How to choose a garden shredder? Which garden shredder to choose: an overview and criteria for garden shredders for grass and branches Gasoline systems: power and mobility

Many summer residents today have abandoned chemical fertilizers so that their own vegetables and fruits are as safe as possible. But what then to feed the garden and garden? Rubbish from your own yard! Of course, it still needs to be processed and laid in a compost heap. But it will be the most ecological and high-quality fertilizer, and you can find a use for all waste. Branches, dried flowers, cuttings of grape vines, rotten apples ... All this is an excellent raw material for future humus, and you are required to grind it and put it in one place for rotting. To help the summer resident, even a special technique was invented - choppers, which facilitate the process of crushing branches. Consider how to choose a garden shredder for your own dacha.

This device is so simple in principle that it is surprising that no one invented it for so long. In some ways, it looks like a meat grinder that grinds everything that is put into it. True, instead of bones and meat, bark, branches, cones, tops of root crops, etc., enter the grinder, and crushed material comes out. The level of crushing varies from small pieces to sawdust. The waste that has fallen into the receiving funnel is crushed by powerful knives, which are started by an electric or gasoline engine.

Varieties of the knife system

To make the right choice of a garden shredder, you should familiarize yourself with the system of knives that will grind country waste. They are of two types: disc and milling.

Disc blade system

This device is a disk with several steel knives. The speed of rotation of the disk sets the shaft. How quickly the waste is crushed depends on its composition, but the disk system grinds “soft garbage” best of all: leaves, grass, thin branches, green stems, etc. If dry or thick lignified branches are thrown into the grinder, the knives will quickly become dull.

Disc coulters are designed for “soft debris”: grass, leaves and thin branches

Milling knife system

The cutting system is more powerful. It is a one-piece gear, into which the branches are drawn automatically. It is only necessary to immerse the wood waste into the funnel, and from there they will gradually be drawn into the grinding mechanism. Moreover, there is no need to control this process and you can do other work. Milling knives are capable of grinding branches up to 4.5 cm thick. In many models of such choppers, reverse and different levels of crushing are provided. But think about whether you need such a powerful system if you mainly process soft waste. Grass and leaves are better ground with disc knives, and often get stuck in milling systems.

The cutter grinds dry and thick branches perfectly, but the grass can get stuck in it

Garden shredders by engine type

Like most garden equipment, shredders are available in electric and gasoline models. Both options have a number of advantages. Let's take a closer look at them so that you clearly understand which garden shredder is right for you.

Electric models: light and environmentally friendly

Electric shredders are easy to maintain, so they are suitable for summer residents with little experience in using garden equipment.

Electric motor advantages:

• Electric shredders are quite light, so even women can carry them around their summer cottage.
• They make little noise during operation.
• Easy to maintain.
• Do not emit harmful combustion products into the air.

Minuses:

• Tied to an outlet, so they require a multi-meter extension cord to move around the site.
• Less powerful than petrol models. Most are designed for branches up to 4 cm thick.
• In the event of a power outage, they cannot be used.
• Voltage fluctuations can cause damage.

Gasoline systems: power and mobility

Gasoline shredders are valued for their versatility, because they have enough power for both grass and thick branches.

Pros of a gasoline engine:

• The power of the engine is much more powerful. It copes with branches up to 7 cm thick.
• They do not have wires, so they can be placed anywhere in the suburban area.

• During operation, they make a lot of noise, so they can cause complaints from neighbors.
• They are heavier than electrical systems, so they are quite difficult to move.
• Service complexity.
• During operation, they form harmful products of fuel combustion, thereby polluting the air.
• More expensive in cost and in the process of operation require constant costs for gasoline and engine oil.

Choosing a garden shredder by power level

When comparing models and analyzing which garden shredder is better, pay attention to the power of the unit. All shredders are conditionally divided into three power classes: amateur systems, middle class and professional models.

Hobby shredders

This type includes low-power units (up to 1.6 kW), powered by electricity. Their knife system is disc. Before you decide and buy an amateur class product, check what material the knives are made of. The best option is hardened steel. Such units weigh up to 20 kg and are able to chop branches no more than 3 cm thick.

Medium power systems

These are intermediate options between amateur and professional models. Such shredders can run on both gasoline and electricity. Maximum power - 2.5 kW. Suitable for private houses and summer cottages, where the garden is small, but no longer young. The units are equipped with milling knives, so they easily grind branches up to 3.5 cm.

Of the advantages of the unit, it is worth noting the system of self-retraction of waste, a funnel for mulch and the presence of wheels that allow you to move the chopper around the site

Professional grade units

This includes large, heavy systems that are capable of developing power up to almost 4 kW. The engine can be either gasoline or electric (three-phase). Able to work for a long time and grind branches up to 6-7 cm thick. Moreover, the crushed material is pressed, resulting in an excellent mulch. The units are equipped with large convenient funnels, a powerful milling type cutting mechanism and are able to draw in waste without pushing. Due to their high productivity, they are in demand in farms, large gardens, etc.

To make our review of garden shredders more complete, let's dwell on some of the nuances of choosing a particular model.

