How to Safely Use a Brush Chipper

Brush chippers, sometimes called wood chippers, are common tools for clearing sites, trimming trees or cleaning up after storms. They reduce large piles of limbs and branches into mulch or chips that can be reused for landscaping or erosion control. While efficient, these machines use sharp blades and powerful moving parts, which means operators must always keep safety first. Here are key practices to follow before and during operation to help ensure you and your crew stay safe.

Brush Chipper Safety Tips

Follow these safety measures every time you use a chipper:

• Learn your machine: Review the manual and understand how your specific chipper works. The Cat^® Rental Store can provide guidance or training if needed.
• Set up properly: Place the chipper on solid, level ground. If you’re on a slope, use wheel chocks or stabilizers to prevent rolling.
• Keep safe distances: Other workers should remain at least two tree lengths away from the chipper to avoid flying debris or contact with moving parts.
• Wear the right gear: Use a hard hat, safety glasses or goggles, ear protection and gloves. Avoid gauntlet-style gloves, loose clothes or jewelry that could get caught.
• Check guards and shields: Ensure all guards and covers are in place and secure before starting.
• Feed carefully: Stand to the side, not directly in front of the chute. Feed branches butt-end first. Use a push tool or long branch to move smaller debris — never your hands.
• Avoid overloading: Feed material slowly to prevent clogs or dangerous kickbacks from the infeed chute.
• Stay alert: Do not operate when tired or distracted. Fatigue and inattention increase the chance of mistakes.
• Shut down safely: Turn off and lock out the machine before clearing jams or performing maintenance.
• Keep the work area clear: Remove excess chips, sawdust and tripping hazards to maintain a safe environment.

These steps may seem simple, but many accidents happen when operators skip protective gear, crowd the infeed chute or work too close to others. By sticking to best practices, you reduce risks and keep the focus on getting the job done safely.

Rent Brush Chippers With The Cat^® Rental Store

If you need a chipper for site clearing or tree work, The Cat^® Rental Store can help. Our rental fleet includes reliable, well-maintained machines that come with dealer support. You can browse equipment online or find the Cat Rental Store near you to get started.

Renting ensures you get the right size chipper for your job without long-term storage or maintenance costs. With flexible terms and expert advice, The Cat^® Rental Store makes it easy to stay productive and safe.