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A garden shredder is a convenient power tool to help shred your garden waste. By passing leaves, sticks and other garden waste through a shredder, you can reduce your garden waste into a more manageable pile that you can use around the garden.
There are tons of garden shredders in the market. Electric models are the most popular because they are easy to use. Petrol-powered units, on the other hand, are more powerful and suitable for heavier-duty tasks. To find the right option for your needs, consider your budget, if you want an electric or petrol option and the shredder's cutting capacity.
Our team has evaluated numerous garden shredders on Amazon and Bunnings to help your buying decision. For this list, we picked models based on customer ratings and reviews. We also considered each shredder's product features when choosing options for each category.
The Ryobi AC 2400W Crushing Shredder comes highly recommended as a top-tier choice for garden shredders. It scores a remarkable 4.6 out of 5 stars on Bunnings.
This powerful machine is equipped with a 45mm cutting capacity, capable of effortlessly shredding large dry branches and foliage. Users have praised it for its silent operation and durable design, confidently turning thick branches and even wet leaves into useful mulch.
However, while this shredder showcases many strengths, it does have a couple of areas where it could improve. First, despite being fitted with two wheels, it can present challenges when moving it around the garden. And it demands unclogging every so often, making the shredding process somewhat time-consuming.
We chose the Ozito 2400W Corded Rapid Garden Shredder as the best cheap option to get online. Despite its affordability, it boasts an impressive 4.2 out of 5-star rating on both Bunnings and eBay.
This shredder has a 35mm cutting capacity and steel reversible blades that enhance cutting performance while prolonging the service life. The debris collection bag provided is a handy addition, simplifying the disposal of shredded material, which can also be used for composting in the garden.
However, potential buyers should know this machine might not be suitable for heavy-duty shredding. Moreover, while its 10:1 mulching ratio is excellent for accelerating composting and providing nutritional value to plants and garden beds, it may not handle denser, harder waste as effectively.
The Michigan Raptor Series 6HP 212cc Petrol Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher stands out as the high-performance option, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Edison.
Its innovative upright design, powered by a robust 6HP 212cc engine, offers maximum efficiency due to its DirectDrive design. This machine can accommodate branches up to 76mm in diameter thanks to its side chute, and its self-feeding design makes it convenient for bushy foliage.
Plus, the heavy-duty steel construction and all-terrain pneumatic wheels ensure durability and ease of movement, while the handy dual-foot brake system enhances safety. But two factors to keep in mind are its relatively high price tag of $1,299 and the somewhat bulky nature of the unit.
Despite these cons, the Michigan Raptor Series comes with a bonus of goggles, ear muffs, and a collection bag, making it a comprehensive package if you're looking for serious power and innovative design in a wood chipper shredder mulcher.
Today's Michigan 6HP 212cc Petrol Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher deals
Deal
19% off Michigan 6HP 212cc Petrol Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
Our team has also chosen the Ryobi AC 2400W Crushing Shredder as the best electric garden shredder. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Bunnings, this option offers plenty of power, allowing you to handle large-diameter dry branches and palm fronds easily. And, with a 45mm cut capacity, it can take on even the toughest jobs in your garden.
Plus, the shredder features a translucent collection bin that allows for easy monitoring of your progress. So you don't need to keep stopping and starting throughout the job. Customers have also praised the machine for its low noise and energy usage, thanks to sensors that detect when there is no load and reduce the motor's RPM accordingly.
However, it's worth noting that this model is not ideal for wet garden off-cuts, as it is designed specifically to handle dry materials. You may also need to invest in an additional battery pack if you plan to use the shredder for long periods.
We also chose the Michigan 6HP 212cc Petrol Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher as the best petrol option. On Edison, it has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
The upright design is paired with a seriously robust 6HP 212cc engine that delivers unparalleled performance. The machine's DirectDrive design ensures maximum efficiency, allowing users to tackle even the toughest wood-chipping tasks with ease. Further enhancing its durability, the Raptor Series boasts heavy-gauge steel construction, ensuring longevity and resilience against wear and tear.
