When caring for garden trees and bushes in your dacha, a lot of pruned branches are formed. Taking them to the trash heap takes a long time, burning them is unsightly and harmful to the environment. A garden branch chopper, or shredder, would be an excellent solution. In addition to getting rid of solid plant debris, it produces mulch, which is widely used in gardening. There are many models on the market to suit every taste and budget, but such a useful device can be made with your own hands. Home workshop and plumbing skills required.
Design and principle of operation
Shredders that look different have similar internal structures. They include such main components as:
- Frame. Provides reliable fastening of all other components. It is cooked from a corner or bent from steel pipes.
- Electric motor or internal combustion engine.
- Transmission. Transmits rotation from the motor to the cutting tool.
- Working bodies. They cut and crush wood.
- Neck. Through it, branches are fed into the unit. The neck also directs the branches to the cutting part, orienting them correctly. In addition, it performs the functions of calibrating branches and prevents the operator’s hand from getting into the cutting part.
- Casing. Covers the working parts from moisture and dirt, and also has protective functions, preventing body parts from getting into the working parts.
The principle of operation of the device is extremely simple: the branch is pulled between two rollers rotating towards each other, equipped with cutting surfaces. Some models use a single roller that presses the branches against the plate. The cutting surfaces cut the branch into small bushes, and the pressing force additionally crushes them.
Device and selection criteria
Garden crushers differ in shape, size and weight. However, the device and operating principle are the same for all models. The engine and crushing system with vertical and horizontal knives are hidden inside the structure. The upper part of the unit is a hole for supplying raw materials for processing. The large funnel is convenient for shredding grassy waste, and the shallow funnel is suitable for branches.
There is a hole at the bottom of the body for emptying waste. Some models are equipped with special containers for collecting recycled material. The storage can be in the form of a plastic container or a soft bag.
Construction of a household garden crusher
Now let's figure out how to choose the perfect garden shredder.
Technical specifications
The first criterion is the technical parameters of the chopper. We are talking about the intended purpose of the device. To process leaves and grass, you can use a shredder for grass waste; to process branches, you can use a machine for wood waste. The best option is a universal type garden shredder.
Engine type and power
Depending on the type of engine, garden shredders can be either electric or gasoline. Electric models are more compact and maneuverable, while gasoline (diesel) models have greater power and performance.
Regardless of the engine type, garden crushers are divided into three groups:
- Household, weighing up to 20 kg. Drive type and power – electric drive up to 1.5 kW.
- Semi-professional, weighing from 20 to 50 kg. Drive type and power – electric drive or 2-stroke internal combustion engine from 1.5 to 3 kW.
- Professional, weighing from 50 to 100 kg. Drive type – petrol/diesel or 3-phase electric motor. Power – from 5 to 9 kW.
Cutting mechanism type
Garden shredders can vary in type of cutting mechanism. There are knife and milling devices. Knife choppers cut plant waste using knife blades, while milling choppers use powerful gears.
For home (household) use, we recommend semi-professional grade knife choppers. The power and functionality of such devices is enough to clear house and garden areas.
Differences between knife and milling machines
Ease of use
When choosing a garden crusher, you need to take into account the ergonomic design and ease of use. Ease of use refers to the following factors:
- Weight and parameters.
- Availability of wheelbase. Tire diameter and material. Distance between wheels.
- The presence and location of handles for moving the device around the site. Handle material.
- Noise level. If the noise output is more than 70–90 dB, you will need special headphones.
- The degree of vibration of the housing during the grinding of grass and wood waste.
- Shape and dimensions of the container for receiving recycled material. Availability of a protective visor.
We bring to your attention the Top 15 garden electric and gasoline shredders of branches, grass and other vegetation. The rating is based on reviews from users and service center specialists.
Varieties
Garden shredders differ primarily in their performance. Light models cope with branches and twigs with a diameter of up to 25 mm, medium ones - up to 40 mm and heavy ones - up to 50 mm.
Productivity is determined by engine power and the size of the working parts. For factory-made shredders, a limiter for the diameter of branches is installed in the neck, calibrating them and preventing too thick branches from reaching the cutting part.
Types of power plants
Most often, four-stroke gasoline engines are used in shredders. Two-stroke or diesel engines are less commonly used.
Their advantage is their autonomy - no need to pull the cable.
Flaws-
- high noise;
- vibration;
- traffic fumes;
- complexity of management.
For stable operation, motor power starts from 5 hp.
Shredders with electric drive are much more convenient to use.
