Today there are a large number of mechanisms and equipment that can make the hard and painstaking work of a summer resident easier. One of these reliable helpers is a garden shredder for grass and branches, which in a matter of minutes processes dry leaves, grass and branches into shavings, which can serve as high-quality mulch, the basis for the production of humus, or useful fertilizer. This article will tell you how to choose this simple device correctly.
Or a shredder for wood and grass resembles a meat grinder in its internal design. All kinds of garbage that gardeners encounter in their summer cottages end up in the grinding system, where they are ground into wood chips. Thanks to the powerful engine that some types of shredder are equipped with, even the heaviest materials are ground.
A standard garden shredder for branches, leaves and grass consists of three main elements: the hopper, the shredding mechanism and the motor.
The most significant element is the bunker. This is a kind of filter that prevents foreign objects such as fabric, rubber, and metal parts from entering the shredder. Another function of the bunker is to directly pass recycled waste.
According to the grinding system, a distinction is made between milling and knife grinding. A knife shredder processes garden waste up to 3 cm. Milling devices cope with larger waste, up to 8 cm.
The shredder is powered by a motor that can be powered by electricity or gasoline. The type of engine is determined by the composition of the waste that will be processed. Each garden shredder is equipped with a control device, thanks to which you can speed up or slow down the shredding process. An integral part of the garden device is the reverse, with which you can clear clogged knives.
How to choose a garden shredder
Before you start choosing a garden shredder, you need to evaluate all the work on the site and identify the most difficult waste, as a result of which it is generated. The quantity and composition of processed raw materials will directly depend on the type of device. Next, you should take into account the weight of the chopper, brand, and cost of equipment.
When choosing a shredder, you should be guided by its main characteristics:
- Grinding system.
- Device class.
- Engine type.
There are knife and milling shredders. The most popular are milling machines, which crush garden waste using a steel gear. This type of shredder allows you to process both soft materials and hard wood. Knife shredders are suitable for shredding small branches and soft materials.
The device class of the equipment affects its power, performance and cost. For simple country needs, you can use amateur or middle-class equipment, numerous reviews will help you choose which one. An amateur-grade garden shredder for grass and branches with a power of 1.8-2.2 kW can easily cope with soft materials.
Medium-class equipment with a power of 2.5 kW processes larger, tough branches. The most professional are devices with gasoline engines and noise reduction. They are capable of processing hard raw materials and thick branches. They are more powerful and more expensive. They are not suitable for ordinary garden plots, since they cannot pay for themselves.
Depending on the type of engine, shredders can be electric or gasoline. Professional high-power shredders are usually equipped with gasoline engines. They are mobile and have high performance. Budget models run on electricity. They are rarely used for working over large areas, since their range of movement is limited by the length of the cord.
Before you buy a garden shredder for branches and grass, evaluate the size of your site, which determines the length of the cord. If the area is very large, then it would be advisable to purchase a gasoline shredder. You should pay attention to the noise level, which should not exceed 84 dB. Professional devices have the highest noise reduction rates.
Useful advice!Keep in mind that the lower the noise of the device, the lower its performance. This applies to middle and amateur class models.
When choosing the type of device, check the list of materials that it can process. This model must be certified and have a warranty. Give preference to well-known manufacturers who have service centers in our country.
The rating of garden shredders for branches and grass will help you decide on the choice of device. Reviews from professional gardeners are based on many years of experience using each shredder model. Here you can find out all the detailed information about each specific unit, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
A shredder can be purchased as a separate device or you can buy a branch chopper for a walk-behind tractor, which is an additional piece of equipment for agricultural machinery. The operating principle and rules for choosing this mechanism are the same as for independent equipment. The main advantage of a branch chopper for a walk-behind tractor is that it is ideal for any models of walk-behind cultivators that are equipped with a belt drive from the engine to the gearbox.
