Mick Dempsey

Firstly lets get our terminology right (for anyone who is confused, not you Dean obviously), by pedestrian grinder we're talking about the grinders where you move the head across and up and down by hand a la hb20, then you have the driven grinders like the 252 or the Rayco 1625/35 where you control the movements hydraulically but the wheel is belt driven direct (well by two belts) from the engine. Lastly the ones like the the Vermeer where the head is driven by hydraulics. Now I have to tell you that having read up before my latest purchase on a lot of machines (Rayco 1635 although I'm sure I'd have just as pleased with an equivalent Bandit) I would not go near a machine with a hydraulically driven head (unless the HP is so big it would not matter) You talk of a power loss, well having spent many many hours standing behind and alongside machines, loss of power is the very last thing you want, there is not one benefit that compensates for spending more time behind a gutless machine tickling a stump (standing there with a grin on your face thinking "ooooh isn't this reliable!" Doesn't count) The guy with a 252 who demoed a sc30 and thought it was too slow even with the same engine was particularly illuminating.

Tough tough times Sean.

Take that parts number to a stihl dealer, stand there whilst he taps the numbers into his 'puter, then watch his face as he realises you're not a loon.

Agreed, much easier to sell grinding when you're in front of the client having just taken down their tree.

I blew maybe 7 poly chains in 12 years. The last two due to me not realizing that the sprocket was so worn it ate belts in a dozen hours. Ergo. I don't think belts and bearings are unreliable

I had the 25 Kohler command on my old Rayco, never missed a beat in 12 years. I going to say what you may suspect/dread, it's not big enough for that machine (with the hydrostatic head) Which may explain why it only did 15 hrs in a year. It's a shame because getting a new machine should be a happy day, maybe think about moving it on if it continues to disappoint. Edit, and yes Stu, once explained to the middle class French grinding can earn nicely over here.

If I read the specs on t'internet right it has the Kohler 25hp engine, is that right?

Done some googling, from what I can see the 252 has a belt driven system the sc30 hydraulic drive, and therein lies the rub. Power is lost with hydraulics so that's why it's so gutless at the stump.

The Vermeer sc30 has a hydraulically driven wheel doesn't it? Does your 252 Chris?

Well if I didn't, someone else would.

Did you know, here in France you are deducted 47% of your income after tax as national insurance? But you still have to pay every time you see the doctor.

That big thuja would make a better avatar Scott. Oh go on then! one more from me.

I know Ian, he certainly is........ Listen, and understand. The mendiplogs is out there. It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with (or understood) It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead (or give a free stand)

Or a better idea, set the chipper on some sort of Aframe trailer behind a van fitted with a tipping body.......oh....hang on.

Ha! That's a fun bit of engineering, like you say though, fairly useless.

Don't get all narky, all I'm saying is that one wouldn't necessarily need someone of your undisputed genius to effect something as routine as this. Happy?

I have had a client accept a job and starting date, the morning of the job we turned up, gates shut, could tell the client was in, no answer on the phone either. She must have just changed her mind. Luckily I had something nearby.

Transit/iveco/master whatever, then buy a tirfor.

I guess what I'm saying is I'd like the option to overload it, if I chose to.

Yes of course, no one overloads their 3.5 tonner.

Looks nice, I'd have gone a bit higher, with the toolbox and the relatively low roof that's going to cut down your volume a lot.

Any competent mechanic could.

I've noticed young hedgerow elm have that bizarre bark formation as well. In Sussex and London etc.

From memory it was around €180 plus one hour labour (which I considered a bit steep) I was a bit concerned I was just chucking good money after bad but the minute I started using it again it was completely different. They wouldn't have done it for free so I paid.

Fitted this kit, it's the upgrade for the poor performing early 201s (like reg ran over) plus drill a couple of holes in the exhaust. take the numbere to a stihl dealer and get him to order and fit. Not cheap though!