MICHIGAN Wood Chippers Compared: Raptor 950, Raptor 1100, Ravenger 1750 & Ravenger 1950 (7HP–18HP Models)

Testing statement: Firebusters has not personally tested these wood chippers. This comparison is based on current MICHIGAN/Edisons specifications and supplier information. Specifications can change, and some current supplier pages contain conflicting capacity figures. Check the latest manual and product listing before purchase or use.

MICHIGAN Wood Chippers: Quick Comparison

The MICHIGAN petrol wood-chipper range includes lighter 7HP models and much heavier 18HP machines designed for larger volumes of woody garden and property debris.

This guide compares four models:

• Raptor 950 – 212cc / 7HP, dual-feed chipper and shredder
• Raptor 1100 – 212cc / 7HP, single main-feed chipper
• Ravenger 1750 – 420cc / 18HP, dual-feed chipper with floating hammers
• Ravenger 1950 – 420cc / 18HP, heavier towable-on-property design with Twin-Cut system

Specification Comparison

MICHIGAN Raptor 950 – 7HP

• 212cc, 7HP supplier-rated petrol engine
• DirectDrive system
• Four hardened-steel chipping blades
• 55kg product weight
• 12-inch pneumatic wheels
• Dual foot brakes
• Side branch chute and top hopper
• Goggles, earmuffs and collection bag currently listed

Raptor 950 Capacity Needs Care

The current Edisons page contains two different branch-capacity figures.

The highlights and product graphic refer to approximately 50mm, while the specification table states 76mm / 3 inches.

Firebusters would not choose one figure and present it as unquestionably correct. If maximum branch diameter matters to your purchase, confirm it against the latest manual or directly with the supplier.

The supplier specifically states that the Raptor 950 is not suitable for bamboo or palm fronds.

MICHIGAN Raptor 1100 – 7HP

• 212cc / 7HP supplier-rated engine
• 50mm published maximum chipping capacity
• Twin reversible steel blades
• Twin V-belt drive
• 270-degree multi-directional discharge chute
• Low-oil engine protection
• Emergency stop bar
• Hot exhaust shield
• 10-inch puncture-proof tyres
• 96kg product weight

The supplier specifically warns that this model is not designed for fibrous material such as flax or vines.

MICHIGAN Ravenger 1750 – 18HP

• 420cc / 18HP supplier-rated four-stroke engine
• Recoil start
• 7L fuel capacity
• Twin HSS chipping blades
• 16 floating chipping hammers
• Side branch chute
• Top hopper for smaller material
• Adjustable discharge throat
• 100kg product weight

1750 Branch Capacity

The current specification table states:

• Side chute: up to 90mm
• Top hopper: approximately 10mm

However, other supplier wording refers to branches of about three inches, which is approximately 76mm.

For that reason, the safest approach is to treat 90mm as the current specification-table maximum rather than a guaranteed working capacity for every timber type.

1750 Wheel-Size Conflict

The current supplier page also contains both 12-inch and 15-inch wheel references.

This does not materially change the cutting performance, but buyers with rough property access should confirm the current wheel specification before ordering.

MICHIGAN Ravenger 1950 – 18HP

Verified Ravenger 1950 Specifications

• SKU: CHPTEAMCHC2M0
• Engine: 420cc air-cooled four-stroke petrol
• Output: 18HP supplier rating
• Starting: recoil
• Fuel: regular unleaded 95+ RON
• Fuel capacity: 6.5L
• Oil capacity: 1.1L
• Drive: twin V-belt
• Cutting: Twin-Cut dual-blade arrangement with forged counter-blade
• Wheel diameter: 15 inches
• Product weight: 165kg
• Carton weight: 198kg
• Published maximum branch diameter: 12cm in current specification table
• Transport: towable around suitable private property; not suitable for road registration

1950 Capacity: Important Supplier Conflict

The current Edisons product page gives 12cm as the maximum branch diameter in its highlights and specification table.

However, the descriptive text on the same page also says branches up to approximately 8.5cm.

Because those figures do not agree, Firebusters would not promise that every 120mm branch is suitable.

Confirm the latest manual and use only straight, appropriate woody material that the machine accepts without force.

Material Restrictions

The product highlights state that the Ravenger 1950 is not suitable for bamboo or palm fronds.

There is also contradictory promotional wording elsewhere on the current product page regarding palm material.

For safety and machine protection, follow the current user manual rather than promotional wording when there is any conflict.

165kg Changes the Transport Question

The Ravenger 1950 is not simply a slightly larger version of the 100kg Ravenger 1750.

At approximately 165kg, movement, storage and loading need to be considered before purchase.

Its chassis and 15-inch wheels help with movement around appropriate private property, but Edisons specifically states that the machine is not suitable for road registration.

If transporting it on public roads, use an appropriate trailer or other legal load-carrying method and secure the machine correctly.

Which MICHIGAN Chipper Fits Which Job?

Do Not Choose Only by Horsepower

A published 18HP figure does not automatically make a chipper suitable for every type of vegetation.