For branches from bushes up to 20 mm thick, 1200-1500 watts are sufficient. If you plan to crush shoots with a diameter of up to 40 mm, you will need 2500-4000 watts.
Shredders for branches thicker than 50 mm are rarely found in garden plots; these are, as a rule, professional installations, they cope with branches up to 150 mm and consume over 10 kW
Types of cutting blocks
The working body of the device, its size and design largely determines the diameter of the branches it can handle.
- Disk block. Several cutting discs, for example, from a circular saw, are mounted on one shaft. Such devices are easy to make yourself, but the thickness of the branches is limited to 20 mm.
- Milling drum. A more productive system, with sufficient engine power, can chop branches up to 80 mm. A gearbox on gear wheels is required, which is quite complex to manufacture.
- Screw drum. A versatile and powerful device. Manufacturing will require special steel and industrial equipment and machines that are not available in a home workshop.
How to choose a garden shredder
Before you start choosing a garden shredder, you need to evaluate all the work on the site and identify the most difficult waste, as a result of which it is generated. The quantity and composition of processed raw materials will directly depend on the type of device. Next, you should take into account the weight of the chopper, brand, and cost of equipment.
When choosing a shredder, you should be guided by its main characteristics:
- Grinding system.
- Device class.
- Engine's type.
The chopper is an indispensable gardener's assistant
There are knife and milling shredders. The most popular are milling machines, which crush garden waste using a steel gear. This type of shredder allows you to process both soft materials and hard wood. Knife shredders are suitable for shredding small branches and soft materials.
The device class of the equipment affects its power, performance and cost. For simple country needs, you can use amateur or middle-class equipment, numerous reviews will help you choose which one. An amateur-grade garden shredder for grass and branches with a power of 1.8-2.2 kW can easily cope with soft materials.
Medium-class equipment with a power of 2.5 kW processes larger, tough branches. The most professional are devices with gasoline engines and noise reduction. They are capable of processing hard raw materials and thick branches. They are more powerful and more expensive. They are not suitable for ordinary garden plots, since they cannot pay for themselves.
Depending on the type of engine, shredders can be electric or gasoline. Professional high-power shredders are usually equipped with gasoline engines. They are mobile and have high performance. Budget models run on electricity. They are rarely used for working over large areas, since their range of movement is limited by the length of the cord.
Reliable electric shredder
Before you buy a garden shredder for branches and grass, evaluate the size of your site, which determines the length of the cord. If the area is very large, then it would be advisable to purchase a gasoline shredder. You should pay attention to the noise level, which should not exceed 84 dB. Professional devices have the highest noise reduction rates.
When choosing the type of device, check the list of materials that it can process. This model must be certified and have a warranty. Give preference to well-known manufacturers who have service centers in our country.
The rating of garden shredders for branches and grass will help you decide on the choice of device. Reviews from professional gardeners are based on many years of experience using each shredder model. Here you can find out all the detailed information about each specific unit, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
A shredder will help you get rid of all unnecessary branches
A shredder can be purchased as a separate device or you can buy a branch chopper for a walk-behind tractor, which is an additional piece of equipment for agricultural machinery. The operating principle and rules for choosing this mechanism are the same as for independent equipment. The main advantage of a branch chopper for a walk-behind tractor is that it is ideal for any models of walk-behind cultivators and walk-behind tractors that are equipped with a belt drive from the engine to the gearbox.
Advantages and disadvantages
Shredders with electric drive are easy to use, easy to maintain and have the following advantages compared to gasoline ones:
- zero level of environmental pollution;
- low noise and vibration activity;
- light weight, household models are easy to move around the garden;
- affordable price;
- Convenient control and start, instant stop.
They also have disadvantages:
- limited power and therefore productivity;
- need for wires;
- sensitivity to power supply stability.
A self-made chipper copes with large branches and is less sensitive to the quality of raw materials.
If you choose a powerful enough motor, it will grind branches up to 80 mm thick. The second important advantage of a homemade design will be its low cost.
Both repairs and replacement of worn-out components will cost less.
Types of device motors
Based on the type of engine, there are gasoline and electric shredders. Before deciding on the type of equipment, it is worth studying the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Electric shredder
This is a compact, low-noise shredder with a power of up to 2.6 kW. It easily grinds fallen leaves, dry grass and branches up to 2.5 cm in diameter. However, its ability to move is limited by the length of the electric cord. It is very responsive to voltage drops in the network, which is not uncommon for summer cottages.
