Straw Bale Shredders (Electric)

[Edhof]

Straw Bale Shredders (Electric)

I'm looking for a motor-driven shredder that will make fine compost from square baled straw. I do not have a high volume requirement; perhaps 5 bales/wk. I have contacted manufacturers of commercial mulching equipment, but their shredders are an integral part of their mulch application equipment.
From what I can tell, smaller shredders that handle leaves use plastic "line" flails to do the shredding, as do weed-whippers. I don't believe they could handle a compact bale of straw. And a chipper would be "overkill".
Any suggestions from you veterans who are users of this great site would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Edhof

 

[WhyNot]

Re: Straw Bale Shredders (Electric)

At the farm we used to have a gas powered shredder for bedding freestall's. You would put a bale of straw vertically in the hopper on top of the shredder, the hopper would spin and the bale would self feed into the shredder knives and blow out the side of the shredder. All you had to do was walk up and down the aisle's and the shredder would do the rest. It is no longer on the farm as we now use only sand, so I really can't help you with a name.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Re: Straw Bale Shredders (Electric)

WIC makes a shreader like you are describing. It is blue with a round tub. My neighbor has one that he would sell and our county ag department has one they rent out.

 

[mwood]

Re: Straw Bale Shredders (Electric)

What you're looking for is called a bedding chopper around here. It's just as described. Gas motor on it and you feed the bales in the top. As soon as the bale hits the blades, you can pull out the baling twine.

Works great to bed the neighbors 80 cow staunchions!

MJWood

 

[rambler]

Re: Straw Bale Shredders (Electric)

Yup, see these from time to time when the smaller dairies sell out. Round tub a square bale fits in, grinds it up for bedding. I'd look to the dairy supply places in your area, see if these things provide the level of fine-ness you need. Could really cut your costs to find a used one..... I've seen gas or electric drive, think gas is more popular.

--->Paul

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Re: Straw Bale Shredders (Electric)

I know you were looking for an electric one but there is a pto powered unit on ebay Link to ebay item