The best professional thermal shredders in the UK 2023

You are thinking of buying a shredder, but not just any shredder, as you have a large area to work on. The professional thermal shredder is the most suitable solution for this type of work. Ecological and efficient, this type of machine differs in its cutting system, which can be knife or flail, or in the way it discharges the shredded vegetation. Consult this comparison to learn more.

Zipper ZI-HAEK11000 1
8/10

Best value for money

Zipper ZI-HAEK11000

The best thermal shredder in 2021

With a power of 9000 W and a 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, this gasoline-powered shredder is perfectly suited for large gardening and sanitation jobs. It can shred up to 120 mm in diameter.

1 351 £ on Amazon

The Zipper ZI-HAEK11000 is a professional quality, ultra powerful, robust and ergonomic thermal shredder. It has a 1-cylinder, 4-stroke petrol engine with 9,000 W of power. Thanks to the 2,000 rpm rotation speed of the blade, it quickly shreds all organic waste that accumulates in your garden up to 120 mm in diameter. It has 2 reversible blades that can be turned over when one side is worn.

This professional thermal shredder offers excellent value for money. Its large 304 x 152 mm funnel allows you to introduce a large quantity of plant material. It also has an adjustable discharge chute, with a cable starter and an electric starter. It comes with a protective cover to store it outside after each use.

LEA LE56420-89 2
7/10

Best value for money

LEA LE56420-89

The best entry-level thermal shredder

This shredder does its job properly! Equipped with a powerful enough motor to remove all the leaves, stems or branches from your garden, it is suitable for all types of use and is very economical.

823 £ on Manomano

Lea has designed this shredder to satisfy both the performance-oriented home user and the professional gardener. This shredder is equipped with a 4-stroke engine of 9694 W capable of developing a power of 13 HP. Thanks to its large shredding capacity, it can handle all kinds of vegetation. The rotor turning at 2400 rpm runs quickly cutting everything that passes under the blade with a cutting capacity of 8.9 cm.

Ergonomically designed, this LE56420-89 is quite light and has a compact design. You can easily move it from the bottom equipped with wheels so that you are closer to the surface to be treated. Moreover, it is not very noisy compared to other machines of the same manufacture with its sound capacity of only 94,2 dB.

Ribimex PRBVB389TH 3
8/10

Best value for money

Ribimex PRBVB389TH

The best high-end thermal shredder

This Ribimex PRBVB389TH mulcher features a 389cc 4-stroke OHV gasoline engine for fast and efficient cleanup. It is ideal for large areas of land due to its power and easy handling.

1 456 £ on Darty

The Ribimex PRBVB389TH thermal mulcher is ideal for clearing outdoor areas of branches, leaves and other plant waste. It is equipped with a 4-stroke petrol engine with 8,200 W of power and OHV valves. Suitable for intensive use, it reduces soft wood up to 100 mm in diameter.

The blade speed of this professional thermal chipper can reach 3,600 rpm. This can be adjusted to suit the type of material to be cut. It is equipped with an emergency stop button to stop the machine immediately in case of danger. The hopper tilts so the user can easily access the rotors for easy maintenance.

Mecacraft GSR150 4
8/10

Excellent

Mecacraft GSR150

A powerful and versatile alternative

Equipped with a cutting system with knives fixed on a drum, this professional shredder can cut branches up to 100 mm in diameter. Its combustion engine is powerful enough to withstand intensive use.

1 399 £ on Manomano

The Mecacraft GSR150 thermal mulcher is a versatile and powerful machine. It is ideal for communities, craftsmen, horticulturists and owners of orchards or olive groves. With its 4-stroke gasoline engine, it cuts into small pieces the various plant debris that accumulate in the garden up to 100 mm in diameter. Its drum can reach a rotation speed of 3,600 rpm.

This professional thermal shredder is convenient to use. It has only one hopper of 450 mm x 350 mm into which the branches to be chipped are fed. The chips are then discharged through a high giraffe-type ejector, allowing them to be loaded directly into a trailer or van.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best professional thermal shredder

Any specific needs?

