Champion (3") 338cc Chipper Shredder

Ordering easy. Shipped on time. Starts first pull EVERY time. Large, tough motor. Runs very smoothly. Great performance. Love it. I chose this over the Cub Cadet.

I spent a little more for what I thought was going to be an easier chipper to use, but was pretty disappointed, mainly by the design of the chipper. The limb chipper needed excessive lopper trimming so that there was -no- forks off of the limbs, not even a little nub. And then the machine would not accept any limb that had much of a bend... it only likes straight things. The shredder function was OK, but again needed to be trimmed down to non-branching pieces. And the access to the feed shoots is really difficult. When branches got stuck in either the chipper or the shredder, you have to remove at least 8 bolts, which require two sockets and someone on both inside and outside of the shoots to hold while re-assembling, and risk that any one of the nuts will fall into the main blade area... bad design. And then, after spending countless hours prepping perfectly straight sticks to feed into this, the motor's shaft bolt broke after 4 hours run timeand no excessive use !!! So now its in the shop, and I dread getting it back.

I spent a little more for what I thought was going to be an easier chipper to use, but was pretty disappointed, mainly by the design of the chipper. The limb chipper needed excessive lopper trimming so that there was -no- forks off of the limbs, not even a little nub. And then the machine would not accept any limb that had much of a bend... it only likes straight things. The shredder function was OK, but again needed to be trimmed down to non-branching pieces. And the access to the feed... more

The chipper is not self feeding and unless the branch is straight the shoot gets jammed. Not loving it, wish I could send it back.

These comments are based on the first month of ownership of the Chanpion 100137 Chipper/Shredder. The unit is at the end of the 5 hr breakin period and ready for its first oil change.

Ordering from ChippersDirect and delivery from RL Carriers was excellent. Chipper was out-of-stock when ordered and I was informed of an estimated delivery date 1 month out. However, after 2 weeks, I received notification that the unit was available. Delivery via RL Carriers took 1 day to setup the unit was well-packed on a palette and delivered at the time promised.

Unpacking and assembly was trivial. The only assembly required is attaching the chipper and shredder chutes and handle, Parts that are orientation sensitive have offset screw holes so that no error is possible (if holes don't line up, just need to rotate the part). The only prep on the engine is to fill with oil and gas. A long-neck funnel is provided to facilitate adding oil if you don't have one. It is trivial and easy to do.

Starting instructions are clear. Gas is gravity fed from the tank so it takes a moment to find its way down to the carb after the fuel valve is opened. The operational controls are nicely laid out in a line so its hard to overlook anything. Working right to left facing the unit, set the ignition on/off switch to on, open the fuel valve, turn up the throttle (my unit seems to like 1/2 throttle best when starting) and set the choke to closed. The unit reliably starts on first pull (sometimes second). After the engine kicks over, set choke to open, set the throttle to full and the unit is ready for work. Less than 1 hour from unpacking to startup.

The bag uses a (lockable) drawstring that attaches snugly around the discharge chute. Very simple to use and very effective with minimal blow-by at the chute. Just loosen the drawstring to remove and empty. I was a bit skeptical about using the bag when I bought the unit but very satisfied after using it a bit. Operating without the bag is not suggested as the discharge is projected out the chute at high-velocity and scatters over a wide area. The bag is a reasonable size, large enough to not require emptying too often and yet not so large to be unmanageable. I usually need to pause and empty it every 10-15 min if I'm working steadily shredding and chipping. Despite the bag, don't expect to stay clean. Chipping is usually dirty work.. You will need to change clothes and shower afterwards if you are doing a serious job. Nothing new here.

The unit is well designed with long chutes on the chipper and shredder sections to make it really difficult for body parts to accidentally reach any of the shredding machinery.

The shredder easily handles shrubbery, leaves, twigs, etc without bogging down at all. The shredder is conservatively spec'd to handle debris up to 1/2" in dia. It isn't finicky about larger stuff although you run risk of damaging the shredding hammers depending on how much you are trying to push the unit. It is virtually impossible to bog this unit down so it will take whatever you put into it. So its not worth pushing. Use good judgement and chip the larger stuff. The feed chute is well-designed and pretty clear of places for stuff to get snagged. It develops a pretty good negative pressure that encourages stuff to be sucked into the shredding chamber. After using it a bit you will learn a technique so the chute feeds steadily without clogging. I have used the unit for 5 hours now and have never had to power down to clear a clog. Just don't feed too much at once and don't keep stuffing stuff in the chute if the last pieces haven't cleared. Mostly common sense.

