marne

If it's the Vanguard with the red metal cover for the fan/flywheel, then it was made in Japan by mitsubishi. Reliable engines with a breather on the crankcase that can fail but is no big deal then. Probably the reason for those 4k hours. The 27hp Kohlers from the past can go beyond 4k hrs in harsh environments as well. Probably the op should expect 2k hours from a new vanguard, the engineers nowadays can time the lifespan of their goods pretty exactly. So as 2k hours are common for small air cooled pro grade V2s, they will aim for it, but not much more, as probably mitsubishi did.

Eventhough the roots look somewhat dead, no way I would do that job, way to risky. Just advice not to touch the roots and walk away.

Walk behind Flail-Mower, can be used in the future for mowing the plot. You don't wanna mow 5000m² with a Stihl Fs.

No help I know but out of couriosity: despite the lousy throttle cable, what's your general thoughts on this machine? Many thanks Marne

Looks as if it ate something it shouldn't or as there are nicks and dents in chamber missing, there was problem with the shape/seat of the knife holders or the screws where overtightend or a bad batch of knives with hardening defects.

Eliet shredders handle all kind of stuff exceptional well. I have an old super prof 2000 and I really don't get, why they don't receive more fame. The 50cm infeed width is fantastic, literally no electronics in the old ones and super sturdy built. If one person is feeding it, it's fast enough to keep you really busy. The best, it's self propellered and and goes anywhere (on tracks). But if you want to shred growers waste, you may even want a bigger intake for their root balls which may have the size of 10L buckets. You're probably facing an investment, that many potheads are not able to cover...

Great Review Stefan, thank you! Even though I have 7 machines in my fleet, I was eyeballing with that one since it's available with a blade now and it's so damn narrow. There are a few questions I have about that machine. How long did your first engine last? And how many hours do you get on average from the cutter head bearings and belts? Did you ever have issues with the (remote) electronics? Many thanks, Marne

I use the Nemesis fullstop wheel clamp, it's arms are too thick to be cut off with a regular angle grinder, solid built but stupid pricey.

While I share the joy of using two wheel tractors with you, I fear that there is no capable chipper attachment for them available. Fact: the chinesium Jansen you got, already is an acceptable whee chipper with good capacity and a drum which seems superior to disc chippers in this class (due to feed width and chute). The disappointment you will experience with the two you mentioned will be serious. The best bet is to build a mounting for the bcs and the Jansen. The bcs has some kind of hitch receiver between pto and handle bar where you can attach the trailertongue of the Jansen to (after removing the ball coupler). Option two, remove the ball coupler from the Jansen and weld or screw a hollow bcs quick coupler to it, which would be my favourite choice.

If it's CNG I would not take it, except you have a specialized garage and a CNG station on hand. Too rare.

We had a 170hp volvo 5 cylinder in the family, it ran about 500.000kms on retrofitted lpg and it was 25 years when the rust killed it from underneath. It ran fine till it's last day. No serious issues apart from a sensor, a connector, a fuel line and a new tank once or twice. With 10k miles a year a hardly see a need for lpg but if the price is right I would give it a try, you can always sell again. Surprised to see an iveco with lpg, always thought they had cng only.

G-Coupler.

If finances are the main focus, the perspective is wrong. No doubt you can make a fortune when self employed, but it's more a question of who you are. Not everyone is a good employee and so not everyone can handle beeing self employed, it's more like a lifeline you (have to) follow. There are shades of grey, but you will know which kind you are, when doing one or the other. If you just do it for the money, the chance of failing big time is very high, you need a motivation that comes from your heart and soul.

Another vote for the 3.0 iveco engine, whether it's in a Ducato or a Daily.

These popping 10 inchers can be scary. On my 3t plant trailer, I went with maxxis cr966 after a delicate moment with bursting rubber. The are reinforced and have more layers than others, in addition they are stated to carry more than their rating, downside: they cost like 50% more than others.