Branch shredders: characteristics and types

The suburban area must be constantly maintained in order, clearing it of fallen leaves, unnecessary shrubs and branches. A garden shredder is considered a good helper in this. It allows you to quickly and without harm to the environment remove garden waste, freeing the area from piles of garbage and giving it a well-groomed appearance.

The shredder of branches and twigs of trees is a unique device that is intended for cleaning the cottage after pruning shrubs, vines and tops of plants. The device is especially irreplaceable in the spring and autumn, when the backyard area begins to be littered with heaps of garden debris. These heaps take up a lot of space, spoil the landscape design and are difficult to transport. In this case, you can cope with cleaning the site with the help of a shredder. It has increased power and easily copes with grinding plant waste into a small mass, after which it is sent for disposal. In addition, the shredded branches can be further used as fuel or mulch.

The main advantages of this device include:

• compactness;
• convenient transportation;
• powerful grinding system;
• economical energy consumption;
• acceptable price.

Today, manufacturers produce shredders of various models, which differ in the way of starting and design features. Regardless of the technical characteristics, such units can be used not only for processing large branches, but also fallen leaves, dry tops, old grass and overripe vegetables or fruits.

The garden shredder of branches and twigs is very popular with many owners of summer cottages, as it allows you to quickly and efficiently clean the area from garden debris. This device has a simple design, consisting of the following main elements:

• receiving device;
• bunker;
• knives.

By its structure, the unit resembles a meat grinder: first, the raw material enters the hopper, then moves to the driving disc, where the knives perform shredding. In this case, the cutting parts may differ depending on the design features of the shredder. In some models, a metal disc is installed to which knives are attached - they are usually designed for processing small branches and stalks of grass. In other modifications, a cutter on gears can stand inside the block - it quickly grinds dry branches of any species of trees and shrubs. There are also universal devices on sale in which knives and a cutter are present at the same time.

In addition, the design is supplemented with a screw device and spools, which play a major role, since they are responsible for the operation of the milling drum. Depending on the type of grinding in the unit, two modes are set: cutting with slow rotation of the cutter and fast cutting with knives.The principle of operation in the first case is based on the collision of wood with knives at a low speed of rotation of the cutters (40–90 rpm). With this type of processing, inertia is not created and kinetic energy is not released, therefore, in order to increase the transmission coefficient, a gearbox is additionally installed between the motor and the cutter. It converts low motor torque and high rpm into low rpm and high milling torque.

As for the second mode, it provides grinding when the disc rotates at a speed of 3 thousand rpm. As a result, when a tree comes into contact with cutting elements, a lot of energy is released, which is quite enough for cutting large branches and twigs.

Recently, manufacturers have been supplying the market with many types of branch shredders, they differ in design and technical characteristics. Therefore, before buying this or that model of the product, it is necessary to determine in advance its purpose and the amount of planned work. All units are divided into two categories.

• For processing branches. Such devices are produced exclusively for cleaning the garden area from wood waste. They can easily cope even with cutting branches with a diameter of 7 cm. However, such models are not suitable for chopping vines and grass. The unit allows you to cope with wood chopping thanks to a unique knife system and a powerful motor. Distinguish between domestic and industrial engines. The first type is designed for simple operation, it has a mobile body. Manufacturers often produce the second type as a rotary or with a turbine, which increases its productivity.

• For processing plant stems and branches. Such modifications are distinguished by large knives placed both in the horizontal and vertical planes of the structure. These mechanisms are versatile and more expensive, but they can be installed on a mini-tractor. In addition, a trailed or mounted shredder can be connected to a walk-behind tractor, which makes it convenient to operate.

The units also differ in the principle of operation. The chopper can be mechanical (manual without an engine) or equipped with a special power plant in the form of an electric, diesel or gasoline engine. Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Mechanical. It is characterized by simple structure, good quality and reasonable price. Suitable for shredding branches and vines. The downside of the design is considered to be low performance. And also when processing garden waste, the owner of the site needs to make considerable physical efforts.

• Electric. This is the most common and easy-to-use unit. While working with it, there is no need to be distracted by checking the presence of fuel in the tank. The crusher of the attachment does not make noise, it is easy to operate, it is put into operation at the touch of a button. Such devices do not require labor-intensive maintenance, but compared to gasoline models, they are in many ways inferior in power. Electric shredders cannot handle thick branches and are dependent on a power source. Any voltage drop in the network can damage them.

• Gasoline milling and diesel. Such devices are equipped with two-stroke power plants; there are also four-stroke modifications. They are easy to maintain. The main advantages of the technology include a powerful engine, which allows you to saw branches up to 7 cm in diameter.In addition, these shredders can be used anywhere on the site, as they are independent of the power supply. As for the disadvantages, gasoline and diesel shredders are heavy, noisy, expensive and require certain costs for the purchase of engine oil and fuel.

Despite the fact that the market is represented by a chic selection of branch shredders, not all of their models can please with high quality and long service life. Therefore, before purchasing this installation, it is necessary to take into account not only its technical indicators, but also reviews about manufacturers. Models of the following brands have proven themselves well.