Types of device motors
Based on the type of engine, there are gasoline and electric shredders. Before deciding on the type of equipment, it is worth studying the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Electric shredder
This is a compact, low-noise shredder with a power of up to 2.6 kW. It easily grinds fallen leaves, dry grass and branches up to 2.5 cm in diameter. However, its ability to move is limited by the length of the electric cord. It is very responsive to voltage changes in the network, which is not uncommon for summer cottages.
Useful advice!If there is a problem with voltage drop in the area, you can use a garden generator.
Main advantages:
- the devices have a low noise level, unlike gasoline shredders;
- environmentally friendly;
- thanks to its compact design, simple and easy to use;
- more economical. It has a low cost and eliminates additional costs for fuel and fuel.
Main disadvantages:
- cannot work without a constant source of electric current;
- sensitive to voltage changes;
- a low-power device that cannot cope with large solid raw materials.
Gasoline shredder
This device is a powerful mobile device that can work in any garden. A gasoline shredder of branches and grass is capable of processing hard wood with a diameter of up to 7 cm. The equipment has significant weight, which limits the possibility of its easy movement around the garden plot.
Due to the high power of up to 8 kW, the device is quite noisy, but at the same time much more productive. Therefore, the price of a garden gasoline shredder of branches and grass will be higher than its electric counterpart.
As a result of their operation, gasoline grinders emit harmful products into the atmosphere. Compared to electric analogues, they require additional costs for equipment maintenance, namely changing the engine oil after a certain number of engine hours. However, such a timely measure will prevent damage to the internal combustion engine and will extend its service life for a long time.
Shredder grinding mechanism
The type of cutting mechanism of the shredder should be selected depending on the structure and size of the raw material. Next, we will consider each system separately.
Knife shredders
This grinding mechanism consists of disc-shaped knives, which begin to rotate when the device is turned on, and process the waste entering them. They are ideal for chopping grass, leaves, small branches, tops and half-rotten root crops. Knives can handle harder waste, but their blades become dull quickly and the life of the shredder is significantly reduced.
Useful advice!To ensure continuous operation of the shredder, you should have a spare set of blades for the wood shredder, which can be purchased together with the shredder.
Milling shredders
Shredders with a milling system are the most reliable. They are capable of processing dry solid raw materials up to 70 mm in diameter. This type of recycling system is used for high-power professional models. The grinding process is carried out using a monolithic gear that rotates on a shaft and a vertical anvil opposite. Garden waste passing between these elements is crushed.
Such mechanisms are best used for hard wood, since as a result of chopping grass and leaves, the space between the cutting parts becomes clogged, which shortens the life of the device. Many models are equipped with an automatic feed mechanism, which allows a person to do other things at the same time.
Useful advice!To meet all your needs for shredding garden waste of varying sizes and hardness, you can buy a grass and branch shredder with a combined shredding system. However, its cost will be much higher than single devices.
Another significant advantage over knife choppers is the presence of a reverse function for milling devices. This makes it possible to remove the stuck element from the cavity of the chopper without damaging its further operation. A video of a wood chipper with this function clearly demonstrates this. In milling grinders, it is possible to regulate the level of processing by changing the distance between the gear and the anvil.
You can clearly see the level of operation of each system in numerous videos of a garden shredder for grass and branches offered on the Internet.
Chopper power
According to power indicator, garden shredders are divided into three classes:
- Professional shredders.
- Semi-professional shredders.
- Amateur level shredders.
Professional shredders have a high power rating of up to 8 kW and are often equipped with gasoline engines. However, on the market you can find professional three-phase electric shredders that operate on a voltage of 380V. The devices are equipped with a large grinding mechanism for grinding large solid raw materials, a receiving funnel and a retractor.
Due to their high productivity and power, such grinders have a bulky design and high cost. Therefore, the use of such devices in small summer cottages is impractical. They find their application in large-scale farming where there is a large amount of waste.
To clean your summer cottage from excess branches, shrub trimmings, fallen leaves and tops of agricultural plants, you can use a special device called a shredder. This product allows you to quickly get rid of everything unnecessary without harming the environment.
