Garden grass shredder: a rational solution for your garden

Conventional garden shredders, which are good for chopping branches, do not cope well with green mass , that is, leaves, tops and grass.

Therefore, manufacturers of garden equipment have created a special class of devices that are ideal for recycling leaves and grass.

In this article we will talk about the operating principle of such devices, and also highlight the best models.

In addition, we will talk about other devices that are not marketed as grass and leaf shredders, but are well suited for the job.

What kind of device, scope of purpose

As soon as the first rays of the spring sun warm the earth, gardeners go out to fight excess vegetation on their site, which interferes with the development of useful crops.
But weeding, thinning, and cleaning dry leaves and grass ends up cluttering the area with garbage, which not only spoils the appearance of the landscape design, but can also cause numerous plant diseases.

What to do in such a situation? Leaving garbage is unacceptable, and burning it is a risky business due to the introduction of a ban on burning grass within city limits according to the new Russian legislation.

It is unprofitable to remove garbage at your own expense, and it is a pity to lose raw materials for such valuable compost. And here a unit such as a chopper becomes simply irreplaceable, which will simultaneously solve all problematic issues.

A garden grass shredder is a new word in agricultural technology that makes it much easier to work on a plot of land and forget about the headache of getting rid of unnecessary grass. Representing a container with a number of blades and a powerful motor, this unit is capable of grinding any herb in a matter of seconds.

Weeds, thorns, dead wood, leaves and other debris are processed into fine compost, which no longer takes up much space, but is stored for further use as fertilizer for garden beds.

If you do not need to fertilize the site, it will not be difficult to pack excess compost into bags and remove it from your territory, which was simply impossible with those piles of plant debris that were weeds before processing.

If wood chips are processed, they are often used as fuel. Wood chips, processed through a grinder, are formed into pellets and become an excellent type of heating fuel, replacing firewood and coal. If you wish, you can form pellets at home.

Thus, there are many advantages from purchasing a shredder, which is why it has gained worldwide popularity and is becoming increasingly in demand in our country, not only in large farms, but also in private landholdings.

What is the difference between shredding garden waste and shredding wood?

To answer this question, you need to understand how green mass differs from wood.
The fibers of even freshly cut wood are very hard and also tightly connected to each other, so a lot of force is required to act on them .

When a knife passes through wood, it cuts it, because the fibers cannot bend after it.

The situation with green mass is different - even dry tops, not to mention grass and leaves, are so mobile that they wrap around the separating/cutting knives, which is why in conventional garden shredders you have to chop the green mass only together with the branches.

The latter, due to their rigidity, clean the knives by pushing the chopped green mass through the slots of the disk. Therefore, recycling green mass in garden shredders is ineffective, because the relatively slowly rotating knife does not cut, but crumples and wraps it around itself.

To effectively grind leaves, grass and tops, the speed of action must be much higher so that due to inertia, the fibers do not have time to bend and wrap around the cutting element.

In addition, the size of the holes for the exit of the chopped mass must be much larger so that the chopped leaves and grass can fall through, being located not only vertically, but also horizontally.

Device

At the moment, there is a wide variation in the choice of shredder models, but despite this, their design principle is similar, the difference lies only in the size of the device and optional features.

A standard shredder has the following structure:

• Metal body. An important condition for a shredder is its reliability and durability, and therefore heavy-duty metals are used for its manufacture. Polymers can also be used to produce the body of the unit. Often the body is mounted on a frame equipped with wheels. This is done to make it easier to move the device around the land plot.
• The heart of a shredder is its motor. This can be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
• The grinding process is carried out through a cutting mechanism powered by a drive.

• To make loading grass and leaves a simple matter, the unit is equipped with a loading bowl or, as it is also called, a loading hopper. As a rule, the bowl has the shape of a funnel, which makes it much easier to load plant debris into the shredder.
• The device also has a receiving hopper where the processed plant mixture is supplied. You can attach the bag to the receiving hopper, so you don’t have to waste time on arranging the mixture, or you can directly throw the mixture away during processing in the areas of your garden you need. There are models that allow you to adjust the direction and height of spreading the crushed mixture, which is also very convenient and saves time on gardening work.

