Need a wood chipper? You can always buy high-quality garden shredders from the world's leading manufacturers in Moscow and other Russian cities in the Garden Mechanisms online store.
Usage
A branch chopper (also known as a wood chipper or shredder) is a motorized device designed to make it easier to deal with debris in the garden of a private home or cottage. As the name suggests, it is primarily aimed at chopping dried branches, but it can also easily cope with large weeds: nettle and burdock.
The crushed mass not only takes up less space during harvesting, but can also be used with great benefit on the farm, for example, for mulching plantings and preparing natural fertile compost, which significantly improves the harvest. Therefore, those who want to purchase a garden shredder should not be embarrassed by the price: the unit will serve you for many years, and even women and children can use it.
Sometimes such a device is called a “garden waste shredder,” which is somewhat misleading. The fact is that due to design features, which we will touch on later, not every shredder is able to effectively cope with soft materials. However, there are separate models specifically designed for shredding piles of collected leaves (in particular, Worx WG430E) or universal shredders that cope equally well with all types of waste (Viking GE 250.1).
Species
First of all, branch and grass shredders for the garden differ in the type of engine installed. It can be electric or gasoline. Electric devices are less powerful and are well suited for short-term work in the garden yard, while gasoline devices can be easily transported even to the far corner of the site, without worrying about the length of the wire or the presence of an outlet. But this difference is not the only one.
The type of motor also affects the maximum diameter of branches that can be chopped. Thus, electric garden shredders cope well with branches with a diameter of up to 3 centimeters, and gasoline ones can easily process pieces up to 7 cm thick.
The second important difference is the type of installed knife system.
- A circular blade is a round disc with one or more grooves with sharpened edges. During operation, the branches rest against the guide stop located above the knife and fall into the grooves of the rotating disk. The garbage needs to be pushed; for this purpose, a special plastic pusher is included with the garden shredder. This system does not cope well with grass, and long stems can even wrap around the knife, which is why you will have to open the casing.
- A milling cutter is a system of one or two gears mounted perpendicular to the feed direction. During operation, they fall between the sharpened teeth and are literally ground into small chips. Due to the low rotation speed of the gears, the wood waste shredder with a cutter makes less noise and sucks in the debris itself. Grass and fallen leaves are not processed by this system.
- The turbine is a cross between the previous types. It is a hollow drum with windows in the side walls and sharpened edges. Branches and debris pass through it and are crushed by rotation. It is the most productive option. The main disadvantages of such a garden branch chopper are the price and relative rarity, since the blade system is patented and is installed exclusively in Bosch devices.
Otherwise, shredder models differ only in the shape of the body, the size of the wheels and the presence of a complete container for collecting wood chips. These parameters have virtually no effect on the quality and convenience of work. But a lot depends on the materials and country of assembly.
For example, the design of wood chippers produced under the Al-Ko, Cramer, Echo and Craftsman brands can be called ideal. All details are precisely adjusted, and thoughtful ergonomics make use as comfortable as possible. By the way, the above brands assemble their shredders “at home,” that is, in Austria, Germany or the USA.
Other well-known companies, including domestic ones, locate their production facilities in China and receive high-quality, but still not ideal products, in which a number of small shortcomings can be found.
Where to buy a garden waste shredder?
Garden Mechanisms offers a wide range of electric and gasoline wood waste shredders from trusted manufacturers from Asia, Europe and America.
Our website provides all the necessary information to select and buy a high-quality garden wood chipper: price, detailed description of the model, recommended accessories, information on pre-sale service and warranties. And our online consultants and store specialists in Moscow are always ready to help you if you prefer to choose retail equipment.
Preface
In spring and autumn, all summer residents and residents of country houses are faced with the problem of disposing of organic waste - tops, branches, grass... Some simply burn this “garbage”, others throw it in a compost pit or simply on a heap. A garden shredder will help you bring order to your dacha and find a use for organic waste.
Why do you need a shredder - a whim or a necessity?
Frankly speaking, the cost of a garden shredder for branches and grass is by no means small - on average, a quality product will cost the buyer $300–350. For this money you can buy a lot of useful garden tools and necessary equipment, so it is not at all surprising that our fellow citizens rarely give their choice to this useful invention, limiting themselves to watching videos where the happy owners of such a unit chop branches. However, the benefits from it outweigh all the costs.