What types of garden waste shredders are there?
All shredders can be divided into two classes - electric and gasoline, and they are also classified according to the type of knives used:
- The disk system is best suited for working with grass or leaves; it will also process thin twigs. Thick branches should not be loaded, as this may lead to breakage of the knives;
- Milling knives are equipped with a gear - they will quickly grind branches with a diameter of up to 7 cm, but soft debris will wrap around the knives or simply get chewed up.
When forming this rating of the best shredders presented on the Russian market, we took into account a number of features: price-quality ratio, service life; operational qualities of the equipment; frequency of breakdowns and so on.
Shredders appeared in Russia not too long ago, so there is little information about them, it is not enough for a complete choice. We hope that our top 10 rating will help you purchase the most suitable equipment that will serve you faithfully for many years. The rating is conventionally divided into two parts - in the first we looked at electric models, in the second - petrol models, since they are too different from each other to be in the same top.
Top Five Electric Shredders
This equipment is equipped with a reliable cutting mechanism that allows you to grind branches with a diameter of up to 4 cm. The design also includes a large-diameter funnel, thanks to which it will be very convenient to load garden waste. The frame is quite wide, the unit is equipped with large diameter wheels, due to which it will stand stably on the surface of the ground during operation. The capacity of the waste bin is 48 liters – this is quite enough for a small area.
The shredder is equipped with a blade chopping mechanism, with its help it is possible to process not only dried garbage, but also freshly cut grass or branches. The motor power is 2.8 kW, it is protected from overloads by a special 16 A fuse. A large garbage bag can be placed in the garbage bin, which makes it easier for subsequent transportation. To ensure that all work is absolutely safe, the container has a closing contact. The body is made of hard plastic - it is not afraid of direct sunlight, moisture, high and low temperatures.
Advantages:
- High power;
- Large diameter wheels provide good stability on uneven surfaces;
- High-quality plastic from which the body is made;
- Works very quietly;
- Reliable and absolutely safe operation.
Flaws:
- The quality of the knife included in the kit leaves much to be desired, but if necessary, it can be replaced;
- The power cable is quite short - you have to use carriers.
This is a fairly good garden shredder, which is perfect for large summer cottages planted with fruit trees and berry bushes. It copes well with large volumes of freshly cut leaves, branches and twigs, the maximum diameter of the loaded material is 40 mm. The unit will be a good assistant in making compost. The funnel has a significant diameter, which makes it easy to load large volumes of grass and branches into the product.
The container is installed directly under the shredder, thanks to which the device has quite acceptable dimensions. This makes storing the device easier. The garbage bin has a mount for garbage bags. The equipment is equipped with a powerful motor that drives a chopping system of two blades. The motor is reliably protected from overheating and other overloads; it automatically turns off when the electricity is turned off, preventing the motor from breaking down. The chopper is absolutely safe due to the presence of an emergency engine stop system.
Advantages:
- Thoroughly crushes plant material, making it suitable for preparing humus;
- Reliable engine with several degrees of protection.
Flaws:
- The knives quickly become clogged, which is why you will have to constantly clean them;
- Weak fastening of wheels.
3. Patriot Garden PT SE24
This is a model from a German manufacturer that has long established itself in the market for gasoline equipment and electric tools. The main performance indicators of the product are the high motor power, which is about 2.5 kW, which ensures good performance.
The rotation speed of the knives at maximum speed is about 4500 per minute. The device weighs only 14 kg, which makes it easy to transport around the site; it can operate from an ordinary household electrical network. The kit includes a stand on wheels, a pusher for grass and branches, a screwdriver and a hex key for assembling the device - they will also come in handy if the need arises to clean the unit.
Advantages:
- A good helper for a summer cottage;
- Rich equipment;
- Reliable build quality;
- Wide frame and large wheels;
- It does not make too much noise during operation;
- There are no harmful emissions.
Flaws:
- In the absence of electricity, it will not be possible to use it for its intended purpose;
- The cord is short, so you have to use extension cords.
