Before purchasing a shredder, it is best to keep in mind that garden shredders are designedfor recycling branches, thick tops (such as corn, sunflower). It will not be possible to chop large volumes of grass using a shredder; it will wrap around the knives and clog the unit. And the soil from the roots of plants dulls knives.Therefore, you should not choose a shredder only for grass disposal - The grass can be easily chopped with a lawn mower, and when folded in a heap, it can be easily chopped with a trimmer and fishing line.
When choosing a shredder, study its passport data:
- Shredder power and maximum diameter of plants processed by it.
- Operating mode (continuous or periodic).
- Availability of spare parts (cutting tools, they fail first).
It is useful to consider:
- The larger container for crushed waste- so much the better. Optimally - 50 liters or more.
- For safety reasons, all garden shredders are equipped with pushers. They definitely need to be used.
- Shredders use various grinding systems: turbine roller, in the form of a gear, cutter, etc. Shredders with a blade system are more convenient to maintain: the blades can be removed, sharpened (recommended at a service center), replaced, or turned over with a sharp edge.
- Maximum diameter of processed branches, indicated in the technical characteristics of shredders, as a rule, refers to soft types of wood: linden, aspen, bird cherry. If you plan to use a shredder for branches of all garden plants, to prolong the performance of the device, this value must be reduced by 10-20 mm and not exceeded when loading plant waste.
Much depends on where this unit will be used. If we are talking about a comfortable house with a small plot and the need to shred a modest amount of cut vegetation, then an electric shredder will be the best option. And if you need to clear an area of old branches that is still waiting to be connected to electricity, you cannot do without a good gasoline garden shredder. It is better to choose a specific model, focusing on the brand image and functionality.
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.
The device of a branch chopper - 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. You need to pay special attention to each of them. 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.
One of the most popular models of Russian production are units of the Berserk brand. 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 an incline 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.
Choppers, or shredders, belong to the category of special-purpose equipment and can significantly simplify the process of recycling plant waste in the garden. Of course, branches and weeds can simply be burned, but sometimes this option is completely unsuitable. In addition, high-quality shredded grass and branches can serve as an excellent filler for a compost heap.
The garden shredder is a compact and easy-to-use unit that does not require any special knowledge to operate. It is enough to read the attached instructions and follow all its points. Today we’ll talk about how to choose branches and grass.
Equipment types
Depending on the characteristics, the units can be divided into three types:
- household;
- semi-professional;
- professional.
Household shredders
The devices can be used for processing small volumes. The power of the unit does not exceed 1.5 kW. The shredder is capable of handling branches with a diameter of no more than 25 mm.
The body of the device is made of plastic, so its weight is no more than 20 kg. Household shredders do not have additional functions and are generally not intended for frequent, much less constant use.
Semi-professional units
Shredders in this category are equipped with 3 kW motors and are already able to cope with branches with a diameter of 30 - 40 mm.
The material for the case is not only plastic, but also metal, so such devices weigh much more. On average, the weight reaches 40 kg. They can be used to chop not only branches and grass, but also dry plant tops.
Professional shredders
The most powerful devices of all existing models. They cope well with large volumes of work and can be used on farms.
The motor power reaches 6 - 9 kW, so the device can easily cope with branches whose thickness is more than 60 mm. An undeniable advantage is the automatic material retraction function.
Professional shredders can operate for a long time at full load. Manufacturers, as a rule, add quite a lot of options that greatly facilitate human work. In particular, the units are capable of producing mulch.
Additional features
A garden shredder of branches and grass, in addition to the main characteristics, may have additional functions. Most often this is:
- automatic material supply;
- possibility of blocking the engine in case of unscheduled startup;
- reduction of operating noise;
- grinding speed adjustment;
- processing material into mulch, etc.
