These machines go under various names:
- chipper shredder vacuum
- chipper shredder vac
- lawn vacuum
- yard vacuum
- leaf vacuum shredder
- leaf vacuum mulcher
- shredder vac
- and so on.
I’ll use the term chipper shredder vacuum on this site because that best sums up what these things are all about.
Chipper shredders vacuums are terrific tools for quickly reducing the amount of debris in your yard. This is especially true if you have lots of deciduous trees around you, where leaves, twigs, and branches can accumulate quickly.
These machines are designed to be used in motion. They are gas powered and combine the qualities of walk behind mowers with the capabilities of chipper shredders.
They also include vacuums, designed to suck up the debris from your yard so that it can be processed and mulched for easy disposal.
If you are thinking about maybe investing in one of these types of machines, here is some information that can help you with how to buy the walk behind chipper shredder that will suit you best.
Size and power of chipper shredder vacuums
Most walk behind chipper shredders use gasoline engines to power their operations. The functions powered by the engine include chipping, shredding, and vacuuming, so the engine needs to be large and powerful enough to accomplish these tasks.
Most of these machines feature engines rated between four and eight horsepower (Hp).
In some case the manufacturers advertise the engine size in cubic centimeters instead of horsepower. Most models have engines between 170 and 210cc, with 173 and 185 cc models being the most common.
Walk behind chipper shredder machines are typically a bit wider than the average walk behind lawnmower. The most common width of these units is 24 inches, which is an ideal width for most yards. These units can weigh in excess of 100 pounds, but they are equipped with wheels so you do not have to lift the machine under most circumstances.
Even so, their size means that they are bulky and you do need to be reasonably fit and strong to work with most models.
How do walk behind chipper shredder vacuums compare to gas powered and electric chipper shredders?
Walk behind chipper shredders use gasoline powered engines, but they are set up quite differently to typical gas powered wood chipper shredders.
Traditional gas powered machines are meant to be set up in a particular location to operate. Once operations have ceased in one area, they can be moved to a different location to operate.
Walk behind units are meant to be used in motion. They are kind of like a hybrid of a vacuum cleaner and a lawnmower. The engine is responsible for powering the vacuum, which sucks your lawn debris into the shredding mechanism. Also, a feeder cone or chute is included so that you can push larger twigs and small branches into the machine for chipping.
Most walk behind chipper shredders use bags to collect the shredded debris. Some of them also include the capability to blow the debris off to the side of the machine. Other designs allow for the mulched material to be placed back into the yard for fertilization purposes.
Electric chipper shredder machines bear very little resemblance to walk behind units. Other than the fact that they contain blades designed to process yard debris, the operations of these machines are quite different. Like most gas powered chipper shredders, electric models are meant to be operated in a semi stationary location.
Features to look out for in walk behind chipper shredder vacuums
If you are thinking about buying a walk behind chipper shredder, there are some features you need to consider before you make a purchase.
Engine
First of all, your unit should have an engine capable of powering all aspects of the machine’s operation during your normal usage. Look for engines made by reputable brands like Honda or Briggs and Stratton.
Most of these machines have engines that are typically used in lawn mowers. However, chipper shredder vacuums are usually large and heavier than lawn mowers, so you need to make sure that your model has an engine powerful enough to shift the weight and do the job of processing leaves and other material. Look for a minimum of around 190cc or 6Hp.
Chipper
Be sure that the machine you buy includes a chipper feeder cone. This part of the machine is used for feeding larger branches into the chipping mechanism. Debris that is too large to vacuum must be fed into this mechanism, so be sure that it is adequate for the work you want to do.
But bear in mind that chipping is not the main task that these machines are designed for.
Vacuum and blowing
The vacuuming mechanism of a walk behind chipper shredder is also very important. It needs to be able to pick up most debris in a single pass, otherwise you could spend more time doing your chores than you would prefer.
Some models have a detachable vacuum hose that lets you vacuum up leaves from flower beds and under hedges. Others have a blowing feature that allows you to blow material off to the side as you walk along vacuuming.
Bag
Make sure that the model you buy comes with a durable bag, strong enough not to be torn by the twigs that are sucked into and large enough so that you don’t have to keep stopping to empty it.
The bag should be easy to attach and remove, or you could be in for some headaches when it comes time to dispose of the debris.
The Best uses for walk behind chipper shredders vacuums
These machines can take the place of several other implements currently found in your garage or storage shed. With a walk behind chipper shredder, you can perform the work of a rake, lawn sweeper and stationary chipper or shredder all in one machine.
These units are great for clearing debris from moderate to large sized lawns and they make it easy for operators to take care of mulching and disposing of common yard debris.
Summing up
If you have been thinking about purchasing a garden chipper shredder, you have probably taken a look at the popular electric and gas powered models. However, it may be possible that a walk behind model is ideal for you and your chores.
These machines are able to quickly process waste material from your yard and they allow you to complete the processes of collection and shredding in one step.
However, given the multi-task nature of these machines, you are unlikely to get the ability to carry out all functions reliably and adequately in cheaper models.
Since you are combining several tools in one, it really is advisable to go for the highest quality unit you can buy.
Amazon best sellers
The models below are current Amazon best sellers. So these are worth considering given that the best sellers are almost exclusively those that have received a high number of good customer reviews.
- 3IN1 DESIGN – Easily converts into a corded leaf blower, leaf vacuum, or mulcher for versatile use..Blower is ideal for clearing debris from hard surfaces and leaves from yard. Vacuum is ideal for mulching leaves and other lawn debris INCLUDES – (1) BEBL7000, (1) blow tube, (1) vac tube, (1) backpack bag.
