Mini loader or stump grinder

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

I don't have as much demand for the grinder as I thought I would have had. It's a handy addition and paid its way but in hindsight I might not have bothered. The mini loader was very close to being the panic buy at end of 14/15 tax year. It's still on the cards for this year. One thing I'd say which might be a point to consider, how will having another machine affect your transport arrangements? Depending on how you're set up, it could mean an extra trip to / from the job site because the machine is taking up the trailer space that might otherwise have been full of chip / log. If that happens, any time saved by using the machine could be lost to additional travel time. Just a thought, I'm not sure there is a "perfect" solution, every time I think of a reason to buy something, there seems to be equal and opposite reasons not to!

[Mountain man]

I don't have as much demand for the grinder as I thought I would have had. It's a handy addition and paid its way but in hindsight I might not have bothered. The mini loader was very close to being the panic buy at end of 14/15 tax year. It's still on the cards for this year. One thing I'd say which might be a point to consider, how will having another machine affect your transport arrangements? Depending on how you're set up, it could mean an extra trip to / from the job site because the machine is taking up the trailer space that might otherwise have been full of chip / log. If that happens, any time saved by using the machine could be lost to additional travel time. Just a thought, I'm not sure there is a "perfect" solution, every time I think of a reason to buy something, there seems to be equal and opposite reasons not to!

 

Larger purchases can be a conundrum, wake up one morning it's a must have, later that day it'll be the biggest mistake you'll ever make:001_smile:

[treefrog]

These small skid steers wills after are not not really that practical for the weight of timber. I had several on demo down the yard moving logs about. Some of the logs which two men could lift tipped the machines out of balance. I would say to make it a practical choise it would need a half ton lift as logs are all manor of sizes and shapes.

I would love to have a skid steer but think the only sensible machine would be avant or boxer type. which is much more than twice the price.

[kimtree]

get a articulated loader if you can afford it.i would steer clear of any hydraulic stump grinding attachment

Down the track get a stump grinder with its own motor and a belt driven cutting head

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

These small skid steers wills after are not not really that practical for the weight of timber. I had several on demo down the yard moving logs about. Some of the logs which two men could lift tipped the machines out of balance. I would say to make it a practical choise it would need a half ton lift as logs are all manor of sizes and shapes.

I would love to have a skid steer but think the only sensible machine would be avant or boxer type. which is much more than twice the price.

 

 

I agree, but age is getting the better of me!

[Will Ayers]

Thanks for all of your input.

 

Having used a skidster a lot I'm well impressed with its lifting capabilities. Lifting well over a four man carry putting my truck overweight with four lumps. Their abilities aren't my concern at all it is warranting the expense vs a grinder etc. The transport issue does concern me with either machine. New trailer, new ramps and eventually a new vehicle with a second driver!! But the business is doing well and needs to expand so I either go for it or let the moment pass!! The loader fits my work smart, work harder motto although I can see that the time saved during the day is wasted in getting the machine home etc. Decisions decisions.

[Will Ayers]

Bought an FSI turntable grinder. Thanks all for your help. Its on its way arriving at the end of the month... time will tell which move was the best!

 

I find investing money back in to the business quite stressful at times. I thought it would be the fun side of business but actually I feel a weight of responsibility that often outweighs the money that I'm playing with! It seems you have to jump in with both feet and make the options you have taken work for you no matter what!

 

Thank you for all of your input!

[treefrog]

Good call. Best of luck with it