Cutting mechanism
When choosing a garden shredder for branches and grass, first of all pay attention to the type of cutting mechanism. In total, manufacturers offer three options:
- knife;
- screw;
- milling
If there is a need to chop grass, thin branches and various soft waste, for example, substandard vegetables, then you can safely choose devices equipped with a disc with knives. As a rule, they are equipped with a pair of flat knives, but in some models their number reaches five pieces. The disk can rotate in different planes, depending on the design of the receiving hopper. The shredder operates quite loudly and cannot boast of great productivity.
Some models of shredders equipped with a knife cutting mechanism have an additional function of automatic branch feeding. And the simplest devices are practically no different from a classic trimmer and are capable of processing only foliage. In such models, a reel of fishing line is used.
If it is necessary to process thick branches, it is best to choose shredders with a screw or milling type of cutting unit. Such a branch chopper (the price of the device in this case will be higher compared to the previously considered option) has more weight, but also operates much quieter. Unfortunately, models in this category are not designed for processing grass and leaves.
To dispose of both grass and branches, it is necessary to choose combined units. They differ from conventional models in the process of material processing. Soft waste is fed through the top funnel and falls onto a disc with knives. After grinding, they fall onto a milling cutter located even lower. Branches and twigs are fed through a special receiving window and fall directly onto the cutter. Such equipment is the most expensive, but also has greater returns. The lower price level is around 3,500 rubles.
Garden shredder engine: petrol or electric
Garden shredders can be equipped with either electric or gasoline four-stroke engines. At the same time, the power of an electric shredder varies in the range of 1.2 - 4.0 kW, and for gasoline units it reaches 8 kW.
Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. First, let's look at an electric garden branch chopper. The obvious disadvantages include:
But at the same time, an electric garden branch chopper is much cheaper and easier to use.
Gasoline shredders
Now let's get acquainted with the advantages of gasoline devices. These include:
- Possibility of uninterrupted operation in any weather. A stop may only be necessary if you need to clean the cutting mechanism or simply run out of material to process.
- Some models equipped with electric starter, starting is done by lightly pressing a button.
- Presence of reverse. This feature greatly facilitates cleaning of the cutting mechanism, since rotation in the opposite direction helps to automatically push out stones or fibers wrapped around the knife.
When choosing a gasoline wood chipper (reviews about such units are extremely positive), you need to be prepared for the fact that it will require maintenance. This includes changing oil, filters and other activities familiar to every car enthusiast. Don't forget about refueling the engine. You won’t be able to save money on this, since the engine is quite finicky in this regard. Therefore, operating a gasoline shredder will cost much more than its electric counterpart.
Gardeners often share their impressions of the equipment they use in their garden. And almost everyone agrees that such shredders are simply an irreplaceable thing, but opinions are still divided. Some speak more favorably of electric devices, while others prefer gasoline units.
Here, in principle, is all the information that will help you make the right choice. If for some reason you cannot find a unit that suits you in all respects, then you can assemble a homemade branch shredder.
Drawings will also not be a problem, since the unit itself, if you think about it, is not overly complex in its design. Happy shopping!
When caring for your garden, you cannot avoid pruning old and dried branches on trees and shrubs. As a result, a fairly large amount of brushwood accumulates, which you want to use for good. The most practical solution in this situation would be to send the branches to the compost, leaving them to rot there. Unfortunately, the process of turning solid wood into compost is quite lengthy, and a mountain of dry branches spoils the overall appearance of the site. In this case, a garden shredder comes to the rescue. Thanks to a garden waste shredder, you can speed up the composting process and reduce the pile of branches to a very modest size. Today, purchasing a garden shredder is not difficult, especially if you have the required amount of money. But those who cannot afford it can make a shredder themselves.
To make a garden branch chopper with your own hands, you need to understand the principle of its operation and how it works. Otherwise, it will be impossible to create the correct drawing and assemble the entire structure together.
The chopper has a fairly simple design. It consists of a motor, a working shaft with knives, a metal frame, a receiving box and a protective casing. The chopper itself is installed on a two-wheeled base for ease of movement. Of course, the design of any garden shredder consists of smaller parts. We will consider which ones and in what quantity at the stage of creating the drawing.