One of the most powerful electrical devices, which is characterized by a long service life. The unit is universal, which allows it to cope with both coarse branches and young growth. The design operates quite quietly for its power - more than 3 horsepower, and also almost does not vibrate. The loading funnel has a significant diameter, which allows you to quickly load large volumes of vegetation, and there is a splash protection system.
In addition, there is a knife locking function: when the protective cover is opened, a mechanical fuse is activated, stopping the motor. The chassis is wide, which makes it easy to move and prevents it from turning over even on uneven surfaces. The knives are designed using Multi-Cut 250 technology, operate on the rotating and breaking principle, and have a crusher. The engine is reliable and powerful, which ensures long-lasting operation of all elements of the device. The knives rotate at a speed of 2800 rpm.
Advantages:
- During storage, it takes up a minimum of free space;
- Grinds very well;
- The wheels are comfortable and easy to roll from one place to another.
Flaws:
- When chopping fresh grass or small twigs, the knives quickly become clogged;
- Noisy;
- The kit does not include a pusher.
This is the best shredder that comes with an electric motor. Its high throughput, low weight, and attractive appearance helped it become the leader of the rating. The device weighs a little, so it is convenient to move it from one place to another.
The unit is equipped with a 2 kW Power Drive electric motor; it provides blade rotation speeds of up to 17,500 per minute, and the speed remains constant regardless of the load level. Within an hour, the structure is capable of processing about 80 kg of grass or branches, including freshly cut ones. The blades are high-quality, laser sharpened during production, and have a long service life - approximately 70% more durable than similar products. The shredder has a convenient pusher, which significantly speeds up the work process. It weighs only 11.5 kg, has a comfortable handle and wide wheels.
Advantages:
- There is a wide funnel for easy loading of large volumes;
- The engine is reliably protected from overload and voltage surges in the electrical network;
- Reliable knives;
- Compact dimensions.
Flaws:
- None except for a narrow outlet for crushed material.
Five of the best gasoline shredders
The device is equipped with a powerful gasoline engine, which makes it completely independent of power supply. The loading hopper is large, making it possible to load branches of large diameter there; in addition, there is another receiver that is placed on the ground. It’s convenient to shovel garbage there directly with a rake; it will be drawn in there like a vacuum cleaner, after which the waste is ground almost into dust.
The engine is compact, equipped with a system of valves located close to each other, which increases the number of revolutions and reduces fuel consumption. The engine has a muffler, which makes operation as quiet as possible and saves oil.
Advantages:
- Autonomous work;
- Low fuel consumption;
- Ergonomic handle, height adjustable;
- The volume of the waste bin is 50 liters.
Flaws:
- Significant weight - about 29 kg, which makes transportation around the site difficult.
4. Patriot Garden PT SB76
This unit is a multifunctional design, equipped with a Briggs&Stratton motor and used for thorough grinding of dry and semi-dry branches, twigs, and various plant waste. The upper funnel is designed to load fresh, wet or soft material, as well as branches with a diameter of up to 1 cm. A separate receiver allows you to grind branches whose circumference is no more than 76 mm and turn them into chips.
The device is equipped with a reliable stainless steel case, which is of high build quality, making this product absolutely safe during operation. The motor power is 6.5 horsepower, the highest rotation speed of the knives is 3600 per minute. The product is quite heavy - it weighs about 70 kg, so for transportation there is a special mount that allows it to be transported as a trailer to a car.
Advantages:
- Good build quality;
- High power;
- Performance;
- Long service life.
Flaws:
- Large mass;
- It makes a lot of noise during operation.
This design is designed specifically for only cut grass, fresh branches and leaves in summer cottages. The main working element of the device is a four-stroke engine with a power rating of 2.5 horsepower. It is started by a manual starter, has a long service life and excellent reliability. The fuel tank holds almost one and a half liters of gasoline - the manufacturer recommends filling it with at least AI-92. The cutting discs are located on the crankshaft.
