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I am after some advice on which Stump Grinder would be best for my Small Business (Grounds Maintenance and Tree Surgery). The problem: When I have to collect a Stump Grinder from a hire company it takes 1/2 a day to go and collect it, and another 1/2 a day to return it. So you end up with 2-3 days hire for 1x days income. So this is a service I don't push because it interferes with undertaking other work. So I was wondering if this should be a new piece of kit to expand the business's range of services. I have been looking at the following and these are my thoughts: Brands: I have been looking mainly at the Preditor, although I have used a couple of Torro machines. Question 1: So advice from people on what they find good and bad about brands would be helpful. Size of Machine: 1) Predator 360 Stump Grinder or Toro SGR-13 Stump Grinder / I thought that maybe it's ok for small job, but would it be painful on a bigger job and would I out grow it before really get started? 2) Predator 460 Stump Grinder / I thought that maybe it's a better starting point for the smaller job that could do the occasional bigger job. Still good for narrow access. But would you out grow this machine too quickly? 3) Predator 38X Tracked Manual Stump Grinder or Toro STX-26 Stump Grinder or Toro STX-38 Stump Grinder / But then I thought do you just go for a bigger tracked Stump Grinder like this as a starting point? This will obviously be in a much higher price bracket, knowing that you might just cover your costs initially without much return, until you can build the business up in the longer term. Question 2: So I would be most grateful for advice from people who have been in this quandary as to where to start with machine size. Question 3: The machine size might change the pricing that you charge, along with the volume of work that you can undertake that might change the view on what you would choose to buy. So advice on job pricing with the different sized machines would be helpful? All advice is most welcome...

MULTIONE SOLVES HISTORICAL PROBLEM FOR ARBORIST With an ageing Skid-Steer Loader, Lancashire based Arborists Marrick Tree Care & Firewood wanted to seize the opportunity to solve a number of issues when choosing a replacement. The principal problem was a lack of manoeuvrability, visibility and flexibility in the old Skid-Steer, with a tendency to cause ground damage, which couldn’t be used on the more sensitive sites. With a range of Domestic and Commercial clients, the team of Qualified Arborists provide Tree Maintenance, Tree & Stump Removal, Site Clearance and Landscaping services. They compliment this with the supply of bulk kiln dried firewood and all these activities involve lifting and handling, hence the need for a mechanical Loader of some type. #jscode# A chance encounter with the MultiOne Dealer for Lancashire, R.E Buildings came at a local trade show. Following a discussion and assessment of their needs, the 5.3 model was recommended and an on site demonstration was swiftly arranged. The demo was a revelation and this little Loader ticked all the boxes. Highly manoeuvrable and very low in weight (1050kgs), yet with a max tipping load of 1,140kgs the diminutive size belies the muscle on tap. Featuring a telescopic boom, the max lift height of 2.75 metres proved sufficient to load timber and debris into trucks and trailers, as well as feeding into the wood chipper. The true versatility of MultiOne is the multitude of attachments available for quick and easy switching on site. This model features a 42l/min aux. flow rate, sufficient to power a Flail Mower or Stump Grinder to add to Marrick’s armoury. …and the principal problem? Solved. With low weight, centre pivot steering and a clever traction management device, the 5.3 is light and nimble on its tyres and so ground damage is now a thing of the past. Marrick joins a growing band of Arborists whose MultiOnes enhance productivity and safety on site, which ultimately equates to a more profitable business. Marrick Tree Care Proprietor, Mark Green comments: About MultiOne The range of MultiOne Mini Loaders offer an innovative solution for those looking to maximise productivity in every industry from farming and agriculture to construction and public maintenance. Many models to choose from and over 170 attachments available, MultiOne is the most powerful, innovative and reliable mini articulated loader available. Over 170 versatile attachments can be changed in seconds; MultiOne ensure that a solution is at hand for any task. Mechanising a vast array of jobs reduces expensive labour cost. Hydraulic quick coupling systems are standard on all loaders providing effortless change over of attachments. This provides One Total Solution. MultiOne is designed & manufactured in Italy by CSF MultiOne, whose 30 year history has pioneered a complete range of multifunction mini loaders. With advanced hydraulics, Italian design and Kubota & Yanmar power plants, the MultiOne range outperforms the competition and is supported by a worldwide network of dealers. View full article