Three systems, three uses
| System | Best for | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Blades (rotary) | Leaves, soft vegetation, small branches | High |
| Rotor (screw type) | Hard branches up to 4–4.5 cm, minimal jamming | Low |
| Turbine | Compromise between branches and foliage | Medium |
For autumn (mix of leaves and prunings), a rotor system handles branches without jamming; blades work better on tender foliage but clog quickly when wet.
The key criterion: cutting diameter Check the maximum branch diameter (often 35–45 mm). Never force a branch that's too thick: you'll stall the motor and blunt the blades or rotor. Saw thick branches first.
## Preventing jams
- Alternate dry branches and damp foliage (dry material helps push through wet material).
- Don't feed everything at once; let the rotor pull it through.
- With blades, don't shred soaking wet leaves in bulk (they clog the chamber).