For those concerned about maneuverability, the 12-inch All Terrain Pneumatic Wheels ensure smooth navigation across various landscapes. Safety and utility haven't been overlooked either. The machine sports a convenient dual-foot brake system and side chute for branches up to 76mm in diameter. Additionally, its self-feeding design, featuring a drop-in bowl for bushy foliage, enables effortless operation. Even the packaging is impressive, with a tough reinforced crate ensuring secure delivery.
However, no product is without its drawbacks, and this model is no exception. The owner's manual could be more comprehensive, leaving some initial setup procedures unclear. Additionally, the lack of an electric start option may pose a challenge for some users, especially those unfamiliar with petrol engine equipment.
Today's Michigan 6HP 212cc Petrol Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher deals
Deal
19% off Michigan 6HP 212cc Petrol Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher
The Ozito 2400W Corded Silent Garden Shredder is a fantastic option for composting duties. With a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Bunnings, this shredder is appreciated for its performance, especially considering its price point.
Thanks to its two-wheeled design, it gains top marks for its ease of use, value for money, and portability. It can easily shred plants, sticks, and branches into nutrient-rich waste, courtesy of its 35mm cutting capacity and steel reversible blades.
However, this shredder may not be as durable as some of the higher-end models in the market. Additionally, some users have reported it to be a bit noisier compared to other shredders. Yet, its price and performance continue to make it a popular choice among composting enthusiasts.
Ducar 8HP Petrol Garden Wood Chipper Shredder
Best garden shredder for branches
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Heavy duty
Easy to move around despite being a bit bulky
Cons
May struggle to shred branches larger than 76mm in diameter
Expensive
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, the Ducar 8HP Petrol Garden Wood Chipper Shredder is an exceptional option to efficiently manage garden waste.
This machine is powered by an 8HP OHV 4-stroke 208cc petrol engine. Its high-performance features include a powerful cutting mechanism and heavy-duty 2400rpm blades made of hardened steel. These features ensure it can easily handle tough materials, such as branches and leaves, shredding them down to a manageable size. Additionally, the large, sturdy wheels and handle make it highly portable, allowing effortless maneuvering around the garden.
But know that quality comes at a price, and this wood chipper is no exception. The cost may be a bit steep for some gardeners. Furthermore, despite its high power, the unit might struggle to shred branches thicker than its 76mm (3 in) chipping capacity.
Sun Joe SDJ616 Electric Leaf Mulcher/Shredder
Best garden shredder for leaves
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Bladeless mulching system
Electric-powered and user-friendly
Cons
Needs more space for storage
Collection bag may require frequent emptying
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
The Sun Joe Shredder Joe SDJ616 Electric Leaf Mulcher/Shredder certainly stands out as the best choice for handling leaf waste, bearing a strong Amazon rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Its 13-amp motor combined with a bladeless mulching system proves to be a powerhouse, reducing yard waste to 1/16th of its original size. The device is also environmentally conscious, opting for electric power over gas, thus eliminating harmful emissions.
However, the unit's impressive processing rate of 55 gallons per minute may lead to frequent emptying of the collection bag, which could disrupt workflow. And despite its lightweight and compact design, the Shredder Joe's 19-inch hopper might pose a storage challenge for those with limited space.
Michigan 2500W Electric Mulcher Crushing Garden Shredder Chipper
Best rotary shredder
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Dual-foot brake for better mobility and safety
Easily cuts larger chunks of wood
Cons
High maintenance
Requires frequent oil change
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
The Michigan 2500W Electric Mulcher Crushing Garden Shredder Chipper is our choice for the best rotary option, earning a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Edison.