The best thermal shredder in 2021

The best entry-level thermal shredder

The best high-end thermal shredder

A powerful and versatile alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best professional thermal shredders

Top Inexpensive High-end Excellent
Zipper ZI-HAEK11000 5
8/10
LEA LE56420-89 6
7/10
Ribimex PRBVB389TH 7
8/10
Mecacraft GSR150 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Zipper ZI-HAEK11000
LEA LE56420-89
Ribimex PRBVB389TH
Mecacraft GSR150
With a power of 9000 W and a 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, this gasoline-powered shredder is perfectly suited for large gardening and sanitation jobs. It can shred up to 120 mm in diameter.
This shredder does its job properly! Equipped with a powerful enough motor to remove all the leaves, stems or branches from your garden, it is suitable for all types of use and is very economical.
This Ribimex PRBVB389TH mulcher features a 389cc 4-stroke OHV gasoline engine for fast and efficient cleanup. It is ideal for large areas of land due to its power and easy handling.
Equipped with a cutting system with knives fixed on a drum, this professional shredder can cut branches up to 100 mm in diameter. Its combustion engine is powerful enough to withstand intensive use.
Power
9000 W
3800 W
8200 W
11185.5 W
Motor type
4 strokes
4 strokes
4 strokes
4 strokes
Cutting capacity
8.9 cm
8.9 cm
10 cm
10 cm
Cutting tools
Knives
Knives and hammers
Blades on rotor
Knives
Noise level
100 dB
94.2 dB
N/C
90 dB

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Buying guide - professional thermal shredder

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How to choose your professional thermal shredder

A professional thermal shredder is one of the most important devices to help you get rid of thick branches, but also of dead leaves. Since it is a considerable investment, you should pay attention to a few criteria in order to choose your future machine.

#1 - Power

This is an important criterion, as it directly impacts the performance of the device. But it also depends largely on the needs of those who use this type of machine. If you are not a professional, a power estimated at around 2000 and 3000 watts is sufficient. Otherwise, the recommended power will be between 3300 and 6600 watts.

#2 - Engine power supply

In order to function normally, a thermal plant shredder incorporates a motor that must be powerful enough to do the job properly. This engine can be powered by either gasoline or diesel. But no matter which power model you choose, keep in mind that this kind of device is primarily designed for the purpose of maintaining large areas.

#3 - Crushing system

Basically, this is what allows the device to cut branches perfectly. You can find 3 of them namely the blade turntable, the auger system and the knife rotor system. In addition to these, there are other systems such as the turbine system, the moving flail shredding system or the secondary hopper system.

#4 - Cutting diameter

The cutting diameter is an important criterion. For professional use, it is wise to take a diameter of 50 mm. But if you are a private individual, it is strongly advised to choose a model with a cutting diameter of 25 mm. This way, you will avoid the risk of jamming, which can impact the proper functioning of your device.

#5 - Noise level

Many people underestimate this criterion, which nevertheless remains important. It must be said that a thermal shredder is not the discreet type since it emits noise during its operation. So that you don't have any problems with your neighbors, choose a device with a knife rotor shredding system! This has the advantage of being the quietest in the world.

The different safety measures before using a professional thermal shredder

To ensure safe use of your professional thermal shredder, various safety measures must be taken. This does not only apply to the user, but also to those around him.

  • When storing the appliance, for example, make sure that it is out of reach of children. Anyone under the age of 18 should not use this type of device. The presence of sharp blades or knives is a good indication of how dangerous a shredder is.
  • Never wear loose clothing as the risk of entanglement is high.
  • To prevent injury, it is best to wear protective gear such as a helmet, gloves and goggles. If you notice a fuel leak, do not start the unit!
  • Keep a safe distance between your area of operation and where you store fuel. Don't light a cigarette while you're about to refuel.
  • When using the device, you must have complete control of your actions. If you are a little tipsy or have taken any substance that may impair your alertness and reflexes, it is wiser to postpone grinding until another time.
  • Do not work on uneven surfaces, as you will not be able to maintain your balance.

