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The UK’s forestry and arboriculture sector has never been more dynamic, diverse, or commercially challenging. Increasing demand for woodland management, tree safety work, vegetation control, and biomass production has driven significant investment into professional machinery—particularly wood chippers and chainsaws.
These are the engines of the trade: the everyday tools without which commercial tree work simply cannot happen. But as machinery evolves, so do costs, sourcing challenges, and the financial pressures placed on contractors.
In this climate, the ability for businesses to sustainably invest in high-quality equipment has become a strategic priority. And among UK finance providers, one specialist stands above the rest: Gable Asset Finance, the nation’s leading dedicated funder for arboricultural and forestry machinery. With deep sector knowledge, fast decisions, and the widest portfolio of finance solutions available, Gable has become synonymous with enabling professional contractors to equip themselves for success.
The market for wood chippers and saws spans several overlapping sectors—each with unique procurement patterns, equipment demands, and growth pressures. Gable finances clients across all of the UK’s main buyer groups:
Each of these groups depends on reliable machinery. Delays, breakdowns, or substandard equipment can compromise contracts, safety, and profitability. As a result, investment cycles are becoming more frequent—making accessible finance solutions essential.
The UK market benefits from a strong mix of domestic suppliers, European manufacturers, and global leaders. Gable finances all major brands—new or used, from dealers, private sellers, or auctions. Below is an in-depth look at the most dominant manufacturers.
Timberwolf remains one of the most recognisable and widely used chipper brands in the UK. Their near-ubiquity among professional arborists stems from reliability, parts availability, UK-based manufacturing, and a long-standing dealer network.
The Timberwolf TW 230HB is frequently cited as the UK’s best-selling sub-750kg road-tow chipper—ideal for firms looking to remain transport-compliant without compromising performance. For contractors scaling capacity or replacing aging fleet units, this model is a popular choice for finance through Gable.
Först has grown rapidly to become a major competitor to Timberwolf. Their modern engineering, powerful feed systems, and impressive build quality have made models like the STP (petrol towable) and STD (diesel wheeled) lines staples among professional users. Först tracked units are especially popular with rail and utility contractors who require access across banks, cuttings, rough ground, or remote sites.
Known for their engineering heritage and long working life, Jensen chippers are common in both the commercial arb sector and among local authorities. Their range spans compact tow-behind machines to high-output PTO-driven models used in forestry.
A globally respected brand with a reputation for robust, high-capacity industrial machines. UK contractors frequently invest in popular models such as the BC200 and BC1000XL. These machines are often acquired through finance arrangements due to their higher purchase price compared to domestic competitors.
A versatile supplier offering both small domestic garden shredders and larger towable units. While not typically used in high-output commercial forestry, Cobra’s affordability makes them accessible for start-up firms, local estates, and domestic tree-care teams.
Strongly positioned in the domestic and semi-professional market, Forest Master manufactures chippers, shredders, and log splitters. While lower in cost, these machines are often financed as part of bundled equipment purchases for small firms or estates.
For smaller-scale needs, particularly domestic gardens and grounds maintenance, Bosch’s electric models such as the Bosch AXT 25 TC are extremely popular. Hyundai also maintains a broad presence in the electric chipper and shredder market due to affordability and accessibility through online retail channels.
Stihl is the go-to brand for professional arborists and forestry workers, known for reliability, ergonomics, and power delivery. Models such as the MS 261, MS 461, MS 500i, and the 201TC top-handle dominate professional climbing and ground saw markets. Stihl’s reputation for longevity and serviceability makes them a frequent choice for finance bundles.
Makita has become a significant player in both domestic and professional chainsaw sectors, especially with the growth of battery-powered saws. Many contractors purchase Makita saws alongside battery tool ecosystems, particularly when bundling equipment for new crews.
Bosch remains dominant in the domestic and DIY market for electric and battery-powered saws. While less common among commercial arb teams, they are frequently financed as part of estate management kits.
