First Stump Grinder Buy, help needed

[JamesDelo]

Right, I know very little about the stump grinding business but I am eager to get into it. 

 

My boss has said that he is not interested in doing any form of stump grinding so I thought I would capitalise on it! 

 

He only does domestic work so a lot of the time it will be narrow access (fitting through garden side gates). I am looking for something that is self-propelled but the deck does spin. I know there is a huge market so I thought I would ask the people in the know who have used these machines before. They are all much the same but their prices obviously vary so does the brand really determine the prices? 

I am looking for some advice on what I should go for like a Bandit HB20, CARLTON SP2010, FSI B22, Predator 360 and 460 

 

In your opinions what do you like best? What are the running costs like? 

 

And if any of you guys are thinking of getting rid of one or know of a great dealer, I am based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. 

 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

Many Thanks, 

Edited July 28, 2019 by JamesDelo

[Steve Bullman]

Out of those the only one I have used is the FSI. Compared to some of the other 20hp machines I have used without the rotating feature its an awesome machine. I have only used the push along version but I think the hydraulic option would definetly be worth looking at spending the extra cash on. Not sure how much weight it would add to the unit, but I believe it would still be liftable. 2 strong men can lift the push along version onto the back of a transit without too much bother.

[allseasons]

I have a 460 absolutely love the machine only issue it is 30mm to wide for a standard door which is really annoying. Bought it from ben burgess who i cant recommend highly enough. Have just hired a 360 beacuse of access from arbgear top lads i must say but machine not as good as the jo beau slim access machine. Speak to them though if not to far away as they have machines you could hire and try out. They also buy and sell machines too.

[JamesDelo]

3 hours ago, Steve Bullman said:

Out of those the only one I have used is the FSI. Compared to some of the other 20hp machines I have used without the rotating feature its an awesome machine. I have only used the push along version but I think the hydraulic option would definetly be worth looking at spending the extra cash on. Not sure how much weight it would add to the unit, but I believe it would still be liftable. 2 strong men can lift the push along version onto the back of a transit without too much bother.

Hi Steve is that the FSI B20? 

[dig-dug-dan]

Mate has a 460. Good thing is it uses electric motors to drive, so engine does not need to be on. Got a dreadful kohler engine on it, if you can live with that, its great.

[josharb87]

Work out what you want to pay, either out right, or if you're going to finance. Buy as new as you can.

 

and the size of the machine.

 

Include 1k in your budget for ramps, gaurds, teeth and other consumables or tools you don't have (spades, rakes, blower, grease gun, socket set etc)

 

Whats your budget for the machine?

 

[ForestryFinance]

If it would help your decision to have quotes per month for purchasing anything on finance, give me a shout and I will run some numbers for you.