- POWERFUL AIR SPEED AND AIRFLOW – Air speeds up to 250 mph and airflow up to 400 cfm deliver the power you need for quick, effective clearing.
- BACKPACK STYLE – Easy-to-wear backpack with up to 2x the bag capacity allows for hands-free operation.
- POWERBOOST – More power at the push of a button.
- FLEXI-TUBE – Allows for enhanced maneuverability when vacuuming leaves and debris.
- [LEAF BLOWER, MULCHER & VACUUM] Yard work doesn’t stand a chance with this 3-in-1. And it’s fun to use. Leaves and debris on your lawn won’t be there for long
- [QUICKLY SWITCH MODES] Changes from leaf blower to vacuum mode and back again with just the flip of a switch. No tools needed, just you and your Worx TRIVAC
- [METAL MULCHER] The metal impeller cuts in two stages, chopping leaves down to an 18:1 mulch ratio – that’s 18 bags of leaves mulched into 1
- [2 SPEEDS FOR DIFFERENT JOBS] 80 mph to 210 mph and 350 cfm. Go slow for pavement or tight corners. Dial it up to 210 on the open lawn
- [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
- Large 5-blade impeller with serrated edges to maximize suction and debris reduction.
- Variable height adjustment for hard surface or turf work
- Breathable hard bottom mesh turf bag with an integral dust cover loads from the bottom
- Bag zippers have been eliminated in favor of simple to use marine style clasps that open and close easily when dumping debris
- 190 cc Briggs.Bag Volume (gal) 40
- HEAVY DUTY ELECTRIC BLOWER AND MULCHER: High-powered 12 amp corded blower and mulcher blows through leaves and debris at speeds up to 250 mph.Applications : Blower ideal for clearing driveways, sidewalks, decks, and garages of debris and fall leaves from yard, Heavy-duty vacuum is ideal for vacuuming leaves, grass clippings, twigs, pine needles, and other lawn debrisIncludes : (1) BV6000, (2) Disposable Bags, (1) Diffuser for Use With Disposable Bags, (1) Detachable Shoulder, Strap, (1) Concentrator, (1) Blow Tube, (1) Vacuum Tube, (1) Reusable Bag Assembly
- 3 TOOLS IN 1: Blower, vacuum, and mulcher keeps the yard neat and tidy
- NO HASSLE LEAF DISPOSAL: Disposable leaf bag system for easy clean up
- HIGH POWER MULCHING: Grind up to 16 bags of mulch down to 1
- VERSATILE CLEANING: Ideal for clearing driveways, sidewalks, decks, garages, and lawns of leaves and vacuuming leaves, grass clippings, twigs, pine needles and more.
- Integral Dust skirt
- Zipper less bag
- 40 gallon bag volume
- Self propelled
- Briggs engine
- Superior blowing and mulching proven by controlled laboratory testing.This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder340 CFM blow mode and 405 CFM Vac mode3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
- Powerful up to 250 mph degree. 350 CFM blow mode and 410 CFM Vac mode
- Vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, cord storage hook, shred-all shred ring and time-saving oscillating tube included; Extension cord Sold separately
- Variable speed control for better control in both blower and vac mode
- This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.
- [4-IN-1 DESIGN]: Blower, vacuum, mulcher and gutter cleaner for fast leaf cleanup
- [QUICK + EASY CONVERSION]: Go from blowing to vacuuming in seconds!
- [POWERFUL]: 14-amp motor generates up to 250 mph of air flow
- [DURABLE]: Aluminum alloy impeller
- [WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!]: Your new product is backed by the snow Joe + Sun Joe customer promise. We will warrant New, powered products for two years from the date of purchase. No questions asked. Contact snow Joe + Sun Joe customer Support at 1-866-766-9563 for further assistance.
- Leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher in 1 to simplify yard clean up
- Up to 210 mph blow speed for fast, easy, & cleanup. Mulch ratio 10:1
- 2 speeds to choose the right power for each yard task
- Heavy duty vacuuming and mulching to reduce 10 bags of leaves to 1 bag
- Air Speed: 150 / 210 mph; Bag: 1.0 Bushels; Decibels: 69 dBA; Included Components: BV3100 Blower Vacuum, (1) Blow Tube, (1) Vacuum Tube, (1) Collection bag; Mulch Ratio: 10:1; Power Source: Electric; Type: Blower Vacuum
- Designed to provide superior mulching and high powered performance
- Powerful 12 amp motor generates 230 MPH / 375 CFM to clear debris, sticks, and leaves
- 2-speed control for better control in both blower and vacuum mode
- Converts from blower to vacuum function with no tools required. Important: Use 14 gauge 50" or 12 gauge 100" extension cord
- 4-year warranty protects your investment
- Your purchase includes One Agri-Fab 44-Inch Lawn Sweeper, 45-0492 model
- Lawn Sweeper dimensions: 78” L x 55” W x 52” H | Carton Dimensions: 54.1” L x 18” W x 19.5” H | Brush to Wheel ratio: 5.6:1 | Hooper Capacity: 25 Cu. Ft. | Wheel dimensions: 12” x 3” | Wheel type: Semi-pneumatic | Pallet Qty.: 8 | Weight: 95 lbs
- Height adjustment lever with easy to use indicator will never slip and assures optimum performance
- Improved dump lever can operate without leaving the tractor seat. Entire sweeper folds up without tools saving on storage space
- Brushes should only move during forward rotation. If brushes rotate in both directions, means that the drive pin is jamming the ratchet gear. Disassemble and make sure drive Pin moves freely
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Great Chipper Shredders – but not walk behind models
These are static models from Patriot Products, but well worth investigating:
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i have a vac chipper just like your walk behind picture mine is an old sears. what make is vac in picture or where can i get a new bag for mine.