Harbor Freight Predator Chipper Shredder || Overview and Review

[@jw8292]

As others have mentioned, 3" is pushing it, depending on species, but I did find that the knives weren't very sharp right out of the box....sharpening the knives, and upgrading to a non-Chinese, platinum or iridium spark plug (I've had good results with Autolite's Xtreme Start series in a bunch of power equipment, when available), and a good, synthetic, motor oil, did improve things noticeably. Until, of course, that little 3/4" crankshaft snaps. If you're comfortable pulling apart a motor, the replacement was only about $30, and a 3 month wait...assuming there wasn't additional collateral damage when the chipper disc went flying, but this thing really needs at least a 1" PTO, and a rear carrier bearing to take some of the weight and shock wouldn't hurt either. A few other notes: Definitely run it full throttle, wear safety glasses for the stuff it throws back at you, and it has a tendency to over feed, especially with thicker branches, so either chop them in small pieces, or keep a good grip on them and (carefully) hold back so they don't kill the motor. The screws holding the muffler cover tend to vibrate loose over time too.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Lots of good info JW! I’ll pin your comment to the top. Thanks for watching!

[@OldBastardOnaHarley]

Put a good edge on the blades, that'll stop the stalling at high speed if you stay under 2½" or so. 3" is pushing the envelope with this motor.

[@OldBastardOnaHarley]

If you snapped the crank, I wonder how hard it would be to swap out the Predator 15.8 HP or maybe the 22HP V-Twin? It'd be a beast then!

[@jw8292]

@@OldBastardOnaHarley Thought about it, but the 212 has a 3/4" PTO, so the hole on the chipper disk would have to be machined for a 1" on the bigger engines.....plus the bolt pattern would probably be different. Nice thought but more effort than it's worth.

[@jw8292]

@@OldBastardOnaHarley Sharp blades definitely help. She'll handle 3", but only if you can keep it from over feeding.

[@MAGAMAN]

"Predator chipper" is possibly the best name for a wood chipper ever.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Lol!!! No argument from me! Thanks for watching MAGA!

[@OldJoe212]

I got mine early this spring. I'm up by Great America. You're right, it's a beast. The max I chip is 1.5", as anything bigger is used in the campfire or fireplace. I did remove the rubber finger guards, but then I'm smart enough to not stick my hands in the machine. As you said, the engine is great and it recovers quickly. I did some mods to it so I can tow it behind my tractor or trailer. Also, it's a good idea to wear earmuffs. After an hour of chipping, you'll end saying Huh a lot.

[@bevor1785]

On the back, there is a circle 🔴 with several bolts 🔩. After running 🏃‍♀️ it for a bit, you need to take that off and tighten the parts on the inside that chip up the wood 🪵. I didn't realize that, and my machine destroyed itself before i realized what happened. It's a very loud machine, but did a great job until i failed at the maintenance.

[@zamplify]

I've had this for a year. It eats everything 2 inches and under, 3 inches is probably not happening. But the engine starts up first pull every time and it does a great job of breaking down all the smaller stuff. If you want mulch, put it through twice.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I was planning to get some more footage this morning and push the limits but we had a huge storm roll through last night and all that wood back there is soaked. Might be a good idea for a short. Otherwise I’m super happy with this one and HF nailed it. Thanks for watching!

[@bobfrye8879]

@@ProjectsForAllReviews agree with @zamplify I too have had mine a year and 3 inches ain't happening BUT overall quite pleased. Coupons and a sale price helped me out if folks want to be patient

[@robertm5969]

Anything 2"+ makes great firewood anyway. If you don't have wood heat, can burn in a fire pit, sell roadside, or give to a neighbor

[@dusty265]

Great review Mike, I personally have no issues with most anything that HF has to offer. My though is if it works that's what matters, and so far it looks like its going to work! thanks again for your time and effort!

