The Evolution of Wood Chippers: The Timberwolf TW 150VTR Tracked Chipper
While Timberwolf's first chipper was the gravity-fed "The Chippit" in 1986, the company's innovation has always been driven by the practical needs of professional arborists and contractors. This commitment led to the development of a truly groundbreaking machine: the Timberwolf TW 150VTR, the company's first-ever tracked wood chipper. This model was a genuine game-changer, specifically engineered for tree surgeons, landscapers, and utility companies who required a commercial chipper that could access challenging, remote job sites, eliminating the need to haul timber back to the roadside.

The TW 150VTR was built for optimal off-road performance. Its key features, which set a new industry standard, included:
- Variable Track Width: A core innovation was its hydraulically adjustable tracks. With a simple lever, the tracks could be narrowed to a compact 700mm, enabling the track chipper to easily pass through narrow garden gates and small access points. This feature made it an ideal tree care machine for urban and residential environments.
- All-Terrain Mobility: The tracked system provided exceptional traction, allowing the chipper to safely traverse soft, muddy, uneven, and sloping ground. This capability drastically improved jobsite efficiency and enhanced safety for arborists, making it a superior alternative to a towable chipper in difficult conditions.
- Robust Diesel Power: The TW 150VTR was powered by a reliable 35hp Kubota 4-cylinder diesel engine. This robust engine, paired with a twin hydraulic feed roller system, could efficiently process timber and brush up to 150mm (6 inches) in diameter, achieving a high throughput of up to 4 tonnes per hour.
- Operator Safety & Ergonomics: Engineered with the user in mind, the machine featured Timberwolf's "safety plus" bar, offering 360-degree operator protection. It also incorporated advanced anti-vibration technology, a crucial feature for a machine designed for extended professional use.
Timberwolf has continued to lead the industry, building upon the legacy of the TW 150VTR. Today's tracked wood chipper range, including the powerful TW 230VTR and TW 280 series, showcases significant advancements in technology and performance. These modern machines are now available with a variety of powerful engines, including environmentally friendly Stage V compliant petrol and hybrid powertrains. With features like dual-speed travel and sophisticated hydraulic controls, Timberwolf tracked chippers remain the ultimate "go-anywhere" solution for professional arborists and land management professionals.

Timberwolf TW 230VTR(P)
The Timberwolf TW 230VTR(P) is a high-performance tracked wood chipper designed for arborists and tree surgeons who need to access challenging terrain. This powerful machine is a true workhorse, capable of chipping material up to 160mm (6.25 inches) in diameter. Its key feature is the "WolfTrack" variable width, dual-speed tracking system, which allows it to navigate narrow paths and garden gates with ease, with a minimum width of just 810mm. Powered by a robust Briggs & Stratton petrol engine, the TW 230VTR(P) delivers an impressive throughput of up to 5 tonnes per hour, making it an incredibly efficient solution for on-site green waste processing. Its compact design and superior power make it a class-leading choice for tough jobs in hard-to-reach locations. A diesel model is also available.
Timberwolf TW 280FTR(P)
The Timberwolf TW 280FTR(P) is a high-performance, tracked wood chipper designed for professional arborists and contractors tackling challenging terrain. Powered by a potent 57hp Kubota petrol engine, it offers a class-leading 210mm infeed capacity, allowing it to effortlessly process large volumes of material, including leafy brash and whole branches. Its standout feature is the WolfTrack® Dual Speed Tracking System, which provides a low-speed gear for precise navigation on difficult ground and a high-speed setting for quick transit across job sites. With its rugged construction, low center of gravity, and anti-vibration platform, the TW 280FTR(P) ensures stability, safety, and operator comfort, making it a reliable arboriculture machine.
For a deeper look into our range of machines and the history of Timberwolf, you can read our main article HERE.