Good Morning Gardeners.

I live on a bush block and have a great deal of work to do, getting rid of small diameter branches etc.

Anything large enough for the wood heap for the winter is cut up and stacked but I have such a lot of stuff that needs mulching of, say, 5cm MAX diameter and mostly less, as I trim the stuff with a big, top quality tree pruner / lopper first.

Last time I hired someone to do it and it set me back $400, which was not unreasonable for a day’s work for three of us, however I would like to try doing it myself over time, as necessary, rather than stacking it and then bringing someone else in for a single day.

I am told that an electric one is not likely to be a sensible choice, and that a ptrol driven one is to be preferred.
My only hesitation is a worry about being able to start it, however I do have a petrol fire-fighter pump and would not expect it to be any more difficult than that.

i want to buy a good quality, reliable one.

Do any of you fook have any experience with these things or have any suggestions that I ought to consider?

Thanks for anything you can offer.

jj said:

Good Morning Gardeners.

I live on a bush block and have a great deal of work to do, getting rid of small diameter branches etc.

Anything large enough for the wood heap for the winter is cut up and stacked but I have such a lot of stuff that needs mulching of, say, 5cm MAX diameter and mostly less, as I trim the stuff with a big, top quality tree pruner / lopper first.

Last time I hired someone to do it and it set me back $400, which was not unreasonable for a day’s work for three of us, however I would like to try doing it myself over time, as necessary, rather than stacking it and then bringing someone else in for a single day.

I am told that an electric one is not likely to be a sensible choice, and that a ptrol driven one is to be preferred.
My only hesitation is a worry about being able to start it, however I do have a petrol fire-fighter pump and would not expect it to be any more difficult than that.

i want to buy a good quality, reliable one.

Do any of you fook have any experience with these things or have any suggestions that I ought to consider?

Thanks for anything you can offer.

I’ve got a … hang on while I look,,,Greenfield “The Piecemaker” ™…it’s petrol-driven, straight ULP, no mixers in the fuel, easy to start, long lasting….

Cons: bloody noisy (you will need ear MUFFS, as the plugs won’t cut it), expensive to buy, dimensions about 4 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot (somebody better convert this to meterage) …

It might be a bit too big for what you want, tho’…I do believe there’s machines on the market that are a lot quieter, too…Aquarium had one but he doesn’t sign in any more…

jj said:

Good Morning Gardeners.

I live on a bush block and have a great deal of work to do, getting rid of small diameter branches etc.

Anything large enough for the wood heap for the winter is cut up and stacked but I have such a lot of stuff that needs mulching of, say, 5cm MAX diameter and mostly less, as I trim the stuff with a big, top quality tree pruner / lopper first.

Last time I hired someone to do it and it set me back $400, which was not unreasonable for a day’s work for three of us, however I would like to try doing it myself over time, as necessary, rather than stacking it and then bringing someone else in for a single day.

I am told that an electric one is not likely to be a sensible choice, and that a ptrol driven one is to be preferred.
My only hesitation is a worry about being able to start it, however I do have a petrol fire-fighter pump and would not expect it to be any more difficult than that.

i want to buy a good quality, reliable one.

Do any of you fook have any experience with these things or have any suggestions that I ought to consider?

Thanks for anything you can offer.

well, fook me ;)

um yeah I bought a Rover mulcher that was on display at my local friendly service station which was going into marketing lawnmowers and mulchers to prop up the family business.. for $750.. in um.. approx 1981. the father of the famil and proprietor said .. oh you weren’t supposed to buy that we wee using it as a display.. I said but I want it and here is my money.. and thus I got it.. it will cut 50 mm branches . and dry wood at that.. but I found that they were very hard to hang ont at the other end because it vibrated my hands something awe full. It has two chues one for larger branches and one for smaller stuff. it has a briggs and Stratton powerplant .. aroound 5 hp. from memory. I stuck my fingers in the small stuff chute one day and received a nasty banging of the ends of my fingers.. but I still have them. Mustn’t have shoved them in far enough. So be careful when feeding such a beastie.. and.. try to get one with a plastic fuel tank because the one on mine rusted out.