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I’ve had pretty good luck with HF over the years. I have bought some junk from there. Two broken in box dovetail jigs and a defective Maddox brake line flair kit come to mind but the positive has outweighed the negative by a lot. Thanks for watching Dusty!

[@MrGlobaldave1]

Just purchased mine here in Arizona. Mine was boxed differently and did not come with the funnel? Upright wood frame and box cover pulls up. The only parts you install are the handle, wheels & front skid. (Mine was not with the black protector ) Impressive they also included 2 different carb jets for varied altitudes. Guess with HF it’s a “mystery” on what’s in the box. There are 2 different item #’s for this but you’d think the same product & accessories. Oh & they are were on sale for $499 !!

[@markgelinas8114]

Thank you for this review. I've been looking to get one myself as I have a similar situation like yourself. Lots of brush and scraggly trees along the property line and it all must go. Getting quotes in the thousands of dollars range puts auborists well out of my price range and I've not been disappointed by Harbour Freight products. You've helped me make a decision on this item.

[@OldBastardOnaHarley]

Had mine 2 years, really love it. Change that engine oil after 3 hour break-in, you're good to go. She's pretty hearty, but you should baby it a little. I don't put anything over 2" in mine, without splitting it first. The top chute can be stubborn takinh small limbs with many branches. They'll sit in the chute and refuse to feed into the blade, because the side limbs are holding the center branch in the center or left side of the feed port. Guide the center limb to the right side of the feed port in the direction of the discharge chute. Instant mulch!

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I’ve noticed the same with mine. Two inches is max with risking a stall. I keep the three inch stuff for the fire pit anyways. Thanks for watching!

[@dahut3614]

I have an old Yardman Chipper Shredder (later bought by MTD) that I bought in 1995 and which cost about $600, I think. It has an 8 HP Tecumseh and the yellow polyethylene hopper folds down to the ground and allows leaves to be raked-in. It had been sitting for years in the garage because I couldn't get it to run correctly. It turns out that the "drain valve" on the bottom of the float bowl was not actually a drain valve and was not supposed to be screwed all-the-way-in. Who knew? The tires are tubeless pneumatic and when the air leaks-out, the beads are a pain to reseat. I have a system for seating tires like those wherein I apply a strap around the circumference of the tire and tighten it like a tourniquet. I just rebuilt the carburetor and changed the oil, but haven't tried it yet, so wish me luck!

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Tecumseh from that era made some pretty bullet proof engines and 8 HP is pretty big. I gave up on a 4 HP Tecumseh on a craftsman to buy this. I just got it running this weekend but the chippers are dull and it barely chips. If I had more time it would have been a good unit. Good luck with yours!

[@mc3newsmcocconcierge504]

How did it go?

[@dahut3614]

@@mc3newsmcocconcierge504 It was never easy to start, and it still wasn't, but it did run for the two hours that I needed it. The thing doesn't even have a fuel shut-off, so I'm going to get one at NAPA. The line is 5/16". It'd be nice to have a filter on there, but it would have to be one that would work with the gravity feed and not offer too much resistance.

[@bobbyhempel1513]

I just started my own small tree service and was really needing a wood chipper but I can't afford the industrial 6-inch+ chippers this might be a good option to start with.

[@Something2LookAt]

It looks to be really good! Nice, straightforward design, and the rubber protective flaps aren't so thick and restrictive that they get in the way. Nice review!

[@ourv9603]

PRO TIP>>> WHENEVER you buy a chipper, look where the feed tube connects to the machine. Thats where the branch meets the blade and it is here that the machine will clog & jam. Make sure there is a way to open that area up to clean out a jamb. And not have to disassemble most of the machine to get to it either. My first chipper was that way. It was a hassle to stop, roll the machine into my shop & disassemble the dang thing. Some chippers have a door to help you. ALSO what is helpful is if there is a way to put a wrench onto the shaft and turn the blade backwards which will also unclog a jam. !