Every year we cut branches, pull out or mow grass, harvest crops - have you ever wondered where the useful micro- and macroelements that feed all vegetation come from in the soil? No way! Every year we deplete natural reserves with our own hands, at best returning mineral fertilizers to the soil. But all these granules and powders, for all their benefits, are not able to improve the structure of the soil, nor are they capable of retaining moisture.
Nature provides a completely different mechanism for fertilizing the soil - branches, leaves and fallen fruits form compost on the ground, which over time decomposes into micro- and macroelements.
Plant fibers improve soil structure, making it more airy and attractive to earthworms. Large pieces of branches and stems create a cover above the ground that prevents premature evaporation of moisture. Weed sprouts cannot break through this cover; they need light to grow.
The ancient inhabitants of our planet knew how to observe nature - at a time when no one knew about mineral fertilizers, the ancient Egyptians managed to harvest wheat harvests several times more than is possible today in the most advanced farms. The whole secret of the yield was that they never collected straw from the fields - it rotted, fertilized the land and protected the roots of the wheat on hot days.
Today, more and more gardeners and gardeners are returning to this method of fertilizing and protecting plants - you've probably heard of such a technique as mulching. Mulch is crushed branches, straw, peat, in a word, organic matter, which covers the root circle of garden trees or vegetable beds. In the first year, a layer of mulch prevents the growth of weeds, and during the fall and winter it overheats and fertilizes the soil. Watch the video to appreciate all the benefits of mulching.
Businesses have begun to satisfy the need for mulching - today in all specialized stores you will find pine bark, peat, colored sawdust and other types of mulch. It is suggested to sprinkle mulch not only on the beds, but also on the garden paths, as in the video. Now compare the prices for mulch and calculate how long it will take to pay for itself, which, in fact, produces this material from garbage. Most people today purchase this unit not in order to reduce the volume of garbage, but in order to convert this “garbage” into a form convenient for mulching.
Shredder device - meat grinder for wood
In some ways, this device is really similar to a meat grinder - branches and tops are sent into a receiving funnel, at the bottom of which there is a disk cutter, sharp knives or a crushing gear, which transform whole branches and stems into small chips. The degree of crushing of waste depends on the design of the shredder - it can be either large chips or completely small pieces. This is the whole point of the device - before choosing a shredder, you should clearly define the tasks that you intend to assign to this device.
For example, for an old, well-kept garden, the best choice is a gasoline unit that will process large and dry branches, but if the garden is young, then the branches will be thin, which means that a slightly different type of device will be needed. There is a third type of shredder for processing vineyard or grass waste. Moreover, in appearance, all devices will be almost identical! What should you pay attention to? First of all, you should be interested in the device that is responsible for grinding - it can be a disk, a cutter or knives.
Disc system – crushing is carried out by a disc with one or more knives. It is best to choose a disc shredder for processing young, thin branches, green stems, grass and foliage. If you send dry or too thick branches into the receiving funnel, the disc will cope with this, but the knives will quickly become dull. According to many users, to prevent the disk from clogging when working with soft waste, they should be combined with harder ones, for example, leaves should be fed into the funnel along with young branches. In addition, it is recommended to slightly hold the waste (if the length of the branches allows - no need to put your hand into the funnel!) - this way the unit will deal with it more efficiently, transforming it into small chips and pieces of wood.
Milling knives - for large branches!
The milling crushing system is more powerful - most often a gasoline garbage shredder is equipped with such a mechanism. The cutter is like a gear with pointed edges, which itself pulls the raw materials into the funnel - you just need to load the waste into the receiving department, and you can do other things. The cutter is capable of crushing fairly thick branches up to 5–7 cm thick, as in the video. Most models with this type of knives are equipped with varying degrees of protection against motor overload - the motor stalls if you feed a branch that is too thick for the unit to handle. A reverse function is provided to clear the knives from clogged debris.
A gasoline milling garden waste shredder is a powerful and expensive device, however, despite its advanced characteristics, many remain disappointed after purchase - the fact is that the unit does not handle soft debris, such as grass and leaves, as well as large branches. Small waste and branches can simply scroll without being chopped. But it copes with large branches with a bang, and the resulting pieces of wood are excellent for mulching garden paths and tree trunks. By the way, some models of units allow you to adjust the size of the fraction of the resulting chips.
What happens? If we choose a disk shredder, we still won’t be able to process large branches, and the milling unit is not capable of shredding small debris - not the effect that gardeners expect from such an expensive purchase. There is a solution - universal garden waste shredders with the Turbine-Cut blade system. The cutting mechanism in this case is similar to a turbine with many sharp knives that will equally effectively chop large branches and small grass. They cost more than others, but the unit will not sit idle in the garage - without it in the garden or vegetable garden you will feel like you have no hands.