The chipper has no trouble handling anything that fits into the lower feed barrel (3" dia). I've chipped a large amount of poplar, maple, ash, birch, juniper and holly without any trouble. The chipper likes to pull stuff in so it doesn't take much effort beyond getting the stuff past the rubber backstop in the feed chute. For obvious safety reasons, you definitely DO NOT want to operate without the backstop installed. The unit will chip as fast as you can feed. Again, no problem with power.

I ordered a spare set of chipper knives after my purchase so that I can rotate blades between use and sharpening when the time comes. I am certainly not there yet. Chipping hardwood is a little rougher on the hands now than it was when the knives were new (more vibration feedback when feeding) but chips don't show any sign of burning yet. The knives were ordered from Champion. Their customer service was very responsive and helpful. The order was filled immediately and blades delivered within a few days.

A few misc comments:
(1) the unit is heavy (of course). It is easily maneuverable but it would be a nice convenience to have a tow hitch to connect to a garden tractor.
(2) the unit is loud (also expected). Absolutely use ear protection.

Overall, the unit has done everything I expected and asked it to do. I have no experience with competitive products (this is my first chipper/shredder) but I am completely satisfied with my purchase. I'd recommend this unit to a friend.

These comments are based on the first month of ownership of the Chanpion 100137 Chipper/Shredder. The unit is at the end of the 5 hr breakin period and ready for its first oil change.

Ordering from ChippersDirect and delivery from RL Carriers was excellent. Chipper was out-of-stock when ordered and I was informed of an estimated delivery date 1 month out. However, after 2 weeks, I received notification that the unit was available. Delivery via RL Carriers took 1 day to setup the unit was... more

Should have a tow bar, a clutch and larger tires. Clogs up doing tops.

I might not have bought this had I known it was made in China. But anyway, assembly was easy as was starting. I had a smaller and less capable chipper years ago that when it got fed an oversize branch would just sort of cough it up and you could remove it. This unit will suck a branch down until increasing diameter stops it, then it sort of gags on it but hangs on. I had to take the chute apart twice in the first few minutes of use until I got smart and enough to stay under 3".

Once I figured out the machine's limitations I found both the chipper and shredder functions to work quite well. The motor is strong and does not bog down at partial throttle. I still have a pile to get through so I will reserve ultimate judgment until I get a few more hours on it. So far it's not a bad machine and were it not for its propensity to grab onto branches it can't swallow I'd be very satisfied.

I might not have bought this had I known it was made in China. But anyway, assembly was easy as was starting. I had a smaller and less capable chipper years ago that when it got fed an oversize branch would just sort of cough it up and you could remove it. This unit will suck a branch down until increasing diameter stops it, then it sort of gags on it but hangs on. I had to take the chute apart twice in the first few minutes of use until I got smart and enough to stay under 3".

Once I... more

I won't give it a real work out until this fall, but from what I've seen so far I'm very pleased with it. I have a Champion generator and this seems to every bit as good when it comes to the quality of the product. It starts very easily and has great power. I don't have any trouble moving it around as long as you keep it balanced over the wheels.

This Chipper Shredder arrived neatly packed and undamaged. Assembly was minimal and it was quickly up and running on the second pull of the handle. So far this seems to have been a wise purchase. It handles what I show in it with ease and without a whimper. I am very pleased.

Easy assembly . Very well made . Strong motor . Will work nicely keeping my woods free of fallen branches and other debris. Ear protection is a must because it is very loud !

My husband loves his new toy!!!!

Just received and put together the Chipper/Shredder. The shipping was faster than expected, and the machine went together easily. As previously noted, the oil fill location is a bit of a pain, but the provided funnel helped get the oil into the engine.

Once there was oil in the engine, and before adding fuel, cranked the engine a few times to distribute the oil. Checked the oil again and added to the recommended level. Added fuel, and, expecting it to take a couple of pulls to get fuel to the engine, gave it a half-hearted pull. The engine fired up and ran like a champ.

Have only ran it for 30 minutes so far. I am following the recommendation during the first five hours of operation by varying the speed.

Will update this review after I've used the Chipper/Shredder for a while.

Just received and put together the Chipper/Shredder. The shipping was faster than expected, and the machine went together easily. As previously noted, the oil fill location is a bit of a pain, but the provided funnel helped get the oil into the engine.

Once there was oil in the engine, and before adding fuel, cranked the engine a few times to distribute the oil. Checked the oil again and added to the recommended level. Added fuel, and, expecting it to take a couple of pulls to get fuel... more