HOW TO CHOOSE A GARDEN CHOPPER - which wood shredder is better

Garden shredders like a meat grinder grind branches into chips, and grass into silage. These devices differ in design, power and grinding method. To determine which shredder is the best, choose according to the cutting system.

Knife block

Suitable for freshly cut branches and bark. It cannot cope with lignified branches, dry grass and leaves.

The mechanism is simple and reliable. The knife rotates in one direction and cuts rods up to 35 mm in diameter. The bark is cut well, but it will have to be broken in thin strips along the width of the knife (4-5 cm), because the knife will not tighten the wide strip. If it breaks down, the components for such a unit are inexpensive, the cutter is easy to remove and sharpen.

Chopper with cutter

Designed for branches with a diameter of 45 mm. The device is easy to tighten, just have time to send it to the bunker. Instead of a knife, there is a gear that squeezes and crushes dry brushwood. The size of the chips can be adjusted. And if it gets stuck, turned on the reverse key (reverse), and the twigs will come out back through the hopper. Not suitable for freshly cut growth.

Branches with dry leaves are chalked very compactly. For effective work, it is better to alternate rods with and without foliage. This is also written in the instructions. Otherwise, one greenery clogs the frieze. Sometimes thin twigs and grassy stems are not completely cut. Pine cones often come out slightly crushed.

Such units have a container for collecting chips. At first glance, it is a convenient thing. But in fact, when filling by a third, you have to pull out the box and rake the contents to the side. Or throw it away. Otherwise, a mountain of chips forms under the cutter, which is compressed and wedges the device.

Turbine shredder

This is a milling machine with an improved type of cutting mechanism.

Hammer unit

Designed for tops and grass. Crushing takes place in the millstones, so a succulent silage for livestock feed is obtained. It cannot cope with large waste.

String mechanism (fishing line)

Crushes only grass. Sticks and twigs are not crumbled.

Let's summarize. The cutting system is a major factor in deciding which garden shredder is best.

• For grass - string.
• Twigs, thin twigs and tops are the lot of the disc grinder with a knife.
• The milling and turbine units cope with large branches.

Garden shredders do not include a power cable. There is only a plug on the body. To connect the device to the network, you need to purchase an extension cord "plug-socket". It is important that it matches the power of the chopper.

How to choose a garden shredder: gasoline or electric

Gasoline is, of course, stronger. It holds well at low revs, works longer and without interruptions. Powerful, not tied to an outlet, but roars like hell. And you can't get away from the exhaust. And you will also have to learn how to change candles, add oil and gasoline in the correct proportions, adjust chopping caliber and prevent knives from jamming. Such units are significantly more expensive, therefore they are not in demand among amateur gardeners. They are designed for professionals who clean large garden and park areas.

For a home site, a device with an electric motor is quite suitable. It makes less noise, it is extremely simple to work, because one button on the panel is responsible for starting and stopping the motor. The power of the unit varies from 1.6 to 6 kW. The main thing is to figure out which garden shredder to buy so as not to overload the knives. It's good if the speed control is provided in the model you like. You can customize equipment for crushing various materials.

Ease of use depends on the size and shape of the neck. For example, a wide socket “accepts” branchy shoots, while a narrow one will have to break a snag into twigs. Good shredders have pre-cut knives. Chopped wood does not dull the main cutter as quickly.

Wood shredder: how to choose a manufacturer

• The most expensive and high-quality ones are Makita, Bosch, Viking, Black & Decker. These brands are known for their indestructible power tools.
• Al-Ko and Stiga are also reliable, but they will not work for hours without a break, they will break. These are designed for moderate loads.
• If you plan to use the unit once a season, you can easily manage with inexpensive Chinese equipment EINHELL, VERTO, VITALS or our Energomash.

Makita comes with a container for shavings. The device is 500 W more powerful than other units, it cuts branches up to 45 mm thick and is three times heavier. Unlike shredders with knives, it does not require pushing branches with a plastic pusher. And just a little more expensive than Viking. Bosch also has models with a cutter, but they are much more expensive.

I was wary of coarse grinding, which is attributed to grinders with a cutter. But everything is okay: the machine cuts, flattens, chips in the hands crumble into dust. Everyone who is worried that they will have to say goodbye to the ax, I will please - they will not have to! In the device, only prepared brushwood is crushed, large ones will have to be chopped and trimmed. Then the thick branches are processed into chips.

Note: "Which trimmer is better: electric or gasoline"

Watch the video feedback on the wood shredder after a year and a half of use