Electricity or gasoline – which one to rely on?
Which power source should you choose – electricity or a gasoline engine? If simplicity of design and operation is very important to you, then take a closer look at the electric type of engine. The advantages are obvious - you don’t have to replenish gasoline in the tank, you don’t have to breathe in exhaust, and they make much less noise. To put the unit into action, you only need to press the button, as in the video instructions.
True, the characteristics of most lag behind gasoline ones. If you choose units of equal power, then electric ones will cost much more. The shredder directly depends on the presence of a long wire and an outlet, so you won’t be able to work like that somewhere in a forest or park. The electric option is suitable for small areas of country houses, and they are not so expensive.
The gasoline unit is in most cases equipped with a two-stroke engine - it is easy to operate, produces significantly less noise than a four-stroke, and produces relatively clean exhaust. In addition, there is no need to add oil to gasoline. The undoubted advantage of all gas-powered shredders is complete freedom of action. No matter how large the area, you can get into any corner - there is no need to drag garbage to one side of the garden. If you need a large amount of coarse mulch to improve garden paths, you can safely go with such a unit to the nearest pine forest, and there you will get excellent, homogeneous wood material, better than even store-bought mulch.
The gasoline engine makes garbage shredders more powerful - some models can even handle branches with a diameter of up to 75 mm. Of course, buying a unit will cost you more, and you will also have to regularly spend money on fuel. The disadvantages include their greater noise compared to electric ones, as well as their greater weight - it will be difficult for petite ladies to handle such a unit.
Rules of choice - so as not to regret the purchase!
We have already found out that for a small dacha an electric shredder will be quite sufficient, and we identified Turbine-Cut knives as the most optimal cutting mechanism. However, these are not all the points that need to be taken into account.
When purchasing, pay attention to whether the kit includes a spare cutting element - buying an additional one will be quite expensive. Also study the degree of difficulty of replacing knives - sometimes you have to disassemble almost the entire unit, and sometimes it is enough to turn a special nut by hand. Find out if it is possible to change the fraction of sawdust and shavings obtained.
This does not matter if you intend to dispose of your recycled waste in a landfill. However, if the shredded product will be used as mulch or placed in a compost pit, then size matters. Thus, large pieces of branches will decorate garden paths, and small pieces are perfect for mulching beds. The fine fraction is also ideal for compost - during the decomposition process it will create a high temperature that will destroy fungal pathogens.
When choosing, make sure that loading the branches will be really convenient - sometimes you need to hold them or, conversely, push them. If the unit is too tall for your height, then doing this will be extremely inconvenient and tiring - at least stand on a stool! To simplify the loading process and protect the user, many manufacturers add a special pusher shovel to the kit. Pay attention to the secondary characteristics:
- The automatic branch feeding function is for those who are too lazy to bend over again. However, do not rush to overpay - if the automation can handle grass and tops on its own, then it will still have to help with large branches that take on the most intricate shapes. What's the point of this function then?
- For many consumers, noise level is a very important characteristic. Of course, such a unit cannot be absolutely silent, but not everyone can endure a roar comparable to the sound of an airplane taking off. Don't feel sorry for yourself, feel sorry for your neighbors! Fortunately, almost all manufacturers today are concerned about reducing noise. A gasoline shredder is usually much louder than an electric one.
- The method of moving the wood chipper around the site and its transportation is another important detail. In most cases, wheels and a handle are provided for this purpose. Narrow wheels are not at all designed for moving on soft soil, so choose units with wide and large wheels. A handle that is too wide can also create problems when transporting the shredder, for example if you want to transport it in the trunk of a car.
- Knife reverse is a very useful engine function that simplifies the process of cleaning the knives from branches and grass stuck there. Unfortunately, not all units are equipped with reverse, which significantly complicates life for consumers. Be sure to check when purchasing whether the model you choose has reverse.
About safety when working with a shredder
Almost all units, regardless of manufacturer, are equipped with a function for blocking the motor when the protective cover, which covers the knives, is folded back. Check from time to time whether this mechanism is working properly. Safety precautions when working with the unit are completely simple - do not forget to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves. Eye and hand protection is a must! Even a regular baseball cap will protect you from minor scratches that can be caused by flying wood chips.
