The Patriot CSV-3060 gas chipper-shredder fits the needs of the homeowner who has a large yard that needs tree pruning and lots of leaf and twig clean up. This model is Patriot's best-selling gas wood chipper.

The Patriot CSV-3060 houses a 6-hp Tecumseh OHV engine with direct drive that Patriot claims will handle a 3-inch diameter branch in the chipper and 3/4-inch debris in the shredder. The unit uses two blades for chipping and six hammers for shredding. If you choose the CSV-3060, you should be able to initially assemble it in less than a half hour.

We found the Patriot CSV-3060 to be a capable chipper-shredder for a good size yard over a half acre. Without undue vibration, the unit chipped and shredded straight branches up to nearly the claimed 3-inch diameter into small chips and mulch. The unit seems sturdy and well built. We found our yard waste greatly reduced, though not exactly at a 20:1 ration. We liked the portability of the gas chipper when we wanted to clean up the outer edges of the property, where a 100-foot extension cord would not reach if this were a corded model.

An anti-vibration system helps reduce vibration in the small unit. The Patriot CSV-3060 measures just 24 inches wide by 35 inches long by 37 inches high, the same as the CSV-2515 electric unit, so it will not take up much space in the garage or storage shed. It weighs 110 pounds. Options include a cover, vacuum kit, tow bar and jumbo leaf bag. Patriot optimistically estimates a 20:1 reduction ratio.

The Patriot CSV-3060 will turn yard waste up to nearly 3 inches in diameter into chips and mulch that you can recycle at your recycler or landfill or around your own yard to protect your flowers and shrubs.


Pros: Portability, 3-inch chute capacity
Cons: Noisy gas engine