Stump grinder brand

Kram · May 20, 2003

Hello everyone, I'm new here. Does anyone here have any experience with a DOSKO stump grinder? I'm looking into buying a tow behind and the one I'm interested has a 20 HP Kohler engine, 14"dia. cutter wheel, hydrostatic drive and it goes 2600 RPM. It's made in Calif. from Doskocil Industries, Inc. Thanks for any info.

Treeman14 · May 20, 2003

I've got the Model 691 SP with an 18hp Kohler Magnum. I bought it new in 1989 and its a great little grinder. Its well-built and still runs like a champ. Dosko has always been helpful with parts and service when needed.

I would recommend a self-propelled model if you are getting a small machine like this. They can be towed, but you'd be wise to use a small trailer instead. I usually carry mine in the bed of my pickup or in the back of the bucket truck.

rahtreelimbs · May 20, 2003

One of the climbers that I work for bought a Rayco 1625 at the beginning of the year. I think it ran him around $11,000.So far, so good. It has been running good for him. He also bought a separate trailer to keep the road wear off of the grinder.

Stumper · May 20, 2003

The first stump grinder I ever operated was a Dosko. I wound up buying a Rayco-a decision which I do not in any way regret but the Dosko seemed to be a good machine. My limited experience seemed to indicate that the Rayco was a little smoother to operate and a bit more heavily constructed. I whole heartedly agree with those who said that a trailer or pickup transport is preferable to towing these small units. I have a skid that I welded up bolted into the back of my pick up. (I made a wooden one initially that didn't have to be bolted but this is much more compact.) I run it up my folding ramps, let it drop into the chocks I incorporated into the skid and swing up a bar that pins into the handle adjustment portion of the machine. This is all laid out so that the machine is now effectively locked.-It can't roll forward. It can't roll back. It can't pivot up and down. Side bars on the skid keep it from sliding sideways. If I roll the truck I'll have a problem but otherwise it is stable. I've logged almost 100,000 miles with that set up.

Kram · May 21, 2003

I have two options at a very good reliable rental store that has'em and they sell a new one (same model) for $5000 and a used one for $3,200, if you've had your grinder for that long, guess it would pay to buy the used one but it doesn't come with a warranty like the new one. Not sure how many hours it has but with two grands off, it shouldn't be that many and sounds like a good deal.

NeTree · May 21, 2003

As long as the engine runs good ,bearings are sound, and it doesn't leak fluids, the used one is probably a better deal. A new one isn't likely to have issues during the warranty period anyway.