[@6605eric]

What a great demo. I was on the fence but you pushed me over. I have a HF Auger that surprised me so now I am leaning more towards HF products. Thanks for a great review and demo. Can't wait to get mine. I got 5 acres to deal with.

[@daphlavor]

I have the old gen( yellow) version and I’m happy with it, using it primarily for leaf shredding. My town picks up bundled brush a few times a year. Thanks for your review.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I’m gunna use this one for leaves in the fall and see how it goes. Never done it before but less bags would be nice! Thanks for watching!

[@charleschapman2428]

I have one from HD that I got back in 2002, not worth the money or the time. One thing that it did work good at was dumping my riding lawn mower bagged leaves into it. The leaves are already cut up once from the mower but running them thru the chipper turns them into very small pieces. I would put them into the flower beds in the fall and by spring they had already turned into compost. P.S I would keep the bag attached to the chipper when I did the leaves, it fills up nicely.

[@themeat5053]

Another good one, Mike. A couple of years ago, I bought a Predator 4375 w gas powered generator as a companion to my 6500 w Honda; darned if that reasonably priced generator doesn't perform as well as the over priced Honda. I will mention that the Predator is not constructed with as many quality parts (levers, wheels, e.g.) But, one cannot beat the one time pull start. So I guess, the Predator, is a good tool.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I have a predator generator too. I think it’s a 4200w but I might be wrong. During the move I forgot about it and didn’t start it for probably 6 months. Now it only runs with the choke on. I was pretty impressed with it otherwise but we’ll have to get the carb off it soon. Not the generator’s fault. Thanks for watching Meat!

[@FlyinTrapezious]

Another good review! I love Harbor Freight but I have to warn anybody considering this woodchipper , don't buy it. I went through 3 of them . After 8 to 10 hours of use the keyway that mates the motorshaft to the cutter head shears off in a spectacular way. Make sure you drain all of the gas before you return it or else they will not take it back.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Thanks for the insight and for watching!

[@scottmorse1798]

i own several chippers for over a decade. up to 6 inch. F Y I, after around 8 hrs of operation pull the chipper blade and rehone the blade. a real pain. If you dont, the blade will still chip but it will beat your chipper to death, cracking the metal. and wearing out consumable parts like candy to a toddler. and buy replacement blades/consumables when you buy your chipper of choice, if you can get them. find out before you purchase. Especially HF.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

That’s a good tip Scott and good advise. I did not check parts availability on this unit yet but I’m hopeful since HFs been making this for at least eight years maybe more. Thanks for watching!

[@thenedanocap7673]

I can't wait for Skil to come out with an actual track saw, a cordless router, and an installation driver. That would be so nice. Cheap but mighty tools. You're actually the reason I got into Skil's PWRCORE 20 line if you didn't know. Thanks for the reviews.

[@Stupidflowerco]

They got a coupon on their website. Just picked it up for $489 🔥

[@Smokeythewelder]

I have one and I like it… not for big projects though… two good sized bushes or a brush piles is about it for me. Good product.

[@mattv9240]

I picked one up for $500 with a coupon. I've been very impressed with its performance. Safety glasses are a must! It throws chip out of the hopper at your face. The rubber hopper shield will sag over time allowing more chips to be thrown out. I've been wearing a mesh fact shield/hardhat the last couple times as ive been hit in the face quite a bit previously.

[@jungyoonchoi9146]

Hello Mike, thank you always for the practically detailed reviews. Not really relevant to this video, but I just want to ask for your favor. GTS15-10, the new Bosch rack & pinion fence job site saw, would you recommend it over the famous DWE7491RS? I have ordered and assembled the DeWalt, but a few points are bringing me down, i.e. no electric break & the rolling stand taking a bit muscle to fold/unfold.😅 I am asking you in a hurry since you mentioned it at the beginning of this video and my return window is closing up this week for DeWalt.