>4 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot (somebody better convert this to meterage) …

That’s about 1300×660×660mm.

When I looked inside.. it has two sets of blades .. one set chops.. like a lawn mower.. the other set are like fingers that slide between a set of fingers as anvils or emulating a pair ofside cutting secateurs in multiples.. it was these I bumped wth my fingers.. scary..

I asked my local engineer to fabricate me a couple of spare blades for the first set as I could see down the track that these would need replacing.. cost me $15 at the time.. they are still in a drawer in the shed for that rainy day.

Hello and Thank You ALL for such prompt responses … and it’s OK .. I am an imperial person (still!)

I’ll also go and find out what is available locally, so that maintenance can be considered too.

:)

this looks to be a later model of the same thing I have had for 27 years or so.. http://www.bensonsdoitbetter.com.au/products.html

aha!

I think I will give the Rover, electric version a go.

The local supplier is just down the road and was very good to me when I was choosing a fire pump (as in arranged for me to start it myself in their work room).

They were patient and courteous and didn’t in any way try to push me … just supplied answers to all my questions and answered a couple I ought to have asked but didn’t know enough to do so.

jj said:

aha!

I think I will give the Rover, electric version a go.

The local supplier is just down the road and was very good to me when I was choosing a fire pump (as in arranged for me to start it myself in their work room).

They were patient and courteous and didn’t in any way try to push me … just supplied answers to all my questions and answered a couple I ought to have asked but didn’t know enough to do so.

You see that there is always friendly local service.. don’t you just love Australia?

:)

I love that part of it … it isn’t always the case though, is it.

I was thinking as I was praising their service that I was (by default) remarking on its distinctiveness on other occasions / from other salesplaces.

NOW, to research a garden shed, big enough to be a garage as well :).

Maybe that is a garage, not sure.

Off to do some googling … or maybe I should begin another thread!?

:)

jj said:

:)

I love that part of it … it isn’t always the case though, is it.

I was thinking as I was praising their service that I was (by default) remarking on its distinctiveness on other occasions / from other salesplaces.

NOW, to research a garden shed, big enough to be a garage as well :).

Maybe that is a garage, not sure.

Off to do some googling … or maybe I should begin another thread!?

:)

;) aussie sheds.. for women too ;)

http://www.blueskyandclear.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/aussie_shed.jpg

http://www.aussiesheds.net.au/barntwo.htm

Laughing here … this one is a dead ringer for my own that I am about to replace. :)
http://www.blueskyandclear.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/aussie_shed.jpg

jj said:

Laughing here … this one is a dead ringer for my own that I am about to replace. :)
http://www.blueskyandclear.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/aussie_shed.jpg

ROFL – looks just like my carport, too! Except for the sturdy bits of pine propping the whole thing up.. :D

I have a 5hp masport, similar to IB’s, Peobably a few years younger but not ny much.
It works well on the sizes you need, up to 50mm. Doesn’t like stringy bark or anything which can wrap around the barrel. The chipper works well. Can’t do palm fronds in it either.

I would leave the electrical ones out of the equation. I reckon they are toys.

hmmmm … I do believe you are right, longy.

However then I will need to rig something with pulleys so that I can JUMP down to the ground, taking the pulley cord with me, in order to start the thing.

Why would you need to “jump to the ground”, JJ? I have re-read your posts and can’t find why you would have trouble with the pull-starter / cord? Apologies if I’m prying?

I am imagining a system of pulleys for threading the starter cord (and appropriate extension) that would increase the force on the starting doodad.

I could still pull on it, but figure if I could put my foot into a loop at the end, say a metre off the ground I could make it start first time every time :)

hmmm, out of my league here…

mine too :)

Shame you aren’t closer jj as I have a large Masport and I want to sell it

That would have been great for us both, grasshopper.

jj said:

I am imagining a system of pulleys for threading the starter cord (and appropriate extension) that would increase the force on the starting doodad.

