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Reducing the volume of plant waste to produce compost or mulching, or to transport more easily to the dump, this is the mission of these crushers. But are they all effective?

Choosing a plant shredder for garden branches

The use of a plant mulcher makes it possible to reduce the footprint of green waste by around ten. It turns the branches into chips or broyas which are then recovered in a bag or in a collection tray.
Waste thus reduced can be recycled in order toget a green manure or mulch at a lower cost.
The editorial team tested 6 electric grinders, responding to the most common needs of DIYers and novice gardeners.

BATBoshEinhellWolfRyobiViking
S2800AXT25TCGH-KS2440BVL28RSH2545BGE140L

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: plant

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: plant

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: plant

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: choosing

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: plant

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: tips

Rating: 8/10Rating: 7/10Rating: 7.5 / 10Rating: 5.6 / 10Rating: 6.4 / 10Rating: 7.8 / 10
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Two cutting systems for 6 electric grinders

The six grinders of our selection are equipped with an electric motor whose power varies from 2400 to 2800 W.
All are intended for the grinding of branches with a diameter of 40 to 45 mm maximum.

  • Three models have a rotor grinding system (or turbine, for Bosch model), equipped with knives machined in the mass that snap the branches, then cut by crushing them against an adjustable compression plate. In this configuration, the machine works at low speed between 35 and 40 rpm.
  • The other three grinders are equipped with a conventional cutting systemThey have a turntable equipped with two blades (or knives) reversible, which allows them to use the maximum before sharpening. Unlike the rotor system (or turbine), the cutting is done at high speed, between 2,800 and 4,500 rpm: the plants hit the blades and are reduced to particles. This system is also noisier. The turntable machines are equipped with soft rubber anti-splash slats at the top of their funnels, which prevent any rise of the wood.

Secure cutting machines

  • The through holes are narrow to prevent hand contact with the cutting tool and to prevent the passage of branches exceeding the maximum recommended size.
  • Cutting systems are braked instantly when the power is turned off.
  • Finally, the machine will not start until the access cover to the cutting system is fully locked and the waste container is correctly installed.

Getting started and security

light a plant grinder

On rotor or turbine mills, there are three functions: start-up, stop and reversing of the rotor in case of jamming.
On the Bosch, they are very easy to handle even with gloves.

crusher switch

The Viking is content with a simple lever rocker.
On the three turntable models (Einhell, MTD and Ryobi), the switches are more difficult to handle with gloves.

thermal breaker of crusher

Of the six models tested, a thermal circuit breaker cuts the motor in case of overheating and blockage of the cutting system.
It is rearmed with a button.

safety of the bin of a plant grinder

Safety side, it is impossible to pass a hand through the through holes and if the recovery tray is not perfectly installed, the engine does not start.

plant crusher

On four models (MTD, Ryobi, Viking and Wolf), the locking handle is equipped with a switch that must be engaged when closing.
On the Bosch, simply push the tray to a sensor.

turntable crusher

On turntable machines, it is easy to access the cutting system for maintenance or release.

Cutting systems: rotor, turbine or conventional blades

rotor crusher systems

Rotor systems consist of a cylinder with eight blades cut in the mass and a counterblade which adjusts the cuts.
The adjustment of the counterblade is done manually on the Wolf and with a key on the Viking.

turbine mill system

Faster in grinding, the turbine system the Bosch is formed of a cone also provided with eight blades.

conventional grinder cutting system

The classic cutting system (Einhell, MTD and Ryobi) is more like a slicer than a grinder.

Criteria for choosing a plant grinder

  • Except for the Einhell supplied with a soft bag, the machines tested have a chip collection tray. Their capacity varies. The palm goes to Viking with a volume of 60 liters followed by Bosch with 53 liters.
  • Bosch and Ryobi are the only manufacturers to indicate a cutting rate (230 kg / h and 120 kg / h). These figures are difficult to verify in the field because they vary according to the nature of the plants.
  • The Wolf crusher allows cut branches up to 45 mm in diameter. This indication, when given by the manufacturers, takes into account the water content of the wood. For dry wood, it is prudent to reduce this diameter by 10 mm.
  • The rotor and turbine systems produce coarser cuts and chips that are more suitable for mulching. The shreds obtained with a turntable are thinner and more adapted to compost.

Crusher and minimum safety equipment

Even if the devices are secure, it is essential to use gardening gloves and goggles.
Headphones or ear plugs are recommended with noisier turntable machines.

