Max. shredded material diameter
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.
Material throughput
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.
Torque
The maximum torque provided by the chopper motor. This parameter can be described as the force applied to the working tool. The higher this force, the easier it is for the unit to cope with complex materials, primarily hard and thick branches, the larger, usually, the maximum diameter of the crushed material (see above). However to ensure high torque and power, you need the appropriate one. Therefore, this indicator is selected by manufacturers taking into account the specialization of the chopper: for example, a model for leaves simply does not need the same high effort as a professional unit for branches.
Garden shredder speed adjustment
The ability
to change the speed of rotation of the working element of the grinder. This gives additional options for adjusting the unit to suit the situation. For example, for a simple material, you can set a high speed so as not to spend a lot of time processing it. But when working with large thick branches, it is better to reduce the speed — firstly, to provide higher torque, and secondly, in order to reduce the risk of overload and breakage during jamming and provide more time to react in such situations.
Motor power
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.
Noise level
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.