The branches are cut using flat knives, and smaller waste is passed through a V-shaped knife. The crushed waste exits through a special pipe and ends up in a 10-liter bag. The maximum diameter of loaded fresh branches is 28 mm; placing waste of a larger diameter or dry garbage is strictly prohibited, as they will quickly cause the knives to become unusable.
The set includes an ergonomic pusher that fits comfortably in the hand. You don't even have to press hard on it. The entire structure is located on a metal base, which makes it stable even on uneven surfaces. The equipment weighs only 16 kg, making it easy to transport from one place to another.
Advantages:
- Reasonable cost;
- Reliable performance;
- Very sharp knives;
- Easy to maintain.
Flaws:
- It is possible to work only with fresh material;
- In some models, the knives are at a slight angle to each other, which can cause them to jam.
One of the best wood chippers powered by a gasoline engine. Moves around the dacha thanks to the presence of two metal wheels in the design. The device is lightweight, which makes it the most mobile among all gasoline shredders.
The design has good build quality, the knives are sharp, located parallel to each other, and move at a speed of about 4000 rpm. This allows you to recycle not only plant waste, but also various types of household waste - polyethylene, plastic and other unnecessary trash. The maximum diameter of branches that can be placed in the receiver is 45 mm, the weight of the device is 44 kg. Operates on gasoline of a grade no lower than AI-92.
Advantages:
- Modest overall dimensions;
- High power – 3.2 horsepower;
- Reliable system of protection against injury;
- Doesn't make too much noise during operation.
Flaws:
- High price;
- The knives periodically jam.
Can be used for various vegetable and household waste. The design is based on a high-power four-stroke engine - 5 horsepower, which can withstand even severe shock loads. The device operates on the basis of the latest double chopping technology - it involves the presence of a whole system of knives: two sharp self-sharpening discs and one breaking knife.
This unit will easily cope with branches with a diameter of up to 45 mm. The body is made in such a way that it can easily find a support point even on a not very flat surface. Maintenance is very simple, the equipment produces minimal noise, which allows it to be used even near residential buildings.
The shredder has a reliable safety system that blocks the operation of the knives when the hatch is opened to clear the system of stuck branches. The loading hopper also meets all safety requirements - under no circumstances will a person working with it be able to reach the knives.
Advantages:
- Reliability;
- Ease of use;
- Little noise;
- Powerful engine.
Flaws:
- Other than a lot of weight, nothing was detected.
In conclusion, an interesting video
Modern summer residents are accustomed to using all kinds of chemical fertilizers, but why waste money and harm your health if instead you can independently prepare humus that is so beneficial for plants. It is obtained from “garbage” collected on your site. Dried flowers, leaves and twigs, as well as vine and grape cuttings, when met with a garden grass and twig shredder, become an excellent fertilizer, you just need to let it rot in the compost pit. Let's figure out what kind of “miracle machine” this is and what positive functions it has.
Advantages of using garden shredders
As the name suggests, The garden shredder is designed for shredding any garden waste: both small weeds and fairly thick branches. We can say that this is its main advantage, since it helps gardeners get rid of unnecessary vegetation.
Did you know? A garden shredder is often called a chipper or shredder.
Today, there are several advantages of this type of special equipment: relatively light weight and compactness, ease of transportation, ease of use and control, and the presence of hardened knives.
Using garden shredders for branches and grass, you can easily reduce the amount of garbage in your area, as well as minimize the labor intensity of the cleaning process. Significant savings in free time is another reason to purchase such an indispensable assistant. After meeting with a chipper, old branches, leaves and dried grass become dust, and after a certain time they can become an excellent soil fertilizer. Thanks to the rapid process of decay, it becomes possible to create an additional organic layer that can protect the soil as much as possible during periods of severe frost.
Types of Garden Shredders
There are quite a few types of garden shredders on the market today, and to decide which one is best to choose, you need to understand what exactly you want from it. In most cases, buyers pay attention to two main points: the type of shredder blade system and the type of motor - electric or gasoline.