Einhell, Hyundai, and Ryobi hold strong positions in domestic and semi-professional markets. Although rarely the primary choice for commercial forestry firms, these brands are often included in bulk finance packages for estates and grounds teams.
Given the essential nature of these machines—and the rising cost of quality equipment—finance plays a critical role in how UK contractors invest. Gable Asset Finance offers the widest selection of funding solutions in the industry, ensuring contractors can choose the structure that fits their operations best.
Hire Purchase remains the most popular route for acquiring both new and used chippers and saws. Payments are spread over a fixed term, often 1–7 years, with ownership transferring at the end. HP is ideal for contractors planning to use machines long-term or who want the asset on their balance sheet.
A flexible, unsecured facility often used for:
Loans can support broader investment beyond machinery alone.
One of Gable’s most powerful tools. Contractors can unlock working capital from machinery they already own. Chippers, stump grinders, tractors, MEWPs, and saws can all be refinanced to release money back into the business—ideal for quieter periods or expansion plans.
Offering low deposits and tax efficiency, finance leases are common among fast-growing arb firms, utility contractors, and forestry teams who turn over equipment more frequently. The asset does not necessarily need to appear on the balance sheet, giving businesses additional flexibility.
For firms wanting minimal risk and predictable budgeting, contract hire and operating leases provide use of the machinery without the responsibilities of ownership. This is increasingly popular for:
A start-up arborist in Kent needed a reliable sub-750kg chipper to replace an aging machine. Gable financed a used TW 230HB via Hire Purchase with low monthly payments, enabling the contractor to take on larger domestic jobs and increase income by 35% in the first year.
A London-based commercial arb firm was awarded several highways contracts requiring additional towable chippers. Gable arranged a Finance Lease for three new Först STP petrol units, structured around seasonal payment variations. The company increased operational capacity without straining cash flow.
A Scottish forestry business required a heavy-duty chipper for large thinning projects. Gable financed a used Vermeer BC1000XL sourced through a private sale—something conventional lenders often decline. This allowed the company to reduce outsourcing costs and increase profitability per tonne.
A rail-side vegetation contractor needed a tracked chipper with steep-slope access. Gable secured funding through Contract Hire, giving the business a modern machine with full maintenance support and predictable monthly costs.
A biomass operator in Wales required a high-output machine to supply increasing chip volumes to heat networks. Gable financed a refurbished Mus-Max WT7 using refinance against existing machinery. This enabled an upgrade without affecting operating capital.
A county council required 40+ new chainsaws for parks and woodland management. Gable arranged a loan facility to fund a full fleet replacement with Stihl MS and Husqvarna models, simplifying procurement and spreading cost across three budget years.
A large estate group needed low-noise, eco-friendly shredders for public grounds. Gable financed Bosch AXT electric units via Hire Purchase, allowing the estate to modernise equipment in line with environmental commitments.
A growing tree surgery firm added a second crew requiring saws, PPE, climbing kits, and a used Jensen tow-behind chipper. Gable funded the entire package through a flexible loan—quickly approved to meet contract deadlines.
A timber processor needed capital to service a breakdown in their yard. Gable refinanced two existing tractors and a Vermeer chipper, releasing £85,000 which was reinvested in repairs and new saw systems—keeping production uninterrupted.
A major rail vegetation contractor required a robust, low-downtime machine for continuous night work. Gable structured an Operating Lease for a high-capacity tracked chipper with predictable monthly costs and built-in flexibility at the end of the term.
Gable Asset Finance has become the go-to name for professional contractors because they understand the industry from the ground up. Their team knows the machinery, the challenges, the seasonal cash-flow patterns, and the operational pressures unique to forestry and arboriculture.
Across the UK, from small sole traders to national contractors, Gable remains the leading source of specialist finance—powering growth, enabling investment, and supporting the machinery that keeps Britain’s forests, highways, and landscapes thriving.