No matter how carefully you place the branches in the receiving funnel, and no matter what shape it is, the chips will still fly off in different directions. Powerful shredders are especially powerful. Under no circumstances should you put your hands into the hopper to push through a stuck branch. Many units have a self-tightening mechanism, which can lead to severe injuries for such “daredevils.” If the manufacturer does not include a pusher or spatula in the kit, make a similar device from a thick branch.
Use the unit for its intended purpose - do not try to shred branches that are too thick or plastic bottles, metal or glass. Powerful knives can handle anything, but after such misuse they will become hopelessly dull. By the way, knives become dull due to the presence of soil in the garbage, so be sure to clean the roots of adhering dirt. It is best to chop branches while they are raw - they are better crushed and do not create a large load on the knives, especially if they are simple mechanisms. Follow these simple rules to enjoy your shredder for many years to come.
The result of using the shredder
Spring and autumn are the time to work in the garden. In spring, fruit and flowering trees and shrubs are pruned. In autumn, it is necessary to prepare the garden for winter: remove dry grass, faded parts of plants, fallen leaves and pruned branches of flowers and shrubs preparing for shelter. Both seasons produce debris from branches and roots, and for those who have their own plot of land, cleanliness in the garden is important.
Sometimes you need to clear a large area of unnecessary trees
Garden electric or gasoline shredders solve the problem of eliminating unnecessary branches, turning them into small remains. Such crushed waste can be added to compost or removed in bags from the site.
A good gardener's assistant is an electric branch chopper
Schematic diagram of the operation of a garden shredder of branches and grass
The basis of the work of any garden shredder occurs thanks to the coordinated operation of its mechanism. There is no need to worry about injuries associated with hands and clothing getting into the bunker, since there is protection for this. Branches are loaded into the funnel, which are crushed inside with a milling cutter or knives. The cutter processes large pieces of wood debris, and the knives process small twigs. Thanks to a gasoline or electric motor, the knives quickly and easily chop branches into chips. The action of a shredder is similar to a meat grinder.
Branch chopper
The more power the shredder has, the higher the productivity. Devices with low power will not cope with branches 5 cm thick or more.
ADVICE!
If your plot is small, it is better to purchase an electric model, since a powerful petrol model will require branches not only from yours, but also from neighboring plots.
All recycled waste is poured either into a specially attached bag at the bottom of the device, or scattered on the ground, depending on the adjustable scattering height.
Types of Garden Shredders
Garden shredders are divided into gasoline and electric. The difference is not only in the type of engine, but also in power: if processing of large parts of wood is required, then a gasoline or diesel engine is preferable, and for the needs of the average garden plot, an electric crusher for branches and wood chips will suffice. Shredders are also divided into household, semi-professional and professional.
Gasoline wood chippers
The petrol engine of a wood chipper has its own advantages. Since the power of such a device is higher, the processing of wood waste occurs faster. The thickness of the branches may be greater than what an electric shredder can grind. An additional advantage is freedom of movement; if desired, you can install such a unit anywhere, whereas moving an electric one will require a solid extension cord.
There are some complications when using a gasoline garden shredder. Such a mechanism should be operated correctly, monitor filters, spark plugs, and also refuel. High-tech diesel engines, compared to gasoline engines, can operate longer, but are much more expensive. The dimensions of such shredders are rather large, so they are practically not used in everyday life.
Gasoline shredders
Electric garden shredders
Unlike gasoline shredders, an electric shredder is smaller in weight and size. Such a device is easier to move around the site. The low power is quite sufficient for gardening work in the country. Branches up to 4 cm thick are easily processed; the shredder can also handle thin grapevines, plant debris and grass.
No skills are required to operate an electric shredder. The need to operate from an electrical network may cause inconvenience. The extension cord will have to be pulled through the entire area, so in wet weather it is better not to carry out work on processing parts of trees and bushes.
Electric garden shredder, mobile and lightweight
Main technical characteristics of shredders
The body of the device can be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of materials. A metal device is heavier, so moving it is somewhat more difficult than a plastic one. The wheels can be narrow, which is inconvenient when driving on the ground, so it is better to choose models with sufficiently wide wheels. Some shredders are equipped with engine blocking in case of accidental starting, noise reduction, automatic branch feeding, and blade speed adjustment.
Engine type and power
The higher the power, the better and faster the process of grinding wood parts. Engines can have a power of 1.5, 3 and 6−9 kW. Accordingly, the processed diameter of branches is up to 25, 40, 60−100 mm.
