Reduce Debris Around Your Property with the DR Power Chipper Shredder
Owning land is a wonderful luxury, but it comes with higher maintenance demands, especially if your property is abundant with trees. As autumn approaches, we took the opportunity to use the DR Power Premier 310 Chipper Shredder on our farm in Georgia to assist PTR reviewer Luke Smith with some much-needed cleanup.
DR Power Chipper Shredder Performance
Powerful Engine
The Premier 310 is equipped with a 233 cc gas engine that delivers 6.6 HP and 11.1 ft-lbs of torque. Despite being the smallest model in its lineup, it is highly fuel-efficient and capable of efficiently chopping branches up to 3 inches long.
For those in need of more power and capacity, DR Power offers several other options. The Pro 410 shares a similar design and can handle branches up to 4 inches. If you require ATV/tractor towing options, the Premier 375 can handle branches up to 3.75 inches, while the Pro 475P boasts a capacity of 4.75 inches and is equipped with a Class 1 PTO tractor drive. The Pro 475P is also available as a standalone tow vehicle for the Pro 475. Finally, the Pro XL501 is the most powerful in the series, with an impressive 5-inch capacity and a design suitable for towing by a truck.
Efficient Feeding
If you’re unfamiliar with chippers, note that the two hoppers serve different purposes, depending on how the chips come into contact with the chipper knives or shredder hammers. The smaller side hoppers are designed to hold branches up to 3 inches, making them ideal for tackling the toughest jobs. With a rotation speed of 231 feet per second (158 miles per hour), DR Power’s durable Pro-Spec alloy steel chipper knives make quick work of branches. The machine is self-feeding, so you only need to assist with supporting the weight while the machine does the rest.
The larger top hopper, on the other hand, can accommodate debris up to 1/2 inch. From this direction, eight freely swinging hammers effectively shatter the smaller fragments.
It is crucial to use the correct hopper when feeding the machine. Inserting larger twigs from the top will not splinter them like smaller twigs, which may cause the drive to become jammed. In the event of a jam, an access door is provided to facilitate the removal of larger chips.
Once you begin using the DR Power Premier 310 shredder, you’ll quickly notice its exceptional waste reduction capabilities. With a 10:1 ratio, the shredder efficiently reduces waste, with chips exiting through a specially designed side screen. The resulting chips can be repurposed as desired.
DR Power Chipper Shredder Design Notes
Portability
The Premier 310 features a highly maneuverable high-wheel design. Its 14 x 2-inch wheels effortlessly roll across various surfaces, including concrete pads and trails. A handle attached to the large hopper allows for easy transportation, while a stand on the bottom provides stability during use and storage.
While this particular model is not towable, its versatility allows it to operate in a wide range of areas. With a dry weight of 129 lbs, Luke and I were able to lift it into the truck bed and UTV for use in different sections of the farm. Remember to secure it properly to your vehicle or frame when traveling.
Other Highlights
- Manual recoil start
- 0.9-gallon fuel tank (3.4 liters)
As the smallest model in the series, the DR Power Premier 310 is also the most affordable. It is currently priced at $849.99, reduced from its list price of $969.99. DR Power stands behind this product with a 2-year residential warranty or a 90-day commercial use warranty. If you’re interested in exploring other models, here’s a list of their prices:
- Advanced 310: $969.99
- Pro 410: $1499.99
- Pro 400: $1499.99
- Advanced 375: $2199.99
- Pro 475: $3499.99
- Pro XL501: $3799.99
The Bottom Line
The DR Power Premier 310 Chipper Shredder proved to be a highly effective tool in helping us clean up fallen branches along our riding trails. While properties with higher demands may require the additional capacity provided by other models from DR Power, the Premier 310 offers a convenient and affordable solution to keep your property looking great throughout the year.
Specifications
- Model: DR Power Premier 310
- Power Source: DR Power 233cc, 6.6 HP gas engine
- Engine Torque: 11.1 ft-lbs
- Engine Oil: L 10W-30 or 15W-39
- Starting Method: Manual recoil
- Cutting Capacity: 3 inches
- Crumb Hopper: 10.4 x 7.2 inches
- Chipping Knife: 4.125 x 1.25 x 0.25 inches
- Shredding Capacity: 1/2 inch
- Shredder Hopper: 19.8 x 13.7 inches
- Discharge Screen Opening: 0.94 inch
- Wheels: 14 x 2 inches
- Dry Weight: 129 lbs