Garden shredders: purpose, types and popular models

The issue of disposal of old branches, as well as tops and other garden waste of plant origin, as a rule, is solved very simply - by burning. However, this option is very doubtful - the remnants burn for a long time, smoke strongly and do not completely burn out. Experts recommend using garden shredders that transform waste into valuable raw materials without polluting the environment.

In the country or in a private house, and just in the garden, sooner or later a moment arises when a large amount of a wide variety of plant residues accumulates. Cluttering of the site begins from the earliest spring, when tree branches are cut and shrubs are molded. In the summer, grapevine clippings, weeds and uprooted parasitic shoots are added to the branches, and in the fall the situation does not become easier - at this time the tops are removed from the beds, and the entire area is covered with fallen leaves.

That is why many gardeners are wondering how best to get rid of this kind of "good". Usually, large branches are sawn for firewood, and the remains of tops, leaves and herbs are sent to the compost heap. Many people pack garbage in bags and take it out, but it takes a lot of time and effort.

For many years, land owners burned excess plant residues, however, this method cannot be called the optimal solution for a number of reasons.

• Such actions raise serious doubts about fire safety. It is no secret that the remains smolder for a long time, therefore, even if it seems to the owner of the site that everything is burnt out, after a while, the flame can ignite again, and this often becomes the cause of fires.
• In many cities, especially if the house or plot is located within a residential area, there are strict bans on the burning of plant waste. Violations of such legal norms are fraught with serious fines.
• And finally, burning is a rather pointless exercise, because any plant feeds on minerals and vitamins that it receives from the earth. It turns out that when burning plant residues, we simply destroy valuable biological products that can be used to enrich the land and, accordingly, increase the yield on the site.

All these problems can be solved quite simply. To get rid of plant debris on the site in a matter of minutes and at the same time get a source of minerals for your plantings, you just need to purchase a garden shredder. Thanks to this adaptation, all plant residues are converted into small crumbs, the disposal of which is not difficult.

The resulting shredded residues do not clutter the compost pits. Moreover, the biodegradation process in this case will occur much faster.Shredded wood can also be used well - it is often used as mulch and wood chips are used instead of fuel. Well, if you don't need any compost or shavings, you can simply pack all the resulting waste in bags, load it in the trunk and take it to the nearest trash can.

On the market for gardening equipment, there are two options for garden shredders, they differ from each other in the characteristics of the cutting tool.

• Knife shredders. The waste is cut using knives with sharpened blades. Such units are optimal for the disposal of grass, dry leaves, thin branches, as well as tops and other soft plant debris. However, large hard branches can simply dull the blade, and sometimes even deform and break it.

• Milling grinders. The design of such units includes gears that are more powerful than knives. This device can grind raw and dry branches up to 4-6 cm in diameter, so it is often bought for processing branches of fruit trees, but soft plant residues sometimes get stuck in such a mechanism and wind up on rotating parts.

According to statistics, knife-type gardening machines are more in demand, their sales volume is 85% of the total sales of this type of equipment. Thus, the share of milling units accounts for only 15%. In general, the principle of operation of both units is similar to the operation of a meat grinder, but here instead of mechanical screws, cutting parts are installed. Each modification has its own pros and cons. So, knife installations are considered versatile and optimal for functioning in a small garden plot, while the milling cutter is more durable, it does not break or dull for quite a long time.

Knife units are needed for:

• grinding dry fallen leaves;
• chopping heads of corn, woodlands and cherries;
• crushing coniferous wood, as well as any other thin wet branches;
• processing of small weeds.

The functionality of models with milling and turbine knives is slightly different, the task of these devices includes:

• shredding of dried wood;
• calibration of bars;
• crushing of various artisanal plants;
• grinding strong vines, twigs and branches of fruit crops.

Modern industry offers a wide range of various types of grinders, which differ in their dimensions, technical and operational features, however, they all work according to the same scheme. Any shredder has a solid body made of metal or polymers, most often it is mounted on a frame equipped with a wheel drive. This makes it much easier to move the unit around the garden area.

The effective operation of such installations is due to the action of a power drive or an electric motor, a little less often - a gasoline internal combustion engine. In this case, the drive acts on the chopping mechanism by means of a power traction. At the very top of the device, as a rule, a loading container is placed, usually it is in the form of a funnel, due to which the plant residues are fed to the grinding more evenly. The recycled mass either goes back to the receiving tank, or, depending on the model, goes into a special bag or is simply discharged to the ground. Some modifications of the branch shredders are supplemented with spreaders, so that the processed products can be evenly distributed over the entire cultivated area.

