Table of contents
Forest Master FM6DD Wood Chipper – Our Top Pick
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper is compact but powerful, handling branches up to 50mm with its 6HP petrol engine and reversible steel blades. It’s perfect for gardeners who want a reliable way to turn waste into mulch without taking up too much storage space.
- 6HP petrol engine with direct drive – no belts to maintain
- Chips branches up to 50mm (2 inches)
- Reversible H13 steel blades for longer life
- Lightweight (38kg) and easy to move
- Folding chute for compact storage
Introduction
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper shows its value because garden waste piles up fast. After trimming hedges or cutting back trees, you’re left staring at heaps of branches and clippings that quickly take over your space. Dragging them to the tip or waiting for the green bin isn’t just inconvenient—it eats up time and often money too. That’s why having a wood chipper on hand can make all the difference.
Meet the Forest Master FM6DD
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper is designed to turn bulky garden waste into handy mulch in minutes. It’s compact enough to tuck away in the shed, yet powerful enough to handle branches up to 50mm thick. For homeowners, allotment gardeners, and smallholders, it’s a practical and reliable way to recycle cuttings without the hassle.
First Impressions vs. Reality
At first glance, the FM6DD looks modest—much smaller than many petrol garden shredders. However, buyers quickly realise it’s tougher than it seems. With a 6HP petrol engine and hardened steel blades, it makes short work of fresh branches and hedge trimmings. The catch? Like most compact chippers, it performs best with green wood. Try feeding in seasoned or very dry logs, and you’ll find it less effective.
What to Expect From This Review
In this Forest Master FM6DD review, we’ll cover:
- Standout features of the chipper
- Performance in real gardens
- Pros and cons based on user feedback
- Who it suits best among gardeners and homeowners
By the end, you’ll know whether the FM6DD is the right garden shredder for your setup.
Why a Wood Chipper Is Essential
Keeping on top of a garden isn’t just about planting and pruning—it’s also about dealing with the waste left behind. Without a reliable system, piles of branches and hedge cuttings soon build up, leaving things untidy and creating hours of extra work.
The Problem With Garden Waste
- Time-consuming disposal: Trips to the tip or waiting for green waste collection quickly become a chore.
- Bulky and awkward: Even bagged, hedge trimmings and branches take up far too much space.
- Wasted potential: Most garden waste ends up thrown away when it could be reused.
The Benefits of a Wood Chipper
- Cuts waste down: A wood chipper or garden shredder reduces bulky branches into small chips, cutting volume by up to 90%.
- Creates free mulch: Use chips around beds, trees, and paths to lock in moisture and control weeds.
- Eco-friendly solution: Recycling waste on-site means fewer car journeys and less going to landfill.
- Saves money: Avoid green bin overflow fees and stop buying bagged mulch.
Why the FM6DD Works Well
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper is designed with small-to-medium gardens in mind. Instead of dealing with a mountain of awkward branches, you’ll turn that pile into valuable mulch and wood chips—keeping your garden tidy while boosting soil health. In this Forest Master FM6DD review, you’ll see how it offers an affordable, reliable option for everyday garden waste management.
For more on responsible garden waste management in the UK, you can read the government’s guidance on garden waste disposal.
Key Features to Look For in a Wood Chipper
Not all wood chippers or garden shredders are created equal. Before spending your money, it’s worth knowing which features turn a chipper into a long-term workhorse. Here are the essentials to look for, using the Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper as an example.
Engine Power
A powerful engine keeps the chipper running smoothly. The FM6DD petrol wood chipper comes with a 6HP LCT Maxx engine, giving it the strength to process branches up to 50mm without stalling.
Branch Capacity
Capacity is key when choosing a chipper. With the FM6DD, you can chip branches up to 2 inches (50mm) thick—ideal for pruning, hedge trimming, and small tree maintenance.
Blade Quality
Blades take the brunt of the work. The FM6DD uses twin reversible H13 steel blades, which last longer than standard blades. Once one side dulls, flip them over and carry on—effectively doubling their lifespan.
Feeding System
A well-designed hopper saves effort and reduces jams. The FM6DD’s angled hopper helps feed branches in smoothly, lowering the risk of blockages compared to less advanced garden shredders.
Portability and Storage
Big petrol shredders are often heavy and awkward. At only 38kg, the FM6DD is light enough to move around the garden. Plus, its folding chute means it stores neatly in a shed or garage.
Forest Master FM6DD Wood Chipper – Our Top Pick
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper is compact but powerful, handling branches up to 50mm with its 6HP petrol engine and reversible steel blades. It’s perfect for gardeners who want a reliable way to turn waste into mulch without taking up too much storage space.
- 6HP petrol engine with direct drive – no belts to maintain
- Chips branches up to 50mm (2 inches)
- Reversible H13 steel blades for longer life
- Lightweight (38kg) and easy to move
- Folding chute for compact storage
Product Recommendation: Forest Master FM6DD
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper is a compact petrol garden shredder designed to handle everyday garden waste. It delivers a strong mix of power, portability, and ease of use—ideal for gardeners who want dependable results without the bulk of a larger machine.