The weight difference is noticeable: up to 20, 40 and more than 100 kg. The price increases depending on the power level. If the garden plot is small and there are no trees with thick branches, then you should not spend money on a very powerful unit.
Type of cutting part
The main cutting tool can be circular knives or milling systems. A shredder with disk carbide blades is used primarily for small branches, thin vines, grass and leaves. Thick or dry branches can quickly dull knives.
Shredder knives are capable of processing large volumes of wood residues
Screw knives in shredders work like a meat grinder. Shredded waste is a mass of wood chips. A milling system with carbide knives on a drum is much more productive, as it is capable of turning large pieces of wood up to 10 cm thick into chips. The best shredders pull in the branches using a special mechanism. The high-strength alloy of the cutter gear with different tooth configurations easily copes with dry branches, but it is difficult for it to cut fresh ones.
Turbine cutters do not contain teeth, but knives located with a slight inclination to the axis of rotation. These shredders easily grind both dry and fresh branches. Such shredders are much more expensive.
Review of the main manufacturers: choosing quality
The market for garden branch shredders offers units with differences in size, power, and quality of blades. The editors of the site propose to consider a list of popular manufacturers of garden shredders by country of manufacture and brand:
- Germany: Bosch, Ikra Mogatec, Alko;
- Austria: Viking;
- Slovenia: "Sadko";
- Sweden: Stiga;
- Russia: "Zubr".
Each brand has its own differences, work resources and price. Some manufacturers specialize in shredders for large-diameter wood debris, while others specialize in small garden debris.
Garden shredder "Viking"
VIKING specializes in cutting and shredding petrol and electric shredders. An interesting universal device that not only shreds wood waste, but also saws thick branches. The VIKING company offers a low-noise shredder that is convenient to work with in a summer cottage, even near a residential building. Such a shredder cannot cope with stumps, but grinds branches up to 35 mm into small chips.
A special feature of Viking shredders is two holes for feeding different types of waste. Gasoline-powered shredders cut through stumps, limbs and other garden debris. Quite convenient when working with thick grape vines. Compared to electric shredders, gasoline models are more mobile and easier to use.
Shredder "Viking"
Garden shredder "Bosch"
The world famous brand “Bosch”, whose devices are of high quality, has given its shredders a pleasant green color. The cost of units of this brand is an order of magnitude higher than that of competitive brands, but the service life and ease of use justify the price difference. Powerful components and high-quality assembly allow you to work not only with small plant waste, but also with large branches. Many Bosch models are equipped with the Turbine-Cut system, which guarantees top-level performance. Grass collector - on average 50 liters of waste.
Shredder "BOSCH": quality is beyond praise
Many machines are equipped with a raw material retraction function and improved cutting rolls. BOSCH units are safe to operate, since spontaneous activation after a breakdown or accident is excluded. Shredders from the German brand “BOSCH RAPID” are light in weight, have wide, comfortable wheels and are relatively inexpensive. All shredders of this brand are easy to disassemble and clean.
Garden shredder "Bison"
An hour after you start working with the Russian-made Zubr wood shredder, you will have a mountain of ground wood on your site, which is convenient to immediately send to compost. About 120 kg of waste per hour with a noise level of less than 98 dB make the Zubr models in demand and popular.
Chopper "Bison"
The wheels of the “Zubrov” are very maneuverable and comfortable. This shredder is easy to move even with its considerable weight. Zubr devices are easy to fold and store in any room, provided they are protected from moisture and dampness. The market offers two models of electric shredder of this brand.
The 1.6 kW power of the compact ZIE model (45 mm) is suitable for areas with berry fields. The large size of the branches is beyond the capabilities of such a unit. The wheels of the device are large, which allows you to move around the entire area with convenience and ease without getting stuck in the ground.
ADVICE!
“Bison” perfectly grinds all the mown grass, which can be used as mulch or sent to animal feed.
The second model ZIE (65 mm) has a power of 2.5 kW and grinds branches up to 65 mm thick. The waste collection tank is impressive. The additional reverse function can be used for better grinding of raw materials.
"Zubr" ZIE
Zubr shredders have three safety systems, which force you to quickly turn off the entire system in case of some errors. These include incorrect position of the raw material receiver, overheating or overload of the engine, and a power outage at the site. “Bison”, with their relatively low power, are quite productive and quickly cope with large volumes of wood residues. The models themselves are very stable during the grinding process. If you decide to buy a Zubr electric garden shredder, then a pleasant bonus is a five-year official warranty.