Compact electric shredder
Main advantages:
Main disadvantages:
- cannot work without a constant source of electric current;
- sensitive to voltage changes;
- a low-power device that cannot cope with large solid raw materials.
Gasoline shredder
This device is a powerful mobile device that can work in any garden. A gasoline shredder of branches and grass is capable of processing hard wood with a diameter of up to 7 cm. The equipment has significant weight, which limits the possibility of its easy movement around the garden plot.
If using a noisy device, you will need headphones
Due to the high power of up to 8 kW, the device is quite noisy, but at the same time much more productive. Therefore, the price of a garden gasoline shredder of branches and grass will be higher than its electric counterpart.
As a result of their operation, gasoline grinders emit harmful products into the atmosphere. Compared to electric analogues, they require additional costs for equipment maintenance, namely changing the engine oil after a certain number of engine hours. However, such a timely measure will prevent damage to the internal combustion engine and will extend its service life for a long time.
Criterias of choice
Before you start analyzing the models of the proposed shredders, you should understand how much work the device will have to do. It will be characterized by:
- The number of trees and bushes on the site. It will determine the amount of seasonal work. When used up to 4 hours a day, the unit should cope in 3-4 days.
- Maximum thickness of raw materials for crushing.
- The minimum fraction of wood chips should meet the mulch needs of your garden.
From a variety of shredders that meet these conditions, it is then necessary to select according to such parameters as:
- ease of use, adjustments and management;
- convenient wheels and handle for moving around the site;
- small dimensions, allowing you to take up little storage space;
- low noise level, up to 80 dB;
- high-quality steel knives or rolls;
- automatic protective equipment, emergency shutdown;
- reverse stroke to clear congestion;
- a convenient neck that helps the unit pull branches into itself and prevents body parts from getting in.
An important factor influencing the choice is also the reputation of the manufacturer. Well-known brands care about the quality of their products, they have a wider network of service centers, and a better supply of spare parts.
Features of operation
Compliance with the operating rules specified in the user manual will help the shredder to effectively serve its intended purpose. In addition, experts formulated several general recommendations:
- before turning on, make sure that there are no foreign objects in the receiving funnel;
- When working, use personal protective equipment: glasses or a face shield, tight-fitting gloves, a hat, clothing without protruding or flapping elements.
- push branches into the neck ONLY with a wooden or plastic pusher;
- before loading bushes and roots, clean them of adhering earth, ropes, metal, glass and other foreign objects;
- clean the working parts only when the unit is completely de-energized;
- make sure that the wires are not pinched, twisted or fall into the neck;
- At the end of the work shift, thoroughly clean the working parts and put the unit in a shed or under a shed.
How a wood chipper works
It is safer and more convenient to process damp, recently cut wood and twigs.
TOP 10 best garden electric shredders for branches
The review of these devices is aimed at optimizing and structuring the information obtained during the study of the parameters and characteristics of shredders from various manufacturers. When searching for the ideal device, users face a number of difficulties due to lack of knowledge in this area.
To simplify the task of selecting a suitable product, this article will review the 10 best electrical representatives, providing a detailed description of each, advantages, disadvantages, advantages, build quality, and average cost.
PATRIOT PT SE24
Inexpensive electric wood chipper made of durable plastic. Designed for processing branches, stems with a diameter of no more than 40 mm and other grass waste. It is convenient to move it around the site, because It is equipped with wheels and a handle.
For chopping, cutting blades with a very high rotation speed (4500 rpm) are used, turning everything into fine mulch. It can be used to decorate beds or trees in the garden, as well as to create a warm layer on the soil in winter. Equipped with a reverse function, i.e. reverse motion. It is useful when you get stuck in a funnel of destroyed elements.
PATRIOT PT SE24
- High maximum grinding speed.
- Easy transportation due to 2 medium diameter wheels.
- Low cost.
- Light weight (13 kg).
- Short cable for connecting to the network.
ELITECH IVS 2400
This model of electric shredder is most often purchased for mulching thin branches. The opening for loading thin branches of bushes and trees is wide enough. The kit includes a pushing element. The high-speed (4500 rpm) cutting system consists of two steel knives. The waste resulting from the work is used as organic fertilizer.
The design of the unit is very simple. The transforming frame at its base allows you to quickly fold the device if necessary. When assembled, it takes up little space. There is a 50-liter plastic tank for accumulating litter. The control system is located in the front of the housing.
ELITECH IVS 2400
- The engine is protected from overheating, thereby increasing its service life.
- If the receiver cover is open, the machine cannot be started.
- Moderate noise level.
