SHREDDER SHREDDER BRANCH CHIPPER - WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
Branch shredder - which one to choose?
The beginning of autumn is a time of increased garden maintenance and preparation of plants for the next growing season. It is from November to March that it is best to carry out pruning work on trees and shrubs of most species - the only exceptions are maples, hornbeams and birches, which should be pruned in summer. Regardless, however, an indispensable tool for managing tree pruning residues and, for example, using them to make compost is branch shredder - and it is this device that we will take a closer look at in today's text. Which shredder will work best? Which of the available models to choose? What to look for when choosing? These and other questions are answered in the following article.
Branch shredder - types
There are two basic types of branch shredders on the market classified by their cutting mechanism. These include:
Knife shredders (disc) - designed mostly for small and medium-sized gardens where shredding is done occasionally. The grinding element in knife shredders is a set of rotating cutting knives, located on a disc. Placed in the device, the branches are initially pressed and then cut into small fragments 2/3 cm in diameter. The main advantage of this type of shredder is its relatively low price, high speed and optimal performance. However, be sure to perform regular maintenance and sharpen and replace knives that dull with each use.
Cutter shredders - Designed for more frequent and intensive use than knife shredders. They are equipped with a milling mechanism that independently pulls branches from the feeder, and then thoroughly shreds them into small pieces. This allows not only to increase the speed and convenience of work, but also the safety of use. Cutter shredders are also characterized by greater shredding power, so the end waste is sawdust and small chips. Most cutter shredders are also equipped with a reverse gear, allowing you to unblock the machine if a larger portion of the branch clogs the mechanism. This type of shredder will work best with heavier loads, such as thick and hard branches.
Commercially available branch shredders can also be divided according to the type of cutting elements used. The choice of the right cutting element depends mainly on the type of wood to be shredded. In this context, the following models can be distinguished:
Knife shredders - equipped with the simplest mechanism for cutting branches, with relatively low efficiency. Most commonly used for shredding small and thin twigs.
With worm knives - designed for shredding larger and harder branches with a large circumference. They are characterized by relatively high cutting force, durability and resistance to frequent use. They are perfect for working in the home garden.
Toothed (with toothed roller) - designed for shredding thick and hard pieces of wood, are characterized by high efficiency and durability. At the same time, due to their high power consumption, they are most often used in combustion shredders.
Another criterion for the division of shredders is the type of power supply, and here we can distinguish two main ones: electric and diesel shredders. The former are characterized by their usually small size and relatively quiet operation, they also do not generate harmful exhaust fumes and are environmentally friendly, but they require constant access to an electric power supply. They can easily handle small and medium-sized branches - for this reason, this is the type of shredder most often chosen for work in the home garden. Internal combustion shredders, on the other hand, can be used in all conditions, including without access to power, they also offer more power so they are used primarily for shredding hard materials and branches with a large circumference.
Branch shredders - selection criteria
Number available in stationary and online stores branch shredders is huge - it is not uncommon to meet models that at first glance look very similar, but differ significantly in parameters. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the specifications of each device, in particular the following criteria. After all, they are the ones that should be of key importance in the selection, and their knowledge will allow you to choose a device optimally suited to your needs.
Engine power - The more powerful the motor, the larger and thicker the branches the shredder can handle. This parameter is especially important in the case of thick and hard pieces of wood - a device with high motor power will cope with them faster and more efficiently. It is also worth remembering that in high-powered shredders, there is less risk of the branch getting stuck and damaging the device - most high-powered machines will shred it before this situation occurs. Standard shredders are most often equipped with 2000W motors, allowing them to shred small and medium-thick branches - the kind most often produced by pruning trees in home gardens. However, if you are looking for a device that can handle thicker and harder wood, choose a shredder with more power.
Cutting mechanisms - We wrote more about them in the previous part of this post, which you can find here (link). Matching the right cutting mechanism depends mainly on the type and size of branches to be shredded. Several types of cutting mechanisms are available on the market, primarily using: knife shredders, worm knives, and gear rollers. The former are designed for small and thin branches, while the latter will also handle larger branches.
Essential elements of the design - For example, such as the size of the opening for inserting branches, or the capacity of the woodchip container. Adjusting these parameters to the type and size of branches and the amount of material to be processed will make the work much faster and more comfortable.
Workmanship - branch shredders should be made of high-quality raw materials, ensuring high mechanical strength and resistance to damage during operation. Not only is it important what materials the cutting elements are made of, but also a solid housing and a decent chassis.
The criteria outlined above are the most important elements to pay attention to when selecting a shredder. However, if you want maximum ergonomic, safe and comfortable operation, it is also worth looking at additional features of shredders that can significantly increase the capabilities of the equipment.
Overload switch - is a function that allows you to immediately cut off the power supply whenever the device is overloaded with an excessive number of items to cut. The circuit breaker function avoids serious malfunctions and damage to the device.
Automatic retraction - is a feature that not only improves safety, but also allows you to reduce working time. The branch simply needs to be inserted into the opening of the machine, which then pulls it in and begins to shred it.
Reverse gear - is a function that is activated if the device becomes clogged by excessive wood chips. Reverse gear allows you to safely remove items that have clogged the shredder and continue working.
- Woodchip container - It is worth remembering that not all shredders are equipped with it. Meanwhile, a properly capacious woodchip garbage can means not only less clutter in the garden, but also easier storage and handling of waste.