Branch chopper “Lux”
Electric shredders “LUX” are classified as household shredders, however, the 2.5 kW motor is very powerful, and the blade system ensures the shredding of numerous branches, thin vines and tops in a short time. It's nice that the work process is almost silent.
Garden shredders “Lux”
Garden shredder "Elitech"
The work of Elitech garden shredders is fast, easy, and they can easily deal with branches up to 40 mm thick. Devices with a power of 2.5 kW have a steel blade system. You don't have to worry about overheating during prolonged use or spontaneous startup. The low price allows you to purchase Elitech garden shredders for working in a small summer cottage.
Garden shredders "Elitech"
How to choose an electric garden branch chopper
If you are planning to make your work easier and solve the problem of wood and plant residues, then it’s time to buy a garden shredder. Here are questions to ask yourself before you go shopping for a shredder:
- How much work do I have at my dacha? The answer to this question will clarify how much machine power you require.
- How finely would you like to process wood residues? You can choose an adjustable blade rotation speed. Some shredder models are equipped with this mechanism.
- Is noise important to me while I work, and will it disturb my family or neighbors? If the answer is yes, then you need to pay attention to the noise reduction parameter.
- Do I need an increased level of security? If yes, then you can purchase a device with a function to block unscheduled startup.
ADVICE!
Models with reverse not only grind waste better, but also self-clean during operation.
Rating of the best models of garden shredders
If you want to buy an electric garden shredder, then it’s time to check out the rating of the best models.
| Brand, brand | Power, kW | Productivity, kg/h | Branch diameter, mm | Weight, kg | Rating according to the site editors, point |
| Bosch AXT 2000 RAPID | 2 | 80 | 35 | 11,5 | 4,2/5 |
| Elitech IVS 2400 | 2,4 | 85 | 40 | 13,26 | 4,0/5 |
| Bison ZIE-44-2800 | 2,8 | 100 | 44 | 20 | 4,9/5 |
| Lux with storage | 2,5 | 85 | 45 | 15 | 4,6/5 |
| Stiga BIO Master 2200 | 2,2 | 85 | 40 | 15 | 4,6/5 |
| VIKING GE 355.1 | 2,5 | 90 | 35 | 30 | 4,7/5 |
How to make a chopper with your own hands: drawings, video
If you wish, you can make your own wood chipper. Of course, you will need to prepare the necessary components:
- the power of the electric motor that you want to put on the crusher should be about 2 kW, an angle grinder will do;
- milling cutter or ten circular saws with a diameter of 200 mm;
- the axis or circle of steel must correspond to the size of the place where the circular saws will be located;
- washers 5-7 mm thick that will separate the discs;
- engine belt;
- metal profile pipes;
- sheet metal;
- the working hopper is made of 5 mm steel sheet, and for the guide bell the sheet thickness is 2-3 mm;
- It is better to choose wheels with a wide rim; these can be removed from an old cart;
- the set of tools consists of a drill, grinder, welding machine, fasteners and some others.
The working body consists of saws and a rotating element. To do this, the bearings are mounted on a stud, and then the structure is welded to the frame. A metal block is placed on it to support the branches.
A welding machine and metal profile pipes are useful for the frame, and sheet metal for the protective casing. The receiving tank is also made from it. All that remains is to assemble the remaining components by connecting the engine and the working element using a belt. The wheels are attached last.
For convenience, we suggest watching a video on how to make a branch chopper with your own hands:
Market overview: prices for garden electric wood chippers, stores
Buying a crusher for garden work is a serious matter, because a high-quality device will last for many years. The range of shredders is quite large. The minimum price offered by online stores is 8,500 rubles for the PATRIOT PT SE 24 model. The average price for an electric shredder with a power of up to 2.8 kW with a weight of 12 to 35 kg and a processed thickness of branches with a diameter of 35−45 mm is 15- 20 thousand rubles. There are also more expensive models. The price consists of the brand, brand, weight of the device, power and additional functions.
Fallen leaves, branches after pruning trees and shrubs, tops of garden plants after harvesting, and collected weeds must be disposed of. Many people burn plant waste, turning their garden plot into a fire pit and violating environmental requirements. Manufacturers of gardening equipment offer summer residents a simple and at the same time safe solution to the problem: use a branch chopper to dispose of accumulated plant debris.
Depending on the type of engine installed by the manufacturer, shredder models are divided into two classes: electric and petrol. The knife system can be disc or milling. This tool can be used to chop branches, bark, pine cones and other plant materials.