Let us dwell separately on the structure of the power plant. As a rule, shredders are equipped with an electric drive or, as we have already mentioned, with internal combustion motors. Each of these varieties has both advantages and disadvantages. The electric drive is usually installed on small-sized units with low or medium power parameters, less than 2.5 kW.They can process crop residues in moderation. Due to their low weight, such devices can easily move around the site to the main work site, without creating any problems for their operators.

However, such devices are tied to an AC network, therefore, if it is necessary to process a large area, you need to use a very long cable, which is often not very convenient, and if there is no connection point, then it is completely impossible. In addition, for safety reasons, there are some operating restrictions due to weather conditions. Units with a gasoline engine are devoid of this drawback; they can work in any weather, including rain, hail and even snow. In addition, they can be used in places where there is no electric current. It should be noted that such models can do quite difficult work, for example, grind large plant residues, even the trunks of small trees.

Before purchasing the right garden shredder for your application, there are a number of fundamental questions to answer. And the first of them will be the selection of the desired technical capabilities of the installation. If you plan to chop branches, one unit will help you, if the tops and leaves are completely different. Shredders are either electric or gasoline.

• The first ones weigh a little less, work almost silently and at the same time do not produce harmful exhaust, however, the mobility of such devices is significantly limited by the size of the cord and the presence of connectivity. Their power varies from 2.5 to 4 kW, as a rule, these are the simplest modifications with a rather democratic price tag.

• The gasoline unit is able to move to different points, however, it is a little heavier, and the structure itself is quite massive, since the engine is much larger in size. The volume of fuel should also be added to the weight of the device itself, so you can calculate the weight of the entire working installation. Such models are much more expensive, although they are more efficient.

In addition to the type of engine, it is worth focusing on its power, usually the average parameter is 4-6 liters. with. It is important that all the capabilities stated in the instructions are confirmed by the power characteristics of the equipment. If the manufacturer promises to grind thick branches and at the same time shows a motor power of 3-4 liters. with., then, most likely, a big disappointment awaits you. In this case, it is better to opt for products from another, more honest manufacturer.

An important factor in choosing a shredder is its performance, which primarily depends on the type of cutting blade. There are three main modifications.

• With two or more knives - the most primitive models are equipped with a pair of knives, they can process grass and dry branches, the diameter of which does not exceed 2 cm. The most complex designs have 4-6 blades, they can cope with the most difficult tasks without any problems. Modifications with knives are considered the cheapest.

• With crusher - in this design, the cutting part resembles a screw from a meat grinder, but it is located vertically and the number of turns in it is less. Such a shredder functions much faster, copes well with freshly cut and dried branches and twigs up to 4 cm in size.It can also be used for grass waste, however, the tops are often wound around a screw, so you have to periodically clean it. This type of technique is universal.

• With cylindrical knives - such an installation is popularly called "multi-blade cutter". At the moment, products of this type are found only in Bosch, other manufacturers have not yet mastered the production of such units. Shredders of this type successfully grind both dry branches and tops with grass, while only lianas are wound around the device, and even then only if the knives are completely dull.

Ease of use is another factor that has a major impact on purchasing decisions. There are quite a few parameters that determine the degree of comfort when using the shredder. Many do not attach importance to them, nevertheless they make themselves felt in the process of use.

• Pay special attention to the assembled installation length. Often, the socket, where all the remains are placed, is located quite high, and this is a critical parameter for short people.
• It is very important to make sure the handles are comfortable. There are mechanisms in which the handle for moving the shredder is placed too low, almost on the ground. Moving such a heavy device, leaning strongly, is not a pleasant pleasure.

• Wheel width. The wider the wheels, the easier it will be to move the machine across the land. It is far from always possible to transport it along concrete garden paths, usually it has to be dragged along plowed soil or aisles, so wide tires here become a real salvation.
• Make sure the system is equipped with a weather shield. When working with a shredder, it is not uncommon for chips to fly out of the socket and cause damage to the operator. If you have a visor, at least from one side, you can work in a more or less safe mode, although experts still recommend wearing protective goggles.

• Mass - many ignore this parameter and in vain. If women or men of slender physique will work with the equipment, then the exploitation can give them a lot of problems.
• Noise level - 70-80 dB is considered a normal parameter. If the volume is higher, you need to use special headphones.

