JCB GS1800

When you hear the title JCB, you automatically think of Joseph Cyril Bamford - indeed that is the same company that makes these shredders. The firm was set up in 1945 at the end of the war. They are world famous (based in 150 countries) for making heavy earth moving equipment, and now are setting their sights on smaller bits of kit, in this case, the humble garden shredder.

As already stated, the company has depots all over the world, they are a state of the art, high profile company who keep up with the times. The range of spare parts available is around 80%, this compares very well with other firms.

The shredder itself, is called the GS 1800, which is a little strange, as Black & Decker akso have a shredder called the GS 1800. I did at first think the two firms were sharing the same model, just different badges, but this is not the case, we shall just have to put it down to coincidence.

The electric motor (240 volts) is rated at 1800 watts, hence the model number, and the colour of the shredder is of course the famous yellow, as opposed to the green of the Black & Decker.
All shredders are noisy, yes even the ones that are called "silent". This one is no exception, but it is no worse than any other make.

As for the cutting side of things, it will take stems roughly the size of your thumb, anything more and it will jam, and not last for long at all.

I have borrowed one of these on numerous occasions, and find this model is just right, it does not take up too much room, it makes short work of small branches and twigs, and it collects the remains in a sack. You can then use as a mulch or place in a compost bin as you like. It is light in weight, easy to use, and has double sided hardened steel blades, which take out to resharpen.

One small niggle I have, is that the cable on this, as indeed on all similar items, is about ten feet long, a little more length would be nice (wish I had a Pound for every time I have heard that).

These machines are to be found at many DIY superstores, and are around £90, you will find them cheaper on the net, just bear in mind the cost of delivery.

Please consider wearing goggles when using, as a splinter in the eye is not funny, also I hope I don't need to say about shoving your hand down into the machine.

The machine comes with a decent manual, giving all relevant instructions and information.

Contact details :-
J C Bamford Excavators Limited
Registered Office: Rocester Staffordshire England ST14 5JP
Website :- http://www.jcb.co.uk/
JCB Information Centre: Tel No. Freephone 0800 581 761

Happy shredding!