- The ability to turn the knives over to the other side if they become dull.
- High power consumption.
BISON ZIE-40-2500
Electric garden shredder made in Russia, used for shredding branches, uprooted plant roots, grass, leaves. A double-sided turbo knife made of hardened steel will provide the necessary speed for destroying debris. With its help, you can work uninterruptedly for a long time, and if it becomes dull, you just need to turn the tip over and continue cleaning the area.
The high power of the motor allows you to cope with large-sized debris. This device is not afraid of overheating due to the presence of a built-in thermal fuse. There is a container for waste material with a volume of 50 liters. The presence of a rotating axle with a pair of large wheels simplifies the maneuverability of the equipment.
BISON ZIE-40-2500
- Convenient panel for manipulating the machine, located in front of the device body.
- Easily destroys freshly picked plant branches and stems up to 4 cm thick.
- Good build quality.
- Large volume of containers for collecting mulch.
- Not all branches are immediately reduced to dust, due to the fact that the blades are initially poorly sharpened.
DDE SH2845
The most powerful garden shredder of all those presented in the rating. Suitable for destroying dry sticks, branches, plant tops, grass, sawdust, and other waste. Their thickness can reach 45 mm. The cutting system is milling. Thanks to the translucent plastic 60-liter container, it is convenient to monitor its filling in order to empty it in time and continue with your activities. Despite its heavy weight, the device can be easily moved by one person.
Starts smoothly without overloading the power grid. It can run from a generator, if there is one on site, or from a local network. If the funnel is overfilled with various elements, the equipment will turn off on its own. This is possible thanks to built-in overload protection. There is a function for adjusting the size of the resulting litter.
DDE SH2845
- Complete safety during operation of the tool. It cannot be turned on disassembled: without a funnel or waste container.
- Powerful engine.
- Large diameter of the grinded waste – 45 mm.
- There is a reverse for removing branches stuck in the receiver.
- Heavy weight (30 kg).
- Does not properly treat wet plants.
CALIBER ESI-2800V
Garden shredder for quick disposal of dry branches, twigs, leaves, flowers and other vegetation. Its operating principle is based on the operation of a roller grinding system. Those. it has a built-in gear with large teeth that draws in and crushes the incoming material and the pressure plate. The commutator motor is reliable, powerful - 2.8 kW, but the number of revolutions of the grinding element is very small (only 60 rpm).
The waste bag is fabric, roomy. Everything that needs to be processed is loaded into the receiving funnel and pushed through using a pusher. This makes the cleaning process completely safe.
CALIBER ESI-2800V
- The cutting element is a sharp steel milling cutter.
- Cloth, removable waste bin.
- Does not overheat during large volumes of work.
- Adjusting the size of the pieces being ground.
- There is no reverse function.
- There is no lubrication on the parts in the gearbox, which causes metal-to-metal friction.
STIGA BIO SILENT 2500
A good electric branch shredder that is suitable for caring for garden areas and keeping them tidy. It works quite quietly, without causing any inconvenience during use. It has a drum with 8 cutting teeth that cope with plant debris. Its maximum possible diameter is 4 cm.
The control buttons are built into the top panel of the case. The cable for turning on the device is located under the main panel, protected from getting wet, sawdust, and dust by a plastic cover. A reliable brushless motor ensures quiet operation.
STIGA BIO SILENT 2500
- Moving the unit is simplified due to large wheels.
- It is most effective when cutting thick, dry branches.
- Plastic, capacious box for 60 liters.
- Intuitive push-button controls.
- The size of the chips is changed using a wheel on the side wall of the housing.
- Small branches may wrap around the gear.
Makita UD2500
An impressive garden shredder (30 kg) from a Chinese manufacturer, made of impact-resistant plastic. Equipped with a massive gearbox and a heavy motor. Due to this, it does not jump when used. Easily moves around the site using two handles and a pair of wheels.
It has a low throughput (only 40 kg/h) at a minimum rotation speed (40 rpm) of the milling element. The automatic reverse movement function when waste gets stuck allows you to grind even the hardest branches, although not always the first time. You can also connect it yourself if necessary.
Makita UD2500
- Volumetric container with a viewing window to monitor its filling.
- Automatic and manual reverse.
- High quality parts, good assembly.
- Protection against accidental start is provided.
- It does not have its own cable, but only a built-in fixed plug.
BOSCH AXT Rapid 2000
The most maneuverable and lightest (11.5 kg) model of all those presented in the rating. Cutting knives made of hardened Swiss steel can easily cut dry branches, twigs, roots, and other vegetation with a diameter of no more than 3.5 cm. The improved design of the through funnel with a built-in pusher ensures easy feeding and high productivity of this garden equipment.
