YardBeast (2.5") 9-HP Wood Chipper

I was hoping this chipper would make great chips and be powerful and well built. I am not at all disappointed and would not hesitate to recommend this machine. I'm very glad we bought this chipper and feel it is a good value.

It is built of heavier gauge steel than most chippers with similar features. Not advertised as self-feeding it actually does self-feed branches when there are only small side twigs that hang up in the chute. Even branches with many smaller side branches will go thru this chipper with only slight extra pushing.

The high discharge chute makes it easy for the chips to go right into my wheeled garbage can and I can easily pull it around to where the branches are lying since it is built on four wheels like a wagon. The Subaru engine starts on the first pull as long as you remember to turn the gas, choke and switch on – I usually forget!

The only compliant I have is the assembly instructions are poor – both text and pictures. The “Beast” came in a steel and wood crate. Counting uncrating and assembly it took me about 2 hours. Don’t forget to put oil in the engine. It is shipped dry. Oh, and the steel and wood crate when flipped over make a nice work table!
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It is built of heavier gauge steel than most chippers with similar features. Not advertised as self-feeding it actually does self-feed branches when there are only small side twigs that hang up in the chute. Even branches with many smaller side branches will go thru this chipper with only slight extra pushing.

The high discharge chute makes it easy for the chips to go right into my wheeled garbage can and I can easily pull it around to where the branches are lying since it is built on four... more

I decided on the Chipper (as opposed to the Shredder/Chipper) because we do not need to shred leaves, just branches, mostly dead Russian Olive branches.

1.The shipping container was amazing, easy to instantly tell if anything might have damaged the chipper in shipment.

2. Easy to assemble, no problems.

3. Starts on first pull EVERY TIME. even though the centrifugal clutch seems to be engaged which means you are spinning the chipper flywheel when you pull to start, a hard pull but it starts easily(customer service says it will break in soon).

4. Shut off switch worked erratically (not good) but customer service immediately directed me to authorized service center and said Subaru would pick up the cost. I decided to give the shutoff a little more time and after a couple more uses it works fine, didn't need to take it in.

5. The 4 wheels make it very easy to move around.

6. The engine has plenty of power and as I said IT STARTS!

7. Heavy construction, well built to withstand the operation of a chipper. Very pleased with purchase!

I decided on the Chipper (as opposed to the Shredder/Chipper) because we do not need to shred leaves, just branches, mostly dead Russian Olive branches.

1.The shipping container was amazing, easy to instantly tell if anything might have damaged the chipper in shipment.

2. Easy to assemble, no problems.

3. Starts on first pull EVERY TIME. even though the centrifugal clutch seems to be engaged which means you are spinning the chipper flywheel when you pull to start, a hard pull but it... more

Spent two hours assembling the unit. Added gas, checked the dip-stick which showed some oil on the lower tip of the dip-stick. Attempted to start the unit but it continually shut off after running a few seconds. Got frustrated and called the company. Was advised to make sure there was oil in the crankcase. I added 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart of oil and the unit started.

Took the unit and began to chip some of my old branches (dry) and was disappointed in the machine. You have to continually force the branches into the machine. It is VERY loud and physically exhausting as you are always forcing the branches into the machine. The branches do not feed themselves.

Spent two hours assembling the unit. Added gas, checked the dip-stick which showed some oil on the lower tip of the dip-stick. Attempted to start the unit but it continually shut off after running a few seconds. Got frustrated and called the company. Was advised to make sure there was oil in the crankcase. I added 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart of oil and the unit started.

Took the unit and began to chip some of my old branches (dry) and was disappointed in the machine. You have to continually force... more

We recently purchased 40 acres to put our retirement home on. A winter ice storm left us with a big problem in the form of broken branches quite a large pile of them.

After an afternoon with the yard beast the large pile became a manageable small pile of chips that can be used for a wide variety of uses. This little beast will come in very handy for limbs from any of the jobs in a wooded lot.

If set up correctly it will do as advertised. The engine does slow down when chipping 21/2" limbs. It does not like evergreen needles as they clog the machine. So it is better to strip the limbs of any needles beforehand.