Feed design, blade system, material type and branch shape can be just as important.

For example, fibrous plants can wrap around or block cutting components even when their diameter is well below the machine’s maximum woody-branch rating.

Woodchipper Safety

Woodchippers contain rapidly moving cutting components and can eject material with considerable force.

Before operating:

• read the current manufacturer instructions
• keep guards and covers installed
• keep bystanders away from the feed and discharge areas
• wear appropriate eye, hearing, hand and foot protection
• remove wire, stones, metal and other foreign objects from material
• do not wear loose clothing that may become entangled
• never reach into a feed chute while the machine is operating
• stop and isolate the engine before clearing a blockage or carrying out maintenance
• stand in the operating position specified by the manufacturer

WorkSafe Victoria identifies hazards including operators being drawn into chippers, contact with blades, entanglement, ejected material, branch kickback, noise, dust and manual-handling injuries.

Fire Danger and Petrol Equipment

These models use petrol engines with hot exhaust components.

In Victoria, check current CFA restrictions before operating machinery around dry vegetation, particularly during the Fire Danger Period or on Total Fire Ban days.

Do not assume normal operating conditions apply simply because the job involves property maintenance.

Moving and Storing These Machines

Machine weight rises sharply across the range:

• Raptor 950 – 55kg
• Raptor 1100 – 96kg
• Ravenger 1750 – 100kg
• Ravenger 1950 – 165kg

Before ordering, check:

• shed-door width
• gates and access paths
• ramps
• trailer payload
• tie-down points
• manual-handling requirements
• whether the machine can be moved safely on your terrain

Basic Maintenance

• Check engine oil before operation.
• Use the specified fuel and oil.
• Inspect blades and cutting components.
• Inspect belts on belt-driven models.
• Check fasteners and guards.
• Keep engine cooling areas clear.
• Check tyres and wheels before moving the machine.
• Do not continue operating if unusual vibration develops.
• Stop the engine before refuelling.

Buyer Checklist

• Identify the typical branch diameter you actually need to process.
• Consider the type of vegetation, not just diameter.
• Check supplier capacity conflicts against the latest manual.
• Confirm whether you need dual-feed or single-feed operation.
• Check machine weight before purchase.
• Measure gates and storage access.
• Plan safe transport.
• Confirm fuel and engine-oil requirements.
• Check current CFA restrictions when operating around dry vegetation.
• Do not assume a towable chassis makes the machine road legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the lightest MICHIGAN petrol chipper here?

The Raptor 950 is the lightest at approximately 55kg.

What is the Raptor 1100 branch capacity?

The current supplier specification consistently publishes a maximum chipping capacity of 50mm.

What is the Ravenger 1750 maximum capacity?

The current specification table gives 90mm for the side chute and around 10mm for the top hopper. Other product wording states approximately three inches, so buyers should confirm the latest documentation.

Does the Ravenger 1950 really take 120mm branches?

The current specification table and highlights list a 12cm maximum, but another section of the same supplier page states approximately 8.5cm. Treat 120mm as a supplier-published maximum rather than a guaranteed capacity for all timber.

How heavy is the Ravenger 1950?

The current published product weight is approximately 165kg.

Does the Ravenger 1950 have electric start?

No. The current specification lists a recoil starting system.

Can the Ravenger 1950 be towed on public roads?

The supplier specifically states that it is not suitable for road registration. The chassis is intended to assist movement around suitable private property.

Can these machines process bamboo or palm fronds?

Do not assume they can. The Raptor 950 and Ravenger 1950 currently carry supplier warnings relating to bamboo and palm fronds, while the Raptor 1100 excludes fibrous material such as flax and vines. Check the manual for the exact model before feeding unusual material.

Final Assessment

The four MICHIGAN chippers are more different than their similar appearance and horsepower labels might suggest.

The Raptor 950 is substantially lighter and provides separate branch and foliage feeds.

The Raptor 1100 provides the clearest current branch rating at 50mm and uses a twin V-belt drive with reversible blades.

The Ravenger 1750 moves into a larger 420cc platform with separate feed systems, twin HSS blades and floating hammers.

The Ravenger 1950 is the heaviest machine here at 165kg and has the largest supplier-published maximum branch figure, but its current listing contains an important 120mm-versus-85mm capacity inconsistency.

Firebusters recommendation: choose by the material you regularly process, the verified intake capacity, machine weight and your ability to safely move and store the chipper. Do not select purely on horsepower or the largest advertised branch number.

Research Sources

• 
  Edisons – MICHIGAN Raptor 950
  
• 
  Edisons – MICHIGAN Raptor 1100
  
• 
  Edisons – MICHIGAN Ravenger 1750
  
• 
  Edisons – MICHIGAN Ravenger 1950
  
• 
  WorkSafe Victoria – Woodchipper Safety
  
• 
  CFA – Fire Danger Period and Total Fire Ban Restrictions
  

Specifications, inclusions and supplier wording can change. Confirm important capacity, transport and material restrictions against the latest manual for the exact machine before purchase or operation.