The Forest Master FM6DD is a compact petrol wood chipper designed for gardeners, allotment holders and smallholders who want a practical way to deal with branches, hedge cuttings and other woody garden waste.
It sits between smaller electric shredders and much larger petrol chippers, offering more power without becoming overly bulky. Below, I’ll look at how it performs in real use, where it works best, and the main drawbacks to know before buying.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6HP LCT Maxx petrol engine |
| Engine Speed | 3,600 RPM |
| Drive System | Direct drive |
| Maximum Branch Diameter | Up to 50mm (2 inches) |
| Blades | Twin reversible H13 steel blades |
| Weight | Approx. 38kg |
| Storage | Folding chute for more compact storage |
| Fuel | Petrol; suitable for E10 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Best For
- Gardeners processing regular pruning waste
- Allotments and smallholdings
- Fresh branches and hedge cuttings
Pros
- Strong performance for a compact petrol chipper
- Handles fresh hardwood and softwood branches well
- Relatively portable and easy to store
Cons
- Noisy in operation
- Less effective with very dry or seasoned wood
- Petrol engine requires more upkeep than an electric shredder
BYF Pick: If you want the convenience of petrol power without stepping up to a much larger commercial-style chipper, the FM6DD hits a useful middle ground for regular garden, allotment and smallholding use.
How the Forest Master FM6DD Performs
The Forest Master FM6DD is built for regular garden waste rather than heavy commercial work. It is best suited to pruning waste, hedge cuttings and smaller branches where a typical electric shredder can start to feel underpowered.
Chipping Power and Capacity
The 6HP petrol engine drives the blades directly, with no belt between the engine and cutting system. Forest Master rates the FM6DD for branches up to 50mm (2 inches) in diameter, making it a useful step up for heavier pruning and small-tree maintenance.
In practice, branch type matters just as much as diameter. Fresh green material is generally easier to process than very dry, seasoned or awkwardly shaped wood.
Feeding and Hopper Design
The angled hopper helps guide branches towards the cutting blades, making repetitive feeding less awkward when working through a pile of pruning waste.
Like most compact chippers, straighter material is easier to feed than heavily branched or forked pieces, so some preparation may still be needed before loading.
Blades and Chipping
The FM6DD uses twin reversible H13 steel blades. Once one cutting edge becomes dull, the blades can be reversed before replacement is necessary, helping extend their usable life.
The resulting chips are useful for garden paths, mulching established areas or adding woody material to suitable composting systems.
Portability and Storage
One of the FM6DD’s advantages over larger petrol chippers is its relatively compact design. At around 38kg, it is still a substantial machine, but it is manageable enough to move around a garden or allotment.
The folding chute also reduces its footprint when stored, which is useful if shed or garage space is limited.
For more on responsible garden waste management in the UK, you can read the government’s guidance on garden waste disposal.
Forest Master FM6DD vs FM6DD-MUL
The FM6DD and FM6DD-MUL share the same basic chipping platform, but the MUL version adds a dedicated mulching function for softer garden waste. The right choice mainly comes down to whether you need straightforward wood chipping or want to process a wider range of material.
| Model | Best For | Main Difference | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FM6DD | Regular garden and allotment use | Compact chipper with 50mm branch capacity | £484.95 |
| FM6DD-MUL | Chipping plus softer green waste | Adds a dedicated mulching unit | £639.95 |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the FM6DD if your main priority is turning branches and woody pruning waste into usable wood chips. It is the simpler and more affordable option for most gardens and allotments.
The FM6DD-MUL makes more sense if you also want to process softer green waste and would benefit from the added versatility of a combined chipper and mulcher.
BYF Pick: For straightforward branch chipping, the standard FM6DD offers the stronger value proposition. The FM6DD-MUL is worth the extra spend mainly if you know you will make regular use of its additional mulching function.
What Owners Commonly Report
Recurring Positives
- Strong power for a compact petrol chipper
- Works particularly well with fresh branches and pruning waste
- Compact size and folding chute make storage easier
Recurring Drawbacks
- Loud in operation, as expected from a petrol chipper
- Performs better with fresh green wood than very dry or seasoned material
- Forked or awkward branches may need trimming before feeding
Isolated Complaints
- No specific recurring fault stands out strongly enough in the feedback reviewed to highlight here
- Most reported limitations relate to the type of material being chipped rather than the machine itself
Frequently Asked Questions
Forest Master rates the FM6DD for branches up to 50mm (2 inches) in diameter. In practice, straight fresh branches are easier to process than heavily forked or very dry material.
It can process dry material, but the FM6DD performs best with freshly cut branches. Very dry or seasoned wood can be harder to feed and may produce finer material rather than clean wood chips.
At around 38kg, it is relatively manageable for a petrol chipper. Its compact frame and folding chute also make it easier to move around a garden and store in a shed or garage.
The FM6DD uses twin reversible H13 steel blades. When one cutting edge becomes dull, the blades can be reversed to use the second edge before sharpening or replacement is needed
The FM6DD is supplied with a 2-year warranty, with UK-based customer support available through Forest Master.
Yes. As a petrol wood chipper, the FM6DD is loud in operation, so suitable hearing and eye protection should be used when running the machine.