1. Going for a grinder, you must clearly understand what you will “grind” with it and how often.
2. Having chosen a specific model, pay attention to the device of the funnel. The easiest to maintain is a funnel that looks like a cone and is slightly inclined.
3. In order to grind waste into different fractions (large pieces, sawdust, etc.), the speed of rotation of the knives in the system must be regulated.
4. It is more convenient to use units where there are several holes for different types of waste: you will insert branches into one, and grass and leaves into the other.
5. Pay attention to the noise level that the selected unit produces. If it exceeds 84 dB, it will be very sensitive to your and neighbor's ears.
6. Models with pre-cutting blades last longer and handle various debris more easily.
7. A good addition would be a reverse. If during operation the knives become clogged or cannot handle a very strong branch, then you can quickly stop them and make them rotate in the opposite direction so that the problematic debris is pulled back.
8. In some electric models, a chopper self-start blocking is provided. If electricity goes out and then suddenly appears again, the unit will not turn on on its own. This will protect you and especially your children from accidental injury.
9. A pusher must be included with the grinder, because it is unsafe to push garbage into the funnel by hand.

If the model you choose has most of the features and additions listed above, then the name of the manufacturer is not so important. Although the products of well-known brands are still more reliable, because they have been tested by time.

Pruning tree branches, removing dead wood, weeding grass in a personal plot allows you to get an excellent biomaterial for compost or warm beds. And if earlier all this was simply burned, introducing ash into the soil as fertilizer, then with the advent of garden shredders, it became possible to use waste more fully.

The review presents the best models of this technique, available for sale in the domestic market. Gasoline and electric shredders, for the convenience of the reader, have been arranged in their respective categories. Popular budget models are also presented, the advantage of choosing which is quite obvious. The rating was formed on the basis of technical indicators of equipment and the opinions of owners who have practical experience in using a particular model.

The best inexpensive garden shredders: budget up to 10,000 rubles.

Not all summer residents can afford to buy an expensive garden shredder. This is not necessary to do, because among the budget models there are quite efficient equipment.

5 Hammer GS2500 2.5 kW

Convenient container
Country: China
Average price: 8999 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Garden shredder Hammer GS2500 2.5 kW, equipped with a 2.5 kW electric motor, is able to process unnecessary debris in the form of branches, leaves and grass into useful fertilizer in the shortest possible time. To do this, all garden waste with a diameter of up to 45 mm must be placed in a wide immersion hole and, if necessary, use the provided pusher. After that, the cutting system is started with a blade speed of 4500 rpm, which ensures that the most suitable biomass for composting is obtained at the output.

The Hammer GS2500 2.5 kW electric shredder is very easy to transport thanks to the maneuverability of the small wheels. An additional advantage of this model is the presence of a capacious storage tank for already processed branches. A container with a volume of 45 liters greatly simplifies and speeds up the process - chopped branches and grass can be immediately scattered over the beds or placed in a compost pit. Owners of the Hammer GS2500 2.5 kW shredder note a significant reduction in the time and energy required to restore order in the garden.

4 ELITECH IVS 2400 2.4 kW

Optimal Performance
A country:
Average price: 9280 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

To restore and maintain order in the garden, the ELITECH IVS 2400 2.4 kW electric shredder will be the best assistant. It is able to process wood waste up to 40 mm in diameter and will also easily cope with any grass and leaves. The mulch obtained in this way finds many uses in the garden. The powerful engine of this shredder is equipped with reliable protection, which significantly increases its operational life. With a power consumption of 2400 W, this model demonstrates the best rotation speed of the cutting elements.

Shredding of garden waste in ELITECH IVS 2400 is carried out using durable steel knives, which can be easily replaced if necessary. Loading grass and branches into the chopper is very easy thanks to the wide funnel, and at the same time it is safe, because if the lid is open, the switch-on lock will work. Transportation of this garden unit is also easy due to its light weight and convenient wheels.

3 ZUBR ZIE-40-2500

The best combination of price and functionality
A country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 9870 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

An electric shredder ZUBR ZIE-40-2500 will be a great helper on the plot. It is designed for crushing weed stalks, tops, branches of bushes and trees up to 4 cm in diameter. The 2.5 kW motor has a solid torque. Thanks to the gearbox, the cutting mechanism rotates with great effort, grinding both fresh and dried branches. The model is equipped with overload protection, when the shaft is jammed, the motor will turn off. The mobility of the equipment is based on large diameter wheels, lightness (14 kg) and a comfortable handle. All mulch and wood chips are collected in a plastic container. At the end of the season, the machine can be folded into a compact unit thanks to the convertible frame.

Users are satisfied with the performance of the ZUBR ZIE-40-2500 grinder, its availability and functionality. The disadvantages of the model are fragile plastic, short-lived knives, weak electrical wire.

2 Champion SH 250

Favorable price, minimum weight
Country: China
Average price: 8700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

There is a high demand from domestic gardeners and gardeners for the Chinese Champion SH 250 shredder. The success of the model lies not only in the low price. The unit is quite functional and efficient. Thanks to the 2.5 kW electric motor, the equipment is able to cut branches up to 4 cm thick. By using plastic in the manufacture of the body, the manufacturer managed to reduce the weight to 10 kg. The cutting mechanism is made of hardened knives, the sharpening of which is enough for a whole season. It is easy to move the machine around the site thanks to the transport wheels and a convenient handle. The large-mouth vertical hopper simplifies the process of loading branches and grass.