The Michigan 2500W Electric Mulcher Crushing Garden Shredder Chipper is a remarkable powerhouse when it comes to outdoor maintenance. With its innovative upright design and a whopping 6HP 212cc engine, this machine makes quick work of garden waste. Its DirectDrive design ensures maximum efficiency, while heavy-gauge steel construction promises durability. The unit features 12" All Terrain Pneumatic Wheels and a convenient dual-foot brake system for enhanced mobility and safety.
Its capabilities are further amplified by a side chute for branches up to 76mm in diameter - perfect for those chunkier pieces of foliage. The self-feeding design comes with a drop-in bowl for bushy foliage. All these come in a tough, reinforced crate, and as a bonus, the package includes goggles, ear muffs, and a collection bag - everything needed for a safe and efficient gardening experience.
However, it requires relatively frequent maintenance to maintain optimal working conditions. This may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it does add to the overall time investment. Secondly, the machine requires regular oil changes. The specific oil type needed is 10W-30, and outdoor temperatures will determine the proper oil viscosity for the engine. This might be a bit more hands-on than what some users are accustomed to.
We recommend the GREATBULL 6.5HP Japanese Engine Chipper Shredder/Mulcher as the best high-end model.
This petrol shredder and mulcher is ideal for home or small acreage, providing a powerful motor for all your shredding needs. It features a Briggs & Stratton OHV 6.5HP engine and a dual function design for convenience. Additionally, it has a 75mm cutting capacity and an adjustable discharge chute. You'll also get a 3-year warranty for the engine and a 1-year warranty for the chipper.
While there are tons of more affordable options on the market, this machine offers superb power and cutting ability that lets you turn your garden waste into fine and rich mulch that you can use as fertiliser. It features carbon steel chipping knives and 20 flail hammers as well as a 3.8L fuel capacity. It also has 2 durable wheels for portability. But since the machine is quite heavy, moving it around can be a bit of a challenge.
Amazon prices last updated on 9 December, 2023 at 04:01 pmeBay prices last updated on 9 December, 2023 at 01:06 pm
Methodology
12 Brands considered
40+ Products compared
10 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
We examined numerous garden shredders listed on Amazon and Bunnings for this list. We looked into models from the following brands:
Bosch
Draper
Ducar
GREATBULL
Hansa
Hyundai
Matrix
Michigan
Ryobi
Stihl
Sun Joe
ZRXRY
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of September 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, such as price, ease of use, and cutting capacity. We came up with what we believe are the 9 best garden shredders you can get in Australia right now.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Types of garden shredders
There are a couple of ways to distinguish between the different types of garden shredders available. First, you can choose either an electric or a petrol-powered shredder:
Electric garden shredders. Electric garden shredders are simple to use and provide ample shredding power for most small and medium suburban gardens. They're lightweight, quiet and more affordable than petrol options. However, they don't offer the same high level of cutting power as petrol machines, and they need to be used within reach of a power point.
Petrol-powered garden shredders. If you have a large yard or you regularly need to shred thicker branches, a petrol model may be the way to go. They offer more power than electric shredders and more freedom to move around your yard as needed. However, they are more expensive, heavier and require more maintenance. Also, you'll need to deal with the fumes.
Next, consider how the machine shreds garden waste:
Cutting. Sometimes known as rapid or impact garden shredders, these machines feature a sharp blade designed to chop debris into very fine pieces. They make quick work of your garden waste but can be quite noisy when in use and may not be as suitable for woody debris. They're fairly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around the garden, but you'll have to use a plunger to push waste into the machine.
Crushing. Crushing or roller garden shredders (also known as quiet or silent garden shredders) use rigid rollers or drums to crush garden material and cut it up into little pieces. They are quieter than impact shredders, but they can get clogged when dealing with freshly cut material.
How to compare garden shredders
Before you start shopping for a garden shredder, take some time to think about how you will use the machine. For example, how big is your yard? What's the maximum thickness of the branches you'll need to cut? How often will you be shredding? What's your budget?
