I have 4 maple trees that produce over 20 big yard bags of leaves each fall. Will this be powerful enought to mulch all those fallen leaves?

I would rather buy a blower/mulcher in 1. It will be faster. Just vacuum the leaves and empty the bag into a pile or the trash when full.

Can this unit shred lots of leaves

It will shread a lot of leaves, but you have to pace yourself. Also, If you are going to shred Palm Fronds you want to use the branch chipper, remove the leaflets and split them up into 3-4 parts (depending on size of frond), roll up and feed the leaflets through gradually, then finally feed the rest through.

Does anyone make a composter which will handle both wet( kitchen scraps) and dry (garden stuff) material, something like a giant garbage disposal?

No, but I have been looking for years. McCulloch has similar shredder and I wrote asking if they could make one. Response was make your own wet scrapper from large hp used garbage disposal in wood case. Search online and you can find diy instructions. Even a hand crank heavy duty meat grinder would be nice, but they can't be found.

Search "120v 14a electric shredder" and a seemingly identical greeen unit appears selling for about 1/2 the price. any difference?

This is my second electric shredder. I owned one several years ago in Hawaii, which was exactly the same, made by McCullough. I worked it long hours keeping my yard clear and loved it. Keep in mind any electric shredder will not handle wet material or large limbs, because it will jamb. They are meant for small brush, hedge clippings, and DRY or fresh leaves. My first was a real workhorse. I sold it 5 years later for almost the same price I paid for it. When I moved across the country, I purchase another one with Eco-Shredder name, but it appears to be the same with a few upgrades. It is made of steel with the exception of the top funnel and exit shoot. It works great if you don't push it beyond it's capability. It is a quality machine. If this one dies, I will immediately buy another Eco-Shredder. I looked at the cheaper model and found it on-line at Sears for $436. The reviews there were not good. Simple things like the handscrews stripping easily, wheels falling off, and complaints the motor was too small. It also looks to be made of plastic, which definitely will not handle the force these use chopping wood. I could not find anywhere it indicated where it was made, only who the distributor is, that's not a good sign. It could be made in China. Another thing to consider is availability of parts. I have worn down several sets of blades (which I sharpen myself). The Eco-Shredder is easy to find replacement blades, plus they are good hardened steel that stays sharp longer and doesn't chip or bend like cheaper blades. In my mind, I have no second thoughts about purchasing another Eco-Shredder because it is a well made machine. The other model may be fine, but I know my Eco-Shredder is good for the long haul.

ES1600 14-Amp Electric Chipper / Shredder / Mulcher

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