The concept of full-cycle production has been successfully applied not only in industry, but also within the framework of private economy. A modern summer resident uses chemicals to fertilize cultivated plants to a minimum extent to get a healthy and wholesome crop. Therefore, as a replacement for a special complex of nutrients, he needs compost formed as a result of processing garden waste. The basis for the compost heap can be branches and plants that have undergone pre-processing. At this stage, you will need a grass grinder, which will provide the optimal raw material for humus.
Unit device
The design of the grinder can be conditionally divided into three parts - the bearing base, the processing unit and the housing. Layout configurations are different, which is largely determined by the mobility of the unit. In mobile models, the supporting platform also acts as a running gear with wheels. The racks hold the housing in which the power filling and processing elements are located.
The crushing mechanism as a whole resembles the function of a meat grinder that produces chopped meat. Processing devices are driven by an engine, which is also implemented in various ways. As for the case, the usual grass shredder for summer cottages is made of a durable metal sheet passing from the bottom to the running block, and from the top to a kind of funnel for loading. For the release of finished waste, a separate receiver may be provided, such as a compact compost container.
Main characteristics
The power parameter is fundamental to determine the operating potential of the unit. The initial power level in household models corresponds to 1-2 kW. This is enough for confident processing of stems up to 40 mm thick. This is followed by middle-class cars, the performance of which reaches 2.5-3 kW. Accordingly, the endurance of equipment and the ability to cope with branches with a diameter of more than 45 mm are increased. The highest class is represented by industrial grass shredders. Power characteristics in this case can be expressed in the range of 4-9 kW. Highly specialized garden waste recycling machines are powered by engines up to 20 kW.
If you plan to purchase a unit with the ability to move, it will not be superfluous to turn to the weight of the grinder. Small-sized equipment on average weighs 7-10 kg. These are models with a small power reserve, with which you can cut thin branches. Machines weighing 15-20 kg are less convenient to move, but they have a massive loading funnel that allows you to process a large amount of waste at a time.
Types of grinding mechanisms
Designers use two knife systems for processing branches, grass and leaves - milling and disk. In the first case, a one-piece gear is engaged, which automatically tightens the immersed workpieces. The user is only required to fill the funnel as the material is absorbed. This mechanism is characterized by high productivity, therefore it is suitable for those cases when it is planned to process solid waste - the same branches and thick stems from shrubs.
The disk models use a knife system with several blades mounted on a platform with a rotating shaft. If there is a question about which chopper to choose for branches and grass with leaves, then it is quite possible to give preference to a technique with a disk working mechanism. It is not so productive in comparison with the milling unit, but in operations with “soft” waste it saves energy and undergoes less intensive wear.
Gasoline shredders
Gardening equipment is traditionally equipped with internal combustion engines running on gasoline or diesel. The chopper is not the most demanding unit for energy resources, so heavy fuel is practically not used. But even models with compact dimensions give the user reason to count on the efficient processing of thick branches and large volumes of foliage in a short period of time.
In terms of productivity, this is the best solution for large areas. More importantly, the gasoline grass shredder is independent of mains power supplies. This means that the equipment can be used away from home or cottage without wires and other communication channels. But there are also disadvantages of gasoline shredders, which are air pollution and high maintenance costs.
Electric models
These are compact, lightweight and environmentally friendly machines for small areas. As practice shows, in terms of physical handling, an electric chopper does not cause difficulties for women either. Also, compared to gasoline counterparts, such models are almost silent and not demanding in maintenance.
But before buying, you should take into account the serious shortcomings of such a garden assistant. Firstly, the electric grass shredder must be connected to the network during operation. Battery versions in this niche are not widespread, so you can only rely on wired power supply. There are also performance limitations. So, if for gasoline shredders the maximum thickness of the processed branches is 60-70 cm, then for electric ones - 40-50 cm.
Additional functionality
With regard to auxiliary capabilities, one should focus on three optional groups - structural additions, protective systems, and operating modes. As for the first group, it can be attributed to a removable supporting platform with a running system (for movement or stationary installation), a pusher of branches and grass, funnels of different diameters and a handle for carrying.
Protective mechanisms can be represented by a soft start of the engine, blocking of inclusion and systems of an automatic stop of equipment at high overloads. The electric household grass shredder supports several processing modes. For example, a gardener can control the degree of grinding by fractions - into pieces, sawdust, wood chips, etc. Industrial units, in turn, are provided with a reverse stroke and automatic waste loaders.
What else to consider in choosing?
There are a number of small technical and operational nuances that will not be superfluous to calculate before buying. For example, from the point of view of loading ergonomics, the configuration of the funnel is important. Many gardeners praise inclined and cone-shaped loading modules - they are easier to fill and maintain technically. In order to maximize the moment of shift or sharpening of knives, the material of their manufacture is taken into account. Experts recommend buying models with cutting elements made of hardened steel. Now you can go to the review of garden shredders for grass and branches, which occupy a leading position in the domestic market.
Bosch AXT 25TC model reviews
A practical and versatile chopper from German developers who can handle both foliage processing and tree cutting. The power filling of the unit is represented by a 2.5 kW electric motor, which allows producing raw materials for humus with a capacity of 230 kg / h. Owners of the advantages of this equipment include ergonomics, silent operation, automatic tightening of waste and the reliability of the working bodies. Among the weaknesses of this grass grinder is an inconvenient base configuration with an upper center of gravity, not the most successful electrical interface and a high cost of 30 thousand rubles. However, the durability of the design and functional elements compensates for overpayment by minimizing maintenance costs.
Reviews about the model Einhell GH-KS 2440
A more affordable version of the electric grinder costing 9-10 thousand rubles. For this amount, a 2.4 kW electric motor is offered, knives made of special steel for processing foliage and branches with a diameter of up to 40 mm and a fairly wide range of accessories. Owners of the unit note a good working capacity for a household class, flexibility and mobility in physical circulation, as well as a modest weight of 11 kg. Negative reviews about the grass grinder GH-KS 2440 are addressed to the quality of processing. So, curved thick branches can jam the knife mechanism, and very small foliage is passed without any processing. After completion of work activities, careful removal of the remaining sharp branches by hand is required.
Reviews about the model LASKI KDO 85/14
Czech chopper for gasoline engine HONDA GX 390, designed for professional use. The power of the power plant is 8.2 kW, which makes it possible to process not only foliage with thin branches, but also wood chips with a diameter of about 80-90 mm. The practice of operating this machine allows us to talk about such advantages as high performance, endurance, technical stability and maneuverability. Of course, this is not a small-sized garden shredder for grass, which can be transported over long distances, but the wheels allow it to be transported on a flat surface within the park zone or on the farm. The advantages of the unit include several sets with grinding organs - from small blades to a group of crushing knives.
Conclusion
Maintaining gardening at the proper level according to the principles of rational use of its basic resources and waste inevitably involves the use of special equipment. It would be wrong to consider the chopper only as a means of destroying branches with grass. Depending on the model, this technique can perform the tasks of recycling various organic and plant materials, releasing raw materials ready for fertilizer. Therefore, even before purchasing a grass grinder or other waste, you should answer questions about which processing regimes will be involved and in which fraction the final product should be produced.
Having determined the suitable model, it will be useful to look at the additional devices. Manufacturers strive to provide their equipment as much as possible, but a basic set of accessories is not enough. For example, without fail experienced summer residents recommend purchasing transportation devices (wheels, handles), several containers of different capacities for collecting raw materials and pushers with which the target material will be immersed in the funnel.