I could still pull on it, but figure if I could put my foot into a loop at the end, say a metre off the ground I could make it start first time every time :)

Hmm JJ have you anyone that could jury rig an electric starter for you?

I’m sure they may even be available.. but it shouldn’t be any trouble to adapt any electric starter..

Dinetta said:

jj said:

Good Morning Gardeners.

I live on a bush block and have a great deal of work to do, getting rid of small diameter branches etc.

Anything large enough for the wood heap for the winter is cut up and stacked but I have such a lot of stuff that needs mulching of, say, 5cm MAX diameter and mostly less, as I trim the stuff with a big, top quality tree pruner / lopper first.

Last time I hired someone to do it and it set me back $400, which was not unreasonable for a day’s work for three of us, however I would like to try doing it myself over time, as necessary, rather than stacking it and then bringing someone else in for a single day.

I am told that an electric one is not likely to be a sensible choice, and that a ptrol driven one is to be preferred.
My only hesitation is a worry about being able to start it, however I do have a petrol fire-fighter pump and would not expect it to be any more difficult than that.

i want to buy a good quality, reliable one.

Do any of you fook have any experience with these things or have any suggestions that I ought to consider?

Thanks for anything you can offer.

I’ve got a … hang on while I look,,,Greenfield “The Piecemaker” ™…it’s petrol-driven, straight ULP, no mixers in the fuel, easy to start, long lasting….

Cons: bloody noisy (you will need ear MUFFS, as the plugs won’t cut it), expensive to buy, dimensions about 4 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot (somebody better convert this to meterage) …

It might be a bit too big for what you want, tho’…I do believe there’s machines on the market that are a lot quieter, too…Aquarium had one but he doesn’t sign in any more…

We have the same brand as Dinetta. Works really well for us. Creates good mulching size pieces. MrP put lots of Alpaca poo through to break it down a bit and it did a top job on that as well.

pomolo said:

We have the same brand as Dinetta. Works really well for us. Creates good mulching size pieces. MrP put lots of Alpaca poo through to break it down a bit and it did a top job on that as well.

It does (create good mulching size pieces) now that I come to think of it…

:)

It is noisy and my lads tend to test it to its’ limits…we bought it really to mulch the out of date confidential reports, and it does a good job of that as well…

They’re not hard to start, about as hard as any lawnmower, maybe easier as they have a clutch lever, so there is no weight on the engine drive when you start it.
However, there’s no need to make some contraption. Just get one with electric start.
You’ll increase your costs dramatically though.
Is there some reason you wouldn’t be able to start it?

BTW, what part of the country do you live in JJ?
If Hopper wants to sell hers, get a courier to transport it.
It aint expensive.

Good Morning Longy and all,

Thank you so much for your advice here.

It has become clear that I do need to get a petrol driven one.
Even the local store which sells and hires out pumps, mowers and such, but not petrol chippers and who gave me the name of the other local place that does, advised me against the electric, even though he does carry one.

I will just have to get back into a better exercise regime and build my fitness up again.

I have a petrol driven fire pump and a neighbour has agreed to come and start it for me if I cannot. So far I have managed to do it, but with a huge effort, so given that, I will just persist.
I would so love to buy yours, Grasshopper, but can only imagine the freight costs.

Perhaps you wouldn’t mind checking what they would be?
I am in the Adelaide Hills.

My email addy is justjjoke at the hot address if you should be interested.
So long as the total did not go over a new priced one I would be willing to consider it seriously.

Hi jj, You’ll find the electric shredders are easier to start than a fire pump.
Firstly, the pullstart is not down on the ground, it’s at a good height.
Secondly, the clutch takes the weight off the motor.
I reckon a 10yr old could probably do it.
Or, just tie the pull start rope to your cat and hit it with the cattle prod.
(Oh dear, i’ve probably upset someone now.)