Grinding in the garden

crusher funnel

The removable funnel which equips the Wolf brings a real comfort for the introduction of the branches.
It locks at the top of the device with latches.

pusher for crusher

The cylindrical pushers (Ryobi, MTD and Wolf) are less practical than the spatula-shaped ones.

plant crusher

Transparent trays (MTD, Viking and Wolf) make it easy to check the level of waste.

mulch chips for mulching or composting

The difference is glaring: the chips are coarser (left) with the rotor and turbine systems.
With the cutting deck, they fill the recovery tray less quickly.

Moving and storing the machine

maneuverability of a plant grinder

All grinders have two large wheels that make it easy to move around the field. The Wolf, with its 26 kg, requires a little more effort than the others.

compact plant shredder

The palm of storage comes back to the Viking: the engine block pivots inside the recovery tank thus reducing its bulk.

Conduct of comparative * test of vegetable grinders

We selected three rotor mills, including one turbine (Bosch), and three turntable.
The plants used for the tests are branches of plane tree and a mixture of species of the size of a hedge composed of photinia, lauren tin and eleagnus.
We used alternately hard and soft woods and more or less branched (or flexible) to highlight the speed of grinding and the ease of introduction of branches into the funnel.
This test revealed for all the machines the difficulty of reducing the leaves significantly.
* System D test benches are made under real conditions of use by our journalists. The results may therefore differ from those displayed by the manufacturers, whose tests are performed by laboratories according to standardized protocols.

Criteria for evaluating the grinding test

criteria for choosing a plant grinder

  • The grinding quality differs according to the machines. Some are more comfortable with big branches, others with small ones and for others still, everything is suitable.
  • The comfort of use includes several fundamental functions: the ease of taken in hand, thesound incidence eventual vibration, the ease of introduction of branches into the funnel and the practical aspects. The machines are equipped with wheels and travel on the ground is not to be neglected.
  • ergonomics attaches to the shape of switches and their flexibility of use, that of branch openings and transport handles. It also takes into account the ease ofuse of the bins lock systems.
  • The settings concern the ease ofaccess to the cutting disc (for cleaning) and the blade change (turntable). It's also about checking the ease of adjustment of the counterblade rotor systems. The arrangement should not be underestimated because, if they do not disassemble, these machines can become cumbersome.

Einhell Vegetable Crusher

Plant Crusher: Einhell

Model GH-KS 2440
Price: 130 €
Engine power: 2,500 W
Grinding system
  • cutting board
  • 2 reversible blades
Cutting speed: 4,500 rpm
Max cutting diameter : 40 mm
Weight: 11 kg
Waste recovery: Bag of 60 l

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Test notes

  • Grinding quality: 6.0
    This grinder, compact and lightweight, is not lacking in vigor. He cuts the branches, big or small, without frowning
  • Comfort of use: 5.5
    The orifice on the very narrow funnel prevents the passage of several branches at the same time. The lightness of the machine makes traveling easier
  • Ergonomics: 6.0
    The single button for start-up and shutdown is small and difficult to handle with gloves. The pusher, wide and thin, slips easily into the passage opening
  • Settings and storage: 7.0
    The collection bag attaches easily to the frame. Close enough, this grinder fits easily in a small corner.
Test result: 6.1

Ryobi Plant Crusher

Plant Crusher: Ryobi

Model RSH2545B
Price : 200 €
Engine power: 2,500 W
Grinding system:
  • cutting board
  • 2 reversible blades
Cutting speed: 4,500 rpm
Max cutting diameter: 45 mm
Weight: 13.4 kg
Waste recovery: 40 l rigid tray

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Test notes

  • Grinding quality: 6.2
    The cuts are made quickly and finely. The crushing of the leaves is a little sketchy
  • Comfort of use: 5.5
    This machine is noisy from the start and the noise increases during grinding. The wearing of the earmuff is mandatory
  • Ergonomics: 7.0
    The passage opening allows the introduction of several small branches. The controls fall well under the hand and the pusher can be stored on the handlebars
  • Settings and storage: 6.5
    The recovery tray, little container, is hard to put in place. The grinder fits in little space.
Test result 6.3

Bosch Crusher

Plant Crusher: Bosch

Model: AXT 25 TC
Price: 550 €
Engine power: 2,500 W
Grinding system: turbine
Cutting speed: 41 rpm
Max cutting diameter: 45 mm
Weight: 30.5 kg
Waste recovery: 53 l rigid tray