The operating principle is also extremely simple. Rotations from the motor are transmitted to the shaft directly or using a belt or chain. At the same time, branches are fed into the receiving box, which are ground by the knives of the working shaft. The output is shredded wood, ready for composting. The operating principle is somewhat similar to a meat grinder.
The simple and at the same time effective design of a garden waste shredder is used not only by summer residents and gardeners. There are also industrial devices capable of processing fairly thick tree branches. The design of such machines is an order of magnitude more complex and advanced. But it should be noted that some technical solutions for industrial shredders can be implemented at home. This will allow a regular garden shredder to process thick branches efficiently and quickly.
Types of Garden Shredders
When creating a garden shredder with your own hands, you will have to know in advance what exactly it will chop. The type of chopper, its performance characteristics and some design features depend on this. In general, all garden waste shredders can be divided according to parameters: power and type of engine used, as well as the type and operating principle of the shredding unit.
Engine
Garden shredders can be equipped with both gasoline and electric engines. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Thus, a gasoline garden shredder is capable of processing large branches much more easily; it is mobile and does not depend on the remoteness of the energy resource. But some models of choppers, especially powerful ones, require connection to agricultural machinery, such as a tractor or walk-behind tractor. As opposed to a gasoline one, an electric garden shredder is more compact, lighter and easier to operate. But electric shredders are strictly tied to the connection point and are slightly weaker in power.
In general, if you select an engine for a homemade shredder, you need to consider the following.
- Electric motors with a power of up to 1.5 kW quite easily cope with branches up to 2 cm in diameter and are most often installed on factory models intended for a small area with low intensity of work.
- Motors of 3 - 4 kW can process branches with a diameter of up to 4 cm and are intended for owners of a small garden.
- But engines with a power of more than 6 kW are used in shredders for large farms and are capable of grinding branches 10 - 15 cm in diameter.
Since a homemade shredder is usually focused on a wide range of work, it is recommended to install a 4 kW electric motor. As for gasoline engines, an internal combustion engine with a capacity of 5 - 6 HP will cope with all the tasks.
Important! It is necessary to highlight the drive of garden shredders. This could be a chain, a belt, or attaching the blades directly to the motor shaft.
Knife design
Another criterion by which garden shredders are distinguished is the design of the blades. Since the quality of grinding depends on this. For example, some models of shredders produce pieces of branches ranging from 2 cm to 10 cm in length, depending on the diameter of the shaft and the principle of chopping. Others are a combined design and are capable of processing fairly large branches and producing small shavings. But if the shredding system uses only a disk with knives directly mounted to the motor shaft, then such a shredder will be able to process only thin branches and produce small dust.
In factory models, the following three options are most often used.
The first is a knife disk. These devices are good for chopping small branches with a diameter of up to 2 cm and grass.
The second is the milling design of the knives. Shredders with a similar blade design can cope with thick branches up to 8 cm. But under one condition - the branches must be cut dry. Otherwise, the remains of damp bark and wood will clog into the cutter and stall the mechanism.
Third - universal milling-turbine knives. This knife option is perhaps the most preferable. Such shredders are capable of handling large and small branches, both wet and dry.
Of course, the types of knives described above are almost impossible to make yourself. That is why the following knife designs are used in homemade shredders.
- First - double shaft design with 8 knives.
- Second - knife-disk.
- Third - set of circular saw blades. Their production is the simplest and materials for them can be found at any flea market.
Below we will look at the creation of these particular types of shredders.
How to make a garden shredder with your own hands
Creating a homemade garden shredder is a rather labor-intensive process that requires a high level of skill from the master. The work itself takes place in two stages. The first one is preparatory. The second is assembling a garden shredder.
Preparatory stage
At this stage, we create drawings of a garden shredder and purchase all the necessary materials. The shredder drawing can be drawn by hand or in a special program such as AutoCAD.