Not me :)

Just did a freigfht quote from my postcode to Adelaide 5001??
70kg pallet, road transport. Pickup and dropoff at the door.
$173. Too much.
But, if it was picked up from a depot, it would be heaps cheaper.
Besides, it aint a full pallet. I reckon you could send it for about $50.

Dinetta said:

pomolo said:

We have the same brand as Dinetta. Works really well for us. Creates good mulching size pieces. MrP put lots of Alpaca poo through to break it down a bit and it did a top job on that as well.

It does (create good mulching size pieces) now that I come to think of it…

:)

It is noisy and my lads tend to test it to its’ limits…we bought it really to mulch the out of date confidential reports, and it does a good job of that as well…

Oops! Boo Boo. We have a Greenfield Piecemaker. My mistake.

this one—

http://www.greenfield.com.au/shredders.php

Pomolo, that is the brand I have! It’s Longy and Grasshopper that’ve got the Masports…

pomolo said:

Dinetta said:

pomolo said:

We have the same brand as Dinetta. Works really well for us. Creates good mulching size pieces. MrP put lots of Alpaca poo through to break it down a bit and it did a top job on that as well.

It does (create good mulching size pieces) now that I come to think of it…

:)

It is noisy and my lads tend to test it to its’ limits…we bought it really to mulch the out of date confidential reports, and it does a good job of that as well…

Oops! Boo Boo. We have a Greenfield Piecemaker. My mistake.

this one—

http://www.greenfield.com.au/shredders.php

Thats the one I’d like to get too Pomolo , it would make short work of dry horse manure clods

Well, a seriously big update. :)

Our son called by this morning and he, too, was very taken aback at what the late rains have achieved here in my (3 weeks) absence.

We talked about options and he is of the opinion that we should buy a mulcher between us and his sister, who also has a bush block.

His point is that what we each need to get onto would be classed as heavier than “domestic” requirements of a mulcher.

So, I am now researching a decent sized thing that we will all share.

He is happy to store it as his place (20K away and on 20 acres) but bring it to me as needed AND to start it if I need him to do that.

Given that he drops the children off to me early a couple of morning s a week (on their way to school, just up the road) I can see that working well. :)
Now to start the enquiries again!

:D

thanks to all the help along the way here (and on sssf) I can at least ask some more pertinent questions when I ring for information.

Or, just tie the pull start rope to your cat and hit it with the cattle prod.
(Oh dear, i’ve probably upset someone now.)

========================================

I’ll be chuckling all day at that image!

would be classed as heavier than “domestic” requirements of a mulcher.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In that case, the 10HP model Greenfield piecemaker would be my suggestion.

Longy said:

would be classed as heavier than “domestic” requirements of a mulcher.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In that case, the 10HP model Greenfield piecemaker would be my suggestion.

Go the Greenfield!

pomolo said:

Longy said:

would be classed as heavier than “domestic” requirements of a mulcher.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In that case, the 10HP model Greenfield piecemaker would be my suggestion.

Go the Greenfield!

haven’t tried the greenfield simply because the first heavy duty mulcher I saw was the one I still have..// matters about horsepower yeah.. the 11 hp honda leaves them all for dead. doesn’t matter which mulcher apparatus you have it fitted to..

I have an 11 hp honda on a
Masport slasher and this thing treats 2” branches like they need to be shredded if you can hold the mower on them.

and that is dried eucalypt branches

OK, the decision is made … the three households are going in together to get this one.

“ … the 13hp H/D 24 blade ….we do not think that elec start is need on our product because we disengage the drive with a proper Centrifugal clutch …unlike most of the competition,..(including G/field)
….this makes it easier to start of course and does not reduce the life of the pull start mechanism which is a common problem on other brands.
Our machine is powder coated steel….no plastic…and is very flexible in its uses.
Because it’s a grinder/chipper it is ok to grind manure….compost etc as well as all the green waste.
We have sold thousands over the years and they are made here in SA.
I have added a picture of the 18 blader for you….and a picture of a pair of secateurs that fell victim to our 5.5hp machine….this would wreck many brands of shredders. …”

thank you all VERY much for all your help.
Son helped check it out too.

