Used Slow-Speed Shredders: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Slow-speed shredders sit at the heart of most waste and recycling yards. They take bulky, mixed or difficult material and break it down to a size the rest of the plant can handle, whether that is RDF or SRF, wood, municipal waste or metals. A well-chosen used machine can cost far less than the same model new, and it is often available far sooner than a factory-built shredder.

At Machines on the Market we hold a wide selection of used slow-speed shredders, both single-shaft and twin-shaft. This guide explains the difference between the two types, what to inspect before you buy, and points you towards machines on the stocklist now.

Single-shaft or twin-shaft?

Both types run at low speed and high torque, which is what makes them suitable for mixed and unpredictable feedstock. The cutting arrangement is the main practical difference, and it should match the job you need the machine to do.

Twin-shaft shredders use two shafts working together to grab and tear material. They are often chosen as a primary or pre-shredder, where the priority is to reduce bulky waste quickly and keep the infeed moving. A current example is the 2024 Terex Ecotec TDS 815, listed as a twin-shaft slow-speed shredder with demo hours only. The listing notes brand-new crushing shafts, an over-band magnet, auto lube, full fire suppressant and remote control, and says the machine will go straight to work. It is priced at £165,000 and listed in England.

Single-shaft shredders typically use one shaft working against a counter-knife or screen. That often gives more control over output size, which matters when you need a more consistent fraction for RDF, SRF or wood. Two single-shaft machines on the current stocklist show the spread of what is available.

The 2026 Tana static electric 442E is listed as a brand-new Tana Shark that has never been used, after a change in the direction of the business that bought it. It comes with a full Tana warranty of three years or 3,000 hours, together with screens, controls and cabling, and can be viewed in Belgium. The listing describes electric and hydraulic power from two 160 kW motors, and lists carpet, SRF and RDF, wood, waste and MSW among the materials it is suited to. It is priced at £490,000.

The 2017 Komptech Terminator 500 S is listed as a large slow-speed single-shaft shredder in England. The listing notes 9,243 hours, an over-band magnet and a creep drive, and says the machine is good for shredding many different materials. No price is shown on the page, so please get in touch if you would like the current ask.

What to check before you buy

Used shredders can be an excellent buy, but only if you know what you are looking at. These are the points we recommend you cover before you commit.

• Hours and service history. Ask for the hour reading and any service records. Demo hours or an unused machine can be a genuine advantage, but a higher-hour shredder that has been properly maintained can still be a solid buy.
• Shafts, cutters and screens. These are the expensive wear items. Check their condition and ask what has recently been replaced. A machine already fitted with new shafts, as with the Terex Ecotec TDS 815 above, reduces the cost of getting it into production.
• Gearboxes, hydraulics and drives. Look for leaks, listen for unusual noise, and ask whether gearboxes or hydraulic pumps have been rebuilt.
• Power supply. Static electric machines can need a substantial supply. Check the kW rating against what your site can provide. The Tana 442E is listed with two 160 kW motors. Diesel-hydraulic machines avoid that constraint, but they bring their own fuel and engine maintenance.
• Magnets, fire suppression and controls. An over-band magnet, auto lube, fire suppressant and a working remote or control system all add value, and they can be costly to fit later.
• Warranty. On a nearly new or unused machine, ask what manufacturer or dealer warranty remains. The Tana 442E is listed with a full Tana warranty of three years or 3,000 hours, which is unusual on the used market and worth weighing in the price.
• Throughput, transport and viewing. Make sure the machine matches the tonnes per hour and the output size you need. Plan how it will be transported and installed, especially a large static unit. Wherever possible, see it running, ideally on material similar to yours. Full export services can be arranged.

View the current stock

Buying used means a lower price than the same model new, faster availability, and a proven machine with parts support already in the market. None of that replaces a proper inspection or a viewing where one can be arranged.

Slow-speed shredders are one of the largest categories on our stocklist, covering both mobile and static machines. As well as the Terex, Tana and Komptech units above, you can browse the full range on our machinery listings and our waste and recycling pages.

If you would like more information, to discuss a particular material stream, or to arrange a viewing, contact Richard Cross at Machines on the Market on +44 7787 411 485 or email info@machinesonthemarket.com. You can also use our contact page.