Manual vs. Automatic Bone Crushers: Which Is Better?
⚖️ Manual vs. Automatic Bone Crushers: Which Is Better?
If you're looking for a way to process bones for feed, fertilizer, or animal production, you may be wondering:
Is a manual solution or an automatic shredder better?
The choice depends on the type of bone, the volume you are handling, and your goal. Here we explain the key differences between the two methods, so you can make the best decision for your business or project.
🔨 What is manual shredding?
Manual crushing is a completely artisanal practice that consists of crush meaty bones one by one using a heavy mallet on a sturdy board or base.
It is only recommended for soft bones with attached flesh, as:
Chicken wings
Chicken carcasses
Tender rabbit or poultry ribs
👉 This method not suitable for hard bones (such as beef or pork), as it requires too much force and is not effective.
Characteristics:
Very laborious: requires many hits per piece
Very slow: does not exceed 10 kg per hour
Non-uniform: fragments are not of regular size
It requires constant physical effort
Suitable for occasional or domestic use only
⚙️ What is an automatic shredder?
An automatic shredder is a electric machine designed to crush bones of all types, from chicken to hard beef bones.
Thanks to its motor and blades, it can process large quantities safely, quickly and hygienically.
Applications:
Slaughterhouses
Butchers
BARF Producers
Fertilizer factories
Feed or biomaterials companies
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📊 Direct comparison
| Feature | Manual crushing | Automatic shredder |
|---|---|---|
| Bone type | Only soft meaty bones | Soft and hard bones (chicken, pork, beef, etc.) |
| Volume per hour | Very low (≤ 10 kg/h) | Medium to high (50 kg up to +1000 kg/h) |
| Physical effort | Very high | Minimum |
| Uniformity of crushing | Irregular, poorly controlled | Very uniform, adjustable according to the model |
| Initial cost | Very low | Moderate to high investment |
| Recommended applications | Personal use, pets with BARF at home | Business, commercial or industrial use |
| Hygiene and cleanliness | Half | High (easy-to-clean stainless steel models) |
✅ When to choose each one?
Choose manual shredding:
If you prepare BARF rations at home for one or two pets
You only use soft bones with meat
You have time, patience and physical strength
You don't need large volumes
Choosing an automatic shredder:
If you have a business and need volume
Processes large or hard bones
You are looking for productivity, security and efficiency
You want to achieve professional and consistent results
🧠 Are there any intermediate options?
Yes. In ARC Distribution, we offer automatic compact crushers Perfect for butcher shops, bakeries, BARF producers or agricultural businesses that need power without taking up too much space.
👉 Check out all the crusher category
🧩 Conclusion
Manually grinding bones can be useful in specific cases, but if you're looking for productivity, the real solution is an automatic grinder.
A good machine allows you to save time, effort, and safely produce valuable products.
Need help choosing the perfect one? Write to us and we'll advise you without obligation.
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