Maintaining your garden can be hard work, but having the right tools for the job can make it much more enjoyable for you. Lawnmowers and pruners are ideal for landscaping and looking after plant life in your garden – but what do you do with the waste left behind?
This is where you need a garden shredder. But, if you’ve not had experience with these tools, it can be hard to know what you should be looking for. In this guide, the team at Hughie Willett Machinery will take you through everything you need to know about garden shredders – including their benefits, what to look out for, and even additional accessories that can maximise the performance of your shredder.
What is a garden shredder?
Garden shredders are compact and lightweight, and are primarily used for processing light vegetation such as leaves, branches, and foliage. Unlike chippers, shredders are more broad-spectrum machines and are great for general use because they can break down a wider variety of garden waste materials, not just wood.
Being smaller than wood chippers, garden shredders have a lower capacity, however, this also makes them lighter and easier to operate. This is particularly beneficial if you have a large garden to maintain or physical limitations.
Note: the maximum diameter a garden shredder provides tends to be around 40-50mm, which means the materials being shredded should be no wider than this.
Is a wood chipper the same as a garden shredder?
If you’re new to garden shredding, you may be wondering if a garden shredder is the same thing as a wood chipper (which is also known as a garden chipper). The short answer is no. Although they perform similar functions, these machines are different.
The key difference between garden shredders and wood chippers is the type of garden waste they’re used for.
As we mentioned above, garden shredders are designed for lighter foliage like leaves, branches, and hedge trimmings. Wood chippers on the other hand, are built for use with heavy, dense waste like large branches and tree trunks.
You can get a hybrid product that combines the functions of a garden shredder and a wood chipper into one handy unit – and we explore these further in this guide. But, in a nutshell, a hybrid shredder-chipper is a 2-in-1 machine that can shred both lightweight and heavyweight garden waste.
A note on wood chippers
Wood chippers are specifically used for processing large, dense pieces of wood and reducing it down to small chips. These chips can then be easily disposed of, composted, or spread on flower beds to prevent weeds creeping through or as an extra layer of insulation in cold seasons.
Because of their purpose, wood chippers are generally larger and more powerful than garden shredders. Due to the fact they need to process heavy and dense garden waste, wood chippers need to be more robust machines than garden shredders. Additionally, because of their larger size, wood chippers often have larger capacities than garden shredders.
Note: the maximum diameter that a wood chipper can handle typically reaches around 100mm.
Buying considerations
To help with choosing your new garden shredder, we’ve picked out some of the most important aspects you’ll need to consider before you buy.
Power
The first thing you need to think about before buying any tool is the power source, as this will have a big impact on when and where you can use your garden shredder. The majority of garden shredders fall into one of two power categories: petrol or electric. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages that will affect which one suits your needs.
Petrol-powered garden shredders
Petrol-powered garden shredders run on a fuel supply. They don’t require an electric source as they have a small engine that you need to top up with petrol for the machine to operate.
The main advantage to this is that you don’t need to worry about having an electrical outlet outdoors, or buying an extension lead to run the cable through your house. Plus, petrol garden shredders are often more powerful than their electric counterparts, and tend to be better equipped to break down denser materials, which means they tend to have wider maximum diameters.
However, as with any petrol-powered machine, petrol shredders are louder and heavier. This may mean they’re not suitable for use in domestic areas, or in places where you need to move the shredder frequently.
Electric garden shredders
An electric garden shredder is one that runs on electricity and therefore requires an outlet for it to be plugged into to operate.
Electric garden shredders are often smaller and lighter than petrol machines, and therefore easier to move around and store. Plus, you don’t need to keep a supply of fuel – you can simply plug in, switch on, and go. Quick and efficient, electric garden shredders also release fewer emissions, making them more environmentally friendly. Also, they often come with more safety features, which is ideal for beginners or domestic users.
On the other hand, electric shredders require access to an outlet – which makes them harder to use in large gardens or in more remote areas. They are also less powerful. While this is adequate for a domestic user, commercial or professional users may want to consider a petrol machine to meet the requirements of their job.
