Do you like gardening , but are hesitant to take care of your plants because you don’t know what to do with green waste? The legislation concerning this type of waste is more and more strict. It is forbidden to burn them. You can take them to the recycling center, but this waste can be very bulky. You will need plenty of plastic bags to hold them. This solution is neither economical nor ecological. It will also waste your valuable time. This is where a garden shredder comes in. This device will shred your green waste. You can then use the render as fertilizer or mulch.
Want to buy one? The ideal is to first follow the advice we offer in this buying guide. So you can target the right plant shredder for you. In addition, our buying guide contains advice on how to use this type of device.
How to choose a garden shredder?
Nowadays, recycling centers do not always provide free green waste recovery or disposal services. Getting rid of this waste now has a cost that can weigh heavily on your bills. The garbage bags where you will store your green waste also have a monstrous impact on the environment. And if you burn your waste, you risk prosecution. A garden shredder allows you to avoid all these problems. In addition, it will save you fertilizer. You will also have a mulch by transforming your waste using the grinder.
It will save you time in carrying out your tasks after using a hedge trimmer during hedge trimming, tree felling or pruning. But first, learn how to choose one by following the purchase criteria proposed below. There is a choice depending on the surface to be worked on. There is also the choice according to the power of the device. Otherwise, you must also choose the cutting system used. Finally, take into account the comfort of use of the plant shredder.
Surface to be treated
The choice of your garden shredder must first be made according to the surface you are going to work. An electric model can be quite suitable for a garden. In fact, this kind of model can take care of the crushing of an area of up to 500 m2. However, if you plan to work a large area, you should choose a thermal grinder. It is a device that can grind the content of an area of more than 500 m2. It runs on fuel unlike electric models which run on current.
The cutting system
There are usually three. There is the blade holder cup. A shredder that uses this kind of system will be able to cut about 35 mm in diameter. It will also be suitable for an area of less than 300 m2. Note that this cutting system is noisy. Then there is the rotor. A shredder using this system will be able to cut up to 45 mm in diameter or even 50 mm. This system is meanwhile quiet and convenient for composting. Finally, there is the turbine system. It is more efficient and is suitable for cutting and grinding hardwoods from 45 to 50 mm. You must choose your garden shredder according to its cutting system.
The power
Regarding the power, it will guarantee the efficiency of the shredder and its speed in shredding the plants. In addition, a powerful model will be less sensitive to jams. In the meantime, it will be able to cut and grind a larger diameter. For information, a garden shredder with a power of 2000 W will be able to cut a branch with a diameter of 35 mm. Between 2,200 and 2,500 W, the shredder will be able to cut branches of 45 mm. With a power of 3,000 to 3,300 W, the cutting capacity reaches 50 mm or even more.
The comfort of use
First there are the wheels. To make it easier to move the chipper, check the quality of the casters used. It is better to choose large and robust models. Then there is the grass catcher. Choose a model that offers a large capacity. Otherwise, there is also the presence or not of a pusher. Better to choose one that is equipped with this accessory, because it makes it easier to insert the branches into the shredder. Finally, there is the sound level. To avoid disturbing the neighborhood, but also for your comfort, opt for a silent shredder.
How to use a garden shredder?
The benefits of a garden shredder are such that you should buy one if you have a garden and want to take care of it. However, this device can intimidate you if you are a novice. Moreover, the use of the grinder is often one of the reasons that lead buyers to back off when buying.
Although the criteria above will help you choose a garden shredder that will perfectly suit your needs, if you are still hesitant to buy one because of use, we offer advice on this subject below. .
The precautions to take
To properly use your garden shredder, you must take a few precautions. First of all, familiarize yourself with the device by reading the manual carefully. Then install the shredder in an open area. This will make handling easier. Equip yourself with protective accessories such as gloves, goggles or a visor, for example. If your grinder is the noisy type, wear noise-canceling headphones and consider using it at reasonable hours. Once these precautions have been taken, you can start using the grinder.
Clear a Jam
There are now high-performance garden shredders that automatically solve the clogging problem. Some models just require the activation of a crank to unclog the system. But sometimes you have to do the task manually. First turn off the engine of your device. When the shredder is completely off, you can unclog it using a brush and gloves. In any case, you can avoid jamming by sparing your shredder and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
The interview
Maintenance is a step that you absolutely must carry out if you want to use your garden shredder for as long as possible. Maintenance is done when the shredder is completely off. Then clean the cutting system with a brush. Also clean the motor grille using a hand-held vacuum cleaner, for example. Vacuum the sawdust. Remember to sharpen the blades of the device. Also, don’t forget to oil the metal parts. This will keep them from rusting.
Plant Shredder FAQ
Is there an alternative to the garden shredder?
Since it is forbidden to burn green waste, if you want to get rid of this kind of waste, you can send it to the recycling center. But this action is not very ecological and economical. The best is to turn the waste into something useful like compost or mulch. If you don’t have a shredder to perform this action, you can use a lawn stretcher. It will be effective for cutting and shredding branches of less than 10 mm. Beyond this diameter, it is better to use a saw if you do not have a grinder.
Where to buy a garden shredder?
You can buy one on the internet. You can also find it in specialty stores. The Internet offers you a wide range of models. You will find models of all kinds, from various brands, with various prices. Via the Net, you will also have access to purchasing guides or product comparisons. You can also check customer reviews. Buying in store is also an interesting choice if you have time. You will be able to see, touch and sometimes even test the grinder.
Which garden shredder to use to shred medium and soft branches?
Grinding flexible plants is often a complicated task. In any case, there are garden shredders that can do this easily. The best models suitable for shredding medium and soft branches are those capable of cutting up to 40 mm in diameter. It will also need good power, because the flexible branches are sometimes resistant. The best is a plant shredder that displays a power of at least 2,500 W.
Which grinder to use in the case of hard wood?
As a general rule, thermal grinders are the most efficient when it comes to hardwoods. But if you want to process hardwood from a small garden, you can definitely choose an electric chipper. Just note that the choice will mainly depend on the power of the device, its cutting system and the diameter of the wood to be cut and shredded. A 2500 W model, capable of cutting between 45 and 50 mm in diameter and fitted with a blade holder rotor, will for example be perfect for conventional shredding of hard wood.
What equipment should a garden shredder have?
A plant shredder carries various equipment depending on the model and brand. The ideal is first of all a model with a collection box. The latter should preferably have a large capacity (around 50L). Then you will need a grinder that has wheels. This will make moving much easier. Otherwise, there is also the pusher. With this equipment, you can push the waste into the shredder. Mid-range models have almost all of this equipment.
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