How narrow does a grinder need to be?

[Arbtech Tree Services]

Evening all,

 

Currently looking to upgrade the grinder and was set on the Toro STX-26 (34" wide) until I spoke to Dean at the show and realised that the ZT1844 (29" wide) won't break the bank.

 

Lost count of the number of jobs where we're scraping the tyres at 30". Taking the gate off is fine until it's brick walls etc.

 

The HB20 and JoBeau B24-100 are down to 25" but I'd rather have a track machine with a lot more power.

 

There's also the Predator 28x at 26", expanding tracks and a price tag to match.

 

So, how many jobs would you be able to get a 25" machine in where 29" is too much? Or am I over thinking this?

 

 

Regards,

 

Steve.

[Kev Stephenson]

It's not always the gap but where the gate is. Getting through a 29" gate then meeting an instant 90 degree corner or a step causes loads of problems with the tracked machines as they are 8ft plus long.

 

I'd also be wary of ground damage caused in domestic gardens with a tracked machine.

[Arbtech Tree Services]

Thanks Kev, looking to cut down the 30" wheeled grinder for that situation - can probably get it down to 27", it's just hard work compared to a bigger machine.

 

Turning on lawns I guess we'll have to carry a sheet of ply?

 

Just wondering whether to go for this or settle for an HB20.

 

 

 

 

Regards,

 

Steve.

[littlerob]

HB20 fantastic machine see 5ft stumpd done in 3 and a bit hours small enough to fit in most gardens and capable on doing bigger stumps and if needs a bigger machine hire in one as when needed

[Blake@waveney]

I had a Vermeer 252 grinder at 34 inches wide would do 70-75% of jobs then I had a predator 350 for 20%. Any I could not do or larger jobs I would hire. I would seriously look at the bandit as it could possibly be the answer for you.

[kev7937]

If you're thinking about the hb20 I'd recommend taking a Dan equip 25sp for a test drive, we find it's a much better machine and gets in a lot more tight gardens despite being an inch wider.

 

 

http://www.danequip.co.uk/our-products/25-27sp-grinder/

[Kev Stephenson]

Try the predator 460. Not as top heavy as the HB20 and cheaper. I've had one 12 months now and no issues at all

[treeman_gee]

HB20N is a great machine, plenty of power and will get into tighter gaps than any other grinder out there.....apart from an alpine magnum! Does nearly all of my domestic jobs and is built to last unlike several similar sized machines......great re-sell value too

[Stumpy Grinder]

I would say that less than 5% of the work I do requires access less than 3 foot (or 36"). That means that I can do 95% with a bigger machine which takes much less time and effort on my part! If I lost the other 5%, I wouldn't be too bothered as they are often awkward and hard work!

It's not just width, but tight corners, slopes, steps, raised borders and other obstacles that are restrictive. I also have a Rayco RG 20 with reduced width down to 29" which is self drive and can get most places but is still very capable. If that won't get there, then there's the Alpine Magnum which I use for probably less than 1% of jobs. Very hard work, very thirsty, very expensive teeth, but again very capable and has its place in my arsenal of machines! Getting a smaller machine may get you everywhere, but it will hurt your pocket and your body! Bigger is definitely better and more cost effective. Possibly even worth hiring a smaller machine (or some mug like me!) for the infrequent 5% of work?

SG

[Arbtech Tree Services]

Thanks everyone for your input, as I have the small machine - not ideal but does the job - which will end up 27" and get round tight corners (once carried it sideways through a kitchen door), I'm leaning towards sticking with the ZT1844.

It will be more powerful and comfortable to use and I should ever need to hire anything else.

 

 

 

Regards,

 

Steve.