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Test notes

  • Crushing quality: 5.0 This machine is effective on large branches, but the turbine does not crush the leaves enough
  • Comfort of use: 7,5
    The machine is silent and grinding is smooth. With a high center of gravity and a narrow chassis, it lacks stability when traveling.
  • Ergonomics: 8.0
    The controls are well thought out. The three large colored buttons under the handle are perfectly identifiable and easy to handle.
  • Settings and storage: 7.5
    The funnel mounts and dismounts easily. The adjustment wheel of the counterblade is very flexible
Test result 7.0

Viking Vegetable Crusher

Plant Crusher: Viking

Model GE 140 L
Price: 420 €
Engine power: 2,500 W
Grinding system: rotor
Cutting speed: 40 rpm
Max cutting diameter: 40 mm
Weight: 23 kg
Waste recovery: 60 l rigid tray

Test notes

  • Crushing quality: 5.0
    On large branches, this grinder barely a bit. In contrast, small diameter branches are no problem.
  • Comfort of use: 7,5
    This machine works without vibration and is very quiet. It is the only one to offer an automatic reversing switch in the event of a rotor jam
  • Ergonomics: 8.0
    The funnel, large enough, allows to load several branches at the same time. One button is used to start and reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor
  • Settings and storage: 8.5
    The engine block assembly folds into the recovery bin to store the machine under a workbench
Test result 7.2

Wolf Tools Crusher

Plant Crusher: Wolf Tools

Model BVL28
Price: 430 €
Engine power: 2,800 W
Grinding system: rotor
Cutting speed: 46 rpm
Max cutting diameter: 45 mm
Weight: 26 kg
Waste recovery: Rigid box 45 l

Test notes

  • Grinding quality: 6.8
    Grinding small twigs is quite easy and for bigger ones,
  • he cuts them into regular slices
  • Comfort of use: 7.7
    The work is done serenely and quietly enough. The branches are snapped up and cut without vibration. The device, a little heavy, is very stable
  • Ergonomics: 7.5
    It is the only one of the test to propose an additional funnel to be placed above the passage opening. The changeover button of direction, small, is difficult to handle
  • Settings and storage: 7.0
    The adjustment knob of the counterblade is well placed. However, it lacks a storage for the pusher
Test result 7.6

MTD Vegetable Crusher

Plant mulcher: MTD

Model: S2500
Price: 260 €
Engine power: 2,500 W
Grinding system:
  • cutting board
  • 2 reversible blades
Cutting speed: 2,850 rpm
Max cutting diameter: 40 mm
Weight: 24 kg
Waste recovery: Rigid box 45 l

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Test notes

  • Grinding quality: 8.0
    It cuts all the branches finely without the engine giving the impression of forcing
  • Comfort of use: 8.5
    For a turntable mill it is quite silent. The cutting disc rotates below 3,000 rpm which makes the engine less tiring
  • Ergonomics: 8.0
    The recovery tray is transparent which allows to see the level of waste. Getting Started commands are well identified and flexible enough
  • Settings and storage: 7.5
    The funnel is disassembled and stored in the recovery tank. It installs and locks easily
Test result 8.0

What to remember from the grinders test?

the best shredders with branches

In use, we found that we must be patient, do not introduce too many branches at once and re-cut if necessary.

  • First arrival, the BAT has a homogeneity that combines comfort and grinding quality.
  • In second place, the Wolf is fun to use thanks to its large funnel, but it is cumbersome at the time of storage.
  • In third, the Viking, she plays the card of practicality with its ease of storage and its system of unlocking the rotor.
  • Fourth, the Bosch is the only one to offer a turbine system, but it brings a little speed compared to a conventional rotor.
  • In fifth place, the Ryobi is rather efficient but noisy.
  • Finally, sixth, the Einhell remains a good alternative for small gardens thanks to its grinding quality and its tight price.

The mill MTD: the favorite of System D

the best test garden grinder

This crusher seduced us from the outset by its good price / performance ratio. The grinding is really quality and it is done serenely. The turntable cutter system is quite quiet.
compact, the machine occupies a small space and the funnel, removable, can be stored in the recovery tray under the machine.
Cleaning the tray, which is removed completely, is thus facilitated. This machine is really the most pleasant the test to use.

Comparative table of 6 electric vegetable grinders

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: shredders

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: choosing

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: plant

BATBoshEinhellWolfRyobiViking
S2800AXT25TCGH-KS2440BVL28RSH2545BGE140L

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: tips

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: shredders

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: plant

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: tips

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: electric

Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders: plant

Rating: 8/10Rating: 7/10Rating: 7.5 / 10Rating: 5.6 / 10Rating: 6.4 / 10Rating: 7.8 / 10
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Tips for choosing from 6 electric plant shredders

FAQ - 💬

❓ Which is the best garden shredder to buy?