As noted earlier, the structure of the chopper consists of a motor, a shaft with knives, a frame, a receiving box and a protective casing. But this is just a general view and, as they say, the devil is in the details. When creating a drawing of a chopper, it is necessary to pay special attention to the location of the shaft with knives, as well as the cutting angle of the knives.
For a shredder with two shafts drawing will look like this: between two metal plates there are two shafts with knives. There are 3 - 4 knives on each shaft. The knives themselves are secured with 3 bolts and offset relative to the center of the shaft. Free rotation of the shafts is ensured by 4 bearings fixed in the holes of the metal plates. Synchronous rotation of the shafts is achieved through two gears, which are driven by a motor. The transmission of torque can be done using a belt or chain. The distance between the shafts is selected based on the width of the knives and the thickness of the branches being processed.
Important! It is necessary to pay special attention to the number of engine revolutions. In electric motors with a power of 4 kW, the number of revolutions is from 2500 to 2800 rpm. This number of revolutions is good for a disk shredder of small branches and grass. For a twin-shaft shredder, power is important, so the speed should be reduced. To do this, it is enough to install a gear or pulley of a smaller diameter on the shaft, and to drive the shafts, install a large pulley or gear.
Below are drawings of a garden shredder with two shafts, 6 knives, three on each shaft.
For blade disc chopper drawing looks much simpler.
First of all, this concerns the disk with knives. The drawing can show the diameter of the disk and the location of the knives and their number. Depending on the requirements for grinding quality, there can be from 1 to 3 knives. The disk itself can be placed either vertically or at an angle. Below are the drawings of the blade disc chopper.
Drawing for a chopper with a set of circular saw blades also quite simple.
A pin with circular saws is placed on the frame, which is driven by a motor. Most often, such designs use a belt drive. Therefore, pulleys are placed at the end of the motor shaft and the stud. The pulley sizes may be the same. Below are drawings of such a chopper.
The materials needed to make the shredders described above can be purchased in stores, flea markets or car markets. Of course, some spare parts will have to be ordered from turners, but most can be purchased without any problems. To complete the assembly work, you will need an angle grinder, a welding machine and wrenches.
For a dual shaft shredder you will need the following materials:
- electric or gasoline engine;
- two metal plates 10 mm thick. Width and height are selected individually;
- two gears for synchronous drive of shafts;
- a pulley or gear for transmitting torque to the shafts;
- pulley on the motor shaft;
- two shafts for knives;
- 5 bearings and fastening to them;
- knives or material for their manufacture;
- profile pipes for the frame;
- sheet metal 2 mm thick for the protective casing and receiving hopper.
For the shredder from the circular saw pack you will need the following::
- 15 - 20 circular saws. The diameter can be taken 18 cm;
- engine;
- M20 pin or its equivalent;
- 2 bearings and fastening to them;
- 2 pulleys;
- 17 - 22 metal washers 5 mm thick for separating saws;
- 2 mm sheet metal for the protective casing and receiving hopper;
- profile pipes for the frame.
A shredder with a blade disc requires very little:
- engine;
- sheet metal for the protective casing and receiving hopper;
- knives and sheet of metal for the disc.
As you can see, the disc chopper is the simplest in design. But it should be noted that the version of the shredder with two shafts is capable of processing branches up to 8 cm in diameter, and a disk one up to 2 cm.
Assembling a garden shredder
Having the drawing and necessary parts in hand, you can begin installing the garden shredder. The assembly work is divided into several stages - assembling the frame and creating a receiving hopper, assembling the chopping drum and installing the motor and chopping drum on the frame.
Let's look at the assembly process using the example of a shredder with two shafts. We start work by creating a frame:
- cut pieces from the profile pipe using a grinder. Four blanks will be 40 cm long and two 80 cm;
- We weld short pieces at right angles between two long ones. In this case, we place the two internal crossbars at such a distance from each other that the grinding drum is securely installed on them;
Important! To give the chopper mobility, the entire structure will be mounted on a wheel base. To do this, it is necessary to weld two racks to the frame, to which the axle with wheels will be attached.