[@isatoro77]

Appreciate your review. Thank you

[@JexxVexx]

I love the no bs review on this. just push them through there and let it eat. Good Job!!

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@wildbill23c]

I've been thinking of buying one of these Chippers...but I do have a tractor now, so its more of a do I want a stand alone chipper with another engine, or spend more money and get one that goes on the tractor with far more horsepower than the portable one LOL. Although, the Chipper from HF claims 3 inch limbs, I'm reading a lot where people say 2 inch is more realistic, and I'd bet that would be the case, and probably about 1 to 1-1/2 inch if you are chipping hardwood branches. The shredder feature would be somewhat useful too. It would definitely make my burn pile a lot smaller if I had a chipper/shredder to use.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I imagine anything that’s PTO driven would be far superior to a standalone 6.5 HP unit but I have nothing to base that on. I still wish my yard was a little bit bigger so I could justify a riding mower with a bag setup. I was the only person I know of to have an ATV with a plow blade living in the city. It was serious fun but the turning radius made it kinda useless. I imagine a PTO chipper would be in a different price range too. Thanks for watching Bill!

[@michealfigueroa6325]

I had one....used it for part of one season ....got ride of it for $300 after is set around for a cougle of years

[@skipperjones7490]

Can you tell me what size them screws are that hold the muffler cover down? Mine are missing.

[@tom0428]

That chipper is a beast. I rather pay for a tool then paying for garbage fee.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@draygoes]

First, great video. It's good. Second.I'm enjoying reading these comments as if they were on a product designed for what at least half of us thought when they saw "predator chipper" in the title lmao

[@jeromebecigneul2911]

$580 is not a lot for a small chipper. I'm looking at a Woodland Mills for $3,000. Don't have it cause it costs so much but it will take up to 5 inches with all the branches on it. Someday. I'm going to check and see if Predator has a larger chipper/shredder. Have too much to be cutting small branches off big branches; The pile I need to do is 6' x 6' x 50 long. And they want $350 a day to rent the larger chipper. Can't afford to do that because I figure it will take me weeks to do it all.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I agree Jerome! Prepping and trimming the branches to feed into this little chipper is the most time consuming part. For my yard I can’t justify a larger chipper so I’ll make do. Finally cleared that pile and the chipper did great till the end. Thanks for watching!

[@Nathan-d8d]

I've rented the 12 in chipper several times it eats it fast as I could feed it by hand. Green wood is better than the seasoned, but still good pace

[@ST-0311]

Nice machine. I guess you missed the 20% no exclusions coupon a few weeks ago?

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Yep. I’ve been battling a 30 year old craftsman chipper with a 4 hp Tecumseh for a month. Missed the $50 off Father’s Day sale too. Finally gave up and got this. Win some and lose some. At least the Predator turned out to be awesome so win at the end. Thanks for watching!

[@isatoro77]

Its been four months, still going strong?

[@matersworkshop6123]

I have that same wood chipper and it's a beast!!

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

No complaints from me yet. This things awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@wescraven2606]

Have you tried shredding leaves that have been on the ground a while? I was wondering if they would be too moist and get jammed. I was thinking about getting this for fall leaves and adding them to the garden.

[@mushethecowboycook9353]

Moist leaves can clog all chippers

[@davidbalke9782]

What is the small tool you use you clean up the branches?

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I put links in the description for all the Skil chainsaws I use. They have their own video review also. Thanks for watching!

[@JeffStoner]

The way that thing grabs branches and sucks them into the chipper is a bit terrifying. I'd be leery of wearing gloves so it doesn't snag and suck my hand in with the branch. Thanks for the review. I may be purchasing a chipper in the near future.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Yeah I thought twice about the gloves but I have a cut on my finger I was trying not to make worse so I risked the gloves. I think the trick is to push with the open flat palm of your hand. Couple time i was holding a branch around and it smacked me in the hand. I would buy this one again in a second if needed, it's really good. Thanks for watching Jeff!