Choosing between an electric or petrol garden shredder
You might now be wondering how to choose between an electric or petrol garden shredder, aside from the operational logistics of having an electrical cable or not.
To make it easier for you, we’ve shared our recommendations on the type of machine, the power, and the maximum diameter we would advise you to look for based on the rough size of your garden space.
|
Garden size |
Type |
Power |
Diameter |
|
300m² or less |
Electric |
2400w |
45mm |
|
300m²-500m² |
Electric or petrol |
2800w/196cc |
45-60mm |
|
500m² or more |
Petrol |
208cc |
60mm or more |
Another option if these products do not meet your requirements is a hybrid garden shredder…
Hybrid garden shredders
A hybrid shredder is a machine that combines the function of a garden shredder with that of a wood chipper, giving you the benefits of two different machines in one. A great example of this is the Stihl GH460, which is a multi-shredder that can shred large amounts of hard, dense tree cuttings, logs, and branches as well as soft green cuttings, branches, and foliage.
So, if you know you’re going to need to shred all manner of garden waste, dense and light, we would recommend considering a hybrid multi-shredder for the perfect all-in-one solution.
Shredding system
Garden shredders and chippers can have a range of different shredding systems, each designed to break down various types of garden debris. Below, we’ll explain what each one means.
Blade disc
This type of system combines spinning discs and sharp blades that spin at a high velocity to slice through debris.
Shredders with blade discs are ideal for residential use as this type of cutting system is perfect for chopping up domestic garden waste into fine mulch – thanks to a speedy RPM of around 2,000-4,500.
The downside is that garden shredders with blade discs can be quite noisy and prone to blocking.
Rotor
A rotor shredder (also known as a drum shredder or cylinder shredder) also has sharp blades. On this type of machine, however, the blades are attached to a spinning cylindrical drum, rather than to discs.
Rotor garden shredders are the best option for larger spaces and denser waste, and are normally found in machines with a maximum diameter of 50mm+.
Turbine
What makes a turbine shredder different from other types of shredding systems is a high-speed turbine (similar to a fan), normally installed at the bottom of the unit. This uses airflow to draw waste toward the sharp internal blades once the shredder is turned on.
Shredders with turbine systems are the best for heavy-duty chipping. However, they are often only found in larger, heavier, and more expensive machines.
Roller
Different from all the rest, roller (or crusher) shredders don’t use blades to break down garden debris. Instead, they compress the materials between two heavy, rotating rollers.
The great thing about shredders with a roller system is that they are one of the quietest options – they crush rather than chop. They’re also great at self-feeding, so offer lower-effort operation.
Additional features
When you’re buying new garden machinery, you want to get maximum value for your money. So, you should always be on the lookout for additional features that are a part of your garden shredder.
For example, a vast majority of garden shredders come with forward and reverse settings as standard features. This means that the machine will work in a forward motion automatically and then have a reverse setting that can be used to help break waste down, push the shredded material back out, and help prevent blockages during use.
Below are some other features you should look out for when shopping for a new garden shredder.
Maximum branch diameter
As we covered earlier, looking at the maximum diameter of a garden shredder or chipper is essential, especially if you’re dealing with large sections of dense garden waste or wood.
For example, if you want to chip logs, heavy branches, or trunks, you should go for a shredder or chipper with a maximum diameter of 50-60mm+. Lighter garden waste like leaves, branches, and foliage, on the other hand, does not require as much room for insertion – so you should choose a machine with a maximum diameter of around 40-45mm.
Capacity
Shredding capacity describes how much garden waste a machine can take in over a period of time. This is normally measured in kg per hour and will give you a good idea of how efficient the machine is over time. This is important to know as it helps you avoid overspending where you don’t need to.
For example, you may have a small garden and a small amount of material to shred. In this case, you won’t require a machine with a huge capacity. However, if you’re clearing a large garden or expansive grounds, you’ll probably want to choose a machine with a more generous shredding capacity to help you complete the job more efficiently.