Those summer residents who managed to test the Champion SH 250 chopper in operation were divided into two camps. Some have not experienced problems with equipment for several seasons, while others are planning to purchase something of higher quality and reliability.

1 PATRIOT PT SE24 2.4 kW

Buyer's Best Choice
A country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 8190 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The high-performance PATRIOT PT SE24 2.4 kW electric shredder perfectly copes with branches and branches with a diameter of up to 40 mm, shredding them to a state of mulch. The powerful engine of this unit provides the blade rotation speed of 4500 rpm, which is optimal for high-quality and fast processing of garden waste. During operation, the motor does not emit harmful emissions and makes a minimum of noise. At the same time, special protection will protect it in case of a possible overload.

The PATRIOT PT SE24 2.4 kW garden shredder is manoeuvrable and easy to use. Large wheels and a wide frame provide the unit with better stability and movement. For the convenience of filling grass and small branches, the PATRIOT PT SE24 2.4 kW chopper has an impressive funnel and a special pusher. The biomass obtained in this way can be used for a variety of purposes: put into compost or used for winter shelter of plants, etc.

The best medium and premium electric shredders

All the best properties of electric shredders are shown in premium models. They are durable, reliable, have good performance and long service life.

5 STIGA BIO SILENT 2500 2.5 kW

High build quality. Injury Protection
A country: Sweden (made in China)
Average price: 14230 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

For processing thin branches after pruning the garden, the STIGA BIO SILENT 2500 2.5 kW household electric shredder is perfect. This device is equipped with an eight-tooth cutting drum and a gearbox that provides high torque. This allows him to cope with branches with a diameter of up to 40 mm. The brushless device of the electric motor, which is equipped with the presented shredder, guarantees the absolute environmental friendliness of the production process and long maintenance-free operation.

Of the features of this model, it is necessary to highlight a very convenient function of adjusting the degree of grinding of the material, depending on the purpose of the application. To ensure better operator safety while using the STIGA BIO SILENT 2500 2.5 kW garden shredder, a special funnel is provided, the shape of which prevents hands from getting into the danger zone. In its absence, the blocking system will not allow the engine to start. Chopped branches and grass are collected in a plastic collector with a volume of 60 liters, which is very convenient for further processing of the resulting biomass.

4 Makita UD2500 2.5 kW

Intelligent cutter control system. Largest grass box (67 l)
A country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 15877 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Wood shredder Makita UD2500 2.5 kW, the basis of the cutting system of which are cutters, will be the best acquisition of the owners of garden plots. It will save you from the long work of recycling cut branches of trees and shrubs up to 45 mm thick, processing them into a fine fraction. A distinctive feature of this model is the reverse system, which turns on when jammed to try again to grind them. If the situation repeats more than 3 times, the unit goes into standby mode, making it possible to remove the stuck branch.

This device comes with a capacious 67-liter waste bin with an easily removable lid. For the convenience of tracking the fullness of the box during the grinding process, the Makita UD2500 2.5 kW has a viewing window. Comfortable handles and large-diameter wheels provide the convenience of moving this unit around the site. Users note the best build quality and solid body of this garden shredder, as well as the minimum noise level and clear control panel.

3 ZUBR ZIE-44-2800 2.8 kW

Best Power
A country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 14790 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Garden shredder ZUBR ZIE-44-2800 2.8 kW enjoys well-deserved popularity among homeowners due to the highest performance and affordable price. This model is equipped with a powerful electric motor with high torque, which allows the unit to process up to 150 kg of garden debris in one hour of operation. The presented shredder can easily cope with both dry and freshly cut branches with a diameter of up to 44 mm, and with any garden vegetation. At the same time, it is possible to adjust the degree of crushing depending on the loaded material.

A distinctive feature of the electric grinder ZUBR ZIE-44-2800 2.8 kW is the presence of a metal transformer funnel, which can be reduced by more than 2 times with a simple movement, which greatly facilitates the storage and transportation of this device. The capacious container for a mulch provided in this model also adds convenience in the course of use. A reliable protection system not only significantly extends the service life of the grinder, but also makes working with it absolutely safe.

2 Viking GE 250

most popular shredder
Country: Austria
Average price: 33790 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The Viking GE 250 electric shredder enjoys well-deserved popularity among domestic gardeners and gardeners. The power of the electric motor (2.5 kW) is enough to ensure high performance. At the same time, electricity consumption can be called acceptable. The receiving part of the bunker is very well made, branched branches can be thrown into it. The cutting mechanism is also interesting. First there is a preliminary grinding with a disc with 2 knives, and then the blades installed at different angles come into play. Therefore, the device equally well grinds both grass and branches. The presence of wheels makes the equipment mobile and mobile.

The user especially liked the compactness of the Viking GE 250 shredder. It handles most garden waste. The weak link of the device can only be called knives that need to be sharpened every season.

