Renting a wood chipper is a great way to break down tree branches, bushes, leaves, and other plant debris in your Tampa yard. Wood chippers shred this plant material into small wood chips that you can use to mulch flowerbeds or walking paths. There are a few companies in Tampa that rent different types of wood chippers. You can choose a chipper that is just right for your yard clean-up job. It is important to carefully follow safety rules when running a wood chipper to avoid accidents. This article will teach you all about renting wood chippers in Tampa, including types of chippers, safety tips, and how to reuse your wood chips around the yard.
Top Tampa Wood Chipper Rental Companies
Looking to rent a wood chipper in Tampa? Here are three top options to consider:
- Rentalex has a wide selection of powerful towable wood chippers for do-it-yourselfers and for commercial use. They offer delivery and pickup options to transport the heavy-duty equipment to your jobsite. Renting gives flexibility to tackle all types of debris removal jobs across Tampa.
Types of Wood Chippers for Rent
There are two main types of wood chippers available to rent in Tampa: drum chippers and disc chippers.
Drum chippers are heavy-duty chippers powered by strong engines that can handle large branches up to 12 inches thick. They are good for major landscaping jobs with lots of material to chip.
Disc chippers are more compact and maneuverable, making them a better choice for smaller residential yards. They excel at chipping lighter brush, leaves, and trimmings up to about 6 inches thick.
You can also choose between gas-powered or electric chippers. Gas chippers are more portable and can be towed to different worksites. Electric chippers operate more quietly to meet local noise restrictions but must stay near a power outlet.
Key Differences
| Type | Power Source | Capacity | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drum | Gas | Up to 12″ branches | Towable |
| Disc | Gas or Electric | Up to 6″ branches | Some self-propelled |
The type you need depends on the size of branches being chipped and whether the chipper must be transported between jobsites.
Costs of Renting Wood Chippers in Tampa
Renting a wood chipper in Tampa costs between $50-150 per day depending on the size and type of chipper. Drum chippers tend to cost more due to their heavy-duty design for handling bigger branches. Smaller disc chippers are more affordable for homeowners.
Weekly and monthly rental rates offer savings of 20-30% off the daily prices. However, fees like delivery, pickup, damage waivers, and accessories still apply. Fuel may be included or need to be purchased separately.
Prices are often higher during the spring and fall peak seasons when demand goes up. Sometimes specials discounts are given for longer rental periods. Renting provides flexibility to get the right wood chipper for your specific landscaping jobs without a major up-front investment. Proper use also leads to time and cost savings in debris removal.
Operating Procedures and Safety Tips
When using a wood chipper, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to avoid injuries. Be sure to wear protective gear like safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Carefully review the operation manual to understand all controls, especially the emergency stop function.
Before starting the chipper, check that the area is clear of debris and there is nothing that could get caught in the machine. Feed branches slowly and avoid forcing material into the hopper. Position the discharge chute to safely direct wood chips away from people and objects. Maintain at least a 30-foot safety zone around the working chipper.
Here is a quick safety checklist:
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Protective gear | ☑️ |
| Clear working area | ☑️ |
| Review manual | ☑️ |
| Check controls | ☑️ |
| Feed slowly | ☑️ |
| Position discharge chute | ☑️ |
Following these simple guidelines will help ensure proper chipper function and a safe working environment.
Why Rent Instead of Buying a Wood Chipper?
Renting a wood chipper has several advantages over purchasing one. Renting is a lower initial cost instead of paying the full purchase price, which can be thousands of dollars. You get access to well-maintained equipment from the rental company without the responsibilities of storage, maintenance, and repairs. Renting also provides flexibility – you can adjust the size and type of chipper for each specific landscaping job. If you only need a wood chipper occasionally, renting avoids having an underutilized piece of equipment. The money saved upfront can be invested elsewhere.
Renting lets you:
- Pay less upfront instead of full purchase cost
- Use well-maintained equipment
- Adjust chipper size for each job
- Save on storage space
- Avoid maintenance and repair costs
- Invest money into other areas of business
Renting a wood chipper also comes with the expertise and service of a rental company instead of navigating it on your own. For many Tampa landscapers, renting makes more financial sense than buying.
Top Tampa Landscaping Jobs Using Wood Chippers
Wood chippers quickly break down branches and yard debris from common Tampa landscaping jobs like:
- Brush clearing – Chip away overgrowth from unmaintained sites
- Tree removal/pruning – Process branches onsite instead of hauling
- Yard renovations – Eliminate old mulch and leaves to prep flowerbeds
- Storm cleanup – Handle increased debris from high winds and rains
- Recycling programs – Chip tree trimmings into reusable mulch
Benefits of using wood chippers for these jobs include:
- Saves time and money on hauling debris
- Creates reusable mulch from waste material
- Allows working near job site instead of a dump site
- Quickly clears area to start next landscaping task
With high demand for Tampa landscaping, wood chippers are a useful tool for efficiently tackling debris-heavy jobs. Their ability to quickly process branches and leaves right on site increases productivity.
Disposing and Reusing Wood Chips
After you finish chipping branches and yard debris, you need to properly dispose of or reuse the wood chips. Here are some options:
- Bag or pile the chips near where you will use them as mulch. Mulch helps soil retain moisture and prevents weed growth.
- Spread chips on walking paths and play areas in your yard. They make good ground cover.
- Compost the chips before adding them to vegetable gardens. Fresh wood chips can tie up soil nitrogen.
- Check local regulations for proper disposal methods. Many areas have yard waste recycling.
- Avoid large piles near buildings, utilities, or areas with poor drainage.
Safety Tips
- Monitor piles for proper decomposition over time.
- Keep piles away from structures in case of spontaneous combustion.
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Key Selection Criteria When Renting
When renting a wood chipper in Tampa, it’s important to consider a few key factors to make sure you get the right equipment for the job:
- Type and size of branches and yard debris to be chipped – Larger drum chippers can handle thick tree limbs
- If the chipper needs to be towed to different locations or be able to maneuver around a site
- The required chipper capacity – 12-inch capacity or more for whole trees
- Noise restrictions at the job site (gas vs. electric)
- How long you’ll need the rental – Daily, weekly, or monthly
- Operator skill level with wood chippers for safety
- Safety features like emergency stop buttons and protective housing
- Reputation and reliability of the rental company
| Type of Debris | Chipper Size |
|---|---|
| Twigs and small branches | Compact and towable |
| Land clearing brush | Large drum chipper |
| Storm cleanup | 12+ inch capacity |
Carefully evaluating these criteria ensures renters get the ideal Tampa wood chipper rental for completing their landscaping jobs effectively and safely.
Rent the Right Chipper for Your Tampa Project
Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a DIY homeowner with a big yard cleanup ahead, renting a wood chipper in Tampa is the most affordable and convenient option. With quality rental companies like Rentalex providing a wide selection of gas and electric chippers, you can tackle brush clearing, storm debris, and other wood-chipping jobs efficiently.
Choose the chipper size and features based on your specific material volumes and noise restrictions. Review key selection criteria like capacity, mobility, safety, and ease of operation. And always follow operating guidelines to prevent injuries and property damage. Renting saves you the costs of buying, maintaining and storing equipment while delivering the essential performance you need.
Visit or call Rentalex Tools & Equipment at (813)971-9990 to get matched with the right wood chipper rental for your next Tampa project. Our team has the expertise to simplify your rental experience.