Using a garden shredder, it is possible to grind raw materials into sawdust, which is well suited for mulching the soil.
The PATRIOT PT SB 100E garden shredder opens the review. This tool is equipped with powerful petrol engine with electric start. The body of the device is metal. An upper tray is provided for feeding soft and wet plant materials, twigs and branches up to 10 mm thick for grinding. Thicker branches up to 100 mm are fed for crushing through a specially designed receiver. The model is equipped with convenient transport wheels.
- versatility;
- security and mobility;
- power.
- the chip ejection system requires a prepared site;
- when chips accumulate (congestion), the engine overheats;
- noise level is high;
- price tag from 77,000 rubles.
Prices for:
In the list of the best models, the shredder of the popular Bosch AXT Rapid 2000 brand is in fourth place. Compared to other powerful models of chopping tools, this one weighs half as much. This compact device is practically not inferior in performance to larger analogues and copes with branches up to 40 mm thick.
The chopper is equipped with a cutting tool made using Swiss technology, which is a gear with sharp teeth and a high safety margin.
It should be noted that there is a convenient high funnel for adding plant materials to be crushed.
To prevent motor overload, several degrees of protection are provided. There is no mulch collection tank here, but there is Convenient bag attachments.
- compactness and power;
- convenient funnel with pusher;
- removable knives, which is convenient for periodic sharpening;
- weak wheels, they fail during operation;
- Not suitable for chopping leaves and fine grass.
Prices for:
The device with a powerful reversible motor easily copes with chopping tree branches and dense stems up to 40 mm thick. Cutting base milling type made of hardened steel. The Wolf-Garten SDL 2500 model features a high level of overload protection and thoughtful ergonomics. Using the chopper is convenient and simple. The tool operates from a household network. The manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty on the model. All these qualities allowed the instrument to take third position in the top five.
- convenient transportation and stability during operation;
- works without unnecessary vibration and noise;
- good performance;
- A spacious plastic container is provided for collecting crushed raw materials.
- Power tools are poorly suited for processing leaves and small grass stems.
Prices for:
This unit, according to users - universal chopper. This garden tool is on the second line of the best rating. The model's disc knife system is suitable for processing everything from leaves and weeds to twigs and branches with a diameter of 30 mm. The unit is equipped with a high funnel where raw materials for grinding are placed. It falls along a funnel onto a rapidly rotating knife system. After cutting, the raw material is ejected from an opening in the lower part of the housing. The power unit is firmly mounted on a metal frame. The model works from a household electrical network.
The knife system is a unique multi-stage cutting design consisting of two U-shaped preliminary blades and a disk with two pairs of double-sided chopping and chisel knives. The blade combination chops large quantities of plant material without requiring additional energy.
- ease of control;
- high level of unit safety;
- wide chassis on wheels;
- versatility.
- high noise level;
- price tag from 20,000 rubles.
Prices for:
The electric garden shredder of the German brand AL-KO Easy Crush MH 2800 occupies the first position in our top list. The body of the model, as well as the tank for collecting crushed plant material, is made of durable multi-layer plastic and mounted on a steel frame.
All internal working parts are made of steel and aluminum.
Thanks to its powerful motor, the knife milling system copes with chopping branches with a diameter of up to 42 mm. The engine is reliably protected from overheating. The model is equipped with a convenient removable neck with guide rollers and elastic curtains to prevent chips from flying out.
- high build quality;
- well-thought-out ergonomics of the technical apparatus;
- good manufacturer's warranty - 3 years;
- double-sided circular blades with laser sharpening;
- Convenient retractable mount and large tank capacity for crushed material.
- dry branches are difficult to chop.
Prices for:
The choice of shredder model largely depends on the tasks that need to be solved with its help. In small electrified summer cottages, the capabilities of models with electric drive are quite appropriate. If you need to clear a clearing from plant debris where the benefits of electrification have not yet reached, it is difficult to do without a good gasoline model.
The advantages of this type of shredders include:
- Easy to maintain.
- Light weight making it easy to carry.
- Low noise.
- High degree of environmental friendliness, no harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
The disadvantages of such devices include:
- Attachment to the power source causes the need for multi-meter extension cords.
- Less power compared to gasoline-powered shredder models.
- Short operating cycle – up to 25 minutes.
- Inability to use in rainy weather.
- If there is no power, the device cannot be used.
- Power surges can cause equipment failure.
