thinking of getting a bigger self propelled grinder

[MOE]

I'm kicking around the idea of getting a larger, used self propelled grinder I've kind of narrowed it down to a carlton 7015, 8018 or possibly a rayco RG90 4X4. I'm currently using a tow behind which is working. For the most part, I work in larger lawns and lots. Maybe once a year have to deal with gates,(have an alpine magnum from great scott for that). I anyone has one they are thinking of gettin rid of or replacing one, I may be interested in it. Let me know your thoughts on some of these bigger machines as well, thanks

 

[Oly's Stump]

I was considering the RG90 last year. Ending up buying the RG50 super. I heard from a guy that had a 90 that he has had trouble with that size duetz engine. Never could get it to run right. Heard the same from others. The one thing I don't like about the RG50 super is that it spits out alot of grindings out front. You need to put shielding up on almost every job. When the wheel wears out I am going with the sandvick. I probably would recommend the wheeled remote carlton with the sandvik. I have the 8018 TRX and is a great machine but is used for jobs where turf damage is not an issue. I had the RG50 regular and that machine never spit out the front like the super.

 

[TreEmergencyB]

not sure of the number but my old boss had a carlton with a 24hp Onan? fit through every gate and did every stump great machine i though easy to use made much less of a mess than the rg50 super my new company has

 

[gr8scott72]

I'm kicking around the idea of getting a larger, used self propelled grinder I've kind of narrowed it down to a carlton 7015, 8018 or possibly a rayco RG90 4X4. I'm currently using a tow behind which is working. For the most part, I work in larger lawns and lots. Maybe once a year have to deal with gates,(have an alpine magnum from great scott for that). I anyone has one they are thinking of gettin rid of or replacing one, I may be interested in it. Let me know your thoughts on some of these bigger machines as well, thanks

I never even knew who bought that machine. I didn't know your screen name and never even thought to ask you. Have you used it much yet? That 3120 is strong isn't it?

As far as the grinder, I've heard too many people complaining about not being able to get to places with the wheeled 7015. I'm VERY happy with the tracks on mine. I think the 8018 is too big for most residential stuff. Doesn't it weigh like over 1,000 lbs more than the 7015?

I think there are 3 things that make a good grinder. Tracks, remote, and the sandvik wheel. Well, 4 really. You need big diesel power to be productive too.

 

[MOE]

I was considering the RG90 last year. Ending up buying the RG50 super. I heard from a guy that had a 90 that he has had trouble with that size duetz engine. Never could get it to run right. Heard the same from others. The one thing I don't like about the RG50 super is that it spits out alot of grindings out front. You need to put shielding up on almost every job. When the wheel wears out I am going with the sandvick. I probably would recommend the wheeled remote carlton with the sandvik. I have the 8018 TRX and is a great machine but is used for jobs where turf damage is not an issue. I had the RG50 regular and that machine never spit out the front like the super.

The engine doesn't scare me on the rg 90's. I'm pretty sure it's the same oil cooled deutz i have in my bobcat 873 which has been flawless. Bobcat used a ton of them. What apeals to me about the 90 is that when they sell used, they don't seem to bring much more than the 50 supers,(Id like to stay under $25K). I think it's size scares a few buyers. For me it would be fine as I rarely work in tight back yards. I like the dozer blade as well. I do a lot of big oaks, cottonwoods, elms and really like horsepower; even at the expense of some manuverability.

 

[MOE]

I never even knew who bought that machine. I didn't know your screen name and never even thought to ask you. Have you used it much yet? That 3120 is strong isn't it?

As far as the grinder, I've heard too many people complaining about not being able to get to places with the wheeled 7015. I'm VERY happy with the tracks on mine. I think the 8018 is too big for most residential stuff. Doesn't it weigh like over 1,000 lbs more than the 7015?

I think there are 3 things that make a good grinder. Tracks, remote, and the sandvik wheel. Well, 4 really. You need big diesel power to be productive too.

I'm very happy with the alpine. I've used it on several jobs and it really does work good. My complaint is the teeth are too fragile but that's an alpine issue. It's faster than my old handle bar unit.

I hadn't heard much about the wheeled 7015's getting into places; that's good to know. I wouldn't want an older 4400 with the small wheels, they look like they'd get stuck all the time. The 4X4 version would be great but they are too new and out of my budget. I think the 8018s are about 100 lbs heavier than 7015 trx. The do have more track surface so I don't know if they are harder on lawns. I guess that's one of the reasons the RG90
s apeal to me, big power, 4X4 and fairly reasonable to buy used.

Here is why I like big power:

 

[MOE]

I'm very happy with the alpine. I've used it on several jobs and it really does work good. My complaint is the teeth are too fragile but that's an alpine issue. It's faster than my old handle bar unit.

I hadn't heard much about the wheeled 7015's getting into places; that's good to know. I wouldn't want an older 4400 with the small wheels, they look like they'd get stuck all the time. The 4X4 version would be great but they are too new and out of my budget. I think the 8018s are about 100 lbs heavier than 7015 trx. The do have more track surface so I don't know if they are harder on lawns. I guess that's one of the reasons the RG90
s apeal to me, big power, 4X4 and fairly reasonable to buy used.

Here is why I like big power:

oops, I meant 8018's are about 1000 lbs heavier,(like you said)

 

[gr8scott72]

oops, I meant 8018's are about 1000 lbs heavier,(like you said)

And are 3.8 psi ground pressure instead of the 3.2 of the 7015.

 

[MOE]

And are 3.8 psi ground pressure instead of the 3.2 of the 7015.

That seems pretty close. I would think a lawn might not know the difference with gradual turns.

 

[gr8scott72]

That seems pretty close. I would think a lawn might not know the difference with gradual turns.

Where it will make a difference is when you are on a slight incline or dip and then it goes back to level ground. The front of the tracks have all that weight on them and if the ground is soft, the machine will plow into the ground a couple of inches before it "planes out" and quits digging in. I've actually had it one time so soft that it never quit digging in and I had to find a different way onto that lawn.

I would imagine that with an additional 1,000 lbs, this would be even worse.