After creating the frame, you can begin to create the shafts for the chopping drum:
- We take a metal square blank if you plan to install 4 knives on one shaft. Or a round blank for three knives;
- for a square piece, grind both ends, making them round so that they can fit into the purchased bearings. With a round workpiece, we sharpen the central part, making three flat cuts for installing knives.
As for the knives themselves, they can be made from Kamaz springs:
- take the spring and cut a piece of the required length;
- the workpiece itself can be leveled if necessary. To do this, you will have to heat it in a forge and make it even with a few blows of a hammer. Then re-harden and let cool;
- we make holes for bolts in the knives themselves;
- Now we are sharpening the knives. The cutting edge angle is chosen to be 35 - 45 degrees. Sharpening is carried out on a sharpening machine;
- Finally, we apply the knives to the shaft and mark the places on the shaft for fastening. Then we drill holes and make threads in them.
The next stage is the creation of a chopping drum:
- in two metal plates that will be the walls, we cut out holes for installing bearings in them. This is best done using a welding machine, and then sand the edges. Or you can contact the company. In this case, the holes will be perfectly shaped;
- Now we install the bearings inside;
- For fastening, we use special linings that are bolted to the metal walls;
- We insert the shafts inside the bearings and secure them;
- We connect the drum walls together with threaded metal studs and secure them with nuts.
Upon completion of work with the drum and frame, we make a receiving box:
- we take thin sheet metal and make 4 blanks in the shape of a parallelepiped;
- We measure 4 - 5 cm from the narrow edge of each workpiece and bend it;
- do the same for the long sides of the workpieces. But we make the bend in the opposite direction;
- we assemble the entire structure and check how the workpieces fit together;
- We connect the edges using welding or self-tightening rivets;
- At the base of the box, on the bent edges, we make holes for fasteners.
After assembling the grinding drum, we put the gears on the shafts and install the entire structure on the frame, where we secure it with bolts. Then we put the engine in place and tighten the drive chain or belt. Finally, we install and secure the receiving box. We also install a protective cover on all rotating parts of the chopper to prevent accidental entry of foreign objects.
Creating the other two grinders is somewhat simpler. For a disc chopper you need the following::
- create a frame and place the motor inside;
- install a reflective shield made of thin sheet metal with a hole for the motor shaft on top of the motor;
- make a hole in the disk for installation on the shaft, as well as slots for knives;
- knives can be made from car springs using the previously described method;
- assemble and install the disk with knives;
- We create a receiving box and install it on top of the disk chopper.
The assembly of a chopper from circular saws looks like this::
- create a frame;
- We thread circular saw blades onto a threaded stud. In this case, we place washers between the disks. This is necessary so that the teeth do not cling to each other. We clamp the saw package on both sides with nuts;
- We weld fasteners for bearings on the internal cross members of the frame;
- we put bearings on the stud and secure them, after which we install the saw package on the frame and secure it there;
- We install a pulley or gear from the longest end of the stud and secure it with a retaining ring;
- install the engine and tension the drive chain or belt;
- Finally, we install the receiving box.
When creating one of the homemade shredders proposed above, it is necessary to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. The twin-shaft chopper is characterized by high power and the ability to process thick branches. The chip fraction will be from 2 cm to 8 cm depending on the speed and the number of knives. On the contrary, a knife-disk chopper will cope perfectly with small branches and produce a small fraction of wood chips, but thick branches are a problem for it. A chipper with a circular saw package can handle both thick branches and smaller ones. But at the same time, it is very dusty, and a lot of chips get stuck between the saws, which requires careful cleaning after work. The options for garden shredders described above can be created either in a single version or by combining types with each other.
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, and a screwdriver and 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 triggered, 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 in size, due to which branches of large diameter can be loaded 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 pulled 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 operation;
- 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