[@dogman807]

Wood chipper is great for cracking whole corn. Cracked 2 thousand pounds in 30 minutes.

[@frankfillioe6173]

What about black berry's

[@The_10th_Man]

Do a video someday on changing / sharpening the blades. What a PITA.

[@budlistar5312]

Yep, I like mine just fine.

[@Dinomite910]

ive used penn oil my whole life, i have 4 vehicles in the 300 to 350k mark.

[@shreddermachine9321]

Nice wooden shredder!

[@gregmize01]

Good review Mike!

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Thanks Gregory!

[@chrisarnold608]

Is that your friend in the woodchipper?

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Lol! That movies on my rewatch short list. It’s been a while. Thanks for watching!

[@TCannon-o4e]

Who doesn't love a wood chipper? At $580 it's much cheaper than therapy

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

No joke! I’ll be out there everyday this week after work. Thanks for watching!

[@thefrankperspective4247]

Damn… that thing IS a beast

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

I’ve been out there working on the pile a couple times since the vid and I’m still very happy with my purchase! I tried a 3” x 4’ or so branch and jammed it. Had to take the chute and access panel off to clear it. I expected that but I was a little disappointed. I think all of the small chippers in this class can out at 2 inches or so, despite manufacturer claims. Otherwise it’s a bad ass little chipper! Thanks for watching Frank!

[@thefrankperspective4247]

@@ProjectsForAllReviews - that itty bitty electrical one from HF is like 1.5” max, so I figured this would get close to double that. Guess it’s rated for 2.99998” max

[@billw5189]

Dang, the end scene with ur deep voice, the dark beard and glasses was…,I’m not sure. Some cool meme.

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Lol!! Pretty sure I’ll end up in a meme someday. Hopefully a cool one! Thanks for watching Bill!

[@M70ACARRY]

If you can swing it, pick up a DR Chipper.

[@DunRovinRanch-1969]

For $580 I just use my burn pile and pick up free mulch by the truckload from the city compost site.

[@machaus99]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the rule of law will suffice. I don't think we should put sexual predators into chipping machines

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

You’re not wrong Sir! Jokes aside we’re pretty off topic for this tool channel. I’m gunna hit the eject button…..now. Thanks for watching!

[@UncleFester2240]

Looks like ya' got a little carried away with your new toy, oops, I mean tool!😂

[@mrbig813]

Your gloves were making me nervous as hell man

[@ProjectsForAllReviews]

Yup I don’t like using gloves for this and don’t recommend you do. I had a bad cut on my right hand I was trying to protect. Thanks for watching!

[@GalenErisman]

I hate mine. You have to get all the limbs cleaned off before you can put it in the shredder. More time trimming limbs than shredding. And i jams if to much is put in.

[@bigquincy1962]

I bought one of these pieces of garbage and I absolutely hated it. It's under powered, stalls easy and is difficult to restart. I used it for about an hour and decided it wasn't worth the price. I took it back to Harbor Freight and they treated me like crap and charged a $100 restocking fee. I told them to cancel my membership, I will NEVER go back to Harbor Freight!

[@DonalldArmentor]

Not large enough to dispose of the bodies

[@splattermaster577]

That's why you gotta have an axe too!

[@brucedale4465]

You sir get a 0 out of ten for even buying Chinese crap!

[@MrPMOT]

Terrible machine

[@brucedale4465]

Why do you want to spend the money on Chinese junk that doesn’t even do a good job when it’s new?🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bobkucharski9425]

Nice tool/toy, but not worth the money and effort. I prefer to burn, much easier and fun!

[@JamalGood-l1r]

Glad you didn’t cut your hand on that knife that was stuck in the foam

[@glenn9989]

We don’t have harbor freight up in Alaska… yet … talk of them coming up here . I am a preferred customer I stock up on everything that will fit my back🧳if you know what I mean lol 👍😉