When handling this machine, it is imperative that you are in the most stable position possible. Before each use, always check the fasteners. If any damage is found, have the machine repaired immediately by a professional. Using a defective machine is never recommended as it can be very dangerous.

Finally, do not forget to read carefully and follow the instructions or recommendations of the manufacturer.

The different types of professional thermal shredders

Now that you know how to choose the right shredder, you should know that there are different types. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Thermal shredder with fixed knives

The thermal shredder with fixed knives has a number of strong points that are worth highlighting. First of all, this device is appreciated for its speed of execution. With it, you're sure to save time! Secondly, it also stands out for its very fine shredding. It will compost in record time. It is particularly effective on soft branches, but also on foliage.

During operation, the thermal shredder with fixed blades may well cause vibrations. This may cause discomfort to the user. Secondly, if the shredder becomes blocked due to overloading, for example, it takes some time and effort to unblock it and use it again. Finally, this type of shredder shows its limits when shredding large shrubs.

Thermal shredder with flails

In most cases, flail shredders use pieces of metal attached to chains at a rotating drum. This system can effectively shred leaves as well as fairly thin branches. This device is valued for its high performance, which means that it is more suitable for professionals than for the average user.

Compared to a knife model, the flail shredder may require more power. For this reason, it is not uncommon to see this type of system only on powerful devices. As a result, the user should look for models that run on diesel rather than gasoline. The latter exist, but are few and far between on the market.

Thermal shredder with knives

Primo, the thermal shredder with knives has the merit of incorporating the simplest system. Secondly, it is the most appropriate device with regard to the cutting of soft vegetation. In terms of fuel consumption, it easily ranks among the most energy-efficient machines. Most small thermal shredders that run on petrol have this cutting system.

In spite of all the strengths mentioned above, the thermal mulcher has a few weaknesses. Firstly, this type of device is not really ideal when it comes to shredding branches with large diameters. Another notable disadvantage is that the volume very quickly reaches saturation. In short, the possibilities offered by this shredder are rather limited.

Thermal or electric shredder ?

Professional thermal shredder

Because of their power, professional thermal shredders offer an efficient solution when dealing with branches larger than 4 cm in diameter. They also save you time, especially if you are dealing with a large quantity of wood and leaves. With them, you have more freedom since your area of action is not limited by the reach of electrical wires.

There is no doubt that professional thermal shredders are much larger than electric shredders. As a result, they may take up more space! Another problem is that they not only make a lot of noise, but also smoke. This makes them less convenient and less pleasant to use.

Professional electric shredder

Professional electric shredders offer a number of advantages. They are easier to transport than their thermal counterparts. They also take up little space and therefore occupy less space. In terms of noise pollution, they are far more efficient than thermal models, emitting very low levels of noise. Last but not least, the user does not suffer from any smoke emissions.

The biggest disadvantage of professional electric shredders is that the user cannot move away from an electrical source and must have a very strong extension cord at his disposal. Another disadvantage is that their power is logically lower than that of thermal appliances. As a result, they are not capable of shredding large branches.

Verdict

If you are a professional who takes care of small areas, an electric mulcher is more practical. On the other hand, if you have to deal with large areas, there's nothing better than a thermal model to take advantage of more power and possibilities. With this type of device, the time saved is also considerable.

Why buy a professional thermal shredder?

For its ease of use

To make it easier to move, professional thermal shredders are equipped with tires. Then, so that the user can easily insert the wood into the device, most models have a double supply chute. And in case of jamming, you just have to press a button and the direction of rotation of the blades is automatically reversed.

For its robustness and long life

A professional thermal shredder is designed to be used for many years. Indeed, the design materials are intended to ensure both long-term use of the device and easy maintenance. In addition, a shredder usually has a frame made from steel or metal to ensure optimum strength. As you can see, you won't be changing shredders anytime soon!