Here are the key factors you'll need to take into account when comparing your options:
Price
Petrol models are significantly more expensive than electric garden shredders. Electric models are generally priced between $150 and $500, but can be as much as $800. Heavy-duty petrol-powered shredders start at around the $800 mark and commonly cost more than $1,000.
Ease of use
Head in-store to take a closer look at how practical the shredder will be to use in the real world. Is the feed chute at a convenient height? Are all the controls easy to reach and understand? Will you be able to operate them while wearing gloves? Can you safely access the blades to clear any blockages? Is the opening wide enough for you to easily feed in garden material? How long is the power cord – will you need an outdoor extension lead?
Cutting capacity
Cutting capacity refers to the maximum branch diameter a machine is capable of shredding. This will typically be 40mm or 45mm for electric machines, but a little more for petrol models.
Noise
Another spec worth checking is the machine's noise rating, measured in decibels. Impact shredders are louder than roller shredders and may not be the best choice if your neighbours are particularly sensitive to noise.
Additional features
Material throughput. If you want to know how quickly a machine will be able to process your garden waste, check the specs sheet for a material throughput or shredding capacity figure. This is measured in kilograms per hour.
Mulching or reduction ratio. Some manufacturers will quote a mulching or reduction ratio to give you an idea of how efficient a shredder is at cutting down garden waste. For example, a ratio of 10:1 means that for every 10 bags of garden waste you feed into the machine, you'll get 1 bag of shredded material.
Reverse setting This is a fairly standard feature designed to spit material back out of the shredder if there is ever a blockage.
Plunger. Some models come with a plunger to help you feed garden material into the shredder while keeping your fingers well clear.
Weight and dimensions. Consider the weight of the shredder to find out how easy it will be to move around your garden – they usually come with wheels for better manoeuvrability. You may also want to consider the dimensions of the shredder to ensure that it will fit in your shed or garage.
Collection bag. Does the shredder come with an integrated collection bag or container to catch the shredded garden waste? This will help reduce mess around your yard, and containers generally offer better durability than catching bags.
Warranty. Check whether the shredder comes with a warranty and if so, how long it is and exactly what it covers. Most models come with anywhere between 1 and 5 years of warranty protection.
Garden shredder safety
Safety is an essential consideration when using any garden power tool. Garden shredders can be quite dangerous if used incorrectly, so make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper and safe use.
You'll also need to wear basic safety gear (goggles, ear muffs and gloves) when using one of these machines, and ensure that there are no kids, other people or pets in the immediate area. And if you ever need to clear a blockage, make sure you fully switch off and unplug the unit before you start work.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put weeds in a shredder. Weeds are one of the most common types of garden debris, and putting them in a shredder is an efficient way to dispose of them quickly and easily.
A shredder is designed to cut garden debris into small pieces and can be used for a variety of materials, including weeds. A mulcher uses blades or an impeller to grind the debris into finer pieces than a shredder, so it's more suitable for larger items such as branches and twigs.
The cost of a shredder will depend on the size, brand and features. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 for a simple basic model to several hundred dollars for a more advanced model with additional features.
Yes, you can use a shredder on wet leaves. However, it's important to ensure that the machine is designed for wet material and that the internal components won't be damaged by moisture or water.
A garden shredder is best suited for breaking down smaller and softer wastes like foliage, dry leaves and small branches. A chipper is more heavy-duty, ideal for shredding larger branches and pieces of wood.
Here are a few tips to keep your shredder in great condition:
Make sure to unclog your shredder after each use.
Check if your waste contains stones before shredding.
If you have a petrol machine, check for leaks and regularly change its oil.
Store your machine in a shed to protect it from harsh weather conditions.
Check your manufacturer's manual for maintenance tips for your specific model and make.
Most garden shredders let you shred branches, woody waste, dried vines, clippings and leaves. They can also be used to shred kitchen scraps like eggshells, potato peelings and veggies. Consult your user manual to learn more about the scraps and waste you can shred using your machine.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
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