mrstumpy

I would suggest the FSI or Predator brands. Both are affordable with good product support and perform well. The Torro is a great little machine but is too underpowered. With a larger budget go for a Carlton, product support is back but not many parts are really needed.

All of the small hydro machines are pretty underpowered. The Toro are a built to a good standard, (non-operator) issues are usually electrical or hyraulic. Parts are fairly standard so can be purchased away from dealer. I do think you would be happier with something like a Rg37, Vermeer or Predator. I keep forgetting the FSI D30, I would probably opt for this if I were in France.

You are correct hydro looses at least 30% of the power. Direct drive loses around 10%. I would consider 30hp at the cutting wheel a good entry level machine (upwards of a 45hp engine if the cutter is hydraulic motor driven).

From my experience it is a choice between FSI and Predator. The Predator are very easy to obtain parts for and have excellent backup all over the country with good performance. The FSI have good parts supply, well built and perform well. Give the others a miss.

It is certainly unusual here. I would punt at grey pine, from California (Pnus Sabiniana) which has three needles per spray and have some length, both of which fit the picture. If you cut it down and show me the stump I may have a better idea! :)

The 38 is the better machine. The diesel is a little under powered and get bogged down.

They are a bit sparse in the area but I know one or two of varying capabilities.

Historically I purchased from here: https://www.lsengineers.co.uk/crankcase-for-stihl-mc200-ms200t-part-no-1129-020-2601.html Other suppliers are around. My preferred choice now, is to send them to Spud (on here) all the work is perfectly completed, he may even have a used one

I purchased one of them, specifically to sharpen 36" + bars. I persevered with it for a few years, it just jammed all the time and took a long time to set up. One day I had a revolutionary moment, I picked up £130 worth of grinder and threw the whole lot in the hedge (been stump ground since) picked up a file and sharpened the saw with a file - I really have not looked back since, my chain sharpening has been so much faster, much more pleasurable (compared to that thing) and with a sharper result every time.

They are alright. It's the expensive slab on the surface which needs care! But I would like to see you take that Rayco to 6ft depth. You will find bones just below surface, at some point. ☠️

Has this gone a little off topic? The question is why are the dealers charging an extra 3-400% on like for like parts? Not copy parts. E.g. a Gates hipower 'v' belt from a local suppler is circa £18 but from main dealer a Gates hipower 'v' belt hose with a manufacturer part number sticker on it is circa £80 +VAT. This is certainly no criticism of anyone here, or of any particular arb supplier, it all main dealers from lawnmowers to Lorries.

Mines a few years old.... 1998 Diahatsu Fourtrak towing and thrashing it about 25/gallon!!! I tried the modern stuff (2015 onward) there is nothing, I feel, which is the reliable workhorse I require. EGR & DPF issues, rust, far too many electronics and all that comfort!

You are not alone, I pop back from time to time. I am struggling too! There is a LOT of info on here Steve has done a good job but I think I need an instruction manual!!! I'll get there one day...

I purchased a pair of Nextbase 312GW and hardwire kits from fleabay. I'm really impressed, it's a very compact unit fitting behnd the mirror, the picture is adequate and number plates are very easily lifted from the footage (especially the from the stills).

The more heavy duty it is, the more grief it will get. Therefore a further stronger machine will be needed which will get even more grief.... The only guarantee which can be assured is any machine; it is going to break! Stumpers work really hard. I have a fleet of Vermeer, Bandit, Carlton they unfortunately all break. But are all relatively easy to repair. My solution to breakages has obviously been to buy more machines, when one fails go to another and complete the job, then repair the broken ones.