Minimum power for effective stump grinding

[Gavint]

I've rented lower powered stump grinders, usually dull, and they have been a b*tch to use.  

 

Looking at getting one next year, saw a Laski with a pivot on it at a trade show this year, 23 hp Kohler motor and self driving for about what I'd be willing to shell out.  Anyone use something like this?  Happy with it?

 

[AHPP]

I rented a similar spec FSI B22 a while ago. Driven wheels, manual slew (on a bearing or something), same power probably. Lovely thing.

 

I do very little grinding btw because I thought I hated it. I actually hated blunt rental machines. Sharp teeth and it’s a dream. Thought you might appreciate the input from this side so to speak 

Edited December 1 by AHPP

[rapalaman]

The FSI B22 is 14hp, same as Predator/Laski 360sw. 
From memory I believe Tycorrigan runs one of these.

I have the Predator and it has earned its price many times over. I also have an HB20, about the same size as the 460 but it only gets used maybe 5% of the time. The self drive is very handy though.

[AHPP]

An extra nine horse would be even better then if I was happy with 14. Get Ty’s input. He’ll have data. 

[Dan Maynard]

The place near me used to rent out a 360 and 460, and they kept the teeth pretty sharp. I'd take the 460 every time I could even though a few quid more to hire, the extra weight of machine and extra power means it takes a lot less effort to grind, and the self drive is brilliant on slopes, or on and off the trailer.

 

It is a fair bit longer than the 360 though so access can be a problem. I always say the only reason a bigger grinder is not better is if it won't fit in the garden to get to the stump.

 

Sadly they stopped hiring it out and just had the 360 so I bought my own cheap one I can put sharp teeth on.

[Ty Korrigan]

Teeffff, it's all in the teeffff..!

 With sharp teeth, and brisk light passes 14hp is enough to demolish even large stumps.

You need teeth with a good cutting edge as there is no weight and little torque to work with.

Teeth for the FSI are very reasonable from QRMS, certainly not worth sharpening.