Many companies are engaged in the production of garden shredders, the products of the following manufacturers are most in demand.

• Bosch Is a brand that has gained fame and recognition from consumers around the world. Such models cost much more than competitors' products, but at the same time their service life is much longer. In this case, high-quality assembly is complemented by the power of the basic components, thanks to which the shredder is able to cope with both plant residues and branches.

• Elitech Is a trade mark under which various tools are produced that are necessary in construction and agricultural technology. It is noteworthy that the company strives to reduce the prices of its products as much as possible, which is especially noticeable in comparison with the products of competing companies with similar parameters.

• Patriot Is an American manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of tools and agricultural implements. The assortment line contains both budget modifications and especially powerful ones, even those designed for grinding old hemp.

• Ryobi Is another well-known company that produces fairly compact units for use by women and the elderly.

This model enjoys well-deserved love among consumers. Thanks to the ergonomic parameters and the wheel frame, this unit can be freely moved over the landing area.The shredder is able to do its job quickly and efficiently, without creating voltage to the mains. The wide funnel contributes to the maximum comfort of use, so even branched branches can be thrown into the tank without breaking them before chopping. The system is equipped with two blades, as well as additional knives, which are located in different directions. Thanks to this, the Viking machine is able to grind debris of various sizes.

This shredder attracts attention with its price-performance ratio. Strong sharpened knives with equal efficiency cope with grinding sunflower stems, tree bark and twigs. In just one hour of operation, this device grinds up to 200 kg of crop residues. The undoubted advantage is the silent operation of the installation. These units are compact and do not require much storage space, in addition, the motor is completely protected from overheating.

When creating this unit, the manufacturing company focused on the durability of the unit - the body of the product is made of "indestructible" plastic, and all the main internal parts are made of metal. The circular knife is equipped with two sharp blades, thanks to which the device can thresh branches up to 4.5 cm in size, and quite quickly. If necessary, the funnel can be opened to gain access to the working cutting parts. The motor is characterized by increased power, the unit has a special tank for removing crushed residues.

This is a "workhorse", she is not afraid of any difficulties. Such a shredder is optimal when a lot of debris accumulates on the sown area, which requires quick processing. It can easily cut dried branches up to 4 cm, as well as corn and sunflower trunks.

This is one of the highest quality knife grinders made in Germany. The device has a rather powerful motor, ergonomics, compact size and high waste recycling rate. The knife is made of the highest quality steel, laser-sharpened on both sides. Such devices can easily cut branches up to 4 cm.

If mountains of mown grass and fallen leaves are constantly accumulating on the territory of the site, then there is absolutely no point in buying oversized shredders. Such a model will be a good solution, such an aggregate can grind all vegetable debris into dust in just a few seconds. Installation power - 1400 W, weight - 9 kg. The system is equipped with a cooling mechanism, which also acts as a protection against dust and dirt. The plant capacity is 12 m3 per hour.

Garden shredder - a device that is quite simple and safe, nevertheless, there are some nuances that should be learned before operating the equipment.

• It is imperative to work with the shredder in goggles or a mask, wear tight anti-slip gloves on your hands, and a hat or baseball cap on your head.
• Rubbish is pushed into the device strictly with a shredder and by no means by hand.
• Make sure that no pieces of metal, glass or plastic or stones fall into the hopper.
• Branches shred much better if they were wet.
• If you grind the roots, then first you should thoroughly clean them of the soil.

• If debris is stuck in the device, be sure to turn off the shredder before removing it.
• The efficiency of the garden shredder and the duration of its use largely depend on the observance of the rules for the operation of the equipment and storage.There is no need to leave the unit outdoors, store it in a dry place, protected from moisture and direct UV rays.
• The unit should be periodically cleaned and inspected from time to time.
• If the shredder is broken, you should not try to repair it yourself, for this it is better to resort to the services of specialized service centers and repair shops.

The owners of garden shredders in most cases give positive feedback: the unit allows you to effectively solve the problem of utilizing various plant residues and at the same time obtain raw materials intended for soil enrichment. However, it is very important to choose the right model that will best match the tasks and features of operation. For example, according to the owners' reviews:

• chopper Bosch AXT MH perfectly copes with dried flowers, but with cut flowers you just need to tinker for a long time;
• model Bosch AXT 25 TC when saving the factory settings, it crushes the branches, however, you can change the parameters yourself by pulling the adjustment until it stops, and then the device will cope even with dense vines.

For information on how to choose a garden shredder, see the next video.