Key Features at a Glance
- 6HP LCT Maxx petrol engine (3600 RPM)
- Direct drive system – no belts or pulleys to maintain
- Twin reversible H13 steel blades for longer service life
- Branch capacity: up to 50mm (2 inches)
- Lightweight and compact: just 38kg, with a folding chute for easy storage
Pros
- Strong performance for a compact petrol chipper
- Handles fresh hardwood and softwood branches with ease
- Lightweight and portable—easy to move around the garden
- Low-maintenance design thanks to the direct-drive setup
Cons
- Noisy in operation (ear protection is recommended)
- Less effective on seasoned or very dry wood
This sums up most buyer experiences. Many are impressed by its surprising power-to-size ratio, though they note it performs best as a petrol wood chipper for fresh green waste.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right wood chipper can feel tricky, so it helps to compare options side by side. Below is a quick breakdown of the Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper and its upgraded mulching version, the FM6DD-MUL petrol garden shredder.
| Model | Best For | Key Feature | Price | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FM6DD | Everyday garden use | Compact, 50mm capacity | £484.95 | ★★★★☆ | [Check Price] |
| FM6DD-MUL | Chipping + mulching | Extra mulcher unit | £639.95 | ★★★★★ | [Check Price] |
Which One Fits Best?
- FM6DD: Best if your main goal is turning branches into wood chips or mulch for disposal and garden use. This compact petrol wood chipper is well-suited to small-to-medium gardens.
- FM6DD-MUL: Worth considering if you want extra flexibility. It mulches softer green waste as well as branches, making it ideal for allotments or larger gardens.
Both models are backed by Forest Master’s reputation for durability and include a 2-year UK warranty. The choice comes down to whether you need a straightforward wood chipper or a chipper-and-mulcher combo for added versatility.
If you’d like to compare the FM6DD with other top-rated models, check out our full guide to the best garden shredders UK 2025.
How to Get the Most Out of the FM6DD Wood Chipper
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper is straightforward to use, but a few smart habits will help you get the best results and extend its lifespan. Follow these tips to get the most from this compact petrol garden shredder.
Stick to Freshly Cut Wood
The FM6DD performs best with fresh, green branches. For clean and consistent chips, feed wood into the chipper within three days of cutting. Once branches dry out, they become harder to process, may clog the machine, or crumble into sawdust.
Adjust the Hopper Angle
The hopper can be tilted to suit different types of waste:
- Forward angle: Ideal for leafy cuttings or softer green waste.
- Backward angle: Best for thicker branches, helping them feed in more smoothly.
Keep the Blades Sharp
Sharp blades are essential for efficient chipping. The FM6DD is equipped with reversible H13 steel blades. Flip them when one side dulls, and replace them when both sides are worn. Sharp blades ensure cleaner chips and reduce strain on the engine.
Play It Safe
Like all petrol wood chippers, the FM6DD is powerful and noisy. Always wear gloves, goggles, and ear defenders when using it. Safety gear is not optional—it’s essential.
Store and Fuel Wisely
- Designed to run on E10 petrol (as recommended by Forest Master).
- Store the chipper in a dry place to prevent rust and protect the motor.
- After each session, clear out chips and debris. This quick step keeps the machine running at its best.
Tip: With a little routine care, the Forest Master FM6DD petrol wood chipper will provide years of reliable garden waste management while supplying free mulch for your beds and borders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper.
Yes. The FM6DD is built with forged H13 steel blades and a direct-drive petrol engine with no belts or pulleys to wear out. With regular care, this compact garden shredder is designed to last for years.
The FM6DD works best on freshly cut branches. Very dry or seasoned wood may clog the machine or break down into fine sawdust instead of clean chips. For best results, feed branches into the chipper within a few days of cutting.
At only 38kg, the FM6DD is lighter than many other petrol wood chippers. Its compact frame and folding chute make it simple to move around the garden and easy to store in a shed or garage.
The FM6DD comes with a 2-year warranty and UK-based customer support, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
Yes. Like most petrol garden shredders, the FM6DD is loud during operation. Always use ear defenders, gloves, and goggles when running the machine.
Forest Master FM6DD Wood Chipper – Our Top Pick
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper is compact but powerful, handling branches up to 50mm with its 6HP petrol engine and reversible steel blades. It’s perfect for gardeners who want a reliable way to turn waste into mulch without taking up too much storage space.
- 6HP petrol engine with direct drive – no belts to maintain
- Chips branches up to 50mm (2 inches)
- Reversible H13 steel blades for longer life
- Lightweight (38kg) and easy to move
- Folding chute for compact storage
Conclusion
The Forest Master FM6DD wood chipper may be compact, but it delivers more power than expected. With a 6HP petrol engine, hardened reversible blades, and a direct-drive system, it’s built to make quick work of fresh garden waste. Whether you’re clearing an allotment, tidying a back garden, or managing a smallholding, this petrol garden shredder turns piles of branches into useful mulch with ease.
Who Is It Best For?
- Gardeners who regularly prune trees, hedges, or shrubs.
- Allotment holders looking for a simple way to recycle waste on-site.
- Homeowners who want to save time and money instead of making repeated trips to the tip.
Key Takeaway
If you’re often dealing with branches up to 50mm thick, the Forest Master FM6DD petrol wood chipper is a reliable investment. Like most petrol shredders, it is noisy, but when used on fresh green wood it produces consistent results and saves hours of effort.
