Choosing the best garden shredder in 2020

The owners of private houses, backyard territories and summer cottages are not by hearsay familiar with such a problem as cleaning the territory, on which a lot of time and physical strength is spent every year. A shredder of branches and leaves is capable of making the task easier, as well as getting rid of the habit of burning plant debris, which is an administrative violation, damages the environment and harms those who inhale the aroma of burning leaves. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offer you an overview of the best garden shredders.

Appointment and device of technology

A shredder is a technique designed for the disposal of garden waste - branches, leaves, grass, tops.

Vegetable waste with this device is crushed into fractions of various sizes. The resulting chips can later be used for mulching the soil, fertilizing, sprinkling paths or as fuel to light a fire or barbecue. A garden shredder makes it easier to clean the area and also solves the problem of waste disposal.

The machine, which is also called a chipper or shredder, is a vertical structure with a motor, a chopping mechanism and a feed opening. The output of the obtained raw material is carried out through the lower space - into a receiving tank, a suspended bag or an installed box.

Choppers - what are they?

Devices vary depending on the type of material that can be processed, and are divided into three types:

for grass, leaves and other soft plant residues - as a rule, they are low-power low-cost units of low weight. In order to save money, they are carried out by manufacturers from cheap materials, and therefore an attempt to grind something larger with it can lead to breakdown;
for wood waste - this technique has a stronger and more stable frame, as well as the principle of shredding. Suitable for crushing branches of various diameters. But they are not able to process large log cabins, since they are household and not industrial equipment;
universal - devices, being a light version of professional equipment, are designed for garden waste of both soft and hard structure.

Choosing a chopper - motor type and cutting system

The engine can be electric or gasoline. Electric models are lighter, more compact and mobile, easy to move around the backyard. The gasoline engine assumes larger dimensions of the device, but at the same time it has a higher performance compared to electrical devices.

The crushing system can be nylon, knife, milling, screw and turbine.

The tree line is used for crumbling leaves and grass. Its action is based on the line cutting through soft fibers at a high speed, but even the thinnest branch will lead to its breakage.

The knife is a radial knife fixed to a disk.In inexpensive devices, 2 knives are installed, in higher quality from 4 to 8. Sometimes, in addition, a pair of oblique knives are vertically mounted for preliminary crushing. The mechanism is suitable for branches and withered greenery.

A milling system, which is also often called a milling shaft, is a gear with sharpened teeth, convenient in that it itself grips and advances the rods, cutting into equal parts. The milling complex is able to detail even a 7 cm branch, but it is installed only in models with steel frames, which significantly increases the weight.

Turbine systems are most often built into universal models as they handle all types of waste. They look like a cone-shaped drum with protruding knife blades and work at low speeds but with maximum impact force. The peculiarities of the mechanism are such that leaves and grass must be fed together with branches in order to avoid winding the soft mass on the drum.

The screw-type mechanism is not able to grind foliage and tops, as it quickly clogs up, but copes well with branches up to 5 cm. The principle of operation is based on a rotating screw that grinds wood into a fibrous gruel interspersed with large pieces.

Additional criteria - power and body material

Conventionally, there are three categories of garden shredders, taking into account engine power: amateur models, semi-professional (middle class) and professional.

Amateur devices are the most primitive, they include technology with an electric drive of low power (up to 1.5 kW). The crushing system is most often knife-like, as the simplest and cheapest, but effective when processing thin twigs. Amateur devices weigh up to 20 kg and are designed for raw materials with a diameter not thicker than 3 cm. Suitable for beginners.

Mid-range chippers are intermediate - more advanced than hobbyists, but less powerful than professional ones. They can run on both electricity and gasoline (2-stroke engine). The limit values of the motor are 2.5 - 3 kW. Total weight is from 20 to 50 kg. Designed for wood material up to 5 cm. Weight up to 50 kg.

Professional shredders include large-sized machines with a power of 4-5 kW, capable of crushing branches with a diameter of 7-9 cm. They are distinguished by large feed hoppers, a powerful crushing system (most often milling) and automatic feed of raw materials. The motor can be electric or gasoline. Designed for large volumes of work. Weighing from 100 kg and more.

By the type of material, the body of the device can be plastic or metal. Plastic structures are lighter, metal devices are more difficult to transport as they are heavy. The presence of a wheelbase and handles makes it easier to move the device around the site. The wider the wheels are, the more stable the machine is and the easier it is to move it, especially along row spacings and loose soil.

What to look for when buying?

When buying, consider the presence or absence of the following parameters.

