I've been using this machine for 3 years now and am quite happy with it. It is obviously not as powerful as a gas powered unit would be but there is no gas, oil, spark plugs, etc to contend with, to say nothing of the reduced noise. Just plug and go. Couldn't be easier. After learning how best to feed this machine it usually has no problems. The only ones I have usually relate to not noticing that the discharge chute is getting blocked or stuffing in way too much stuff. Just watching to be sure it is discharging properly will eliminate most problems. Clearing blockages if they do occur takes less time than it takes to tell about it. Steady feeding works the best. I resharpen the blades after several hours of continuous chopping as dull blades have a noticeable effect on efficiency. I am still on the original set of blades and have a new set standing by in the event that these wear out. Resharpening is a simple process. This is a simple machine! The greenest of the sheddings get composted and the rest become mulch in my garden and flower beds. I coudn't be happier. Everyone who gardens or does their own yard work will appreciate this machine.
Dave
Lakewood, Wa
Electric Chipper Shredder
Overall Rating:
Quality:
Satisfaction:
Worthiness:
I love this machine! I have a large garden that generates a lot of yard waste, but I don't want to put it in a yard waste container to be hauled away--that's valuable stuff. But I had a pile of sticks growing that I coluldn't deal with, and other leaves, branchlets blown off of the mature trees, and fall die-off went into a compost pile that doesn't do so well in the cool, gray, Pacific Northwest. This is the perfect solution. When I'm finished pruning or cleaning up, the chipper/shredder goes to work. It handles everything I give it, including branches up to an inch-and-a-half in diameter. I leave all that valuable organi material right where it came from as mulch which will break down fast over the winter. It's a tough machine, the blades have stayed pretty sharp so far despite the abuse I've given them, and they're easy to replace when they're done (they have two edges, so you can flip them over once before they need replacing or sharpening). All in all, I am very satisfied with this sturdy little performer.