👉 The best garden shredders to buy

  1. Einhell GC-KS 2540: The best budget garden shredder. ...
  2. MacAllister MSPH2800D: The best all-round shredder on a budget. ...
  3. Bosch AXT Rapid 2200: The best small garden shredder. ...
  4. Bosch AXT 25 TC: The best electric garden shredder.

❓ How do I choose a chipper shredder?

👉 Choosing a Chipper Shredder

  1. Engine horsepower indicates the power of the machine. More horsepower means greater capability.
  2. Chipper capacity specifies the largest-diameter branches the chipper can handle.
  3. Reduction ratio describes how efficiently the machine reduces yard waste.

❓ Whats the difference between a garden shredder and chipper?

👉 There is often confusion around the general term shredders and chippers as to what these terms mean. Fundamentally a shredder is designed to deal with all the material cut from a tree or bush, a chipper is designed first and foremost to process the waste wood.

❓ What is the best wood chipper for home use?

👉 Best Wood Chippers

  • Best Overall: GreatCircleUSA 3-in-1 Wood Chipper / Mulcher.
  • Best Budget Option: Sun Joe 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper.
  • Best Gas Wood Chipper: Landworks Mini Wood Chipper / Mulcher.
  • Best Electric Wood Chipper: Patriot Products 1.5-HP Electric Chipper.

❓ What is the best electric leaf shredder?

👉 You're likely to find the best leaf mulcher for your needs to make short work of tidying up the yard.

  • BEST OVERALL: WORX WG430 13 Amp Bladeless Electric Leaf.
  • RUNNER UP: BLACK+DECKER (BV6600) 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Mulcher.
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sun Joe SBJ606E-GA-SJB 4-in-1 Electric Mulcher.

❓ How much should I pay for a shredder?

👉 Prices start at $30 or less, and it's often possible to buy a good quality paper shredder for home use for under $100. Meanwhile, heavy-duty models that are designed to handle more paper sheets and offer continuous run-time and higher security typically cost somewhere between a few hundred dollars to $500.

❓ How much HP does a wood chipper need?

👉 Most PTO chippers require at least a 15 horsepower (hp) engine, so they won't work with lawn tractors and other smaller models. Larger chippers often need 30 hp or more.

❓ What can a 6 inch wood chipper handle?

👉 0:112:22How to Properly Use a Wood Chipper | The Home Depot

❓ What should you not put in a chipper?

👉 Wood chippers can handle small branches, larger tree limbs, yard debris, hedge trimmings, and leaves....Avoid putting these items into a wood chipper:

  1. Rocks.
  2. Pinewood with sap.
  3. Woods that are higher on the Janka scale.
  4. Pressure-treated lumber.
  5. Coconut shells.
  6. Long vines.
  7. Rubber.
  8. Palm branches or fronds.

❓ Are electric wood chippers worth the money?

👉 Electric wood chippers, although less powerful than gas-powered chippers, are much more affordable and require less maintenance. They're also light and easy to maneuver. Best of all, because they lack the combustion engine and harmful fumes of gas models, they can be safely used inside your garage.

❓ What do I need to know before buying a wood chipper?

👉 What to Look out for When Buying a Chipper

  • Capacity. What is the maximum size of wood the chipper can chip? ...
  • Blade Quality. A commonly held belief is that more blades (known as flails) in the chip chamber means more chipping power. ...
  • Engine. ...
  • Extra Features to Consider.

❓ How to choose the best leaf Shredder?

👉 With the best leaf shredders, you will not have to worry about carrying all the small & bulky branches or limbs around for disposal. Offering both chopping and shredding options is always a great thing when searching for the best lead shredder, and the Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder does just that.

❓ Should I buy an electric Shredder for my Garden?

👉 If you’re someone who loves to prune the garden, but hates having to deal with the woody material, an electric shredder can make life a lot easier. Rapid shredders slice up organic material, from hedge clippings to plant waste, making it much easier to dispose of or add to your compost bin.

❓ What are the best electric chipper shredders?

👉 After complete research and on the basis of best product reviews, here you will find a list of seven best electric chipper shredders: 1. WORX Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher The WORX WG430 Leaf mulcher can get rid of the big pile of leaves.

❓ What size garden Shredder do I Need?

👉 The best garden shredders should have a cutting width of at least 40 mm, so they can tackle tough branches and trimmings. It’s also vitally important that they don’t jam often. Now, this will be partly down how fast you load garden waste into the shredder, but mainly down to how well the machine performs under strain.


Video Instruction: CHIPPER SHREDDER BASICS