Mulchers

Buying guide for mulchers

Choosing the right wood mulcher for your garden

As New Zealand’s top trusted outdoor hardware providers, we’ve got mulchers designed to suit different garden sizes, materials and project needs.

Our electric wood chippers are quiet, compact, and easy to use, and perfect for urban and suburban gardens where you’re mainly dealing with smaller branches up to around 44mm thick. They’re light, low-maintenance, and great for weekend tidy-ups.

For large lifestyle blocks or orchards, petrol chippers are the way to go. These powerful, rugged machines can handle larger branches up to 100mm with ease, making light work of big pruning jobs or clean-up projects.

To help you get the most out of your machine, we also supply accessories like replacement blades, covers, and maintenance kits to keep your tree mulcher operating smoothly for years.

Mulcher specifications

Model type	Branch capacity	Power/engine
Electric Shredder	up to 44mm	2000–2400W
Small Petrol	up to 40mm	~7HP
Large Petrol	up to 100mm	~15HP

Key mulcher features and benefits

Trade Tested’s modern mulching machines are designed to make garden clean-up quicker, safer, and more efficient. Electric garden chippers feature overload protection and reverse feed systems to prevent jams and keep operation hassle-free, while petrol models include pneumatic tyres and electric start for easier handling and mobility.

Every garden chipper in our range comes with a self-feeding hopper that pulls branches through automatically, saving you time and effort. For extra convenience, choose a model with a built-in collection bin to keep mulch neatly contained and make tidy-up effortless.

Mulcher care and maintenance tips

Looking after your mulcher properly means it’ll keep performing season after season.

Replace blades regularly to maintain sharp, efficient cutting. Always feed branches gradually, and allow freshly cut green waste to dry before chipping for best results. If you’re running a petrol model, don’t forget regular oil and fuel checks to keep the engine in top shape.

After each use, store your mulcher in a clean, dry space or use a cover to extend its lifespan and ensure it’s ready for your next garden job.

Why buy mulchers from Trade Tested

Get quality garden chippers paired with expert guidance when you shop at Trade Tested. We’ve been providing New Zealand homes with tree shredders for years and can recommend the right model for your garden. Every garden chipper is designed for high performance and is backed by a local warranty of 1-2 years, providing peace of mind.

Ready to make garden clean-up faster and easier? Check out our full range of garden chippers online and order today. We offer direct delivery nationwide, or you can pick up your mulcher at our Auckland store. Got any questions? Contact us for help.

What our customers say

Hyundai Garden Shredder 2300W

“I was very impressed with this machine. We had a pile of hedge clippings that would have filled four trailers. This machine dealt with them with no problem at all. Easy to use, portable and economical to run.”

Hyundai Wood Chipper 7HP 180

“Starts easily. Performs well. Chips finer than my electric mulcher and in a fraction of the time.”

Hyundai Wood Chipper 15HP 308 with Electric Start

“This chipper is fantastic. It does everything they said it should do. Very powerful chipper. Highly recommend this item.”

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a chipper and a mulcher?

A wood chipper is built to tackle bulkier, coarser waste like thick branches and larger prunings, breaking them down into small wood chips. Mulchers are better suited to softer material such as leaves, garden clippings, and twigs, turning them into fine mulch for garden beds.

At Trade Tested, our chipper shredders combine both functions in one powerful machine. Designed to process everything from light debris to dense branches up to 100mm, depending on the model, they effectively act as both a wood chipper and a mulcher, providing an all-in-one solution for keeping your garden tidy and reusing green waste efficiently.

Is it worth buying a mulcher for home use?

Yes, especially if you spend a lot of time in the garden! For many Kiwi homes, a mulcher quickly pays for itself in convenience and long-term garden benefits. You’ll reduce waste, save time and energy, improve soil health, and keep your property looking neat, all while cutting costs on store-bought mulch.

What size branches can a mulcher handle?

Our electric garden chipper-mulchers can handle branches up to 44mm in diameter, making them ideal for light pruning and regular maintenance. Petrol garden chippers are much more powerful, with our larger model capable of tackling branches up to 100mm thick.

Can a mulcher handle wet or green waste?

Most mulchers can process small amounts of green or slightly damp material, but it’s best to let fresh garden waste dry out before feeding it through. Wet or sappy material can clog the blades and reduce performance. For the best results, mix dry branches in with softer material, as this helps the mulcher work more efficiently and prevents jamming.

Do mulchers come with a collection bin or bag?

Many modern mulchers, including electric models at Trade Tested, come with a built-in collection bin or bag to make clean-up quick and transport to the garden bed simple. For larger petrol models, the mulch often ejects directly onto the ground or into a trailer, giving you flexibility when dealing with bigger loads.

What safety precautions should I follow when using a mulcher?

Always wear protective gear and follow the recommended operating instructions. Wearing gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection is essential. Keep loose clothing and hair secured, and never reach into the hopper while the machine is running. Feed branches in slowly and let the machine pull material through at its own pace. Always switch off, unplug or power down the unit before clearing jammed material or performing maintenance.

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