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While horizontal grinders have become the latest fad for recycling green waste on jobsites, chippers still provide an attractive alternative for some site clearing operations. Though they can't handle root balls and are sensitive to dirt and debris, chippers are very efficient with clean wood.

"We are seeing an increase in contractors purchasing wood chipping equipment to reduce costs and minimize time spent on the job," says Jason Showers, regional sales manager, Morbark.

"A chipper is much more efficient at getting rid of your above-ground material," says Jerry Morey, president, Bandit Industries. "The feed rate of most of the whole-tree chippers are in the area of 120 fpm. A grinder is generally getting rid of it at the rate of 25 to 30 fpm."

In addition, the operational costs are lower. According to Morey, it takes more horsepower and quite a bit more fuel to grind wood vs. chipping it.

Bob Campbell, sales manager, Woodsman Chippers, adds, "The grinder produces a shredded material created through hammering or busting the material apart vs. cutting it. When you are cutting the material, it is a lot easier to process with less horsepower and less fuel consumption."