Pruning an orchard or clearing overgrown land can leave behind an awkward pile of branches. They are too bulky to store efficiently, slow to break down and often difficult to transport. The ARPAL Classic AM-80BD tackles that problem by cutting branches into short pieces that can be collected, dried and potentially used as firewood.
Despite being described as a wood chipper, the Ukrainian-built machine does not produce the fine, irregular mulch associated with high-speed disc chippers. Its six-blade cutting mechanism divides branches into substantially larger chunks. That makes it particularly relevant to homes, farms, orchards and landscaping operations looking to recover useful fuel from woody waste.
Built for branches up to 3.1 inches thick
ARPAL rates the AM-80BD for softwood branches up to 80 mm (3.1 in) in diameter and hardwood up to 60 mm (2.4 in). The distinction matters because dense species such as oak and acacia place greater loads on the cutting system than similarly sized softwood.
The feed opening measures 165 × 133 mm (6.5 × 5.2 in), allowing irregular and forked material to enter the hopper. However, that opening should not be mistaken for the maximum solid-branch diameter; the published 80- and 60-mm limits still apply.
ARPAL lists maximum productivity at 4 cu m (141 cu ft) per hour. Real output will depend on branch diameter, species, moisture, shape, operator pace and how frequently the material must be repositioned.
Six blades produce short pieces instead of mulch
Inside the machine are six opposed cutting blades that rotate at up to 360 rpm. As a branch is inserted thick end first, the mechanism draws it inward and repeatedly cuts across it. The current product page lists an output length of 60–120 mm (2.4–4.7 in), although ARPAL’s April 2026 manual gives a broader 90–180-mm range and notes that the material is not calibrated.
In practical terms, users should expect a mixture of short wood pieces rather than identically sized blocks. The output could be useful for drying as kindling or fuel in suitable wood-burning equipment, but users would need to ensure the pieces suit their particular stove or boiler.
ARPAL calls its wider cutting technology PureCut and its blades ExtraCut. The blades are made from AISI 5140 steel, with cutting edges hardened to a claimed 50 HRC and a more elastic interior intended to resist chipping. They sit in precision-machined grooves and are secured with high-strength bolts to help maintain alignment.
The company says the blades can process up to 200 cu m (7,063 cu ft) of wood between sharpenings and can be resharpened as many as six times. Those are manufacturer claims; service life will vary with the wood and any dirt, stones, nails or other contaminants.
A heavy flywheel helps a small engine keep cutting
Power comes from a 7-hp, 212-cc petrol engine with manual recoil starting. The engine can run at up to 3,600 rpm, with a belt drive transmitting power to the slower cutting mechanism.
A 20-kg (44-lb) flywheel stores rotational energy. When a thick section reaches the blades, the flywheel’s inertia helps carry the mechanism through the cut instead of placing the entire instantaneous load on the engine.
An Easy Start friction clutch allows the engine to start without immediately rotating the complete cutting assembly. ARPAL says it progressively engages at around 1,500 rpm. A separate PowerGuard clutch can disconnect the cutting load during an overload, reducing the likelihood of abruptly stalling the engine.
The SmartFix tapered couplings supporting the blade shafts are also designed to slip when torque exceeds approximately 2,000 Nm. This provides mechanical protection if the operator inserts an oversized branch or the mechanism jams.
Compact, but still a substantial machine
The assembled AM-80BD measures 1,554 mm long, 676 mm wide and 1,127 mm high—approximately 61.2 × 26.6 × 44.4 inches. Its narrow width helps it pass through gates and fit inside some small commercial vehicles.
Four wheels support the frame: two pneumatic rear wheels and two lockable swivel casters at the front. The arrangement allows the chipper to be pushed around a property and steadied for operation on a firm, level surface.
The product page lists a weight of 160 kg (353 lb), while the current manual says 168 kg (370 lb). Either way, “mobile” means rollable rather than easily lifted. Loading it into a van or trailer would normally require multiple people, a ramp or suitable lifting equipment. It ships partially assembled on a pallet, with the input hopper and its safety-switch connection requiring installation.
Safety systems surround the cutting mechanism
The long feed hopper helps keep an operator away from the blades, while a Quick Stop handle is positioned around its outer edge. The belt, clutch and flywheel are enclosed, and a curtain at the feed opening helps contain flying fragments. An interlock monitors the hopper assembly, and the discharge is directed away from the operator.
These safeguards do not remove the hazards associated with a petrol-powered chipper. ARPAL instructs operators to stand beside the hopper rather than directly behind it, release branches once the mechanism takes hold and never reach into either opening. Eye, hearing, hand, head and foot protection are required. The engine must only be operated outdoors because of carbon-monoxide risk.
Stone, glass, metal, fabric and similar material must be kept out. Before clearing a blockage or servicing the blades, the machine must be fully stopped and secured against accidental starting.
Maintenance, warranty and pricing
Regular work includes inspecting fasteners, guards, belts, clutch components, blade condition and blade clearance. The engine oil, air filter, spark plug and fuel system also require scheduled attention. ARPAL’s manual specifies a break-in period before the machine is used at full capacity, including initial idle cycles and approximately 20 operating hours on smaller branches.
ARPAL says it has manufactured wood-processing equipment in Vinnytsia since 2013 and sells through dealers or direct channels in 25 countries. The AM-80BD is currently listed at ₴74,000 (approx. US$1,660) on the company’s Ukrainian website. Export pricing, freight, taxes, local certification and service availability will depend on the destination.
The principal machine components carry a three-year warranty, excluding consumables such as blades, belts and friction-clutch cams. The petrol engine has a separate one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
For properties that regularly generate thick branches, the AM-80BD offers a useful middle ground between a small garden shredder and a large towable chipper. Its most interesting feature is not simply disposing of branches—it is turning a bulky cleanup problem into compact pieces that may be stored and used as fuel.
Source: ARPAL Classic AM-80BD