1 Bosch AXT 25TC

Maximum performance and convenience
A country: Germany (produced in Hungary)
Average price: 32089 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The design of the electric shredder Bosch AXT 25TC thought out to the smallest detail. That is why the model is characterized by high performance and ease of use. The rotary mechanism with sharp knives is capable of grinding soft green tops and dry branches up to 4.5 cm in diameter. The cutting part rotates slowly enough, so the unit does not make much noise during grinding. In addition, the equipment does not shake when grinding, and garden waste is drawn into the working area spontaneously. In extreme cases, you can help the chopper with a spade pusher. In case of jamming, it will be possible to release the knives by pressing the "reverse" button.

Users highly appreciate the performance of the Bosch AXT 25TC shredder, up to 230 kg of waste can be ground per hour. In preparation for storage, the equipment is folded into a small block. The disadvantages of the device include the high price and the lack of a wire in the kit.

The best gas-powered shredders

Petrol shredders give the owner of large plots of land maximum mobility and independence. They have high productivity, grind branches up to 7 cm thick, and with proper care serve a person for a long time.

5 Champion SC2818

The most affordable gasoline shredder
Country: China
Average price: 18800 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.2

At the most attractive price, the Champion SC2818 shredder is offered. The Chinese manufacturer equipped it with a small 2.5 liter gasoline engine. With. The kit includes all the necessary accessories to get started right away. These are 2 loading funnels, a capacious bag (10 l), a pusher and a special hook for extracting branches stuck in the knives. The model does not have wheels, but its low weight (16 kg) allows you to move equipment around the site alone. It is not recommended to load branches with a thickness of more than 2.8 cm, as well as old dry wood. Otherwise, the blades wear out quickly.

The owners of suburban real estate liked the Champion SC2818 shredder at an affordable price, complete set, light weight, silent operation. The weaknesses of the unit include not very strong knives, weak power, lack of wheels.

4 Tazz K42 6.5 l. With.

Additional receiver-bell for thick branches. Can be used as a garden vacuum cleaner
Country: USA
Average price: 66220 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This shredder attracts attention with a large hopper, which gives out the versatility of the unit. It will recycle not only garden branches and grass, but also any other organic waste. This allows you to successfully use the Tazz K42 in the municipal economy. Six knives are able to turn massive wood waste into mulch, having a diameter of no more than 75 mm. Especially for them there is a separate funnel (enters at a different angle for better work of steel knives).

The metal case, reliable rotor system means a good margin of safety and long operation. The four-stroke petrol engine has a good power of 6.5 liters. s, which allows you to develop a large torque up to 12.2 N * m. It is thanks to this value that the Tazz K42 has high performance. The mulch is collected in a special bag, with the help of which it is convenient to fill beds, paths, etc. with chopped branches. With the help of an additional nozzle with a hose, the unit easily turns into a garden vacuum cleaner.

3 Patriot PT SB76

Optimum combination of price and performance
A country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 57990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The third line of our rating was occupied by the Patriot PT SB76 gasoline shredder. It perfectly combines affordable price and performance. The model is equipped with a high-quality Briggs & Stratton engine with a capacity of 6.5 liters. With. and two bunkers. The upper tray should be loaded with soft and wet plant waste, as well as thin branches and branches no more than 1 cm thick. Dry and thick wood residues up to 7.6 cm in diameter can be thrown into another receiver. Sharp knives will quickly turn the tree into small chips. Safety during operation is ensured by a reliable steel case.

Based on consumer feedback, a simple conclusion can be drawn: the Patriot PT SB76 gasoline shredder is the best model for private lands. It has an affordable price and a good set of technical characteristics. Experienced users recommend alternating grass with branches. The owners are not satisfied with the quality of the body paintwork.

2 Viking GB 370

Better maneuverability
Country: Austria
Average price: 79990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Very manoeuvrable and mobile, the Viking GB 370 grinder is equipped with a petrol engine. Its power is 6.5 liters. with., which is quite enough for work on the plot. The soft operation of the power plant is ensured by a belt drive. The knives are capable of grinding leaves, grass and branches with a diameter of no more than 3.5 cm. Thanks to a wide receiving hopper and a 2-stage cutting mechanism, any vegetable waste can be crushed in the unit. The unit is easy to operate, not only an experienced gardener, but an ordinary summer resident can handle it.

Users in the reviews pay attention to the completeness of the Viking GB 370 chopper. Not all models are equipped with an inclined funnel, the cost of which reaches 10 thousand rubles. Therefore, the final cost can become very high. But many gardeners believe that the device fully justifies its money.

1 MTD ROVER 464Q

The most versatile shredder
Country: USA
Average price: 84990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The MTD ROVER 464 Q gasoline shredder helps the owners of country houses to perform a wide range of works in the garden and garden. With such an assistant, you can serve large areas where you need to turn branches into chips, collect and grind leaves and tops. Thanks to a powerful gasoline engine (8.5 hp) two receiving hoppers can process any garbage in the garden in a matter of minutes. The front hopper is designed to handle branches up to 7.5 cm thick. The rear receiving compartment is designed to process leaves, grass and thin branches. By the way, this bunker has an adjustment, so you can set it to fit your height.

Users note not only the versatility of the gasoline shredder MTD ROVER 464 Q. They admire the quietness of operation (up to 96 dB), comparable to electric counterparts. Of the shortcomings, only the high price can be noted.

What to Consider When Choosing a Chopper

To choose the most useful unit, and even at a bargain price, you should decide on the scope of its application.

1. Summer residents and owners of country houses with small plots of land are best suited for an inexpensive electric garden shredder. He will cope with weeds, and with thin branches of bushes and trees. Of course, the length of the cord is not enough to move the equipment around the site. Small armfuls of vegetation are easier to bring to the location of the electrical appliance.
2. If the backyard plot is large, and a lot of trees and bushes grow on it, then it is better to find a chopper with a high capacity. To do this, you should look into the premium segment, where you can find reliable and durable models. They will absorb branched branches, turning them into small chips.
3. Gardeners-farmers or foresters cannot do without a chopper with a gasoline engine. You will only need to take a can of fuel with you to grind plant and wood waste all day. Moreover, this can be done by constantly moving around the site and evenly spreading a layer of mulch.

Any owner of a garden plot or a private house must, to one degree or another, encounter the problem of plant waste disposal. This issue is especially aggravated with the beginning of spring work and at the end of the season, in the fall. We have to come up with all sorts of ways to get rid of the accumulated cut branches, dry grass and leaves, dead shrubs and the remaining tops, etc.

To help solve this set of problems, and even get a tangible benefit from it, a special type of garden equipment will help, namely, a garden shredder. Not so long ago, few people heard about such a useful unit, but today it often becomes an indispensable assistant to the gardener. True, a technique of this type is still a novelty for the majority, and many do not even imagine what possibilities it has and which side to approach when choosing it. We will help our readers - an article about which garden shredder to choose, what to pay special attention to, what basic rules to follow during operation.

Find out how to do it with tutorials on creation in our new article.

What is a garden shredder for?

As a rule, such heaps of vegetation waste are extremely non-compact, take up a lot of space, are very difficult to load and transport, and spoil a cozy area with their appearance. What to do with them?

Large branches can still be sawn for firewood. To some extent, the presence of a compost pit solves part of the problem, but laying large fragments in it is extremely unprofitable, since the pit will quickly overflow, and dense branches will decompose for a very long time.

It is quite expensive to take out such mountains of garbage, since the rental of transport, and the loading of waste, and removal - all this costs a lot of money.

It would seem that the simplest way out is to burn. But even here, not everything is so clear:

• Firstly, this is not a very simple event in terms of compliance with fire safety.
• Secondly, in many regions, especially in urban areas, categorical bans on the burning of plant waste are introduced by law, and you can run into big trouble.
• And thirdly, this is a completely senseless, unjustified event. Any plant feeds on "vital juices" from the earth, taking from it the substances necessary for growth and development. It turns out that the burning of plant waste is the purposeful destruction of the most valuable biological product, and ultimately the unmeasured depletion of the fertile soil on the site. Wouldn't it be better, instead of buying some fertilizers on the side, to use the available reserves?

All this "baggage" of problems is solved by purchasing one garden unit - a chopper (often there are foreign synonyms - a garden shredder or a chipper). This unit is able to quickly grind dimensional plant waste into a small mass, with the disposal of which there will be no special problems.

• Such shredded waste will no longer clutter up compost pits, and the process of their biological decay will be much faster.
• Shredded wood becomes an excellent mulching material and a good fertilizer.
• Even just removing shredded waste from your territory is much easier. They can be packed into bags and loaded into the trunk of your own car.
• Wood chips can even be used as fuel - in particular, they are processed into pellets.

Thus, the advantages of such a unit are a great many, and it can increasingly be seen in the "arsenal" of zealous owners.

How does a garden shredder work?

Schematic diagram of a garden shredder

Despite the wide variety of models of garden shredders, differing in size and operational capabilities, they are all assembled according to approximately the same concept, somewhat reminiscent of a food processor.

• This is a durable case made of metal, polymer, or a combination of both. The housing can be mounted on a frame, which is very often equipped with a wheel drive - for the convenience of transporting the unit around the site.
• The functioning of the grinder is ensured by the operation of the power drive - it can be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
• The drive through a power transmission is connected with a cutting (chopping) mechanism of one type or another.
• In the upper part of the grinder there is always a loading hopper, usually having a funnel-shaped extension for the convenience of supplying plant waste for grinding.
• The ground mass can enter the receiving hopper, into a soft container (bag), or be thrown onto the ground. Some powerful models are equipped with spreaders with the ability to adjust the height and direction of distribution of shredded waste.

Power point

Garden shredders can be equipped with either an electric drive or an internal combustion engine. Each option has its own pros and cons.

• The electric drive is more inherent in small household units of low and medium power, up to 2.6 kW. These shredders are quite capable of handling moderate amounts of waste from a typical garden plot.

They usually do not differ in large dimensions and weight, therefore they are easily moved to the place of work. Their maintenance is reduced to a minimum, preparation in work, start-up and management does not require any special skills.

At the same time, their "attachment" to the electrical network may be an inconvenience. For example, a large suburban area will require a long cable, which is not always convenient, and sometimes simply impossible, due to the banal lack of a connection point. There are certain restrictions in work and according to the weather criterion - simply for reasons of electrical safety.

• Units with a gasoline drive attract with their autonomy - they can be used in any "field" conditions.

As a rule, they are equipped with a two-stroke gasoline engine. Such shredders can already perform more voluminous work, process rather large plant waste, up to the trunks of small trees.

Prices and model range of ELITECH garden waste shredders

Garden waste shredders ELITECH

The operation of a gasoline engine will already require the owners of certain skills in handling it. So, for refueling, you need to prepare a fuel mixture, you will have to regularly monitor the condition of candles, gasoline and air filters, and carry out preventive work. However, too complex internal combustion engines are not installed on equipment of this class, and all this can be quickly learned.

• Diesel engines are usually put on equipment for professional purposes. Such drives are able to work for a long time without pauses, keep low speeds well, and do not require a complex ignition system.

But in domestic conditions, such shredders are practically not used, simply because of their high cost, large size and difficulty with independent transportation around the site.

However, the type of drive is by no means always the determining factor in the question of the "professionalism" of the chopper. So, you can purchase a compact household model with a two-stroke gasoline engine, and at the same time, there are stationary or mobile pro-class units equipped with a powerful three-phase electric motor.

Chopping mechanism of a garden shredder

The torque from the power drive is transmitted to the working tool - the cutting or grinding mechanism of the shredder. And he, in turn, can be arranged in different ways. So, there are three main types:

• The knife mechanism is usually a disk with radially arranged knives made of tool steel. The fast rotation of the blade disc ensures that the plant waste is cut into small fragments.

The advantages of such a scheme are its simplicity, low price, ease of maintenance. Well-honed knives are able to process foliage, grass, stems of bushes and annual plants, usually up to 20 ÷ 25 mm thick. A mechanism of this type does an excellent job with freshly cut shoots and branches, but when processing hard, dried plant waste, the blades can become dull (even a large fruit stone, for example, from a plum or peach, can cause a problem). Some shredders use specially shaped knives with several angled blades. The upper knife cuts the branches fed into smaller pieces, while the lower one already provides the final chopping.

The knife-type mechanism requires a forced supply of material for processing - it will not “pull” the branches into itself. For this, special pushers are used.

In maintenance, such shredders are the simplest, that is, removing a knife for sharpening or replacing with a new one is usually a completely simple procedure. Most household-class devices have just such a mechanism.

• For processing hard, dried branches of trunks, it is better to use a chopper, which is equipped with a milling mechanism. On the working shaft there is a cutter - a gear made of high-strength alloy, with a certain configuration of teeth and their corresponding sharpening. Such a cutter does not need high revolutions, which means that a reduction gear is provided.

The teeth of a rotating cutter are able to "gnaw" the sober wood of dry branches and trunks, turning them into small chips. But such a mechanism does not always cope with freshly cut branches and shoots - the fibrous structure “chews”, but may not be fully crushed.

The cutter does not necessarily stand in the singular - there can be several of them on one shaft, with a certain angular “run-up” of the position of the teeth. And on powerful professional-class plants, there is often a two-rotor chopping mechanism, where two rows of milling cutters rotate in the opposite direction, ensuring crushing of even the hardest wood waste.

The convenience of the milling mechanism of grinding is also that it is enough for him to grab a long branch or trunk - in the future, the gear simply drags it inward, simultaneously crushing it into small fragments.

• The advantages of both cutting mechanisms listed above are combined by a universal type chopper. In fact, this is also a milling cutter, but of a turbine type - instead of teeth, it is equipped with carbide blades-knives located at an angle to the longitudinal axis.

This structure of the cutting mechanism makes it possible to equally successfully grind both freshly cut and old, dried waste. True, garden shredders of this type are already much more expensive.

• Some models of medium and high power are equipped with a screw, screw chopping mechanism.

A rotating screw with sharply honed spiral turns perfectly copes with any type of plant waste - it all depends on the power of the installation itself.

Criteria for choosing a garden shredder

Unit capacity and recycling capabilities

These two concepts, placed in the subtitle, have a direct relationship. The functionality of the grinder as a whole will primarily depend on the power of the power drive.

Prices for garden waste shredders Bosch

Bosch garden waste shredders

There is no clear gradation of the whole variety of such equipment, but there is a conditional division into three groups - models of the household class, medium, semi-professional level and, finally, professional-purpose equipment.

To make it easier to perceive the criteria for such a division, it is better to present them in the form of a table:

Naturally, with the growth of the power and productivity of the garden shredder, its price also increases. Therefore, before purchasing equipment, it is necessary to carefully weigh the planned amount of work to be done, the features of the waste being processed, the frequency of use of the grinder and other parameters. It will be a shame if the purchased shredder either does not cope with the load assigned to it, or if its capacity, for which a lot of money has been paid, will simply remain unclaimed.

In addition, the more powerful and productive the grinder, the larger and heavier it is. From this point of view, an adequate assessment is also needed - how much it will be possible to move it around the site, especially - on the ground.

Additional chopper selection criteria

There are a number of important nuances that require attention when choosing a suitable model:

• Convenience of the receiving bunker. It can be placed vertically or at a certain angle. In some models, it is possible to change the position of the receiving funnel. For a knife chopper, a pusher must be included in the kit: pushing branches or foliage with your hands is extremely dangerous.

On many models, the receiving hole can have a pronounced slit-like or cruciform shape, or be equipped with guide ribs - these “tricks make it much easier to feed branchy branches for processing.