Safety features
Garden shredders and wood chippers slice organic materials into tiny bits quickly with sharp blades or strong crushing rollers. While this makes them incredibly good at their job, it also makes them dangerous if used carelessly or incorrectly. All consumers should look out for machines that prioritise safety features as part of their functional specifications.
The Stihl GHE150, for example, includes an electromechanical safety lock with large rotary switches to prevent the machine from starting when the chute is removed.
Other great safety features to look out for include panic bars, safety switches, and motor blocking systems. These all activate to prevent the engine/motor from starting when it shouldn’t to keep you safe.
Wheels
Make life a whole lot easier for yourself by opting for a shredder that has wheels. This will make manoeuvring it around your garden much easier, which means you’ll be able to operate the machine more safely and efficiently.
Top tip: the larger the wheels, the more surface area will be covered and the easier the machine will be to move around. Smaller wheels however are useful for tighter areas.
Storage
It’s important to consider how much storage space you’ve got available when selecting your garden shredder. They are not the smallest machines, so you’ll need to be sure you’ve got an ample amount of space to keep it clean and protected. Check out the dimensions of the machine to make sure you’ve got room for it.
Not doing so risks damaging the machine and causing it to malfunction when in use, which is dangerous and frustrating for you, as well as potentially costly to fix.
Optional extras
To keep yourself safe and your groundcare machinery in peak condition, we recommend you also stock up on the following pieces of useful garden shredder equipment and accessories.
A chippings collection box
Some machines will have an integrated collection bag or box, and some will have one that must be purchased separately. Either way, a collection bag or box is a must-have to stop the shredded debris being spread across your garden.
Top tip: opt for a box rather than a bag where you can as this will be more robust and less prone to damage.
We stock the 50L Stihl AHB050 Grass Catcher Box here at Hughie Willett Machinery, which is designed to be compatible with most Stihl garden shredders. This makes it a fantastic option if you’re purchasing a Stihl shredder from us.
Protective wear
This includes safety gloves and protective glasses or goggles to protect your skin and eyes from chips of garden debris that will fly out from the shredder whilst in operation.
We would also recommend purchasing earplugs or protective headphones to protect your hearing from the noise produced by the shredder.
An extension lead
If you plan to use your electric garden shredder or wood chipper away from a power outlet, we recommend purchasing a good-quality extension lead.
This means you can move the machine freely around your garden without having to worry about the limitations of cable length. Simply plug your extension lead into a power outlet, connect your shredder or chipper and you’re good to go.
A Residual Current Device (RCD)
An RCD is a brilliant safety device that will automatically switch your electric shredder or chipper off if there’s a problem or fault. They are far more sensitive than regular circuit breakers so will keep you safe while you maintain your garden.
RCDs are also recommended in areas where water or moisture is present – like outdoor outlets – to provide an additional layer of protection against electric shocks.
Plunger
If you find you’re struggling to feed garden materials through your machine, you might just need a purpose-built plunger to help you out.
These are sometimes also referred to as a ‘slider’ or a ‘pusher’ and are used to help feed foliage into the machine without putting your hands at risk.
Blade lubricant or oil
Keeping the parts of your garden shredder moving smoothly will help keep it in good condition and extend the lifespan of the machine. Using oil and/or lubricant ensures the blades are running smoothly and reduces the risks of early (and expensive) wear and tear.
If you don’t use your garden shredder very often, this will only need to be done periodically. But, if you’re shredding regularly, make sure to conduct maintenance checks every few weeks.
Looking for a new garden shredder?
Then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Hughie Willett Machinery, we have a fantastic range of garden shredders and chippers for you to choose from – including those from leading brands like Stihl and GTM.
And, if you’re still unsure which shredder is right for you, you can get more personalised advice from our excellent customer service team. Simply contact us online, or give us a call on 0121 308 1262 for help throughout your buying journey.
Shop garden shredders and wood chippers at Hughie Willett Machinery
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