Stump grinding rocks barbed wire etc

[justintimemoto]

So I was grinding a 3' oak today, and ended up finding some rocks. Soon as I found them I got them out, then found more rocks. I then found some barbed wire. Basically it just killed the teeth. How do you guys go about this? Do you charge the customer extra? Also do you make them sign a contract saying that there will be an additional fee if foregn object are found? I could really use some input right now thanks!

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

IMO your normal grinding fee should include enough to "pad" your costs to factor in wear and tear on the machines you need to do the job.

 

[justintimemoto]

I agree with you I usually do. I haven't come across a stump that basically kills the teeth until today. I'm young and dumb yet 22 to be exact, been grinding for a couple years. Started my own business and I just want to learn, Especially on contracts prior to starting the job.

 

[tidy]

one time I did a stump and the area had heaps of old bits of metal in the dirt, i cleaned up as best as possible but still ended up breaking 3 teeth. i told the client i would need to charge him for the cost of the teeth as the amount of junk at the stump was excessive. He was cool about it but its never come up as an issue again.

 

[BC WetCoast]

I've never charged extra after the fact, especially if they signed a contract. You could put a clause into your contract that states that you will charge for broken teeth, but personally I don't think its professional. What I would do is just build the cost of replacing 1 or 2 teeth into each job. Don't separate it out on your quote, but know that you are building a small tooth replacement fund.

I trust you are looking at each job before you give the price. If there is a likelihood of rock, then add cost accordingly. After a while you will also learn what districts of your operating area are prone to have more rock in them.

 

[pro94lt]

Around here their's almost always something in 3 ft trees...

 

[defensiblespace]

What kind of teeth are you using? I grind with Yellow Jackets. There's rocks in every single job I do and I haven't broken a tooth yet.