What type of chipper/shredder to buy?

Hi Everyone, we want to buy a chipper and aren't sure which one to go for so would appreciate hearing about anyone else's experience.

We have a small orchard and are going to be shredding a mix of apple tree prunings with the aim of producing chippings, and also shredding other garden waste and brambles, etc. Looking at chipper/shredder machines, a lot have a hopper at the top to put in the mixed brush and a side feeder shute to feed in slightly larger branches. I'm thinking that any branches that would go in a side shute would have to be pretty straight with no twigs to fit in a side shute, so not suitable for our apple branches. So would a hopper that does both branches and brush be more suitable? But from what I've read, it seems that there are different blades in use for cutting the different materials and blades suitable for chopping branches can be clogged up with brambles and trimmings so is a mixed one any good? You can see that I'm confused!

They are pretty expensive machines and you can spend thousands and our budget is around £600. Does anyone have a similar machine that they can recommend or advice to give please?

 

I bought a Bosch one a few months ago, Its actually better than I thought it might be.

I 've chipped all kinds of tree and shrub in it and only blocked it up once.
Its pretty good at bare branches but can clog with very soft leafy material.

Obviously not industrial, more kind of DIY, but does the job if it does take time to feed the material into it.
Bosch AXT 25 Drum Garden Shredder | Garden Shredders

 

The industrial chippers will pull branches into the machine so any side branches on the main branch most will just bend and get pulled in

The DIY shedders or chippers don't like hard dead wood or hard knots
and lots of wet greens

I've got a Atco 2000 chipper and I've put lots through it, the only problem I have had with it is that I have broken the pressure plate by the chipping cog

 

Thanks both, I think we're looking at one in between DIY and industrial, we have a lot if stuff to clear!

 

I bought myself a shredder, must be twenty years ago. (Last of the big spenders).
I'ts a Bosch. Looks like a wheelie bin. Came complete with ear protectors and plastic thingy to push the debris into the slot. It takes upto 50mm branches. Leaves can be a bit of a problem, especially when wet. I have no complaints. Cost me around £80.00

 

I bought an MTD petrol shredder which works great for dry twigs and branches but clogs up when you feed too many green branches with leaves.

It does a great job but is time consuming if you have a lot to shred. I think it was about £1300 new but there are the same machine on that internet auction site for £300 to £450

 

Thanks, we've been looking at some MTD ones. I think it's not going to be possible to get one which is good for branches and foliage on our budget.

 

Speaking as someone that has no less than three shredders, choosing a shredder is a difficult thing. None of the ones I have will do all of the jobs I need doing.

The biggest, and possibly the best one I have is a 30 year old Bolens, which I re-engined a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, in doing that I had to lose the chipper function. Not so much of a problem, as the newer, more powerful engine means that I can simply put branches through the hopper. It makes a heck of a racket though.

Possibly a solution that is within budget might be to find a secondhand machine and recondition it? Especially those with Tecumseh engines are dirt cheap. Thats due to the engine manufacturer going out of business some years ago.