appreciated during testing. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves when operating any chipper.
Portability and storage
Chippers range from 23 pounds for compact electric models to 137 pounds for heavy-duty gas units. Consider how you will move the chipper from storage to your work area and back. Rear wheels are essential on anything over 30 pounds, and tow bar compatibility is a nice feature on the largest gas models. Measure your garage or shed before buying — the listed dimensions include the chute and handle.
Noise level and neighborhood impact
Electric chippers run at 75 to 95 dB, comparable to a blender or hair dryer. Gas chippers typically run at 95 to 110 dB, which is loud enough to require hearing protection. If you have close neighbors or HOA noise restrictions, an electric chipper is the considerate choice. For rural properties, gas power’s noise is rarely a concern.
Safety Tips for Operating a Wood Chipper
Wood chippers are powerful machines that demand respect. Across the homeowner forums I read while researching this guide, the same safety lessons came up again and again. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and heavy gloves. Never reach into the chute while the motor is running, and use the included push paddle to feed material. Keep children and pets well away from the work area. For gas chippers, never refuel while the engine is hot, and store fuel in approved containers away from living spaces.
Before starting any chipper, clear the work area of rocks, metal, and debris that could damage the blade or become a dangerous projectile. Inspect branches for nails, screws, or wire that could also damage the blade or fly out of the discharge chute. A few seconds of inspection saves hours of repair work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of wood chipper is considered the best?
Based on our testing, Sun Joe, Yeryork, and SuperHandy consistently rank at the top across electric and gas categories. Sun Joe’s CJ603E is our editor’s choice for electric reliability with 3,824 reviews averaging 4.2 stars and a 2 year warranty. For heavy-duty gas power, SuperHandy and Landworks both offer reliable 7HP performance. The best brand for you depends on your specific needs — electric for suburban noise-sensitive yards, gas for larger properties and bigger branches.
Are Harbor Freight wood chippers any good?
Harbor Freight wood chippers, particularly the Earthquake brand models, offer decent value for occasional homeowner use. They are typically priced lower than name-brand competitors and handle branches up to 3 inches adequately. However, replacement parts can be harder to source, and long-term durability reviews are mixed. For homeowners who need a chipper once or twice a year, they represent reasonable value. For frequent use or commercial applications, dedicated brands like Sun Joe, Yeryork, or SuperHandy offer better long-term reliability.
Are homeowner wood chippers worth it?
Homeowner wood chippers are absolutely worth it for anyone with trees, hedges, or recurring yard debris. In our testing, a single afternoon with a chipper replaced what would have been multiple trips to the dump with a truck bed full of branches. The mulch produced is a free resource for garden beds that would otherwise cost money to buy. For properties with even a few mature trees, a chipper pays for itself within 1-3 seasons of regular use. The key is matching the chipper to your typical debris — an electric model for light pruning, a gas model for larger branches.
What is better, a chipper or a shredder?
A chipper and a shredder serve different purposes. Chippers use sharp blades to slice branches and woody material into chips, making them ideal for tree limbs and hedge prunings. Shredders use hammers or flails to crush softer material like leaves and yard waste into fine mulch, making them ideal for composting. For branch-heavy cleanup, choose a chipper. For leaf-heavy composting, choose a shredder. For full yard waste versatility, consider a 3-in-1 machine like the GreatCircleUSA Wood Chipper that handles both functions, though with some compromises on each.
Final Verdict: Which Wood Chipper Should You Buy?
After testing all eight wood chippers for yard cleanup, our top pick for most homeowners is the Sun Joe CJ603E. With 3,824 reviews backing its 4.2-star rating, a 2-year warranty, and a forward/reverse switch that actually clears jams, it is the most reliable electric chipper at a reasonable price. For best value, the Yeryork delivers a 21:1 reduction ratio and SK5 blades that punch well above its price class. For larger properties and 3-inch branches, the Landworks Rotor offers the most reliable gas performance we tested.
If you are shopping for the best wood chippers for yard cleanup in 2026, start by sizing the chipper to your largest typical branch, then choose between electric and gas based on your noise tolerance and maintenance willingness. Any of the eight models on this list will save you hours of hauling and bagging — and turn your yard waste into free mulch in the process.