Many of our customers ask us to explain the difference between a "Leaf Shredder" and a "Tree Chipper." A Leaf Shredder is best for property owners with the primary focus of reducing leaf debris. Mackissic leaf shredders have an 8:1 reduction ratio, meaning 8 bags of leaves are converted into just 1 bag. Mackissic leaf shredders also have a convenient built-in chipper with a capacity to chew limbs and branches up to 2-7/8" in diameter. This action is accomplished by the same cutting disk that the leaves are fed into. For comparison purposes, a leaf shredder is like a big garbage disposal. If leaves are your problem, along with an occassional fallen branch, a leaf shredder is the answer. A true "Tree Chipper" uses two seperate shredder mechanisms. On Mackissic chippers, the top hopper feeds leaves and branches into 16, 24, or 48 free-swinging steel hammers. This is the design of a true "Hammermill" Tree Chipper. The steel hammers purverize the debris at a rate of 50,000 to 100,000 times each minute, depending on the model. The seperate side chute allows you to feed larger limbs, from 2-7/8" to 4.5", ( again depending on the model ) into a large, balanced weighted flywheel with one or two sharpened chipper knives. A typical feed ratio for these limbs is 10 feet-per-minute. If you've got a lot of larger debris that you'd like to convert to mulch, with a medium to large amount of brush and limbs to shred, a tree chipper is much better suited for your needs. In summary, the smallest Hammermill chipper will do a much better job than the largest leaf shredder, even when they're both equipped with the same size engine. Many department stores sell leaf shredders to consumers who believe they're buying a tree chipper. Click on the link below to see our complete line of Leaf Shredders and Chipper-Shredders. Click on the link below to see our complete line of Chipper-Shredders. Leaf Shredders Tree Chippers If you have any questions, or require additional information, phone us Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. ( Eastern Standard Time ) In the USA, Puerto Rico, & US Virgin Islands, contact our Customer Care Department Toll Free at 800.992.0177. In other areas, call 954.785.6514. You may also E-mail Us. Interested in marketing your product with The Lawnmower Shop.com? Make a Request. Copyright 2008. DOLPHIN Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site may be reproduced without express written consent. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Questions? Just ask - We're here to help! Click here to email our Customer Care Department. Customer CARE