Comparing Three Point Hitch vs Tow-Behind Wood Chippers: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to land management, property maintenance, and efficient brush disposal, a wood chipper is one of the most valuable tools for any landowner, homesteader, or small-scale farmer. Among the various types of wood chippers, two popular options dominate the market: the three point hitch wood chipper and the tow-behind wood chipper. But which one should you choose for your specific needs?

In this guide, we'll compare the features, benefits, and limitations of both types, and explain why Farmry's lineup of PTO wood chippers might be the ideal solution for your property.

What is a Three Point Hitch Wood Chipper?

A three point hitch wood chipper (also referred to as a 3 point chipper) connects directly to the 3-point hitch of your tractor. These chippers are typically powered by the tractor’s PTO (power take-off) and rely on the tractor’s horsepower and torque to run.

Key Features:

• Powered by PTO

• Mounts directly to Category I or II 3-point hitches

• No separate engine required

• Compact and space-saving

Common Use Cases:

• Homesteaders with small to medium tractors

• Property owners with access to compact or utility tractors

• Fire prevention and brush control

What is a Tow-Behind Wood Chipper?

A tow-behind wood chipper is a standalone unit equipped with its own engine. It can be hitched to the back of a truck, ATV, or tractor with a trailer hitch and transported to different work sites.

Key Features:

• Has its own engine (usually gas-powered)

• Mounted on wheels with a towing assembly

• Often used for commercial or heavy-duty applications

Common Use Cases:

• Tree service companies

• Roadside maintenance crews

• Large property owners with multiple work zones

Comparing the Two: Feature by Feature

Let’s break down the major differences between three point hitch wood chippers and tow-behind chippers, based on real-world performance and Farmry customer feedback.

1. Power Source & Efficiency

Three Point Hitch:

• Powered by the tractor’s PTO, which can deliver consistent power output.

• Ideal for those already using a tractor — no need to maintain an extra engine.

• High-torque and efficient with a flywheel designed for heavy-duty chipping.

Tow-Behind:

• Self-contained with its own engine, often requiring regular maintenance.

• May not match the horsepower output of a large PTO-powered chipper.

Winner: Three point hitch — especially for those who already own a tractor.

2. Chipping Capacity & Feed System

Farmry’s hydraulic feed and gravity feed chippers offer impressive capacity, handling branches and limbs up to 6-8 inches in diameter.

Three Point Hitch:

• Offers hydraulic infeed or gravity feed.

• Features such as auto feed, infeed rollers, and reversible blades improve safety and efficiency.

Tow-Behind:

• Usually has feed rollers, but lower-end models may lack variable speed or hydraulic control.

• Often more cumbersome to operate for a single user.

Winner: Three point hitch — better options for feed control and blade design.

3. Ease of Use & Transport

Three Point Hitch:

• Easily attached to your tractor’s quick hitch.

• Compact design saves storage space.

Tow-Behind:

• Easier to move long distances if you have multiple sites.

• Requires a vehicle with a compatible hitch and can be difficult to back into tight spaces.

Winner: Depends — tow-behind for transportability, 3-point for maneuverability on the property.

4. Maintenance & Durability

Farmry’s wood chippers are built to last, with hardened chipper blades, durable rollers, and easily available replacement parts and owner’s manuals.

Three Point Hitch:

• Fewer parts to maintain (no separate engine).

• Easier access to chipper blades and feed mechanisms.

Tow-Behind:

• Requires regular engine maintenance: oil changes, spark plugs, air filters.

• May have more complex systems to troubleshoot.

Winner: Three point hitch — more straightforward upkeep.

Quick Hitch Compatible: Why It Matters

A quick hitch compatible chipper saves time and frustration. Farmry’s chippers are engineered to attach easily to most Category I and Category II quick hitches. This means faster hook-up, improved safety, and reduced downtime.

Whether you're using multiple attachments on your tractor or switching between implements frequently, quick hitch compatibility adds a new level of convenience.

Why 3 Point Chippers Are the Right Fit for Most Landowners

The 3 point design allows for a tight and secure connection to your tractor, optimizing power transfer and maneuverability. Compared to wheeled chippers, 3 point wood chippers offer better balance and control, especially in uneven terrain or compact workspaces.

From small garden plots to large wooded acreage, Farmry's 3 point hitch wood chippers provide a reliable solution for reducing brush, limbs, and branches into usable mulch.

Chipper Blades: The Core of Performance

The efficiency of any chipper comes down to its chipper blades. Farmry uses high-grade, reversible blades that stay sharp longer and can be flipped for double the lifespan. This results in cleaner cuts, less clogging, and reduced engine strain.

Regular maintenance and timely replacement of your chipper blades ensure long-term performance and operator safety. We offer genuine replacement parts directly on our website to keep your equipment running like new.

Farmry’s Three Point Hitch Wood Chippers: What Sets Them Apart?

At Farmry, we specialize in high-quality PTO wood chippers designed for tractors ranging from 20 to 60+ HP. Our models are ideal for property owners seeking durability, performance, and ease of use.

Key Features Across Farmry’s Line:

• Quick hitch compatible for seamless attachment

• Reversible blades for extended life

• Flywheel-based systems for powerful chipping

• Options for gravity feed or hydraulic feed

• Compact chute and hopper design for better feed control

• Handles a variety of branches, brush, and limbs

• Replacement parts available on our website

Some of our customer favorites include:

• The Hydraulic series (heavy-duty, high torque, commercial-style build)

• Mid-range PTO chippers for 20–40 HP tractors

• Budget-friendly gravity-fed models

Real-World Applications

Homesteaders:

A homesteader managing 10 acres with fruit trees and regular pruning can use a Farmry chipper to process brush and branches into mulch quickly and efficiently.

Small Farms:

Farmers needing to clean up wind-damaged limbs can rely on a 3 point wood chipper with auto feed and infeed rollers to make short work of the job.

Fire Safety:

Property managers in fire-prone areas use our hydraulic infeed chippers to reduce fuel piles and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Why Choose Farmry?

Our customers trust us because:

• We offer fast shipping on all equipment

• Our support team helps with owner’s manuals, usage questions, and setup

• We carry all necessary replacement parts and chipper blades

• Each unit includes detailed specifications and compatibility info

• Our machines are designed to work great with compact tractors

We’re committed to making powerful, reliable equipment that stands up to tough jobs and challenging terrain.

Conclusion: Which Chipper Should You Choose?

If you already own a tractor and want a powerful, compact solution with fewer moving parts, a three point hitch wood chipper from Farmry is the clear winner. It’s cost-effective, powerful, and easier to maintain than a tow-behind wood chipper.

However, if you need mobility across multiple properties or job sites and don’t own a tractor, a tow-behind might serve your needs better.

Final Tip:

Always consider your available equipment, budget, and the type of material you’ll be chipping. Whether it’s brush, limbs, branches, or yard waste, Farmry’s lineup has the right chipper for your needs.

Visit Farmry.com to explore our full selection of three point hitch wood chippers, read customer posts, view specifications, and get started today.