In autumn, a lot of work awaits the garden owner, especially if there are many deciduous trees on the property or the adjacent piece of road also has to be cleared of autumn leaves. Garden tools such as leaf blowers or leaf shredders help with this strenuous work. You can find out in our article what you need a leaf shredder for and what you should pay attention to when buying such a device.
A shredder speeds up the rotting process
Our recommendations
our recommendation
GARDENA ErgoJet 3000 garden vacuum/blower: Leaf blower/vacuum with 3000 W motor power, 170 l/s suction power, 310 km/h blowing speed, with shredder and collection bag, incl. shoulder strap (9332-20)
107.00 EUR To the product| drive type | electric (mains operation) |
|---|---|
| power | 3000 watts |
| leaf collection bag | 45 liters volume |
| Dimensions | 54 x 29.5 x 36 centimeters |
| Weight | 4.5 kilograms |
| particularities | Suction power 170 liters / second |
The "ErgoJet 3000" garden vacuum/blower with integrated shredder (€199.99) from Gardena receives a particularly high number of very good customer ratings. With this device, you can vacuum or blow the leaves as required, and thanks to the tool-free ClickFit technology, you can switch back and forth between the two functions as you wish. In addition, a stable metal turbine and chopping wheel is integrated, which shreds sucked leaves and other items in a ratio of 16:1, thus significantly reducing the volume. More fits in the 45 liter leaf bag, and shredded waste and chopped leaves compost faster. Depending on whether you want to suck or blow, use different attachments, which are also included in the scope of delivery.
our recommendation
WORX 3000W electric leaf blower & leaf vacuum with mulcher/leaf vacuum 3-in-1 device WG505E incl. 45L collection bag, 335km/h, 600m³/h (DOES NOT NEED BATTERIES)
99.99 EUR To the product| drive type | electric (mains operation) |
|---|---|
| power | 3000 watts |
| leaf collection bag | 45 liters volume |
| Dimensions | 89 x 48 x 19 centimeters |
| Weight | 4.1 kilograms |
| particularities | 3-in-1 device |
Leaf vacuum, leaf blower, mulcher and shredder in one: With this device you can create order in the garden in no time at all. You also have the choice between two versions: WG505E works electrically with mains operation, i. H. You need an outlet. The WG547E variant, on the other hand, works wirelessly with a battery. The leaf blower is easy to use, you can quickly switch between the different functions and even regulate the speed manually. The shredding wheel is made of metal and shreds leaves and other waste before they end up in the 45 liter collection bag. An adjustable shoulder strap is also included.
our recommendation
STIHL SH 86 C-E suction shredder/leaf blower
572.87 EUR To the product| drive type | petrol |
|---|---|
| power | k. A |
| leaf collection bag | 45 liters |
| Dimensions | k. A |
| Weight | 5.6 kilograms |
| particularities | suitable for large areas |
The SH 86 C-E suction shredder from STIHL can also be used as a leaf blower. The product is particularly suitable for large areas, especially since the powerful two-stroke engine runs on fuel and is therefore particularly durable. The number of rotation stages can be infinitely adjusted. In their reviews, numerous Amazon customers are very satisfied and praise both the strong suction effect and the good handling of the device, which can be operated well with just one hand thanks to the ergonomically shaped handle. The controls for the motor control are integrated in the handle, and a carrying strap also makes work easier. The suction shredder is supplied with a round and a flat nozzle.
Purchase Criteria
purpose of use
Whether and which leaf shredder is suitable depends on which area and which material you want to process with it. Petrol-powered devices are particularly suitable for large garden areas, as they provide the most power. Electrically operated devices - regardless of whether they are corded or battery-powered - are better used in small to medium-sized gardens. It is also important what you want to shred: Most shredders can easily handle leaves and tree fruits such as chestnuts or acorns. With many devices, however, the chopping of smaller pieces of wood becomes problematic.
drive type
electric leaf shredder: Electrically operated leaf shredders require a cable and a power source, ergo a socket. Therefore, their radius of action is limited to the cable length and the position of the socket, but can be extended with a suitable cable. Electric shredders do not emit any exhaust gases and work comparatively quietly.
Cordless leaf shredder: Battery-powered leaf shredders do not require a cable and are also quite quiet. However, the battery only has a limited runtime and must be recharged regularly. Cordless tools are therefore primarily suitable for small gardens and front gardens.
Petrol leaf shredder: Gasoline-powered leaf shredders are particularly powerful and powerful, but also very noisy. They do not require a power source or cable to operate, just gasoline or another fuel (some models run on a fuel mix).
Cutting blade / cutter
When buying, make sure that the cutting blades or the cutting mechanism of the leaf shredder is made of metal. Plastic blades are not very suitable, because small stones, hard chestnuts and acorns or twigs can also be found between the soft leaves. A plastic knife cannot cope with this, but breaks on it. Stainless steel knives are particularly recommended, as they will eventually come into contact with wet leaves.
functions
Leaf shredders are usually integrated into a leaf vacuum, which sucks up the leaves and shreds them immediately. This function is sometimes also described as "mulching" and the device as "mulcher" because the heavily shredded leaves are easier to compost. Many of these devices can also be used as a leaf blower or blower by being able to switch them around. Two nozzles should be included in the scope of delivery: the round nozzle is used for vacuuming and the flat nozzle for blowing.
Weight
Since you carry the leaf shredder while you work, the device should not be too heavy - otherwise you tire too quickly and could also develop muscle and back problems. Many cordless and electrical devices weigh between three and four kilograms, which is quite a burden for longer work. Gasoline devices are even heavier and weigh around five to six kilograms, but you still have to add the fuel to be filled in. Alternatively, you can also use a lawn mower with a mulching function or a vacuum cleaner with a shredder for pushing.
equipment
Handling the leaf shredder is easier if the device has an adjustable carrying strap: You can simply hang it over your shoulder and have your hands free for work. Models in which the various operating options are located on the handle are particularly practical.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
Which brand manufacturers offer recommended leaf shredders?
If you want to buy a high-quality and durable leaf shredder, you should stick to well-known brand manufacturers such as Stihl, Güde, Makita, Bosch or Black & Decker. These companies have been market leaders for decades. But the garden manufacturer Gardena also offers very good products. Manufacturers such as Fuxtec, Atika or IKRA are less well-known but cheaper.
How much does a good leaf shredder cost?
The price of a high-quality leaf shredder depends primarily on the brand, the type of drive and the integrated functions. Petrol engines are particularly expensive and can cost up to 500 euros. At around 120 to 200 euros, electricity and battery-powered devices are significantly cheaper.
Do you need a leaf shredder at all?
You "need" neither leaf vacuums nor leaf shredders, but can also do the work with a lawn mower or with a leaf rake and shovel. However, the finely chopped leaves have the advantage that on the one hand they take up less space on the compost heap and on the other hand they decompose much faster, i. H. turns into valuable hummus.
Why should you remove foliage?
Leaves should always be removed from lawns, as the lawn underneath cannot breathe and is damaged over the winter. In the worst case, the grass dies or even begins to grow mold. On the other hand, leaves must be removed from sidewalks and in public spaces, as they are a source of accidents - one could slip on them and demand compensation from you, the responsible garden owner.
Where can you buy leaf shredders?
You can get leaf shredders in any hardware or garden store (e.g. Bauhaus, Hagebau, Toom, Obi or Hornbach), where you can take a close look at your favorite device and take it with you right away. However, you have a larger selection online - especially since not everything is always in stock in stationary shops - and you can compare the type, equipment, performance and price of the different models at your leisure.