Chipper/Shredder Advice

[Martinr]

Having tried to start a forest fire last week and having to call the fire bigade out the time has come to invest in a chipper/shredder for our substantial prunings instead of having bonfires.

Any advice on makes/models/power/operating mechanism welcomed. Needs to be capable of chipping branches at least 3 inches in diameter, preferably a bit more

Thanks

[Maggi Young]

We  have a Mountfield shredder, powered by a 5hp Briggs & Stratton engine. It's very good indeed.

I see that there are quite a few models on the market now with 6.5hp Briggs & Stratton engines and if you can go for one of these I'd recommend that. Not sure if the 6.5hp engine will chip as large as 3 inch  (75mm plus)branches. They will do 50mm I think.
Petrol motor  is far superior to electric types, in our opinion.

[Maggi Young]

Mmmmm.... prices seem to have risen , rather, since we got ours.....
http://www.growsonyou.com/retailer/GB/guide/garden-shredders shows quite a range, with only one, available from "Crocus" at "our" price level...http://www.growsonyou.com/shop/product/24535  £499.99
We paid about £500 for ours many years ago  and this has the larger engine so it seems reasonable value.
One of the fancier jobs with moveable hopper feeds seems a great idea, I must say  

I just don't know how anyone can bear to burn good garden 'waste' that could become fabulous mulch or compost? So messy and wasteful... when you end up buying in mulch etc.

[John85]

Martin,
Are you going to use it several times a year?If you use it only twice a year I'd rent it.For shredding more than 3'' you 'll need 20 hp.May be you have a tractor with a PTO?My shredder is a 10 hp and cut branches of 11/2''.
Diesel engines are better than petrol for the same hp as they have more torque and are cheap to run but expensive to buy.So renting may be the cheapest solution.

[David Nicholson]

Having tried to start a forest fire last week and having to call the fire bigade out the time has come to invest in a chipper/shredder for our substantial prunings instead of having bonfires.

Good!

signed
Fireman Sam.

[Martinr]

Having tried to start a forest fire last week and having to call the fire bigade out the time has come to invest in a chipper/shredder for our substantial prunings instead of having bonfires.

Good!

signed
Fireman Sam.

There's always one cheeky b****r

[David Nicholson]

Having tried to start a forest fire last week and having to call the fire bigade out the time has come to invest in a chipper/shredder for our substantial prunings instead of having bonfires.

Good!

signed
Fireman Sam.

There's always one cheeky b****r

You called?

[Lesley Cox]

I'm pleased with your decision Martin. Your avatar pic shows you are WAY too young to be playing with fire.

[John85]

Martin
If you buy one don't forget to check the quality of the work:some are more volume reducers .The chips are too big and not crushed enough for compost making.
Check also the speed:some are so slow that it takes ages to shred a big pile!!!
To give a good advice a bit more info is needed(quantity of wood,type.....)
And Maggi is right:don't waste a valuable source of humus!

[Martinr]

John, copious prunings from shrubs small and large, tree saplings, broken branches from mature trees, mostly Sycamore, Ash & Horse Chestnut. Lots of Holly branches and trees. Wood from shrubs often 3-4 years old and approx 2.5 inches in diameter (very approx). I want speed but I'm not too bothered if chips are a little big. They can be used as mulch/path covering rather than compost.

[John85]

Martin,
Have a look at the Eliet shredder:The minor is too small for you ,the major could do if you take the biggest bits out (sell some logs!),the pro is ideal but expensive.The cheapest option is a major on a pto if you have or can borrow a tractor.I have used them professionally for many years.They do a good job and are sturdy,unfortunately they are pricy.But you cann't buy a Rolls for the price of a mini!
How big is your pile?Produced just once a year?

[Maren]

Hi, I've been toying with this one. But you'll need a nice big shed to keep it in. http://www.abbeygardensales.co.uk/shredders-chippers/commercial-chippers/showitem-FF10DLE.aspx

[Martinr]

Thanks John, I'll do some more research, the Eliet major would certainly do the job but is a bit expensive. I'd like to keep under £1000 if I can.

Maren, that is one serious big boys toy

[Martinr]

Now...what could this be

[Martinr]

Well, after much research and a complete busting of the original budget this 11HP beast arrived today. Only time will tell if it was the right choice. Definitely a big boy's toy