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Post by lilolpeapicker on Oct 24, 2015 13:29:45 GMT -5
Looking toward next year I am thinking of getting a shredder. I don't have the power to break down some of the tougher plant stems and vines to put them back into the ground or into the compost. So what do you have to do this job? Do you use a shredder? Can it do small branches or thicker bush stems, like when one is trimming? Does yours make a lot of noise when it is shredding?
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Post by datgirl on Oct 24, 2015 13:35:24 GMT -5
The one we have just shreds leaves. It attaches to the lawnmower. Dh would love to have one of those heavy shredders to do branches and brush.
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Post by binnylou on Oct 24, 2015 14:27:01 GMT -5
As for noise level, I don't find it objectionable when hubby uses it. You could use ear plugs/muffs to protect your hearing. The leaf/twig debris that falls off the oak tree on to the deck shreds just fine...but don't expect it to do sticks. We used to have a shredder/chipper that would do up to 2" limbs. It had the tray that laid on the ground and leaves could be raked into it from below or you could chop/shred through a spout on the top. It was a real workhorse, but hubby developed shoulder problems and had trouble starting it. Then it died. We've talked of looking for something that would attach to the tractor...and then I get to thinking of the movie Fargo..... This is the shredder/vac I got for My birthday. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FREQC10?keywords=bv6000&qid=1445714131&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
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Post by brownrexx on Oct 24, 2015 18:40:26 GMT -5
I just use a lawn mower and the compost pile.
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Post by desertwoman on Oct 24, 2015 18:51:11 GMT -5
I have a vacuum/shredders/ (and blower) just like yours, binny and I LOVE it. Hubby got it for me for Christmas one year. I din't even know I wanted one until he got it for me!
It can be a little heavy so sometimes I rake the leaves into a few piles and then vacuum. And I empty the bag when it is half full. And sometimes I blow the leaves into a pile first (depending on how macho I am feeling that day!)
It makes a beautiful leaf mulch that I dump on the beds and into the compost pile.
I've never had a chipper, but it's one of those things I say I'm going to get some day. I think that is something that makes a great share. Get a couple of friends/neighbors to pitch in and share it.
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Post by lilolpeapicker on Oct 24, 2015 19:28:12 GMT -5
Do these vacuum/shredders work on tomato stems? cornstalks? My lawnmower doesn't do well with cornstalks and tomato stems.
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Post by binnylou on Oct 24, 2015 20:40:40 GMT -5
Hubby has four 55 gallon barrels filled with double shredded leaves plus a garbage can of the same. I told him he could start filling lawn bags for next spring mulching. Looking forward to adding to the raised bed, plus there is another raised bed being planned...doing the keugel thing.
I'm hoping that I have some to add to the compost pile after I get everything done. I'm still working on harvesting/sifting compost. I probably have three or four more wheelbarrow loads left in the compost pile. Then I can start adding new stuff.
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Post by desertwoman on Oct 24, 2015 22:12:37 GMT -5
I sort of doubt it, pea. They do well with the leaves, but there was something I tried it on (can't remember exactly what that was now ) and it didn't do too good a job.
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Post by kimmsr🕊 on Oct 25, 2015 6:35:33 GMT -5
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Post by Mumsey on Oct 26, 2015 18:54:02 GMT -5
We had never owned a blower or shredder. I decided this year I was not about to rake leaves forever. So we bought a blower. At least I can get them in to a pile, then mulch with mower or move to garden beds. We studied several and decided we did not want electric. Hate cords. Did not want gas, mixing oil/gas is a pain and eventually you have problems starting them. So we opted for a battery operated one, 56V lithium. So far it has been great, charge lasts an hour. Enough for me. It has way more power than I need and I usually run it at 1/2 full power. Could not find a battery one that also shreds, so this is the next best thing.
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Post by binnylou on Oct 26, 2015 19:59:00 GMT -5
I love those battery operated tools. We have a small leaf blower, weed whacker, chain saw, 2 drills and a flashlight that all use the same rechargeable batteries. I'm good for about 5 of the batteries with the weed whacker and then I'm shot. The leaf blower is great for cleaning out the bug zapper.
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Post by binnylou on Aug 26, 2019 19:16:03 GMT -5
Anybody have experience with a dr electric start gas powered chipper? Hubby is lusting for a chipper again. Some days he think it’s a good idea. The next day, not so good. I have to admit, I like the idea of being able to chip up some of the small stuff that goes to the burn pile.
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Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Aug 26, 2019 22:21:10 GMT -5
binnylou , your husband isn't the only one lusting for that shredder. I've seen photos in one of my gardening magazines and really wanted to explore getting one. My problem would just be getting it in my small car; I'd have to rent a U-haul to get it home, although I'm not even sure if it can be bought locally.
One concern thought would be whether the cost justifies the use. Most of the brush I cut is from junk trees, and I really con't want them in a compost pile - they might root and then I'd have to pull them out.
Dad had a shredder with an angled top. I vaguely remember him using it for small sticks. What I also vaguely remember is the jams that occurred, but that's just a flitting memory.
After getting used to a battery powered edger, I now don't want any more gas powered machines. It's just so much easier to charge the battery, and I don't have to fiddle with pulling a cord, which sometimes is a problem b/c of an unhealed rotator cuff injury. Batteries are so much cleaner as well.
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Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Aug 28, 2019 21:18:32 GMT -5
binnylou, did you make a decision on a shredder?
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Post by binnylou on Aug 28, 2019 21:19:30 GMT -5
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