Trying to choose a Stump Grinder

Gtown · Jun 7, 2018

Hello All,

I'm new to stump grinding and am looking for an all around machine that wont break the bank. I wont be grinding large stumps mostly in the 10 to 20 inch range. Something under $30k canadian. Ive looked at the Bandit (2250R and 1844), Terex, and vermeer sc30tx. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Jehinten · Jun 8, 2018

I have rented a sc30tx a couple of times, it won't win any races on a large stump (not compared to a sc60tx that I've seen in action) but it's not bad. I don't have anything to compare it to besides a Dosco (i think thats the correct spelling)hand held grinder, so I may not help you out there. Overall for smaller stumps I am pretty impressed with it, and it still is able to make me money even with the daily rental rate.

My biggest complaint is lack of visibility while grinding, with the controls on the back of the machine directly behind the cutter, it's hard to see clearly what your doing. You almost have to grind by feel, unless you stand off to the side like I do. Just wear a face shield bc the chip reflectors are designed to protect an operator who is standing behind the machine, not necessarily beside it

deevo · Jun 8, 2018

Spend a bit more $ and get a bandit 2550, you’ll thank me later

Gtown · Jun 8, 2018

deevo said:
Spend a bit more $ and get a bandit 2550, you’ll thank me later

The problem is it is not a bit more. The 2250 is $24,000 and the 2550 was $49,000. Thats a bit much.

Jeff · Jun 8, 2018

Avoid anything that says "Carlton" on the side of it.

Personally, I think any of the Rayco RG machines are hard to beat.

oldoakman · Jun 8, 2018

Consider service and parts a avilablity as.well. machines are great when they run and not so great when broken down and waiting for parts.

southsoundtree · Jun 8, 2018

I didn't think I'd need dealer support with a new mini-loader, since it was new, not someone else's worn-out headache machine. Was I wrong.

Stephen Moore · Jun 9, 2018

southsoundtree said:
I didn't think I'd need dealer support with a new mini-loader, since it was new, not someone else's worn-out headache machine. Was I wrong.

I don’t know? I’m about ready to buy a GiANT Branch Manager with hydraulic grapple and a clean up bucket but.... the only dealership is in another province! I’m in BC and they are in Alberta!? Hmmm yes or no?

deevo · Jun 9, 2018

Gtown said:
The problem is it is not a bit more. The 2250 is $24,000 and the 2550 was $49,000. Thats a bit much.

Oh wow didn’t know the spread was that much, but the productivity of a 2550 and maintenance is hard to beat! I’ve run smaller grinders and it’s painful. I like getting the job done fast collect the $ and off to the next one! All depends how many stumps you do a year, we do 35-50 K in stumps a year

southsoundtree · Jun 9, 2018

Stephen, consider scoops for the grapple, for real. Extra $1K-ish, but bunched-together shipping. The rake is about $1000, IIRC. Save a lot of manual cleanup.

Those Giants look awesome. Research! How well do you turn a wrench?

Stephen Moore · Jun 9, 2018

southsoundtree said:
Stephen, consider scoops for the grapple, for real. Extra $1K-ish, but bunched-together shipping. The rake is about $1000, IIRC. Save a lot of manual cleanup.

Those Giants look awesome. Research! How well do you turn a wrench?

We have a mechanic and a shop, so repairing isn’t as much of an issue as maintaining a warranty, and having parts available. Nothing worse than paying for something you can’t use. When you say scoops can you shoot me a photo?

Stephen Moore · Jun 9, 2018

And are you saying get scoops instead or in addition to the grapple?

southsoundtree · Jun 9, 2018

The grapple is the mount for the scoops and rake.
https://www.branchmanagerusa.com/

The grapple kills it, alone. These scoops do the smaller work that the grapple isn't good at. People say they're well worth it.
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Stephen Moore · Jun 9, 2018

Nice ! I won’t be getting the knock around grapple, I’ll go full hydraulic. But yeah! That looks like a cool idea! The reason I want the clean up bucket is for snow removal in the winter. But hey, you are spending 50 grand what’s an extra thousand or so?

Tree_Frog · Jun 10, 2018

Just got this for $18,500. Great machine with the bigger engine.

http://www.banditchippers.com/bandit_equipment/product_line/product/122

Only 8 cutting teeth and chews through stumps.

Live oak stump.

southsoundtree · Jun 10, 2018

Stephen Moore said:
Nice ! I won’t be getting the knock around grapple, I’ll go full hydraulic. But yeah! That looks like a cool idea! The reason I want the clean up bucket is for snow removal in the winter. But hey, you are spending 50 grand what’s an extra thousand or so?

articulated loader?

Not sure if the power-rotater allows you to free-spin, too. Being able to freely spin does things that the power rotator won't, and vice versa.

Mini's don't have the lift height to sacrifice the inches involved in power-rotator, more or less.

Stephen Moore · Jun 10, 2018

southsoundtree said:
articulated loader?

Not sure if the power-rotater allows you to free-spin, too. Being able to freely spin does things that the power rotator won't, and vice versa.

Mini's don't have the lift height to sacrifice the inches involved in power-rotator, more or less.

Yes ideally, the tracked units and skid steer are brutal in the turn. How much of a sacrifice does the full Hydraulic grapple make?

Stephen Moore · Jun 10, 2018

I suppose I could go with the other one and spend the money on eiter clam shells or the clean up bucket?

southsoundtree · Jun 10, 2018

Not sure, handful of inches, I'd estimate. Maybe 6"?????

BM Attachments are making a max grapple for minis that is a bit bigger than the standard, btw.