The third way to create a chopper using improvised means

In fact, this method is completely simple. At the same time, it can be made from almost any available means, such as:

· Electric motor (pump), powered by a 220 V power supply, and which can make three thousand revolutions per minute. (For example, this could be an Agidel pump).

· An old aluminum pan.

· Unnecessary hacksaws for wood carving that have already served their purpose. They can be used to make excellent and functional grass cutting knives.

· You also need to come up with a button that will start the motor. In this case, a button from an old washing machine is perfect.

· Also prepare an electrical cord and plug for connection to the electrical outlet.

You can also view photos that don’t even make sense to comment on. Everything about them is extremely clear and understandable.

Types of engines, pros and cons

Shredders come complete with either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Both options have their own operating nuances, advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at this issue.

Electric motor

More often used for oversized units for home use, whose power does not exceed 2.6 kW. For a dacha or a compact garden not exceeding 6-7 acres in area, this is a completely acceptable option that will cope with the task assigned to it in eliminating plant waste.

The undeniable advantage of such devices is their lightness: it will not be difficult to move the unit around the site and power it from the mains. In addition, electrical devices are easy to operate and do not require special skills. Maintenance is also reduced to a minimum. But in the conditions of large farms or greenhouses, a shredder with an electric drive will no longer be functional.

In addition, the device is dependent on the power supply, which becomes somewhat problematic when working in large areas - you will need an extension cord, and this will limit the user’s freedom of action. Along with this, there are weather restrictions when working with an electric shredder due to the danger of electric shock: the unit cannot be operated in rain or high humidity.

Chopper with petrol engine

This is the most rational choice for “field” conditions, when there is no possibility of power supply from the mains, and the amount of work significantly exceeds the standard six hundred square meters of the average dacha.
Devices equipped with a gasoline power unit attract attention with their autonomy and unpretentiousness.

Most often, a two-stroke motor is installed on a device of this type, which is distinguished by its reliability, durability and increased power.

So processing tons of grass from the field will no longer be the limit of fantasy, but a very real task that your shredder will be able to do.

But the disadvantages include the fact that when working with a gasoline shredder, you must have basic skills in its operation. In addition, you will have to regularly check the condition of air and gasoline filters, spark plugs and carry out technical work. Although, if you wish, you can learn all this quickly enough.

Diesel shredders

As a rule, diesel engines come complete with professional-level equipment. The advantage of this type of unit is its high operating power: the chopper can operate without failures or shutdowns for many hours.

In addition, a positive point is the ability of diesel units to operate at low speeds.

But, like any unit, the diesel option also has its negative sides: firstly, it is a higher price compared to the two options listed above. Secondly, diesel models are large, and therefore are extremely rarely used in households.

It is extremely difficult to transport a diesel model on your own, so this is an excellent option for large farms, but not for private use.

If you still want to purchase a diesel model because of its high performance characteristics, you can turn your attention to equipping it with a mobile unit equipped with a high-power three-phase electric motor. In this case, it will be possible to move the unit around the site, which means its use will become more rational in the conditions of private land ownership.

Necessary materials

To make a garden shredder with your own hands, you need time, tools, and materials. Homemade will not be cheap when you have to buy everything. The costs will be recouped if the cost of the unit you make yourself is 3-4 times less than the factory equivalent.

Engine

The engine power determines the thickness of the processed branches and the duration of continuous operation.

The presence of a three-phase electrical network is a prerequisite for the operation of powerful electric motors.

2 pulleys

Bearings, sprockets, gears, pulleys are selected so that the gear ratio provides the required rotation speed of the main shaft. The optimal value is 1500 rpm.