For its power

As a general rule, professional thermal shredders can have powerful motors of over 3000 watts. It is this power that allows them to shred considerable volumes of branches and leaves in a few minutes. With a power of 6000 watts, many models manage to shred branches with large diameters without any problem.

For the safety it offers

During filling, some models have fixing brackets that allow the shredder to come to a complete stop. To prevent overloading, some models have a safety clutch. There is also an oil level indicator to protect the engine. If the engine starts to run without the required oil level, the damage it will cause will be significant.

For its practicality

Do you often trim bushes or trees? If so, you've probably already asked yourself the question, "What am I going to do with this waste?" A thermal chipper is a practical solution if you want to drastically reduce the volume of your waste. This reduces the number of trips to and from the landfill to your business area. Secondly, some models are able to turn garden waste into compost.

The best brands of professional thermal shredders

In our opinion, the best brands of professional thermal shredders in 2022 are :

Lea
Zipper
T-Mech
Ribimex
Mecacraft

When it comes to the world of gardening tools, the Lea brand is undoubtedly one of the best references on the market. Since its creation, it has been striving to offer quality appliances that make life easier for all users. This is reflected in its shredders! These are both robust and efficient.

Founded in 2008 in Austria, this young company has grown very quickly and has been able to become one of the major players in terms of tools dedicated to gardening. The brand is especially known for the quality of its brushcutters and other power tools! The T-Mech brand has become one of the world's leading brands of gardening tools. Its shredders as well as its shredders are aimed at a wide audience. Whether you are an amateur gardener, a landscaper or an expert gardener, you are sure to find the machine that will meet all your needs.

The Ribimex brand has existed since 1971. From the very beginning, it has been involved in the design of gardening products. It also distinguishes itself in the manufacturing of electrical appliances that it launches under the Ribitech brand. In general, the products of this brand perfectly combine reliability and efficiency. This can be explained by a rich experience and know-how that has been continuously tested over its years of existence.

Created in 2011, this French brand located in Haute-Savoie has built up a good reputation among the general public thanks to its plant shredders. Products of incomparable efficiency, but also a quality/price ratio of the most interesting have contributed today to establish the reputation of this brand in the field of gardening. With a diversified offer, it targets both individuals and professionals.

What is the price for a professional thermal shredder

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
500 £ to 1000 £
Mid-range
1000 £ to 1750 £
High-end
more than 1750 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Clean your shredder regularly

Regular cleaning of your grinder will prolong its life and maintain its quality. The motor should be changed regularly using good quality oils. After each use, you should disassemble it to clean it thoroughly. You should also oil the parts that need grease for their function, such as the wheels, axles and metal parts, to prevent rusting.

Don't forget the motor guard, which also needs to be cleaned to remove any grinding residue that might clog it.

Install the shredder away from the neighborhood

Although the thermal shredder is less noisy than other models, it would be wise to place it away from the neighborhood to avoid disturbing the most sensitive ears. Indeed, the noise could make a ruckus. Also, remember to warn your neighbors before using your device, especially if you plan to work at night.

Shred the branches 2 weeks after pruning

A thermal shredder is certainly efficient, but you can optimize its life span proceeding to shred the branches 15 days after pruning. This will make them more pliable and the machine will have no trouble shredding them. You'll also get a finer cut if you plan to use the waste to make compost.

Check the cutting system blade regularly

In addition to routine maintenance, consider checking the various devices in the cutting system. You can perfectly well do the related tasks yourself, such as replacing faulty knives or greasing the bearing if you have a notion in DIY. If not, you can entrust the task to a professional.

Remember to change the filter

Professional thermal shredders come with different types of filters depending on the built-in motor. This one can be a foam air filter, a double element air filter or an oil bath filter. It must be maintained regularly to avoid premature wear, malfunction or loss of engine power. The air filter should be changed as soon as it shows weakness or after 200 hours of use.

FAQ

How to choose the right professional thermal shredder?

There are several criteria for choosing the best professional thermal mulcher. Among the most important are the motor power, expressed in W or HP, which defines the efficiency of the machine and the diameter of the wood cut. The ease of use, the sturdiness of the device and the accessories are also criteria to be taken into account.