Ease of movement is achieved thanks to a chassis with a pair of small wheels. The manufacturer does not provide a garbage bag, but it can be replaced with any other non-original item for storing waste.
BOSCH AXT Rapid 2000
- Little weight.
- The cutting elements are double-sided, reliable, made of high quality steel.
- Doesn't create much noise. You can work without headphones.
- Stylish design.
- The original litter bag is not included.
AL-KO Easy Crush LH 2800
The garden shredder is very stable during operation, having a massive design with legs, a strong plastic body and large wheels. The weight of the unit reaches 29 kg, but this figure does not create any inconvenience during its use. A 2.8 kW engine and a milling chopper provide high productivity and the ability to process branches with a diameter of up to 42 mm.
The manufacturer has developed a large-volume funnel with maximum throughput and auto-retraction. Now you don’t have to constantly stand near the device and stuff sticks into it. It is enough to simply direct the waste to the receiver, it will pick it up and process it to the required size.
AL-KO Easy Crush LH 2800
- Large diameter wheels for moving on uneven surfaces.
- Retractor mechanism, wide suction frame.
- Convenient controls. All buttons are placed in the center of the machine.
- The design is stable and does not shake during operation.
- No wire included.
MTD S 2500
The most expensive and reliable electric branch shredder for the garden. Its technical characteristics are practically no different from other devices discussed in the article. Equipped with a medium-power engine, a spacious funnel, a 45-liter translucent tank made of thick plastic, two cutting knives, a steel frame with large wheels.
Unpretentious in maintenance. The noise level emitted is within acceptable limits. Productivity can be considered high. This unit is easy to use and is distinguished by the quality of its parts and assembly.
MTD S 2500
- When the panel with the grinding elements is open, accidental starting of the device is impossible.
- The case is combined - made of steel and durable plastic.
- You can change and sharpen cutting knives.
- Excellent stability.
- High price.
Stages of creating a chopper
Building a unit with your own hands is a difficult job that requires certain knowledge and skills:
- the concept of designing mechanisms, calculating gears;
- ability to construct and read drawings;
- knowledge in electrical engineering for selecting and connecting an electric motor, starting and control circuits;
- plumbing experience;
- welding skills.
First of all, you should think over the design, prepare materials and tools, make calculations and a sketch drawing.
Drawings and calculations
The sketch can be done the old fashioned way, by hand, or using a CAD program. Today there are many free and shareware programs available, not much inferior to the well-known but very expensive products of AutoDesk, PTC, Dassault and others.
The main components of the created structure will be as follows:
- supporting frame;
- electric motor;
- shaft with working body;
- loading neck, or hopper;
- frame.
Drawing of a two-roll shredder
Based on the type of shredding mechanism used, the shaft design may vary.
The simplest, but also the least powerful option would be a set of 15-30 circular saw blades mounted on a shaft. A cutting package is assembled on the shaft, placing washers of the same thickness and diameter almost to the base of the saw teeth between adjacent disks. The package is tightly attached to the shaft. The shaft and electric motor are equipped with pulleys, and the drive is carried out by a belt drive. This will be a productive (for thin branches) garden shredder.
If you need to chop branches of a significant diameter and thickness, then it is better to choose a knife design of the cutting drum.
Working shaft
1-3 knives are placed in the plane of the shaft axis or at an acute angle to it. Their number is increased if smaller branches need to be chopped.
For very thick branches, you should choose a two-roll cutter design. This mechanism is better balanced and places less load on the frame and walls of the bunker.
Ball bearings are installed in the side plates of the frame, ensuring rotation of the working shafts of the unit. The gears mesh and synchronize the rotation of the shafts. Rotation from the electric motor is transmitted by a chain or belt drive.
Crusher diagram: 1 - Neck 2 - frame, 3 - side support plate, 4 - working element, 5 - drive mechanism, 6 - belt drive, 7 - electric motor, 8 - motor base
If you need to quickly chop thin branches and grass, it is better to use a high-speed engine. For chopping wood of large diameters, a powerful low-speed motor with a high torque is suitable.
Tools and materials
For a single-shaft unit with a cutting body made of circular saw blades, you must:
- electric motor 1.5-3 kW, 220 volts
- pulley, 2 pcs.;
- automobile drive belt;
- bearing with fastening cage, 2 pcs.;
- pipes for building a supporting frame;
- metal sheet, 2 mm thick for the hopper and device body;
- wires, switches.