Models of the middle and professional class, in addition, can have two receiving hoppers - each for a different type of waste. For example, the supplied soft waste goes to knife shredding, and hard branches go to crushing with a milling cutter.

It will be useful to learn how to make wood from husks in our new article on our portal.

• The collection of the processed mass can be carried out in a rigid hopper, usually included in the shredder kit. In this case, of course, it is more convenient when the hopper is made of durable translucent plastic - it is easier to control its filling level.

In other models, removable bags can be used as a receiving container, put on the outlet neck. By the way, on the forums you can find critical comments from users - bags sometimes break through sharp fragments of crushed wood flying out at high speed.

There may not be any collection at all - the outlet neck is located at a certain height. Allowing you to substitute, for example, a basket. It is often practiced to throw crushed waste directly onto the ground of the site. In this case, models that provide the ability to adjust the direction and height of the ejection will be of particular convenience.

• Some models of shredders have a built-in mechanism for automatically feeding waste to the cutting device. It is enough just to lower the branches into the receiving funnel, and then the mechanism will do everything by itself. Unconditional convenience.
• Modern garden shredders often have the ability to adjust the speed of rotation of the cutting mechanisms - you can adjust to the specific type of material being processed. Moreover, "advanced" models also have a number of embedded processing programs (for example, raw wood, grass, dry branches, stone fruits, etc.).
• It's great if there is a reverse function. This often helps to prevent the chopper from jamming if, for example, a too thick strong branch has been fed. By attaching the cutting mechanism to the reverse, it will be easier to get it.
• For safe operation, electrical models must have the function of protection against accidental start, as well as protection against self-start after an emergency power failure. It is obligatory to provide for blocking the power supply of the engine when the upper casing of the shredder is open.
• It is important to assess the level of noise and vibration emitted by the grinder - many modern models have special noise reduction systems. This, of course, applies to a greater extent to devices with a gasoline engine.
• It is very good if a spare cutting equipment is included in the kit, or the store can offer to purchase it separately. This removes a number of problems with the inevitable, one way or another, blunting the knives. By the way, you can pay attention to the fact that some manufacturers complete their products with double-sided knives. As the sharpness of the blades is lost, they can simply be turned upside down - the total duration of work before going to the master sharpener or buying a new tool is doubled.

We will not dwell on the features of choosing models with gasoline engines here. The intricacies of choosing garden equipment with internal combustion engines - two-stroke and four-stroke schemes, launch systems, lubrication, the procedure for preparing the fuel mixture, etc., are given enough attention in another article on this site.

Motokosa - reliable assistants in the suburban area

Read about how to do it right in a special publication of our portal.

Brief overview of garden shredder models

The variety of models of garden shredders is very high, and this sometimes even makes it difficult to correctly determine the optimal model. Equipment of this class cannot be called too cheap, so money should be given only for high-quality products.

The fact is that a great variety of different equipment of completely unknown manufacturers has appeared on the market, disguised as sonorous European or Russian names. The vast majority of such samples are semi-underground Chinese production in the negative sense of the word (a lot of really high-quality equipment from China is on sale). The peculiarity of shredders is that the efficiency of their work depends not only on the drive, but also on the quality of the cutting equipment. But in this matter, the manufacturer’s dishonesty is very often manifested - knives or cutters are made of outwardly beautiful and shiny steel, at first they are sharp, but literally after a few approaches they become dull, and simply cannot be sharpened with high quality.

And if we add to this the fact that the cutting equipment is not interchangeable, then it is not far from the situation when a recently purchased device will stand idle simply because of its “unsuitability”.

So, if a garden shredder is purchased, then the choice of honeycombs should be made in favor of proven models of well-known companies. These include Viking, AL-KO, Black & Decker, Gardena, Bosch. Garden equipment of the Russian-Chinese production "Elitech" and "Zubr" deserved very good reviews. Traditionally, units of Craftsman, Makita, MTD, Oleo-Mac companies are in high demand.

The table below shows several models that, according to surveys and sales analyzes, top the list of popular garden shredders:

Prices for popular garden waste shredders

A large amount of organic garbage is collected in a garden or summer cottage. Dry branches, weeds, bushes or spoiled vegetables are all good material for fertilizing the land. But before this garbage becomes a good help in the garden, you need to crush it for compost. How to turn branches, grass and leaves into a homogeneous, finely chopped mass? You can't really do it by hand. For these purposes, special shredders are produced. By passing garden waste through the cutting mechanism of the crusher, it is very easy to obtain a homogeneous mass of small chips and chips, which, after a certain processing, will become a good fertilizer.

We have compiled a list of the best garden shredders based on expert reviews and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the global equipment market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

Budget / Inexpensive

1. Stiga
2. Patriot

1. Bosch
2. VIKING
3. Makita

Expensive/Premium

1. VIKING

* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Garden shredders: Electric

Minimum price:

Main advantages

• Garden wood shredder with fairly large wheels on a wide frame, which makes it easy to move the device to any corner of the site without fear of tipping over
• Virtually silent 2500W electric motor equipped with overload and overheating protection to increase reliability and extend the life of the device
• Convenient sloping funnel with patented quatrefoil inlet facilitates branch feeding and increases work safety
• Proprietary knife-type chopping mechanism Multi-Cut 150 provides complete processing of branches, small shrubs, weeds and dry plants
• The touch keyboard on the control panel increases the comfort and reliability of the model operation

Show all items in the category "System: knife"

Garden shredders: System: turbine

For branches / For leaves / System: turbine/ Electric / For grass

With the advent of spring, every owner of a summer cottage thinks about purchasing equipment that will help in gardening. In the absence of a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, the gardener is faced with the task of where to put the cut branches from the tree? A branch chopper will help solve the problem - on the one hand, it allows you to get rid of dead wood, on the other - to prepare mulch for the soil.

Varieties and scope

There are two types of twig and grass shredders on the technical market, they differ in the type of cutting element:

Cutlery

Carry out the cutting of waste using sharp blades in the form of knives. They do a great job with thin twigs, grass and dry leaves, as well as other soft debris from the garden. But large elements with high density can not only dull the blade, but also break it.

Milling devices

The design has gears, they are slightly stronger than knives. Such equipment is capable of shredding branches with a diameter of 40-50 mm. The disadvantage of such a device is that it does not process soft or too thin wastes well, they simply get stuck in the mechanism or are wound on a rotating element.

In general, the design of both types is arranged according to the principle of a meat grinder, only different parts are used as mechanical elements. Each of the options has individual advantages and disadvantages.

Knife devices are considered more versatile and are great for a small suburban area, while the router does not break or become dull.

The best models of 2017 are successfully used to perform the following tasks:

Rating of the best garden shredders

Before choosing an electric garden wood shredder, you should study the rating of the best modifications that are distinguished by their efficiency and long service life.

Ikra Mogatec EGN-2500

The design has 2 blades, a horizontal disc system, an automatic loading element and a device responsible for safe activation. The grass catcher is oriented to 50 kg. German equipment is capable of processing branches 40 mm in diameter. But in this case, it is better to use wet raw materials, since dry ones will break.

Advantages:

• affordable cost - 10,990 rubles;
• warranty period - 2 years;
• high-quality knife mechanisms made of high-grade steel;
• powerful motor.

No cons were found in this option, except for an increased noise level, which can cause discomfort during operation.

Bosch AXT Rapid-2000

The compact Bosch shredder has a 2000 W power unit that operates in low gear. Throughput reaches 80 kg/h, which is a high figure for a device with a grinding speed of 3,650 rpm. The mass of the device is 11.5 kg, which allows you to easily transfer the unit to any place on the site.

Bosch AXT Rapid-2000

The design has a high-quality cutter in the form of a cutting gear with strong teeth. With this modification, you can grind both dry and wet branches of trees with a diameter of up to 40 mm. The device is equipped with a tank at the bottom, and there is also a security system.

• mechanical elements made of hard alloy steel;
• low noise level;
• rapid crushing of branches.

• small particles enter the mechanism, stopping its operation;
• narrow plug for inclusion in the mains, it is required to supplement with an extension cord;
• insufficient power of the power unit.

The disadvantages also include the presence of a too thin synthetic bag, which is easily torn when filled with waste.

VIDEO: Overview of the Bosch AXT Rapid-2000 in the field

Viking GE-250

According to buyers, the Viking disc knife system makes it universal. Thanks to this equipment, it is possible to grind weeds, grass, tree branches and knots with a cross section of 3 cm. The device has a convenient bunker for laying raw materials, which, after processing, exits from the hole in the lower area of ​​​​the unit.

Advantages:

• simple design
• universality;
• high degree of security;
• the presence of a wheeled chassis.

Flaws:

• price;
• noisy work.

The maximum power rating of the power unit is 2.5 kW, which will be enough to work in a small garden area.

Bison ZIE44-2800

The garden branch chopper Zubr is sold in online stores at an affordable cost - from 11,700 rubles. The device package includes the device itself, a wheeled chassis with fasteners, a pusher, a waste tank, a key and an instruction manual.

Bison ZIE44-2800

The speed of rotation of the cutting elements is 4,050 rpm, the power of the electric motor is 2500 W, the grinding system consists of a rotor with blades. The unit is driven manually. The device perfectly copes with branches with a diameter of 4.4 cm. In this case, you can adjust the level of grinding.

• affordable cost;
• silent operation;
• good performance;
• powerful power unit;
• equipment and the presence of a wheeled chassis.

• Chinese parts;
• great weight.

VIDEO: How the Zubr shredder works

Grunhelm ES-24

This is a budget version of electric shredders, which has a power of 2.4 kW and a double foot mechanism consisting of hard alloy steel. Thanks to these characteristics, the device is able to easily chop branches with a diameter of 4 cm.

In addition, any soft plant material can be used for processing, be it grass, stems, dry leaves, small branches. Such a mixture after grinding can be used as a fertilizer for the soil.

Advantages:

• price - 8,000 rubles;
• simplicity in the device;
• small weight - 12 kg;
• compact dimensions - 48x28x65 cm.

Flaws:

• short warranty period - 1 year;
• poor quality case.

All of these modifications have a big difference both in pricing and technical features. The best option should be selected primarily based on the budget, and then based on the tasks that it will perform in the garden. The OBI online store has a wide assortment with different costs and capabilities, some do an excellent job of processing small garden debris, others are better when working with dense branches.

VIDEO: How to assemble a shredder with your own hands