When choosing a particular model of electric shredder, you should pay attention to: the type of blade system and engine power, functionality, and dimensions of the device.
The electric garden shredder is equipped with one of two blade systems:
1. Disc knife system - a disc with 2 or more steel knives, capable of processing grass, stems, leaves, thin branches. It should be taken into account that when chopping dry branches, disc blades quickly become dull.
2. Milling knife system - a solid cast gear with the function of automatically tightening plant debris, capable of processing even dry branches up to 4.5 cm thick.
Attention! Grass and leaves often get stuck in devices with a milling blade system, so it is better to process them on shredders with disc blades.
Types of Garden Shredders
Due to their technical characteristics, shredders are divided into types:
- household;
- semi-professional;
- professional.
Household shredders, with a power of up to 1.6 kW and a weight of up to 20 kg, are designed for processing vegetable waste in small quantities. Equipped with a disk knife system, ideally made of hardened steel. This equipment has a plastic body and successfully copes with grass and branches whose diameter does not exceed 2.5 cm.
Attention! Household shredders are not designed for frequent use; they cannot withstand heavy loads and do not have additional functions.
Semi-professional shredders are equipped with engines with a power of 2.5 kW and a milling cutting unit that can cope with grass, dry plant tops and branches whose diameter does not exceed 3.5 cm.
Professional shredders are powerful devices that can handle larger volumes while operating for longer periods of time. Thanks to the presence of a powerful motor (up to 4 kW) and a milling-type cutting mechanism, these devices are capable of processing branches with a diameter of 6-7 cm.
Professional shredders are equipped with additional functions: automatic retraction of material, the ability to process plant waste into mulch, reverse, selectable degree of crushing and are excellent for use on farms.
Manufacturers, models, reviews
The best manufacturers of garden shredders are:
- German company Bosch;
- Austrian company Viking;
- Swedish company Stiga;
- German company AL-KO;
- American company PATRIOT.
The top three models of garden shredders are:
- Bosch AXT 25 TC
The Bosch AXT 25 TC electric garden shredder has a beautiful design and high performance. Low noise, powerful (2.5 kW), compact. The cutting unit is rotary, grinds soft debris and branches up to 45 mm. Equipped with a shovel-shaped pusher and an automatic garbage retraction function, reverse. Productivity - 230 kg/h.
From reviews of the Bosch AXT 25 TC shredder: “It’s not cheap, but it more than earns its money’s worth, grinding 2 trees into chips in 40 minutes. It chops thin and thick sticks, up to 5 cm, with virtually no vibration.”
2. Viking GE 250
Thanks to its mobility and functionality, this shredder is very popular among gardeners. Equipped with a 2.5 kW motor, a wide funnel, a cutting disc with 2 knives and two pre-shredding knives.
From reviews of the Viking GE 250 shredder: “I’ve been using the GE 250 for 2 years. A universal unit that grinds everything: corn stalks, raspberry branches, grass, weeds. I bought a special spring cylindrical basket for collecting garbage - it’s very convenient, nothing falls apart. I couldn't be happier with the car."
3. AL-KO MH 2800
The inexpensive 2.8 kW shredder is designed for processing stems and branches up to 42 mm thick. The body is made of plastic and equipped with wheels. The cutting unit is a high-speed disc knife with 2 steel blades.
From reviews of the AL-KO MH 2800 shredder: “I bought this shredder for processing cut branches. During the year of operation I did not experience any problems with it, so I am very pleased with the car. He copes well with freshly cut branches, even branchy ones, and only gets nervous when he comes across dry ones.”
The following tips from experts will help you choose the optimal device for processing plant waste:
- The presence of an inclined cone-shaped funnel makes servicing the chopper easier.
- The presence of a special pusher speeds up work and makes it safe.
- Equipping with a speed adjustment function will allow you to choose the optimal size of processed waste: large, medium and small fractions.
- The presence of 2 options for feeding garbage: on the one hand - for large branches, on the other hand - for small debris, will make using the equipment more convenient.
- The presence of pre-crushing knives increases the service life of the unit and simplifies its operation. Equipping with a reverse option will help you cope with the problem of debris getting stuck.
- The shredder will be more comfortable to use if it is equipped with wheels, additional funnels, a height control function, and has a low noise level.
- The selected device must meet all necessary requirements and quality standards and must be equipped with a protection system. In addition, the unit must be equipped with instructions, additional knives and replacement parts.
How to choose a garden shredder - video