questions for the stump removal guys?

[bigearl]

1. If you have a tow behind machine do you also have a smaller self propelled machine or do network yourself with a company who has a small machine.
http://www.leonarditreecare.com/M1/M1-Over.html
2. Has anyone used the M1 cutting wheel from leonardi tree care. The above link will so you

 

[ropensaddle]

I sold my little guy and bought a large tow behind. If they have
one I can't get to,rare around here, they will pay the rental and
stump charge if they want me.

 

[stumper63]

Hey Bigearl,

If you're starting out, forget the tow-behind's, unless you get a screaming deal on one. You don't want to share stump work with other grinders, you want it all for yourself, so don't limit yourself with just a tow-behind.
If you already have the tow-behind, get yourself a used Vermeer 252 or the like and you can access almost any stump.

The manufacturers are now putting big hp on self-propelled's but they're still pretty expensive new.
Search past threads for pro'ss and con's of various models.
If I was going new it would be Carlton.

 

[bigearl]

I ve been in the stumps removal business 5 years I was kicking around buying self propelled I have a 2003 rayco 1672M I was thinking maybe buying a larger self propelled like the vermeer 852 the best of both worlds. The down side the this is the price. If I was to buy a used 252 I would hate to see it sit . I guess I have alot more thinking to do about this dilema. Thanks for the input guys
BIG EARL

 

[stumper63]

The 852 would be awesome, but for $65K keep the Rayco. They may be 36" wide, but you still can't get them into alot of places because they're too long.
Get a 3-wheeled 252, will turn on a dime w/ the axle unlocked, used you can get them for 6-8K. Some say they're tippy, that's not been my experience in last 4 years, just put on the dualies if worried, stable as can be.
Keep your Rayco, get a 252 or equivalent, and grind anywhere.
Stumper63

 

[ropensaddle]

I got rid of my 252 2stumps5hours2slow I got a 602 and will never
go small again.

 

[BC WetCoast]

I think the size you choose has to be influenced by the area where you work. Anything bigger than a V 352 around here and you will be walking away from a lot of work due to difficult access. Even at that, you have be creative at removing fence panels and using ramps.

If your area has lots of open ground, with large gates and not detailed landscaping, then a larger machine is worth it.

 

[treeman82]

If I was doing a lot of stump grinding, I'd go with either a Super RG50, or an RG90 with the blade... if they can put a blade on the Carlton track machines, then I'd chose that instead... the 7015 or the 8018. But I'd go with that and then a small self propelled, or even push machine... something like the Vermeer 130 or whatever model number they use. I've used the tow behinds before, I'd never use one again if I didn't have to.

 

[ropensaddle]

If I was doing a lot of stump grinding, I'd go with either a Super RG50, or an RG90 with the blade... if they can put a blade on the Carlton track machines, then I'd chose that instead... the 7015 or the 8018. But I'd go with that and then a small self propelled, or even push machine... something like the Vermeer 130 or whatever model number they use. I've used the tow behinds before, I'd never use one again if I didn't have to.

I love mine but access is not a big problem on my work, except for hills!

 

[OLD CHIPMONK]

Ours are getting older but still making money for us. A good combination of stumpers. Upkeep is a little costly at times, but they will get the job done.

 

[NORTREE]

I started out with a used 1957 Vermeer model 10 and traded it in on a brand new 1988 Vermeer 665A. When I had stumps I couldn't get the tow behind to I had a guy with a little Promark do them. He was always really cocky acting about it. One time I did some trees at a home for disabled organization and called him and he said the machine needed a new carburetor and if I paid $250 for the carb plus his normal fees he'd go grind them. I went to the dealer and bout a 3 year old Vermeer 222(that was in 1998).Both machines are still running strong!! The 665A needs a paint job but it does a great job. www.norton################

 

[GlennG]

I sub out all stump work now , except for the easy/multiple 25 inch and under stumps. I`d rather move on to the next tree than grind a stump.

 

[arbor pro]

I started with a vermeer 252. When I got enough other work, I added a tow-behind vermeer 665a to do the bigger stumps. Couldn't do without the 252 though or I'd be turning away a lot of work.

Start with a self-propelled.

 

[Marquis]

I had thought about a tow behind, but with my full size 4 door super duty, I didn't feel like driving and trying to back a tractor trailer all the time in tight spots. Instead, I went with a PTO driven on my John Deere tractor. Best move yet for me! Surprisingly still gets into very tight spots!

 

[CLEARVIEW TREE]

Yep, i love my pto driven woodsgrinder on my new 4x4 kubota, there again. May get a carlton in the future for the little gates and stuff. But, that kubota will grind ANYWHERE else. Gotta love it

 

[rbtree]

Kinda off topic, but here's my machine.......Had this stump not been 75-80% rotten, I'd have charged $1200-1500!! Still got $750. was backbreaking work. The AM is hard to use, and dulls easily, so lots of digging is required in our rocky soil. But it was the only machine that could access this stump. Ground an area about 8 feet across, 18 inches deep...

My 2 subs have a modded 252, RG 50, and Vermeer 752 (or whatever the number is.

The Alpine Magnum allows any stump anywhere to be done....but it is darned strenuous to use.

 

[tree MDS]

No offense rbtree, but have you guys seen the video of the guy demo-ing that AM thing, lol, that was priceless, for some reason it just cracks me up- I love the crooked cutting saw, I already knew he was gonna go at er from the other side lol. Its somewhere on here I saw it awhile ago.

 

[rbtree]

Saw it..So what. He ran a dull chain. Lotsa folks do so. You should see that 372 chain after using it for root cutting. Was an old chain anyhow. Saves a lot of time with a huge stump like that one, and a dull grinder.

used that chain again for some root pruning to alleviate pressure on a foundation.

Usually a sawzall is preferable.

 

[tree MDS]

It was more what a joke that thing looked like and that poor powerhead, lol. I can see what you are saying if its all you can get in with, I say let it rot personally. Hey 200 posts cool! I wonder if I'll be sticking around for years....

 

[CLEARVIEW TREE]

There wasn't anything wrong with that powerhead! He was doin the best with what he had at that time for that particular job! Keep up the good work RB that's what it's "about adapt and overcome"