Which shredder to buy? - Consumer tips
First of all, garden shredders can be distinguished by their type of use, their drives, or their cutting systems. Hobby shredders usually have built-in 230 V electric motors and achieve power outputs of up to 2,000 watts. They can process maximum branch diameters of around 35 to 40 mm. Given the low motor power, they have a higher risk of clogging. Therefore, most garden shredders are now sold in the range of 2,000 to 2,500 watts. These can handle branch diameters well over 30 to 35 mm.
What should you pay attention to when buying?
Above all, one should consider the material to be shredded. Branch diameters of 40 mm seem sufficient, but no one thinks of soft materials, roots, or bulky items. These can clog the device. Overall, shredders suffer from significant noise pollution. Here, roller shredders are particularly quiet. However, the lower speed also significantly reduces throughput, which noticeably increases the time required. Models with knife cutting systems are particularly loud. To prevent clogging, one should pay attention to reverse gears. Another buying criterion is transport. Here, one should look for sufficiently large, smoothly running, well-mounted wheels, good pulling or pushing capability, and quick and secure folding of the device. Special attention should be paid to the cutting system when purchasing: it should be easy to replace and sharpen, and multiple knife sides should be usable.
What is important for operation?
Clogs in garden shredders can be avoided with the right filling. Never stuff too much material into the hopper too quickly and ensure that no materials like stones enter the shredder. Removing clogs is very time-consuming and frustrating: if special tools need to be found to expose the cutting tools, frustration quickly arises because the work is not progressing. However, an impending clog can almost be heard. When feeding in shredded material, the speed always drops, which is reflected in a change in the working noise. At a certain point, the motor then suddenly stops, and the garden shredder is clogged. With a little practice, one can easily hear the critical point at which the cutting system can still operate without stopping.