The disk-type knife system is presented in the form of a disk, complemented by steel knives (there can be two or more of them). The stroke of the disk is set by the shaft of the device, after which sharp knives begin to process branches, bark and other parts of plants.
Important! The quality of processing and the speed of this process depend on the characteristics of the material being processed.
A crusher with a disc blade system is most suitable for processing grass, stems and thin tree branches. You can also use this type of chopper for dry branches, only in this case you will have to sharpen the knives more often or immediately change them.
The milling blade system of the garden shredder is somewhat different from the previous type, and its feature is a solid cast shape in the form of a gear. In terms of reliability and practicality, it is an order of magnitude higher than the disk system, so it is excellent for processing thick branches with a diameter of up to 40-45 mm.
Another indisputable advantage of a milling garden shredder is its independent branch retraction mechanism, which will save you from the need to constantly push branches into the funnel. Simply load them into the garden grass and branches shredder and you can do other things for a while, allowing the system to process the waste.
You can choose a device with reverse and adjustment of the processing fraction, but do not forget that it is much more convenient to process grass and leaves in shredders with a disk blade system.
How to choose the motor type for your garden shredder
Different garden equipment has its own design features, the main component of which is petrol or electric power plants. A shredder for processing branches and other vegetation is no different in this regard, so it would be logical to pay attention to both types of power units, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at them in more detail.
Electric motor
Shredders of branches and other garden debris with an electric motor are considered the easiest to operate. When working with such a device, you don’t have to worry about the presence of fuel in the tank and don’t be distracted by the increased noise level that the crusher itself produces. Another advantage is the lightness of the design, thanks to which even women can move the device around the entire summer cottage. An electric motor will protect your plants from toxic combustion products.
Important! Electric garden shredders require little maintenance and can be activated at the touch of a button.
The disadvantages of using a shredder with an electric motor include dependence on the power supply (to move around the territory you will need a multi-meter extension cord), less power compared to gasoline models, and limitations in terms of processed materials (electric chippers cannot cope with branches thicker than 4 cm). If you lose power, you will not be able to use the crusher at all, and significant voltage drops can damage it.
Gasoline engine
Gasoline wood chippers are in most cases equipped with two-stroke power plants (four-stroke ones are much less common, although they have a significant advantage - ease of maintenance and relatively low noise levels).
The main advantages of the gasoline design include the greater power of the motor (capable of coping with branches up to 7 cm thick) and the absence of the need for power supply, thanks to which the device can be operated anywhere in the summer cottage.
As for the disadvantages of gasoline shredders, one cannot help but recall their high noise level, which quite often annoys neighbors, the large weight of the structure (compared to electric models) and the presence of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Besides, Gasoline shredders are more expensive, as they require material costs for fuel and engine oil.
What should be the power of a garden shredder?
If you don’t know how to choose a garden shredder, then first of all we recommend that you pay attention to the power of the device. Based on this indicator, all shredders can be divided into three groups: amateur models, middle-class models and professional devices.
“Amateur” ones are usually called garden shredders of low power (up to 1.6 kW), which operate from an electrical network and have a disk-type blade system. Before you decide to purchase a product from this class, be sure to check with the seller what material the knives are made of (it is best if it is hardened steel). Such devices weigh up to 20 kg and are suitable for chopping branches no more than 3 cm thick.
Medium power devices are an intermediate option between amateur and professional shredders. Such models can operate both from electricity and gasoline, and their maximum power reaches 2.5 kW. Medium-power garden shredders are great for summer cottages and private plots, with a small and middle-aged garden. All units are equipped with milling knives, so they can easily cope with branches with a diameter of more than 4 cm.
As for professional devices, they are represented by large devices with a fairly large weight and a power of up to 4 kW. They can be equipped with both gasoline and electric engines, which allow them to operate for a long time. Such designs are designed to cope with branches whose thickness corresponds to 6-7 cm. Moreover, the resulting crushed material is pressed, as a result of which you get excellent mulch.
