Chippers And Shredders

[piemeister]

having used electric versions and found them unsatisfactory, has anyone experience of a good heavy duty shredder. I have a large garden with lots of shrubs, trees and perennials all of which produce mountains of prunings etc.
I can't really afford to buy on the off chance that I've made a good choice without seeking reliable information first. Any recommendations gratefully received and considered.

[Old_Geezer]

Had a couple of electric ones in my time, not found an issue with them for domestic use. Were the twigs/branches you were trying to chip a bit large for the chipper model you had ?

[piemeister]

Don't think that was the problem, I chose the biggest capacity one at the time. I just need something a bit beefier to cope with the amount. I also found that I was having to stop and clear blockages from the blades too often even though I alternated woody stuff and sappy green material. I'm thinking something with a petrol motor this time.(it may encourage my husband to take on the task ??)
Thanks Old Geezer for your reply

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Pie......you get what you pay for with shredders and they need to be petrol driven,Timberwolf and Bearcat are ok.... if you're serious you will need to pay a few grand for a used one.Why not hire one ...see how it goes and look to buy one.

[piemeister]

That's a good option bright spark. Maybe I could get away with hiring a couple of times a season rather than buying. I could go really big then, the sort a christmas tree takes!!

[Chipchopper]

I've used chippers at both ends of the scale, from the large industrial ones that are towed behind a truck, to the smaller electric ones for the average garden.
Both can be problematic if you push them to their limits, waxy branches like holly can be difficult, as they slip away from the chipping blades, as can branches with thick lateral sub branches that come off at right angles.
After spending a lot at time unblocking the blades (power off of course), I've learnt to be very choosey about what I feed into the hopper!.
Probably one of the larger petrol driven, garden types would suit your needs.
what ever you deside.....Good luck Chip.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Pie......unless you use it every week hiring is the best option....if you're chipping anything above 2" straight...you will need a 6hp or above, anything less and its quicker to use the cheese grater from the kitchen drawer :-)

[Hymie]

I bought this one from B&Q last year (based on posted reviews) and would recommend it.

http://www.diy.com/departments/bq-value-electric-2500-w/212650_BQ.prd

I found it to be very good, despite its price.

[piemeister]

Thankyou all for your advice and experiences. I'm going down the hire route at least until I'm sure that buying one is the way to go.