I have a Simplicity chipper/shredder that is several years old and still works like a new one. It takes limbs up to 2 1/2" I think and eats them quickly and easily. It takes no time at all to get a good pile of mulch with it. Just remember that they have a chipping ratio that will determine the size of the chips are. I think ours is a 6 - 1. The chips are fairly small and make a nice mulch. Renting one is good advice. Because once you get rid of the pile of limbs you have now it may be a couple years before you have that many again. Ours does leaves very will too. If they are very wet tho it will clog up somewhat.