Professional units are equipped with convenient funnels, a powerful milling-type cutting mechanism and are able to pull in branches without pushing. Given their high level of performance, such devices are perfect for farms, large gardens, etc.
In addition to the power of the garden shredder, there are some other nuances that should definitely be taken into account when choosing. For example, knives should be made of hardened steel or have a double-sided sharpening (when one side becomes dull, you can solve the problem by simply turning the knife over). It is more convenient to use a shredder, in which the funnel for receiving processed residues is cone-shaped and quite wide (inclined versions will be even more convenient).
The wood chipper can be successfully used both in production workshops and in private plots.
With its help, it is possible to quickly process unnecessary twigs and branches into small fractions, which are subsequently used for the production of building materials.
Branch chopper device - what does the unit consist of and how does it work?
The branch chopper has a fairly simple design, which allows even beginners to use it without any problems. The machine consists of a durable housing, inside of which there are cutting knives. The cutting elements are driven by a gasoline, diesel or electric engine.
The operating principle of the machine is also very simple. The operator places branches and branches of a certain diameter inside the receiving hopper and pushes them inside using a special device. Rotating knives crush the wood, after which the crushed material falls into a separate container.
Types of household leaf and branch crushers
On the modern market you can find both mobile and stationary machines that are designed to solve specific problems. All these devices are divided into the following types:
- Disc unit - a machine of this kind is well suited for processing round branches and twigs. It produces quality products by cutting material with sharp teeth welded to a rotating disc. On the market you can find models equipped with a flat disk or a cone-shaped element. They also differ in the number of knives. Units with many knives produce finished products, and models with several knives are used to prepare branches for recycling;
- Drum chipper for crushing branches - also used for processing round branches, but produces larger products that are used for the production of pressed boards or for heating;
- Rotary chopper or shredder - used for the purpose of crushing branches and small boards that may contain nails or bolts. Large sharp cutters are welded on top of the rotor, arranged in the form of a cascade or ladder;
- Hammer crusher for crushing branches - used for processing small branches into small chips, which are used in the production of pressed boards. Crushing is carried out using pendulum hammers, the rotation speed of which can reach 1500 rpm.
Each shredder of branches and wood residues is designed for a specific raw material. More powerful professional models are capable of processing branches with a diameter of up to 25 cm. A manual unit can cope with branches with a diameter of no more than 15 cm. It all depends on the cutter - the stronger and more reliable it is, the thicker the material it can process.
Crushers are also divided among themselves according to their power. According to this indicator, the market stands out:
- Amateur class chopper of twigs and branches - this unit has a power of no more than 1.8 kW. This group includes disk machines powered by an electric motor. These units can process branches no more than 3 cm thick;
- Medium-power cars - these include both gasoline and electric devices. The maximum power of such units reaches 3 kW. A garden shredder of this kind is suitable for private farmsteads where there is a large old garden. This machine is equipped with a milling knife that easily crushes branches no more than 4 cm thick;
- Professional unit - these machines have a power of about 4.5 kW. They successfully process branches up to 8 cm thick. Shredders of this kind have an autonomous control device, allowing the operator to spend a minimum amount of time near the unit. Today there are a lot of professional turbine-type designs that develop power of more than 5 kW. They are not suitable for a summer cottage, as they consume too much fuel.
The power of the machine must be taken into account when choosing a shredder. In addition to this indicator, there are a number of other factors, which we will consider below.