If the electric motor has 2800 rpm, then to reduce the value to 1400 rpm. install two pulleys of a certain diameter:

• slave - 200 mm,
• leading - 100 mm.

It is more profitable for V-belt transmission to grind pulleys into 3-4 grooves. By rearranging the belt, you can adjust the speed.

Circular saws or cutters

To make a high-quality package 6-10 cm long, take 15-25 cutters or saw blades. The axle is selected according to the bore diameter; if the discs have a diameter of 20 mm, then use an M20 stud. To prevent the teeth from catching during operation, homemade plastic washers are inserted between the discs.

2 bearings

A pulley is put on the M20 stud axle. The part is taken from a VAZ generator and pump. To ensure rotation there are 2 bearings. The internal diameter of the parts is 20 mm.

Profile pipe in meters

The cutting unit, consisting of an axle and circular saws, and the engine are mounted on a frame welded from profile metal pipes. The size is determined taking into account the dimensions of the nodes. The motor and the shaft with circular saws must be spaced apart from each other.

The longer the belt, the lower the transmission efficiency.

The thrust block is made of a metal profile and welded to the frame.

Sheet metal for body and hopper

The body is made of iron sheet 5 mm thick, this material is the most reliable. The container with a socket for feeding branches is made of galvanized steel; it is flexible and meets the technical requirements for this structural element. The frame is made of pipes or channel. The height is calculated based on the height of the operator.

Choosing the right one

The most important thing you need to pay attention to when purchasing a unit is the power supply and power. Decide whether you need an easier-to-use, but mains-dependent, electric shredder or a heavier, but field-operating gasoline shredder.

Also examine the grinding system of the device. It can be milling or disk. The first option is more expensive, but has a wider scope of application and is characterized by high reliability and durability. The second one is cheaper, but is not able to cope with a large volume of work, and if branches get into it, the device will not be able to cope with them and may even fail.

What else is worth paying attention to

When choosing a shredder, you should pay attention to the following points:

• How convenient is the receiving hopper? Different models offer their own receiver design: it can be located at an angle or vertically. Premium models allow you to adjust the position of the receiver. Choose the option that will be most convenient for you for your work.

• The kit should include a pusher, which greatly facilitates the work of loading plant debris.

The lack of a pusher in the model can lead to serious injury because pushing grass into the shredder yourself is dangerous.

• If you are looking for a unit that will make your work as easy as possible, then pay attention to models that are equipped with guide ribs. At the same time, some models have a cross-shaped or slot-shaped receiver - such technical features improve the operation of the unit and make it easier to load large volumes of grass, as well as branchy branches.

• Mid- and premium-class options are usually equipped with a function for differentiating the output raw materials. This becomes very convenient if, for example, you need one fraction of raw materials for compost, and another for the formation of pellets for stove heating.

• Removable bags and a translucent hopper for waste grass can be considered as useful additions.

In addition, many modern grinders are equipped with a mechanical system for automatically feeding waste raw materials into the hopper. In this case, the work is done extremely simply, you just need to lower the plant debris into the funnel, and the device will do the rest for you.

A useful feature is also the ability to adjust the speed of rotation of the knives (or line), this becomes especially important when you need to adjust the type of raw material being processed.

How to make your own herb grinders

Grinding weeds is a labor-intensive process, which can be greatly simplified by making a device. The basis of the unit is a bucket, a washing machine, and power tools.

From the bucket

The bucket is bolted to the tabletop. To fix the motor and output the shaft where the knife is installed, holes are drilled in the bottom. A hole is made in the side of the container and covered with metal plates. This is the outlet for chopped grass.

When connecting the motor to a 220 V power source, the knives will rotate quickly, so it is recommended to connect to 40 V. The power source is a car battery.

From a vacuum cleaner

The design is complex, so you can’t do it without tools. The device is made from Typhoon vacuum cleaners. The electrical device is easy to use. The design of the vacuum cleaner allows for the release of chopped greenery without turning off the power.