• Bosch AXT Rapid 2000. This unit perfectly cuts both dry and freshly cut branches. The factory settings provide for the crushing of large branches, therefore, to work with small stems and vines, you need to change the settings yourself, setting the adjustment all the way. The chopper power is 1800 W. The design of the model has an auger and a knife, which coarsely chops branches with a diameter of up to 45 mm. The only drawback of this technique is its high price.

• Viking GE 250. This modification has received a lot of good reviews, as it is "omnivorous" and does an excellent job of chopping not only large branches, but also pruning blackberries, raspberries, cones, corn, dried leaves and flower stems. The shredder quickly converts garden debris into fines. The knives of the unit are sharp and smoothly cut to dullness, while new cutters can only be purchased at service centers.

• "Bison ZIE-40-2500". The device is characterized by high power and is suitable for chopping even fresh branches, it cuts wood into small chips with a diameter of 2-3 cm. The main advantage of the unit is the low noise level during operation, which does not exceed 99 dB. Additionally, the equipment includes a special bag that allows you to conveniently collect the crushed fractions. The disadvantage of the model is that it cannot be used for crushing the haulm. Green foliage and plant stems can wrap around the cutters and clog the bottom grate.

• Makita. The manufacturer has provided a powerful gasoline engine in the design, thanks to which the device quickly cuts branches up to 3.5 cm thick. When processing branching elements, its performance is significantly reduced. And also because of the high price, not every gardener can afford to buy this device.

• Arpal AM-120E. This shredder has two receiving hoppers, separate for foliage and large branches. The technique is characterized by high quality and long service life. The design is equipped with two discs on which three knives are placed (one with a straight blade, and the other two with an L-shaped and triangular blade). The device easily cuts young trees and large branches.

Since each model of a branch shredder has its pros and cons, it is important to carefully study the main characteristics and conduct a detailed analysis of all indicators before purchasing it. Of course, special attention should be paid to the basic parameters of the devices.

• Power and volume of processed wood. Household appliances have a power of up to 1.5 kW and weigh up to 20 kg. They are usually produced with an electric motor and equipped with a knife mechanism that allows cutting branches with a diameter not exceeding 25 mm. Such devices can be purchased only for summer cottages where small trees grow.If the plot is more than 40 acres and is planted not only with trees, but also with bushes, then it is best to give preference to professional models. Their weight reaches 50 kg and their power can exceed 5 kW.
• Engine's type. Units with an electric motor are cheaper, they operate silently, but they are dependent on the energy source and their power is low. Devices powered by a diesel or gasoline engine are more mobile, allowing you to process garden waste anywhere on the site. They have high productivity, but are expensive and inconvenient during transportation due to their heavy weight. For small summer cottages, the choice can be stopped at a grinder with a motor power of 3-4 kW.

• Cutting type. Devices, which include a disc with radically placed knives, are easy to operate and inexpensive. It is recommended to buy them for chopping grass and small branches, they will not cut larger wood. In addition, experts recommend giving preference to modifications in which the knives are located at an angle. Shredders with a worm-type crusher are also considered simple models, since they are sold at an affordable price and cut branches with a diameter of up to 4 cm.However, crushing the grass may have problems due to the winding of the stems. For large areas, devices with a multi-knife cutter are well suited - their performance decreases only when the knives are dull.
• Chopper height. It should be comfortable and adjustable for the height of the user.

• Dimensions and weight. In the event that the work on the site will be performed by elderly summer residents and women, then it is necessary to buy compact and lightweight models. In addition, the location of the transport handles plays a huge role. If they are too low above the ground, it will be inconvenient to move the device.
• The presence of a protective visor. Such an addition to the design will help protect the user from flying chips.

• The material from which the body is made. Plastic structures are characterized by low weight, but they are inferior to metal ones in strength and durability.
• Noise characteristics. When working with units in which the noise level exceeds 80 dB, you will need to wear special headphones. As a rule, shredders make a lot of noise, equipment with a diesel or gasoline engine.

• The presence of a reverse motion. This indicator is important, since the reverse performs a protective function and blocks work if the branches are incorrectly located.
• Wheel width. Narrow and small wheels can tow on loose ground.
• Adjustment of the size and speed of grinding fractions. Thanks to this function, you can set the desired chopping mode and chop branches efficiently.

The garden shredder has established itself as an excellent assistant in the summer cottage, which allows you to timely clean the area from heaps of cut branches, giving it an aesthetic appearance. This device is simple to use and, subject to all the rules of operation, it serves for a long time, but, like any other technique, it is characterized by malfunctions. Most often, when using a shredder, you can encounter the following problems.

• The engine does not start. The reason for this is a defective fuse, it should be replaced with a new one. Also, the power cable of the device may be damaged or the cover is not positioned correctly. In this case, you need to clean the screw handle, and if the malfunction has not been eliminated, then the equipment requires diagnostics at the service center. In petrol and diesel units, check the fuel and oil levels additionally.
• The engine switches itself off. This problem is most often seen in electrical models. This protective function is triggered if the motor is overloaded or the blades are blocked.The cutting devices must be cleaned and the motor must cool down, after which it will continue to work.
• The shredder does not pull in branches. An overfilled collection container is the cause of the malfunction and must be emptied.
• Insufficient performance. As a rule, this is observed when the knives are dull. The cutting devices must be replaced with new parts.

You can learn more about branch shredders in the video below.