How to choose a garden shredder for branches and grass - tips for beginners
A garden wood chipper should have a number of properties and characteristics. Each of them needs to be paid special attention. When purchasing a unit, be sure to study:
- First of all, you will need to understand the upcoming tasks - find out what raw materials you will process;
- Inspect the structure and shape of the funnel - models with a cone-shaped funnel with a slight slope are best suited for a summer house;
- Choose models with the function of adjusting the thickness of recycled materials;
- It is best if the garden equipment has several holes. Leaves will be placed in one of them, and twigs and branches in the other;
- Buy models that produce noise levels of no more than 83 dB;
- A single-shaft unit with preliminary cutting knives will last much longer and will not break due to debris getting into it;
- Choose models with reverse - if the knives become clogged from too large branches, you can make them rotate in the opposite direction to free them from unsuitable material;
- A trailed shredder with one shaft would be a good solution - it is easier to transport between home and dacha;
- Make sure that the crusher comes with a pusher so you don't have to push branches into the funnel with your hands.
By adhering to all these rules, you can purchase a suitable unit that will serve you for many years.
Our rating – garden shredder for grass and branches
Many beginners do not know which brand to choose to care for their garden. We offer our review of the five highest quality units with high reliability and long service life.
In fifth place is the Einhell GH-KS 2440 branch crusher. This device has strong, sharp knives, but its motor is slightly weaker than its analogues. Among the advantages are the low cost and modest dimensions.
The device can be converted into a mounted unit by unscrewing the lower fasteners and unlatching the latches. Among the disadvantages, we need to highlight the fabric bag for collecting garbage, which quickly breaks.
Fourth place was taken by the Stiga Bio Master 2200 household unit. With an average power of 2200 watts, this unit is equipped with copper winding and a durable housing, making it able to withstand any load. Among the disadvantages is a low-quality garbage bag made of thin synthetic fabric.
Third place was taken by the Dutch model Iron Angel ES2500. This is the cheapest model from our rating. It has small dimensions and high cutting ability. However, it does not come with a waste collection container and has little warranty.
In second place is the AL-KO LH 2800 auger unit. The machine body is made of durable multi-layer plastic, and the tank for receiving branches is mounted on a durable steel frame. Among the advantages of the device are a powerful engine, high build quality and the availability of all necessary spare parts for sale. Among the disadvantages, the high cost of the model should be noted.
The first place was taken by the Ikra Mogatec unit, which best combines low cost and excellent build quality. This German unit has durable steel blades, a durable body and a powerful motor. This model has practically no disadvantages.
Separately, it is worth highlighting Russian-made crushers. In terms of quality and reliability, they are slightly inferior to their imported counterparts. However, their cost is an order of magnitude cheaper than German or Polish shredders.
Berserk brand units are considered one of the most popular Russian-made models. They are characterized by high performance, excellent build quality and ease of repair. Models from this manufacturer will be useful in any household and will help cope with large volumes of work.
How to make a branch chopper with your own hands - study the instructions
To make a motorized wood chipper, you will need to prepare certain materials. You will need:
- Sheet of steel, 1–1.5 cm thick;
- Another steel sheet, 5 mm thick, for making the loading hopper and casing;
- High-quality durable steel for making knives;
- Profile or round pipes for the frame;
- Metal shaft, 2 cm long;
- 2 complete rolling bearings;
- Bolts and nuts;
- Belt;
- Pulleys.
First, study the drawings that will help you make your own crusher. The diagram shows the mounting locations of the device elements and their dimensions in relation to each other.
The further algorithm of actions is as follows:
- First, you need to cut a circle from steel with a diameter of 40 cm, and make a hole in its center for the shaft;
- Next, you need to grind the shaft and pulleys; a thread should be made at the end of the shaft to install the pulley and flywheel;
- Next, weld a protective casing and bearing races from a sheet of steel.
At its core, a homemade chopper is a cutting device firmly mounted on a frame. The motor of the structure can be fixed in the most convenient place, but taking into account the length of the belt. In this case, the motor mount should be sliding to make the belt easier to tension. The shaft of the structure should be installed on the frame, and the flywheel and pulley should be firmly secured to it. The unit knives are screwed to the flywheel using bolts so that they are at a slope of 30 degrees. Special metal linings will help with this.
The manufactured universal shredder will help to quickly process various raw materials. Its power is enough to crush small and medium-sized branches with a diameter of up to 8 cm.