I am to be given a trial run at starting it myself tomorrow, though son or others are willing to get it going for me so I can do the feeding if necessary.

I have added a picture of the 18 blader for you….and a picture of a pair of secateurs that fell victim to our 5.5hp machine….this would wreck many brands of shredders. …”

>>>
Show me ;)

ok … :P

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/4094325291_bbeeb9805d_m.jpg

and

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4094325887_d34cbc406f_m.jpg

Well good for you jj.
A good indicator is palm fronds.
If it’ll do these, it’ll do the stringy barked plants like some wattles, grevilleas.

I’d be interested to know how your trial run goes.

Somewhere they gave a list of things it does just fine (in their opinion) and palm fronds were among them.

They have an excellent local reputation as far as I can tell … so … will keep you posted, for sure.

>Somewhere they gave a list of things it does just fine (in their opinion) and palm fronds were among them.

Be a doddle after the secateurs..

CollieWA said:

>Somewhere they gave a list of things it does just fine (in their opinion) and palm fronds were among them.

Be a doddle after the secateurs..

You’d be surprised Collie.
The secateurs thing doesn’t really blow my hair back.
Any thrashing machine will flog the stuffing out of a bit of alloy.
The palm fronds though, will wrap around the barrel and basically tie it up, stalling the motor eventually. A good chipper will slice them, across the ‘grain’.
Mine won’t even when it’s sharp.
So my palm fronds get burnt instead.

Makes sense Longy .. I did think “brittle” might not be so very difficult.

I was impressed none-the-less … mostly for me was follow up service etc given Murphy’s Law.

You’d be surprised Collie.
The secateurs thing doesn’t really blow my hair back.
Any thrashing machine will flog the stuffing out of a bit of alloy.
=======
Oh. OK.

mostly for me was follow up service etc given Murphy’s Law.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Yes fair point.
Warranty and service availability are high on the list of such an investment.
What sort of spondoolies you lookin at jj?

CollieWA said:

You’d be surprised Collie.
The secateurs thing doesn’t really blow my hair back.
Any thrashing machine will flog the stuffing out of a bit of alloy.
=======
Oh. OK.

Or a gloved hand for that matter.
I’ve found if i try and feed something into the chute on mine, and it doesn’t shred, it gets pulled into the chute rally quicly. If your hand was caught in it…..bugger. Happens really fast.

$2700.

We thought that was fair, given the three household who will each give it a very thorough workload, both in quantity and quality (ie heavy dutyness ;))

jj said:

$2700.

We thought that was fair, given the three household who will each give it a very thorough workload, both in quantity and quality (ie heavy dutyness ;))

Yeah fairy nuff. 13HP ties a lot of it up. Shared expense is great.
The 10HP greenfield is about2k.

Well, I was ready to buy some silly little thing when I first asked here, so I am really serious with my thanks

Judith

glad you opted for a bit of horsepower.. this is the only way to make it all work..

Now you have to think about how to operate it and not only keep your hands but to also not get RSI.

It is quite clear that vertical drop .. does assist in reducing the injury risk and reduces the energy quotient required.

And now I am the recipient of all kinds of VERY anxious warnings.

:)

I will take care.

If you read all the labels (and RTFM) and wear the basic safety gear (protective eye and ear wear) you shouldn’t have much safety concerns…nothing too big or too dry and Bob’s your uncle…if you want him to be … LOL!

Hello Everyone,

I am checking in to let you know that the mulcher is doing everything I had hoped.

It starts easily, runs on a low rev (so is not sounding like it’s in agony) and produces a beaut fine mulch.

Thank you all again for your contributions. :)

you’re welcome, JJ

:)

jj said:

Hello Everyone,

I am checking in to let you know that the mulcher is doing everything I had hoped.

It starts easily, runs on a low rev (so is not sounding like it’s in agony) and produces a beaut fine mulch.

Thank you all again for your contributions. :)

Awesome sauce!