How to maintain a professional thermal shredder?

It is essential to take care of your professional thermal plant shredder so that you can use it as long as possible. To do this, you need to clean it after each use by clearing the wood chips left between the blades and in the funnel. You should also check that the blades are sharp and change them if necessary to maintain the initial performance of the shredder.

The motor should be changed regularly to keep it clean and functional. And finally, it is necessary to carry out an annual overhaul, by dismantling the device, to check its proper functioning.

What to do in case the machine gets jammed?

In case of blockage of your professional thermal shredder, you must, before any manipulation, stop the engine and unplug the device. Then, wait for the cutting tool to stop completely before unclogging it. To remove spent branches, use a brush and gloves. For a rotor mulcher, simply reverse the direction of rotation. Once the waste is removed, you can resume your work.

When to use a professional thermal shredder?

The professional thermal mulcher is a powerful device. It is used after pruning shrubs and trees in order to shred the plant waste. With its large dimensions, it is suitable for green areas and gardens with a surface area of more than 500 m2 that require frequent maintenance. Suitable for long term work by professionals, it can handle larger and denser plants, even for branches up to 75 mm in diameter.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Garden shredder How to buy the best garden shredder, quechoisir.org
  2. How to choose a garden shredder, conseil.manomano.fr
  3. The advantages of the garden shredder, mecacraft.com
  4. How to choose between an electric and a thermal shredder, maison-confort.fr
  5. Best garden shredder 2021: rid your yard of branches twigs and leaves, leroymerlin.fr
  6. How to buy the best garden shredder, blog.oleomac.fr
  7. The best garden shredders for managing outdoor waste, t3.com
  8. Why to acquire and use a garden shredder?, which.co.uk
  9. VETAL SHREDERS 22HP DIESEL PRO - France Shredders, yours.co.uk
  10. Compact thermal branch shredder for professional, 1000-arbres.com
  11. France Shredders, france-broyeurs.fr
  12. Thermal branch shredders - 50 models in Promo on ..., innovpaysage.com
  13. √ THERMAL PLANT SHREDERS ⇒ Advice + Comparison of the ..., france-broyeurs.fr
  14. Professional thermal branch shredder bio shredder ..., agrieuro.fr
  15. Thermal plant shredder: professional and high performance, broyeurs-vegetaux.com
  16. The BEST thermal plant shredder (2021) ⛽ | Maisonae, boutique.cms-constructeur.fr
  17. Comparative : Opinion best thermal plant shredder 2021, broyeurdevegetaux.fr
  18. Best Plant Shredders 2021 - Test and Comparison, maisonae.fr
  19. Professional plant shredders | Branch shredders ..., vrai-comparatif.com
  20. Professional thermal plant shredder at the best price ..., futura-sciences.com
  21. Professional thermal shredders - 15 models Offer ..., deleks.fr
  22. Branch Shredder - Semi-professional range - CMS ..., leroymerlin.fr
  23. Professional Thermal Shredder Professional Thermal Shredder ..., agrieuro.fr
  24. Thermal shredder - Loxam, boutique.cms-constructeur.fr
  25. A complete range of disc and rotor shredders, toupour.com
  26. Thermal shredder | OOGarden, loxam.fr
  27. Thermal shredder pro 15 HP big flow branches 12 cm, mary-agri.fr
  28. Thermal shredder professional bio shredder ..., oogarden.com
  29. Thermal shredder GTM GTS 600G | Dept 46 81 82, euro-expos.com
  30. Thermal shredders | Shredders Of Vegetables ..., comeo-france.fr
  31. , costesvertsloisirs.fr
  32. , agricolt.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Zipper ZI-HAEK11000 9
Zipper ZI-HAEK11000
LEA LE56420-89 10
LEA LE56420-89
Ribimex PRBVB389TH 11
Ribimex PRBVB389TH
Mecacraft GSR150 12
Mecacraft GSR150

Lecteurs

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