If there is no Typhoon, install a motor of 180 W. Hacksaw blades are used as blades. A sleeve for mounting blades 4 cm long is cut into the wall of the housing.

Holes are made in the housing for the platform where the finished unit is installed. The engine is mounted at the bottom of the structure. The knives are screwed on with nuts.

From the washing machine

The unit is identical to that made from a vacuum cleaner. Initially, the washing machine tank is cut off. The height of the container in which the raw materials are placed should be up to 60 centimeters. The top hole of the tank will require a cover or rubber casing. Otherwise, the grass will fly in different directions.

A metal corner 50 cm long will be required to install the legs. Holes for bolts are made in it. Knives are attached to the axle. They can be installed in several rows. They are fixed with bolts or self-tapping screws.

Several holes are drilled on the sleeve. Their diameter must be at least 7 mm. Connect the bushing to the engine with bolts. To install the engine, the housing is turned over and several studs are prepared. Several holes must be made in the housing (depending on the number of clamps). The blades are put on the sleeve, being sure to fix it. This can be done with ordinary nuts.

The blades should not touch the inside of the container or become loose.

The power cable is connected to the motor contacts. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the color of the insulation of the conductors matches. The connection is covered with insulating tape or silicone tube.

A hole is cut in the container to throw out the chopped greens. The outlet is located 20 mm below the level of the knives. Finally, the device is installed on a stand, and the legs are attached to the metal axis.

To use this unit, grounding is required.

From the Bulgarian

Take an angle grinder with any power rating.

• First, they assemble the platform from the box. To make it I use wood or metal. A cutout in the form of an arch is made in one of the sides of the structure.
• A hole is cut into the bottom of the box. It should be 50-70 mm larger than the working part of the power tool.
• The grinder is attached from the inside of the box. In this case, the blades are located above the bottom. For fixation, it is recommended to use flexible clamps or clamps.
• The bottom of a metal bucket is cut out. Install it above the knives. Fix the bucket with brackets and metal corners, securing it with hardware, such as bolts and nuts.

How it works: put weeds in a container and turn on the grinder. Rotating knives chop the weeds, which, after chopping, fall into the box. Remove the crushed feed with a shovel.

From a drill

They create a grass cutter based on a steel body or a hopper. The design is complemented by a protective cover, knives, shaft, stool, bearings with a housing.

1. A hole is drilled in the stool. Its diameter should be 12 cm. From the inside of the stool, fix the body, and then the bearings.
2. Holes are drilled in an old bucket (12 cm in diameter). It is placed on a stool and screwed with hardware.
3. P18 steel is used to create a diamond-shaped blade. It cuts fresh grass better. It is recommended to sharpen the edge at an angle.
4. The blades are secured to a shaft inserted into a bearing.
5. At the bottom of the stool, a drill is connected, which is connected to the shaft shank using a clamping chuck.

The grass is placed in a bucket and then the drill is turned on. After grinding the raw materials, the tool is removed.

Question answer

Which shredder is better, electric or gasoline?

It all depends on how you are going to use it. If for country work, on a small plot of no more than six to seven acres, then it would be better to choose an electric one. If the unit is needed for a farm or large areas of land, then a gasoline unit will be more convenient.

Can branches be processed in a grass shredder?

It is forbidden. It is necessary to operate the shredder based on its technical capabilities.

Is a herb grinder used to process grain?

Yes, many models provide for chopping, in addition to grass, hay, dead wood and grain. But this needs to be clarified in the technical characteristics of the unit you are interested in.

What is the difference between milling and disk shredders?

The milling machine is capable of handling a large volume of work and can grind branches. Disc is intended exclusively for grass and only to the extent specified in the technical specifications.

Is it possible to adjust the fractions of the processed mixture in the shredder?

Yes, many modern models provide for setting fractions, which is very convenient if you need to sort ground grass or grain for different purposes.

Most popular models

We have prepared a table that includes the most popular models of grass and leaf shredders: