Garden shredders are a great way to dispose of branches, leaves, and other yard debris. But how do they work?
Most garden shredders have a rotating blade that shreds the debris into small pieces. The shredded material is then deposited into a collection bag or container. Some models also have a chipper feature that chips branches into even smaller pieces.
Electric and gasoline shredders
Garden shredders are available in electric or gasoline-powered versions.
Electric models are quieter and easier to use, but gasoline models can handle heavier debris and are often used for commercial activities or on large scale gardens or smallholdings or in areas where electric power is unavailable.
No matter which type you choose, a garden shredder can make quick work of disposing of yard debris.
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Impact garden shredders
Impact garden shredders, also known as rapid shredders, work in a very similar manner to a food processer, using electric blades that spin at high speed.
The waste materials are fed into the shredder via an opening that limits the volume so that the machine does not become overloaded.
Impact garden shredders are often lower powered and lightweight compared to other shredder types.
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Crushing garden shredder
The second type of garden shredder is known as the crushing shredder.
This machine uses a series of revolving drums or rollers which pull the waste materials in and crush them against a plate, forcing the materials to break apart.
Crushing shredders are normally quieter to use than impact shredders and will tackle heavier garden debris such as branches and sticks.
Is a shredder the same as a chipper?
The two machines work in a very similar way and both are designed to deal with vegetative waste from the garden.
The main differences between the two are simply that a shredder is designed to deal with virtually every aspect of garden material whereas a chipper is intended to be used with waste wood – and is the better option if you need to process large levels of branches and sticks.
Is a garden shredder worth it?
A garden shredder is a great investment if you have a lot of debris to dispose of.
It can save you time and money compared to hiring a professional to do the job for you.
Shredders will reduce the volume of your garden waste significantly and the materials from the shredder can be used on the compost heap or as a mulch around plants to keep weeds at bay.
Is it safe to use a garden shredder?
All garden shredders have a number of safety features built in to protect the user and it is always important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using any machine.
Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes and goggles, when using a garden shredder.
And never put your hands near the blades while the machine is in use.
If the shredder develops a fault during use, such as becoming jammed, then always switch it off fully and make sure that it has stopped running before attempting to free the blockage.
As a precaution it is always best to use a garden tool, such as a shredder, when there are other people present, if an accident does occur then there will be someone around to help.
A garden shredder can be a great addition to your gardening tools, but always take care when using it.
With a little common sense, you can safely dispose of all your garden waste.
Which shredder is right for me?
There are a range of different garden shredders on the market and the best one for you will depend on your needs.
If you need a machine that can handle large branches, then a crushing shredder or gasoline-powered shredder would be the best option as they tend to be larger, more powerful and much more durable than the electric devices.
If you just have leaves and other small debris to deal with, then an electric or impact garden shredder would be more suitable.
Final words
Garden shredders are designed to chop, crush and break up garden waste, reducing the need for disposal at the tip, via bonfires or by hiring outside help.
Shredders come in a variety of sizes and power capacities and are fuelled by gas or electricity and there are options available for every type of garden or commercial need.
They are a great investment for anyone with a lot of garden waste to dispose of and can save time and money in the long run.
Whichever machine you choose, a garden shredder is a great way to make quick work of disposing of yard waste.
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