The Bosch AXT 25TC boasts 2500W of garden shredding power. It is not the most powerful shredder we have reviewed but its unique cutting mechanism delivers an incredible 230kg/hr shredding capacity. Unlike other machines, the AXT25TC can readily meet the quoted throughput figure. In fact, it exceeds that of many, smaller petrol machines. Slower rotation speeds helps keep the noise down. It is still a lot louder than the Bosch crusher shredders. Manoeuvrabilty can be a bit of an issue. Turbine Shredders have to be solidly built to deliver the torque and force required to cut large branches. Consequently they are heavy. They are also a bit top heavy. Despite the large handle and large wheels, it can take some effort to get them to your clippings. However, the Bosch AXT 25TC seems to happily cope with large shredding jobs. Some of this might be down to the feed hopper which seems much easier to feed than other shredders.

The short video below shows the AXT 25TC in operation. While the women cuts off any big branches or knots with the lopping shears, the guy just gets on with feeding the machine. Turbine Cut shredders are pretty quiet. The 25TC is rated at 82dB while idling. It doesn’t seem to get much louder in use either. 82dB is about the noise level in a crowded pub. Importantly, it is below the level at which HSE recommend the use of ear protection.These shredders are quiet in operation – just listen to the video above – and certainly seem to live up to their quoted sound figures. You won’t have to use ear defenders for short periods of use – a real boon on a hot summer day. If you are going to use it regularly, or for any period of over 2 hours, you are still advised to wear ear protection. The Bosch 25TC is a distinct improvement on both the usual crusher and impact type shredders. Waste is chopped more finely than with crusher shredders and, unlike impact shredders, they do not jam on knotty branches. You can even expect to shred right up to the quoted maximum allowable diameter. Note: The self-feed mechanism is very strong. Branches can get whipped out of your hands and can thrash around while being drawn in. Ear defenders are not essential while using the AXT 25TC but we strongly recommend using gloves and eye protection. Sound Levels Bosch calls the AXT 25TC mechanism the Turbine Cutting system. What it has got to do with turbines escapes me. The cutter more resembles a cylinder lawnmower.

The Turbine Cut relies on strength (torque) rather than speed to cut. The turbine rotates at around 41rpm making it inherently quieter than impact and rapid shredders. Not bad but you will still need a heavy duty, outdoor extension lead so you can easily move the shredder to where you want to do the shredding. OK, so much with the description on how they work but, are they any good? We’ll get on to that but for now here are the technical details.The ability to shred bigger branches undoubtedly has something to do with the higher throughput these machines can achieve. We always look at the manufacturers quoted throughput figures with a touch of scepticism – after all, you are trying to push all of your cuttings and waste through a slot that is much smaller than most letterboxes. Trust us – 45mm is getting up to small log size. It is quite something to put something of that diameter through an electric garden shredder and see it chewed up in moments.