I’ve used this chipper four times now and after the next time, it will be time to change the oil. Every time it starts with either one or two pulls. I haven’t used the chipper on anything larger than 2 inches, although I think it shouldn’t be too much problem if you turn up the rpm’s and as long as it’s green and soft wood. One thing I learned the first time I used it is stand to the side when you put the limbs in and don’t hold onto the limbs with a firm grip as it will jerk you into the machine. It has trouble with leaves, so don’t fill the chute with nothing but leaves. I am very satisfied with this chipper, but I will give you info the chipper’s manual doesn’t have: It holds 16 ounces of oil! I can’t believe the idiots that wrote the instructions were ignorant enough not to put that little nugget of info in there.