Stump grinder ~50hp

[Jan]

Hi arbtalkers,

 

4 years ago i started grinding with a 13hp Predator 350, a little later i added a Rayco 1625, which works pretty fast since i upgraded it with multi-tip teeth. But with its 27hp petrol engine and a limited swivel range it used to make me dream of a stronger 50-60 hp diesel grinder and therefore i ask for your advice:

 

I demoed a Predator 50 (with virgin teeth) and had the feeling, that some horses got lost in the hydraulic drive. My gut instinct told me, that the Vermeer 352 with its 35hp engine would have achieved an identical grinding performance with a multi-tip setup. But i might be wrong.

 

I watched a competitor working with his Carlton 7050 (Dura Disk II) and that machine seemed to have much more power on the cutting wheel (probably less loss of power because of tooth belt). But i might be wrong again.

 

Has anyone worked or compared these two machines?

 

Jan

[PeteB]

Jan, your trying to compare machines with different applications. One is on wheels and one is on tracks. If you need tracks, then you might be limited in your choice of machine. If not, then you will have plenty to choose from.

 

You are correct in saying that the Pred 50 looses power driving the head hydraulically. Most hydraulic applications loose about 25% of their power. Therefore the Pred 50 has 37.5 at the head.

[Jan]

Hi Steve,

 

i wouldnt need a tracked machine (i know of the benefits and handicaps of 1 1/2 tons on tracks since i own a GM STC150), but the P50R fits as a used machine with 400hours on arborcut for 16.000 in my price range, looking for a used machine up to 3 years and 200-400 hours.

 

The Carlton 7015 could also be squeezed through a standard 35inch gate and thats actually the only requirement for the machine besides the performance.

 

Rayco offers the RG 50, but i've heard bad things about the wear on the undersized drive belt. The new 1645 offers just 44 horses and is not available yet as a used machine. The same goes for the new Vermeer 652, way beyond of what i could spend.

 

And for Bandit: I havent heard of any competitor working with these machines...

[josharb87]

the bandits are awesome machines

 

[treebloke]

I have 7 stump grinders of variying sizes and the RG50 have more than enough power. The belts and sprockets do wear but that's a small trade off and they are easy to change.

 

I would say if you have the opportunity to buy one then take it.