Trying to figure out the real wood shredder hire cost? It’s rarely as easy as just looking at a website. Most UK hire companies, whether big names or local shops, throw out day rates that seem simple – until you add in delivery, fuel, deposits, and all the other extras.
You can end up with a mountain of garden waste after trimming hedges or pruning trees. Hiring a shredder or chipper is usually the fastest way to deal with it, especially if you’d rather not pay for a skip.
The true wood shredder hire cost depends far more on machine size, how long you need it, and the extras piled on top than it does on the headline daily rate. Getting those details right up front can save you a lot of hassle and cash.
This guide breaks down typical wood shredder hire costs, what sends the bill higher, and how to pick the right machine for your project.
Key Takeaways
- Wood shredder hire cost changes based on machine size, hire length, and extras like delivery, fuel, and damage cover.
- Choosing a machine that matches your actual branch diameter can save money – no point paying for more power than you need.
- Sorting waste before the shredder arrives can cut down hire time and get you better value.
Average Wood Shredder Hire Cost
Hire prices jump around depending on the machine, the supplier, and how long you want the kit. A small garden shredder costs a lot less per day than a petrol chipper built for big branches.
If you have a trade account at places like Jewson or Travis Perkins, you might get a better deal, especially if you hire regularly.
Daily, Weekend And Weekly Hire Rates
Basic garden shredders tend to sit at the bottom end of the price scale. Weekend hire – usually Friday to Monday – often works out cheaper than two separate days.
Weekly hire usually gives the best per-day value, which is handy for bigger landscaping jobs where a weekend just isn’t enough.
Delivery, Collection And Deposit Costs
Delivery and collection charges really depend on how far you are from the depot and which machine you’re after. Heavy petrol chippers often need a van or trailer, which adds to the cost.
Most companies want a refundable deposit, just in case something gets damaged or you return the machine late. You’ll get it back if everything’s in order.
Fuel, Insurance And Damage Waiver Extras
Petrol wood chippers run on fuel, and plenty of suppliers hand them over with an empty tank, expecting you to fill up and bring it back full. Damage waiver cover is usually optional, but honestly, it’s worth a look – replacement blades aren’t cheap.
Choosing The Right Machine Capacity
Picking the right shredder is all about what you’re putting through it. Garden shredders handle soft, green stuff like leaves and twigs. Wood chippers are built to chew through thicker branches and brush that would jam a lighter machine.
Garden Shredders For Light Green Waste
Domestic garden shredders are great for hedge trimmings, leaves, and softer plant material. They’re lighter, quieter, and you can move them around the garden without tearing up the lawn.
Most can’t handle branches over 30-40mm thick, so they’re not much use for tree work.
Wood Chippers For Thick Branches And Brush
Wood chippers have tougher blades and bigger engines, so they chew through thicker branches. A petrol wood chipper can tackle three-quarters of a tonne of brushwood an hour – pretty efficient if you’ve got a lot to clear.
They’re ideal for landscaping jobs, tree surgery leftovers, or gardens with mature trees that need regular pruning.
When Specialist Equipment Is Needed
Tree trunks and dense wood? You’ll need specialist kit – regular hire chippers just aren’t up to it. For big tree removals or commercial jobs, it’s smarter (and safer) to call in a tree surgeon or contractor with heavy machinery.
What Affects the Wood Shredder Cost?
Plenty of things can nudge the final wood shredder hire cost up beyond the daily rate. The type of material, site access, and even the time of year all play a part.
Material Type And Branch Diameter
Thicker branches mean you’ll need a more powerful – and pricier – machine. Chipping fresh, green wood is easier than dry, seasoned timber, which can strain smaller chippers.
Access, Transport And Site Conditions
Narrow driveways, gravel paths, or locked gates can make delivery tricky and add to transport costs. Sometimes you have to settle for a smaller, less efficient machine just to get it on site.
Hire Duration And Seasonal Demand
Autumn and early spring are busy times for shredder hire. Gardeners do most of their big cutbacks then, so booking ahead helps you avoid shortages and last-minute price hikes.
Getting Better Value From Hired Equipment
Getting good value from a hired shredder comes down to preparation and making full use of the wood chippings produced. Small steps before the machine even arrives can shave real time off the hire period.
Preparing Waste
Sorting branches by size and clearing a working area speeds up the job considerably. Removing stones, soil and rubbish from garden waste protects the blades and avoids unnecessary wear.
Using Wood Chippings
Wood chippings make excellent mulch for borders or a base layer for compost. This cuts down on separate waste disposal costs and puts the material to practical use around the garden.
Comparing Local Collection And Delivery Options
Collecting the machine yourself, where the vehicle allows, often costs less than paying for delivery. Comparing a few local suppliers before booking helps confirm which option actually works out cheaper once delivery and collection charges are included.
Safety, Suitability And Hire Checks
Staying safe with a hired shredder matters just as much as picking the right size. A few quick checks before you start can help you avoid injuries or breaking the machine.
Materials To Stay Away From
Never put stones, metal, plastic, or treated timber into a shredder or chipper. They’ll wreck the blades and could cause dangerous kickback.
Essential Protective Equipment And Safe Operation
At minimum, you’ll want ear defenders, safety goggles, and tough gloves. Stand to the side of the hopper – not right behind it – to dodge flying debris.
Questions To Ask Before Booking
Ask about the maximum branch diameter, what fuel you’ll need, and what happens if the machine breaks down. It’s also worth checking if they’ll show you the basics, especially if you’ve never used a chipper before.
Need anything clarified? Speak to our team at RLR Demolition Ltd to get a personalised quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average daily cost to hire a wood shredder?
Daily hire for a basic garden shredder usually sits at the lower end of tool hire prices. Petrol wood chippers cost more per day. Prices vary by supplier, location, and machine capacity, so get a few local quotes to compare the wood shredder hire cost.
How much does it cost to hire a wood chipper for a weekend?
Weekend hire costs more than a single day but less than booking two days separately. Most suppliers offer a set price for Friday to Monday.
Is it cheaper to hire or buy a wood shredder?
If you only clear the garden now and then, hiring is almost always cheaper. Buying only makes sense if you’ll use it all the time, like landscapers or tree surgeons do.
How much does it cost to hire a 12-inch wood chipper?
A 12-inch chipper is heavy-duty gear and costs more to hire than a standard garden shredder. These are really for big tree jobs or commercial landscaping – not your average backyard cleanup.
Are delivery, collection and fuel included in wood shredder hire prices?
Usually, delivery and collection are extra, based on distance and machine size. Fuel’s almost always your responsibility – the machine should come back with a full tank.
What size wood shredder should I hire for garden branches?
If you’ve just got soft green waste or some thin twigs, a domestic garden shredder will probably do the trick. These usually handle up to about 40mm diameter, which is fine for most garden jobs.
When you’re dealing with thicker branches from tree pruning or heavy hedge cutting, you’ll want something with more muscle. A petrol wood chipper delivers the power and durability you need, though it can bump up your wood shredder hire cost.