The volume of the receiving tank - the optimal size of the container for collecting mulch is considered to be a capacity of 40-50 liters. According to buyers, the most convenient are the models, to which you can also attach your own container for collecting mulch.

Grinding regulator - allows you to change the rotation speed of the grinding mechanism and adjust the equipment for a specific material. So, large chips are not suitable for mulching the soil, but they are effective as fuel and cover paths. And on fine grinding it is convenient to insist alcohol.

Noise Level - Ear protectors are required to operate models with noise levels exceeding 80 dB. This parameter must be specified in the product description.

Reverse function - allows you to start the chopping mechanism in the opposite direction and remove a stuck branch from the unit.

The pusher is a special device, usually plastic, for the safe movement of waste into the funnel, since it is unsafe to do it by hand.It is also advisable to wear protective glasses for safe operation of the device.

Automatic feed - eliminates the need to constantly push branches towards the cutterbar.

Circuit breaker - protects the unit from accidental start-up when a previously disconnected electricity is supplied, and also does not allow the unit to start when the receiving tank is removed, which will protect from dangerous injuries.

Height adjustment of the body - some of the assembled garden shredders are quite tall and this feature allows you to install the device so that it is convenient to load raw materials into the feed hopper.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of electrical models:

They are easy to operate and do not need special maintenance, and therefore are convenient for technically inexperienced summer residents and gardeners;
With the device on an electric motor, it is easy to maneuver around the site, even for women;
They make little noise during operation;
The technique does not emit harmful combustion products, and therefore is environmentally friendly;
Affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

Low performance;
Depend on an outlet and need multi-meter extension cords;
Designed for branches no more than 4 cm thick;
Voltage surges are prone to breakage.

Advantages of gasoline grinders:

Versatile, can process both wood and foliage with grass;
Cope with branches 7 cm thick;
Not tied to a stationary socket of electrical networks;
High performance.

Disadvantages:

Work is accompanied by a high level of noise, which can disturb neighbors;
They are heavy, which affects the ability to move the device;
Need additional and regular maintenance;
They pollute the air with fuel combustion products;
High cost, accompanied by gasoline costs.

How to choose a shredder?

For a house or a small summer cottage where middle-aged woody plants grow, the best choppers are medium-power devices with milling knives that can easily cope with branches up to 3-5 cm. The best option would be a model with an automatic start, a chipping funnel and a wheelbase for movement around the site.

For a summer residence with a young garden or a plot with a predominant vegetable garden area, it makes no sense to purchase a powerful expensive model, and therefore amateur-class devices are recommended as the most optimal. Their productivity is sufficient for grinding grass, weeds and thin fruit twigs.

For the processing of garden waste with a predominant grassy plantation in an area where power outages occur, you should think about purchasing a model with circular knives, the presence of a self-starting lock and an additional stabilizer for it.

For gardening and farming with large areas, where every year there is a large-scale pruning of shrubs and trees, it is best to purchase professional-class universal chippers with a powerful motor, milling crushing mechanism and high productivity. Such installations are distinguished by their ability to grind large branches (up to 7 cm) and press mulch.

For professionals who regularly process large volumes of vegetable waste, the purchase of a gasoline grinder is justified, in this case the costs of gasoline and engine oil will pay off.

There are models in which a special inlet allows the feeding of branchy branches. You can also find devices with two separate funnels - one for solid raw materials, the other is designed for fresh grass and leaves. These shredders are suitable for mixed-use areas where there are medium-sized branches, perennials, thorny shrubs, ornamental trees and hedge trimmings.

Selection errors

Before buying low-power and medium-power garden equipment with a knife crushing system, you should clarify what material the knives are made of. It is best to choose a model with hardened steel knives, they are more durable and durable.In addition, it is important to consider that this type of cutting mechanism requires regular resharpening of the knives.

If you violate the rules of operation and try to recycle materials for which the equipment is not intended, for example, food waste, fruits or larger than indicated in the instructions for the product, branches, there is a risk that the knives will become blunt very quickly, the chopping system becomes clogged or the unit is completely will fail. Therefore, when choosing which shredder is better to buy, you should clearly determine in advance what type of waste will be recycled. Or opt for a universal grinder.

You should also pay attention to the shape and structure of the funnel. In some models, it is absent, but there is only a hole for branches, which can be inconvenient and unsafe. In other garden units, the funnel is removable, which makes the structure more compact and easy to store. According to experienced gardeners, the most convenient form of the feed tank is a slightly inclined cone-shaped bell. And the presence of a protective visor will prevent chips and small particles from entering the face.

