Xrido Group - Recycling Equipment Manufacturer
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What Is a Mobile Shredder and How Does It Work?

Flat infographic showing how a tracked mobile shredder processes waste through feeding, twin-shaft shredding, screening, magnetic separation and conveyor discharge.
Technical Guidemobile shredders

Author: Xrido Group

Technical review: Xrido Engineering Team

Published: Aug 19, 2026

Updated: Sep 4, 2026

Quick answer

A mobile shredder is a track- or trailer-mounted machine that shreds bulky waste such as scrap metal, wood and tires directly where the material is generated. Two slow-speed counter-rotating shafts shear the feed material, and the machine moves between sites on its own undercarriage.

Key takeaways

  • Mobile shredders process material at the source, removing transport of bulky unshredded waste.
  • Two slow-speed shafts grip and shear material instead of impacting it, which keeps dust and noise low.
  • Track or wheel undercarriage lets one machine serve multiple sites without foundations.
  • Output size is controlled by the screen or cutter configuration, matched to downstream sorting.

A mobile shredder is a track- or trailer-mounted shredding machine that reduces bulky waste such as scrap metal, wood, tires and mixed waste directly at the material source. Unlike stationary plants, the machine travels between sites on its own undercarriage, so no foundation or dismantling is required between jobs.

How a mobile shredder works

Material is loaded into the hopper by an excavator or wheel loader. A hydraulic feeder pushes it toward the shredding chamber, where two counter-rotating shafts fitted with cutting tools grip and shear the material. The shredded output passes a screen or magnet arrangement and is discharged onto a conveyor or into stockpiles.

Main components

  • Hopper and hydraulic infeed feeder
  • Shredding chamber with two slow-speed shafts
  • Screen or discharge conveyor
  • Track or wheel undercarriage
  • Power pack (diesel or electric)

Where mobile shredders are used

Typical applications include scrap metal processing, demolition wood, bulky municipal waste and tire recycling. Because the machine moves to the material, it is widely used by recyclers that serve multiple sites or process material in yards with limited space.

Contact Xrido to discuss whether a mobile shredder fits your material and site conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What does a mobile shredder do?

It reduces bulky materials such as scrap metal, wood, tires and mixed waste into smaller, transportable pieces directly at the material source, using two slow-speed counter-rotating shafts.

Do I need a foundation for a mobile shredder?

No. The machine is mounted on a track or wheel undercarriage and works on firm, level ground, so no concrete foundation or civil works are required.

What materials can a mobile shredder process?

Common feeds include scrap metal, demolition wood, bulky municipal waste and tires. Confirm your specific material with the manufacturer before purchase.

Need help selecting the right equipment for your material?

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