- wood discs with a diameter of 180 mm, from 15 to 30;
- large diameter separating washers, 5mm thick, one less than disks
- a shaft with a splined or keyed fastening for a pulley;
To make a single-shaft shredder with a knife drum, you will need the same according to paragraphs. 1-7, and in addition:
- a shaft with machined shaped grooves and threaded holes for fastening knives, in accordance with the diagram shown;
- knives made of high-strength tool steel;
- hexagon bolts, with spring nuts, 12 pcs.
Working shaft: 1 - sleeve, 2 - shaft, 3 - knife, 4 - screw, 5 - washer, 6 - retaining ring, 7 - gear, 8 - bearing.
At one end of the shaft there must also be a splined or keyed fastening for a pulley or gear drive wheels.
For a two-roll scheme, in addition to paragraphs 1-7 and 11-13, you will need:
- side metal plates, sheet 10 mm, 2 pcs.;
- gears for synchronizing the rotation of shafts, 2 pcs.;
- bearings with cages securing them, 5 pcs.,
Tools you will need
- grinder for cutting blanks and cleaning seams;
- welding machine;
- set of hand tools
- tester;
- fingertip;
- mounting knife;
Of course, you will need a workbench with a vice, clamps, sandpaper, enamel and paint brushes.
Shredder assembly
After calculations have been carried out and a sketch drawing has been constructed, all materials have been prepared, you can begin assembling the unit.
It should be carried out in the following sequence:
- frame assembly
- bunker production
- assembling the working body and securing it to the frame;
- installation of an electric motor;
- wiring of the electrical circuit.
Before connecting the device to the network, you must turn it several full turns by hand to ensure the accuracy of the assembly and the normal functioning of all moving parts.
Why do you need a garden shredder?
A shredder is a device that shreds waste such as leaves, weeds and branches in a few minutes. Thus, it turns them into organic fertilizers. First of all, such equipment provides waste processing. Its advantages include:
- mobility and transportability;
- compact dimensions;
- powerful grinding system;
- consumes little energy but is highly efficient;
- affordable price;
- the processed composition is used for fertilizer and rots faster.
Such equipment is characterized by different designs and different launch methods
Recycled raw materials can be used for mulch, compost heaps or warm beds. It is important that the grass is chopped. Also, such units process overripe fruits and vegetables, tops and all kinds of leaves.
The garden electric branch chopper has a motor that starts the movement of the blades. All shredders work:
- from the network. Such models are lightweight and can be easily rearranged;
- battery powered, operate for a short time and are characterized by mobility. These devices are not dependent on the supply of electricity;
- from a gasoline engine. These are the most powerful designs.
Network connection option
Helpful information! The power of the structure is selected in accordance with the size of the site.
Options for making your own shredders
In a private workshop, it is difficult to produce a screw or milling version of the design. Home craftsmen usually focus their attention on knife drums, single-shaft or double-shaft, or on a cutting element made from circular saw blades.
Twin shaft shredder
You will have to work with the most powerful device. Shafts equipped with 1-3 fixed knives should be installed strictly parallel.
Twin-roll shredder without casing and hopper
A powerful shredder will require periodic maintenance. The gears will need to be lubricated with grease or CIATIM, and after work the knives and hopper will need to be cleaned of wood residues.
Shredder with one cutting disc
A single-shaft chopper is much simpler to design, manufacture and assemble, but its power will be significantly lower.
It is better to choose the material for knives among high-strength tool alloys. It is better to tinker once when sharpening than to sharpen mild steel once a day.
An engine more powerful than 3 kilowatts can be mounted directly to the working shaft. Less powerful ones are better connected to the working shaft through a pulley.
Shredder from circular saws from a circular saw
This is the simplest version of the device, but also the least powerful. From complex parts, you only need to make (or select a ready-made) shaft.
The cutting discs must be in good working order, with all teeth, without defects or cracks. It's better not to skimp and buy new ones.
When assembling the working body, you need to pay attention to two features:
- the teeth of adjacent discs should be shifted along the circumference relative to each other by half a step;
- washers 5-7 mm thick should separate adjacent disks. The larger the outer diameter of these washers, the easier it will be to clean the discs from chips and sawdust.
A branch crusher is a reliable gardener's assistant. With certain skills, you can make a branch chopper yourself, saving considerable amounts. The most popular among home craftsmen are more powerful single- and double-roll knife shredders, as well as a lightweight design made from circular saw blades.