Main technical characteristics

room	Specifications	Recommendations
1	Manufacturer	According to the review, the best manufacturers of electric shredders are German companies Al-ko, Bosch, MTD, as well as Swedish Makita and Stiga. Their equipment is manufactured and assembled in European factories. Gasoline units are manufactured by MTD (Germany) and Tazz (USA). Inexpensive popular models with an electric drive are produced under the Russian brands Champion and ZUBR, which are manufactured in China. Champion also produces the low-cost CHAMPION SC2818 petrol chipper.
2	Body material	There are plastic, lightweight designs, and metal (steel) models that are heavier in weight.
3	Motor type	Gasoline - the duration of continuous operation depends on the volume of the tank, the parameters of which vary from 3 to 6 liters. An electrically driven shredder operates by being connected to electricity and needs an extension cord (preferably on a reel), as well as a voltage stabilizer if this function is not built into the device itself.
4	Engine power	There are household low-power units up to 1.5-1.6 kW, medium-power ones up to 3 kW and professional ones in 4-5 kW.
5	Grinding system	Lesochnaya - a fishing line of 2-4 mm fixed on a drum, which shreds leaves and grass. It is optimal for processing fresh green mass, but has not become widespread due to the inability to process wood. Milling - is less common with a knife due to the fact that it is more expensive. Knife - the most common because of its simplicity, low cost and good performance when loading soft pulp and thin branches. Auger - characterized by low productivity and is not suitable for chopping leaves, as it often clogs. Turbine is a development of Bosch, and therefore is most often found in models of this particular brand. It was not widely used, since the mechanism has low productivity due to the low speed of rotation of the drum.
6	Price	In terms of price, gasoline appliances differ significantly from electric ones. The average price for a model of a foreign brand ranges from 70,000 to 90,000 rubles. A domestic shredder will cost 16,000 rubles. High-quality electric drive devices cost 15,000 rubles on average.

Rating of quality models in 2020

CHAMPION SH-250

Brand country: Russia;
Working system: knife;
Material: plastic;
Engine type and power: electric / 2.5 kW;
Voltage: 230 W;
Price - 9,000 rubles.

Household shredder with automatic start and a maximum diameter of the processed material up to 4 cm. Weight - 15 kg. Rotation speed of knives: 4000 rpm.

~~CHAMPION SH-250~~

Advantages:

motor overload protection;
blocking from accidental start;
with handle and wheels for transportation;
with hardened cutting elements;
an additional pair of vertical knives;
vibration reduction system;
stable stand;
affordable price.

Disadvantages:

only for freshly cut branches;
no container for mulch assembly.

Tazz K-42 6.5 HP

Brand Country: USA;
Working system: knife;
Material: metal;
Engine type and power: petrol / 6.5 hp;
Price - 70,000 rubles.

Garden appliance with manual start, rotation speed of the chopping mechanism 3600 rpm and diameter of branches 7.5 cm. Weight - 60 kg. 4-stroke engine displacement is 205 cc³... The volume of the fuel tank is 3 liters. The volume of the crankcase is 0.59 liters.

~~Tazz K-42 6.5 HP~~

Advantages:

with container;
with wide (28 cm) transport wheels;
large hopper for loading raw materials;
with mulch bag included;
with two feed holes for thick and small branches;
with the possibility of converting into a garden vacuum cleaner;
6 knives.

Disadvantages:

high price.

MTD Rover-464-Q

Brand country: Germany;
Working system: knife;
Material: metal;
Engine type and power: petrol / 7.5 hp;
Price - 90,000 rubles.

Professional grade gasoline shredder with manual start for branches up to 7.5 mm in diameter. Rotation speed of knives 1180 rpm. 4-stroke engine, volume is 250 cm³... The size of the fuel tank is 3.8 liters. Weight - 75 kg.

~~MTD Rover-464-Q~~

Advantages:

versatility;
3 ways of loading raw materials;
built-in handles on the hopper;
grinding tank for 90 liters;
included safety glasses;
12 threshing and 2 rotating knives;
automatic branch tightening system.

Disadvantages:

high noise level;
overheating of the engine;
cost.

BOSCH AXT-Rapid-2000

Brand country: Germany;
Working system: milling and turbine;
Material: plastic;
Engine type and power: electric / 2 kW;
Voltage: 220W;
Price - 18,000 rubles.

Middle class model with automatic engine start, capacity up to 80 kg / h. Designed for branches up to 3.5 cm in diameter. The chopping mechanism rotates at a speed of 3650 rpm. Weight - 12 kg.

