Stefan Palokangas

Predator 38RX: A Decade of Dependable Stump Grinding - The Ultimate Narrow Access Machine Ten years ago, I invested in a Predator 38RX stump grinder, and it's been a workhorse ever since. This machine has proven itself time and again, tackling everything from backyard stumps to large commercial projects. Pros: Power and Performance: The 38 horsepower engine delivers ample power to grind through even the toughest stumps with ease. I've never felt it was underpowered for the job. Unmatched Maneuverability: The 38RX's compact size and tracked design are a game-changer. It fits through virtually any gate and navigates tight spaces with ease. I'd estimate it can access 95% of the jobs I encounter, eliminating the need for backbreaking manual labor or expensive crane rentals. Ease of Use: The controls are intuitive and the radio remote operation provides excellent visibility and safety. It's a user-friendly machine even for those new to stump grinding. Durability: The 38RX has held up remarkably well over the years, even withstanding an engine issue that was entirely my fault. It's built to last and withstand the rigors of daily use. Versatility: This machine can handle a wide range of stump sizes and types, making it suitable for various projects. Excellent Customer Support: When I needed an engine replacement due to my own mistake trying to remove the flywheel, Predator Power went above and beyond. They not only shipped me a new EFI engine within days but also provided invaluable assistance with the installation. This level of support is truly exceptional and is a testament to their commitment to their customers. Quick and Reliable Spare Parts Delivery: I'm also incredibly grateful for the quick delivery of spare parts whenever I've needed them. In this business, downtime can be costly, and Predator Power's efficient parts service has kept me up and running without major interruptions. Having that reliable supply chain is crucial when choosing a stump grinder, and it's something I truly appreciate about Predator Power. Cons: Maintenance: Like any piece of equipment, regular maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly. Parts can be somewhat expensive. Overall: The Predator 38RX has been a fantastic investment for my business. It's a reliable, powerful, and incredibly maneuverable machine that has allowed me to take on jobs that would be impossible with larger stump grinders. Its ability to access tight spaces has significantly expanded my customer base and profitability. Even when I encountered an issue due to my own error, Predator Power's outstanding customer service and quick parts delivery turned it into a positive experience. If you're in the market for a durable, capable, and highly accessible stump grinder backed by a company that truly cares about its customers, the Predator 38RX is the clear choice. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars I hope this will help for someone starting out in Stump Grinding i know when i started out it wasn't easy to pick a machine. Did alot of mistakes in the beginning that broke a bit here and there, but after learning how to grind i never had issues.

Hello everyone I got spare parts for a Kohler ch980 for sale A while ago i had issues with a oil leak on my stump grinder, and a charging issue. I bought new pistons, new stator, all the sealings, breather kit, voltage regulator, and the ignition coils, took the engine out of the grinder and was going to just change every part in it. Just to find the engine casing had cracked, i belive it cracked a little 2 years ago with me removing the flywheel in the wrong way, bended it out instead of pulling. so with that scenario unfolding i had to order a brand new engine. but now i sit here with a almost complete engine in bits, i would like 500 pounds it all, this comes with 2 starter motors. I thought perhaps someone here would have use of it.

Just a longshot, to see if anyone here selling a Ch980 or ch1000 Kohler engine ? I need to replace the one i got in the grinder.

The collective wisdom in this forum is truly remarkable. Thank you once again for taking the time to contribute to the discussion.

It's mostly the stumps up against walls where they haven't been able to use the digger.

No i don't work any 200 hours at all, far from it. ha ha

Hello Fellow Arb Professionals, I'm Stefan, owner of Stump Grinding Direct, a dedicated stump grinding service based in Scotland. Over my many years in this business, I've had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of professionals from different sectors. But recently, I've observed an interesting shift in the utilisation of stump grinding services. It seems to me that we're seeing fewer and fewer tree surgeons making use of professional stump grinding services, while landscapers' demand for such services has been on the rise. In theory, one would expect it to be the other way around, given that stump grinding is a natural extension of the tree surgery process. A possible explanation for this trend could be that many tree surgeons have invested in their own stump grinders and have started to handle this aspect of the job internally. While this approach may offer more control over the entire process, it also comes with its own set of challenges like equipment maintenance, additional training, and increased time per job. On the other hand, landscapers, whose main focus lies elsewhere, may find it more efficient to outsource this specific task to dedicated stump grinding services, ensuring a seamless and swift continuation of their landscape design and construction work. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on this matter. Have you also noticed this trend? How do you perceive the role of stump grinding in the broader arboriculture industry, and how do you think this shift will affect our field in the long run? Looking forward to an insightful discussion! Best, Stefan Owner, Stump Grinding Direct

Hello Everyone, It's been a long time since I started this thread on the 26th of April, 2015. I'm incredibly grateful to see it still active and engaging after all these years. The journey has been nothing short of amazing, and I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your contributions, advice, and companionship along the way. The progress we've made at Stump Grinding Direct since I first wrote on this forum is immense. We've grown, learned, and adapted so much, and a significant part of that growth is thanks to the knowledge shared here by this vibrant community. Stump grinding has always been my passion, and in the past years, I've had the opportunity to delve deeper into this craft, honing my skills and expanding my knowledge. I've been able to take on more diverse and challenging projects, and every new stump is a learning experience in its own right. I wanted to share a few photos of some of the work we've done recently (see attached). I hope these images can inspire newcomers to the field and perhaps spark some nostalgia in the veterans among us. Here's to many more years of sharing, learning, and grinding together! Your support and encouragement have been invaluable, and I'm excited to see what the future brings for all of us in the stump grinding community. Best Regards, Stefan Owner, Stump Grinding Direct

Tried out them Multi Tip MT2, with the Eco Tip, the ones you can turn around. For me it worked out well, seems more economical and they cut really good.

Will do, got a few jobs to try them on tomorrow, both small and big stumps.

Just ordered some Multi Tip Eco Teeth, will be very intressting to see how they are performing tomorrow. It's the Mt2 1100 Eco tooth, i hope the spray will be somewhat less.

Tight today

New grinder?

Thing broke, welded on 10mm plate. New wheel on the machine Big stumps Storm job, and a Scottish Pine taken down due to kids bedroom next to it Looked dodgy in the wind so took it down.

New wheel. New teeth. Done a lot of big stumps a day. More then you think of a predator 38 rx. If you know what you are doing. This machine is a money maker for yourself. Look what I done. Created this thread 7 years ago. Running same machine, and still doing great. Predator 38rx is a money maker. [emoji106]