Shreddy Brek! The JCB way! (Black & Decker GS1800)

Member Name: firemanspam

Product:	Black & Decker GS1800
Date:	01/01/09 (275 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good for getting rid of old twigs.

Disadvantages: Cost, an somewhere to store it

If you hear the title JCB, you probaby think of a certain Mister Joseph Cyril Bamford. Because that is the same company that makes this shredder. The company was established at the end of the second World War. These people are world famous, and are based in 150 countries, for making earth-moving equipment, and now are setting their sights on smaller pieces of kit, in this case, this humble garden shredding machine.

As the company has depots all over the world, they are in a position to keep up with the times. The range of spares available is around 80%, and this compares very well with other firms.

The actual shredder itself, is called GS 1800, which is a little strange, because the Black & Decker company also has a shredder called the GS 1800. I did at first think the two firms may have been sharing the same model, with different badges, but this is not the case, we shall just have to put this down to coincidence.

The 240 volts electric motor, is rated at 1800 watts, hence the model number, and the colour of this shredder is of course the famous Caterpillar Yellow, as opposed to the dull green of the Black & Decker.

All of these shredders are noisy, even the ones that are called "silent". This one is no exception, but it is no worse than any other make. You can not shred wood quietly.

As for the cutting side of things, this model will accept stems roughly the size of your thumb, anything more will cause it to jam, and the motor will 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 also collects the remains in a sack. You then use this 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 can be taken out to resharpen.

One small niggle I have, is that the cable on these, as indeed on all similar items, is about ten feet long, a little more length would be nice, but an extension lead is OK, but please use a circuit breaker.

The machines are found at most DIY superstores, and are around £90, you will find them cheaper on the net, just bear in mind the cost of delivery. Remember at this time of year they are in the sales.

Please wear goggles when using, because a splinter in the eye is not funny, plus I hope I don't need to say about sticking your hand into the machine.

The shredder comes with a decent manual, which gives you all the instructions and information.

Contact details are :-
J C Bamford Excavators Ltd

Registered Office: Rocester Staffordshire England ST14 5JP
Website :- http://www.jcb.co.uk/
JCB Information Centre: Tel No. Freephone 0800 581 761

Happy shredding!

Summary: A decent model, does the job a treat.