Seems to be working well for you and that speaks volumes to me!
Part of the trick would be matching them to other machines. I had to add a hydraulic multiplier to my older machine that made the aux circuit toggle between rotate and grab.
My E55 was ordered to spec so I got the 2nd aux circuit which gives me independent rotate and grab functions on the factory joysticks, which is really nice. From there, I use a multiplier in the buncher head to switch the grab function to cut.
Without that factory option, this is all still possible, but perhaps a little convoluted for some. Ideally, another small valve bank would be plumbed into the machine and new joystick handles would run the expanded functions. That kind of luxury can get fairly expensive.
I will say I think my choice in rigid rotators was good…it’s a worm drive unit with a very short build height. This type or rotator has great holding capability compared to other styles. I also made a custom offset coupler to greatly improve geometry for tree work. I’m not digging much at all, as all work is at grade or above, making current boom geometries a bit less than ideal. The smaller the base machine or carrier, the more important these factors are to making it useable in this type of work, yet these factors are still valuable with larger machines. I can speak to this having started with an E26. Proper implement geometry can make or break overall use ability.
The E55 is very capable, and a regular guy can haul it to residential sites without a CDL. That said, and now having my CDL, I do think of 8 to 10 ton sized machines with traditional boom mounting locations over the front mounted swing boom style bit more…almost twice the tonnage of what I have now yet not sized out of residential work.