~~BOSCH AXT-Rapid-2000~~

Advantages:

with a pusher included;
with wheels;
there is a grass catcher for 50 liters;
copes with both fresh and dry raw materials;
affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

no protection against motor overheating;
turns off at low voltage;
no blocking from accidental activation.

AL-KO LH-2800

Brand country: Germany;
Working system: milling;
Material: plastic;
Engine type and power: electric / 2.8 kW;
Voltage: 220W;
Price - 20,000 rubles.

Medium power device with automatic engine start and capacity up to 80 kg / h. The admissible diameter of the branches is 4.2 cm. The shaft rotation speed is up to 46 rpm. Weight - 29 kg.

~~AL-KO LH-2800~~

Advantages:

with reverse;
with a wide wheelbase;
container for 48 liters;
with a 16 A fuse;
with overload and short circuit protection.

Disadvantages:

there is no pusher.

BOSCH AXT-25-D

Brand country: Germany;
Working system: milling;
Material: plastic;
Engine type and power: electric / 2.5 kW;
Voltage: 220W;
Price - 27,000 rubles.

Unit with a capacity of 175 kg / h, shaft rotation speed is 41 rpm. Branch diameter - 4 cm.Weight - 32 kg.

~~BOSCH AXT-25-D~~

Advantages:

container for 53 liters;
with reverse;
with a pusher;
with transport wheels;
automatic tightening of raw materials;
removable funnel;
convenient construction height;
protection against unintended activation.

Disadvantages:

tangible noise level.

RYOBI R-SH-2545-B

Brand country: Japan;
Working system: knife;
Material: plastic;
Engine type and power: electric / 2.5 kW;
Voltage: 220W;
Price - 14,000 rubles.

Popular model of the semi-professional category with automatic engine start. The permissible thickness of the branches is up to 4.5 cm. Weight - 14 kg.

~~RYOBI R-SH-2545-B~~

Advantages:

collection for mulch for 40 liters;
there is a pusher;
with wheels;
with reverse function;
with a brushed motor;
processes dry and fresh branches;
there is overload protection;
affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

sensitive to voltage surges.

STIGA BIO-SILENT-2500

Brand country: Sweden;
Working system: milling;
Material: plastic;
Engine type and power: electric / 2.5 kW;
Voltage: 220W;
Price - 15,000 rubles.

Medium-power shredder with automatic engine start, material intake diameter up to 4 cm, milling shaft rotation speed 2850 rpm. Weight - 28 kg.

~~STIGA BIO-SILENT-2500~~

Advantages:

pusher included;
with a container of 60 liters;
with a regulator of the degree of grinding;
with reverse;
there are transport wheels;
acceptable price.

Disadvantages:

no protection against accidental start.

ZUBR ZIE-44-28-00

Brand country: Russia;
Working system: milling;
Material: plastic;
Engine type and power: electric / 2.8 kW;
Voltage: 220W;
Price - 15,000 rubles.

A device with an electric drive of a medium-power class, designed for a diameter of branches up to 4.4 cm. The chopping mechanism makes 60 revolutions per minute. Construction weight - 20 kg. Automatic engine start. The throughput of the device is 150 kg / h.

~~ZUBR ZIE-44-28-00~~

Advantages:

versatile;
with a container of 60 liters;
with reverse;
there is a pusher;
with transport wheels;
with a regulator of the degree of grinding;
with a fuse against accidental activation;
motor overheating protection;
transformer frame;
with an extension socket lock;
affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

short power cord.

Makita UD-2500

Brand country: Sweden;
Working system: milling;
Material: plastic;
Engine type and power: electric / 2.5 kW;
Voltage: 220W;
Price - 15,000 rubles.

A device of the middle category with an electric drive, accepting diameters up to 4 cm and a milling shaft rotation speed of 2850 rpm. Productivity is up to 65 kg / h. Weight - 28 kg.

~~Makita UD-2500~~

Advantages:

with reverse function;
there is a pusher;
there are transport wheels;
the collection is designed for 60 liters;
suitable for dry and fresh branches;
hardened steel grinding mechanism;
with a regulator of the size of the resulting fraction;
overload-resistant motor;
affordable price.

Disadvantages:

there is no switch-on lock.

Reliable shredder - which company is better?

The popularity of semi-professional models of the middle class is due to good performance, the presence of most of the necessary functions for comfortable and safe operation, as well as the best value for money. Most of the chippers in this category, with a predominantly knife cutter system, are lightweight, handle fresh and dry raw materials, and have a collection box for recycled material. In addition to those models that have been included in the rating, you can also highlight such garden shredders as: