Comparison VIKING GE 250 vs AL-KO Easy Crush MH 2800

The largest thickness of debris that the shredder can handle normally. This parameter will allow you to evaluate how a particular device is suitable for a particular situation.

Note that the maximum diameter of the crushed material is important for models that allow working with branches (see "Chipping"). But in specialized aggregates for leaves, it is usually not indicated at all: the thickness of the garbage processed in such grinders is, by definition, small, and creating a design that works normally with any “soft” materials is usually not a problem.

The maximum amount of material that the shredder can process per hour. Note that in this case, the possibilities for perfect conditions are usually indicated: homogeneous garbage fed evenly, no interruptions in work, maximum speed (see “Adjusting the speed of the shredder”), etc. In addition, for universal models (see "Crushing"), the throughput is usually indicated for the most "convenient" material — leaves. Nevertheless, this parameter quite clearly characterizes the performance of the grinder.

It is worth choosing a model for throughput taking into account the volume of the proposed work. At the same time, it does not fit to take a certain margin, but it should not be too large — after all, high performance requires appropriate power, which, in turn, affects the dimensions, weight, price and "voracity" of the unit. Specific recommendations on optimal performance values for different situations can be found in special sources.

The speed of rotation of the cutting tool of the chopper (see "Crushing system"). Variable speed models (see below) usually have a maximum RPM value.

In general, the general pattern is as follows: with equal engine power, the higher the speed, the lower the torque (see below), and vice versa. In addition, high speed improves performance (see "Bandwidth"). At the same time, this parameter in most cases is more of a reference value than a practically significant one: manufacturers select the rotation speed in such a way that it provides the claimed throughput and at the same time maintains the torque at a sufficient level for efficient processing of materials that were originally calculated design. Therefore, in some models, revolutions may not be indicated at all, and when choosing, it is worth focus on moments that are closer to practice.

The type of container for the collection of processed mass, provided in the design or delivery set of the grinder.

— Hard. Capacity in the form of a rigid container. Such collectors are very reliable, they carry any kind of debris without any problems — from soft crushed leaves to sharp hard pieces of wood that could pierce soft tissue; in addition, they are more convenient to unload than soft bags. On the other hand, hard boxes are bulky and take up quite a lot of space; in some models, this drawback can be partially compensated by various technical solutions (for example, using a container as a transport case for the upper part of the unit), but this does not change the essence of the problem.

— Soft. Capacity in the form of a soft bag, fabric or polymer. Such collections are extremely convenient in storage and transportation — a rolled bag takes up very little space, moreover, it is usually lighter than a rigid container of the same capacity. On the other hand, soft containers tolerate contact with large sharp particles worse, they are less convenient for unloading, and in many cases it is more convenient to use disposable garbage bags instead of reusable bags (see below for more details).

— Is absent. Absence of any collection in the chopper design/set. This option involves the use of external containers — most often, such models are designed for garbage bags, however, some units are more convenient to use with hard boxes, buckets, etc. On th...e one hand, the absence of a collection implies additional efforts to find it; on the other hand, finding a suitable capacity is usually not a problem, moreover, the user can choose it himself, depending on the specifics of the situation. For example, for recycled leaves, you can take an inexpensive garbage bag, and for wood chips left after thick branches, a box made of solid material is better; for large volumes of work, collections of the corresponding volume are usually required; if the crushed material is intended for export, you can immediately pour it into packaging for transportation (for example, bags), etc.

The capacity of the garbage collector provided in the design or delivery set of the grinder.

The larger the container, the more recycled material the collector can hold and the less often it will have to be emptied. On the other hand, it is not always convenient to carry a large amount of material, and a large container takes up a lot of space — and if for soft bags (see "Type of collection") the latter is relevant only when fully loaded, then rigid containers are bulky by definition. Therefore, when choosing, you should proceed from the optimal compromise between capacity and convenience.

The presence in the design of the grinder pointer, allowing you to monitor the degree of fullness of the garbage bin.

This function in our catalog is indicated for all models, the design of which somehow provides the ability to determine the level of filling of the collection without opening it. The simplest "indicator" options are narrow slots in the top of the container (through which the user can see that the contents have risen almost to the level of the edges) or translucent wall material. There are more advanced options — for example, a sensor with a light alarm. However, anyway, the indicator makes it easier to keep track of the amount of content in the collection, reducing the risk of overflow and related troubles. It is found only in models with rigid containers (see "Type of collector") — in soft bags, you can monitor the fullness without any indicator, and in the absence of a standard collector, this feature depends on the container selected by the user, and not on the capabilities of the chopper.

— Auto feed. Autofeed refers to all systems that somehow ensure the "pulling" of debris into the working mechanism of the unit. Roller chopping systems (see above) by definition have this feature; in other types of shredders, additional mechanisms may be provided specifically for automatic feeding.

— Pusher. The presence of a pusher in the design or delivery set of the unit. The pusher is a device that allows you to manually push the garbage to the working mechanism of the grinder; such devices are specially adapted to the shape and design of the receiving chamber, therefore, when used, they are more efficient and at the same time safer than various improvised means. The pusher can be useful both in the absence of automatic feed and in its presence (see above): it happens that debris gets stuck “on the way” to the tightening mechanism, which requires additional measures from the operator.

— Dual chamber receiver. The presence in the design of the chopper of the receiver, which has two separate chambers. Each of these chambers is designed for its own type of garbage; at the same time, the chopper itself can be both universal and specialized, for branches (see "Chopping"). In the first case, different chambers are designed for different types of debris, in the second — for branches of different thicknesses. Anyway, the dual-chamber receiver simplifies the wo...rk with the universal unit — it reduces the risk of confusing modes for different materials.

— Funnel for foliage. The presence of a special funnel for collecting foliage in the chopper design. Such a funnel usually has the form of a characteristic wide bell, mounted on a swivel mount and laid on the ground during use. In such a socket, as in a scoop, you can sweep the leaves collected with a rake or broom — it's easier and faster than loading them into the chopper with your hands.

— Reverse system. The presence of a reverse function in the chopper design. This function allows you to run the working nozzle in the opposite direction, and its use may vary depending on the chopper model. So, in models with roller shredding systems (see above), the reverse allows you to “spit out” a branch that is too thick or hard and release the jammed mechanism, and in some universal devices (see “Chipping”), by switching the direction, you can choose between modes for different types of debris .

The operating power of the chopper motor, expressed in watts. This designation is used for all electric models (see "Engine type"), but can also be used for gasoline / diesel.

The performance of the unit and its ability to cope with hard and thick branches primarily depend on the engine power. In general, the more powerful the grinder, the more advanced it is considered. However, it should be taken into account here that these moments are also highly dependent on other design features — the specifics of a particular motor, grinding system (see above), etc. Therefore, when choosing, it makes sense to pay attention first of all to the direct performance characteristics, such as the type of material being processed (see "Grinding"), its thickness (see "Maximum diameter of the material being ground"), etc. And the power itself can be useful for a general assessment of a particular model. So, shredders up to 1.5 kW inclusive belong mainly to the entry level, the middle class can carry an engine up to 2.5 kW, and higher rates are typical for professional units. Detailed recommendations on the optimal power for a particular situation can be found in special sources.

The maximum noise level produced by the grinder during normal operation. The comfort of using the unit primarily depends on this indicator: strong noise can be very unpleasant, and at high volume it may even require the use of protective headphones.

Shredders are a rather “loud” type of modern technology, even in the quietest models the noise level is about 83 – 85 dB — this is comparable to the sound background on a busy city street. Note that the decibel is a non-linear quantity, so it is best to use comparison tables to estimate specific noise levels. Here are some guideline values:

• 90 dB — freight car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
• 95 dB — subway car (inside), perforator;
• 100 dB — symphony orchestra, demolition hammer;
• 105 dB — home theater at maximum volume;
• 110 dB — indoor rock concert.