Are you looking at purchasing your first Stump Grinder for your business or upgrading your old grinder which just isn’t cutting it anymore? If so, this is the perfect guide for you.
Before we get started, we need to explain the four different types of stump grinders you can buy on the market and which one will be the perfect fit for you and your company.
#1 Hand Held Stump Grinders
Handheld stump grinders can be great for smaller companies or situations where you need a compact solution for stump removal in tight spaces. Handheld Stump Grinders are normally the cheapest and are a great entry level machine.
#2 Self-propelled Wheeled and Track-Driven Stump Grinders
The Next in line is Self-Propelled wheeled and tracked stump grinders. These usually come in either 4WD or Rubber Tracks, equipped with more grunt under the hood than the entry-level handheld machines. These are the industry standard for Tree Service companies and Councils around Australia. Another great feature is radio remote controls, it is no surprise that a lot of Tree Companies are opting to this technology for the added safety and ability to get into tight access areas. Check out our range Rayco Stump Grinders.
#3 PTO/Attachment Stump Grinders
PTO Stump Grinders can be great if you already have a compatible machine and are not wanting to break the bank on a dedicated stump grinder. There are many drawbacks to PTO Stump Grinder attachments and can be hard to get into tight spaces. However, if you don’t need to use the stump grinder very often and are only working in large open spaces, this may be the way to go.
#4 Tow behind Stump Grinders
Tow behind stump grinders are great if you are looking for a Stump Grinder that can tackle large stumps and blow-over root balls with ease. Tow Behind stump grinders are equipped with large cutting dimensions and enough Horse Power to tackle any kind of stump you throw at it. However, we rarely see a need for tow behind stump grinders as the limitations normally outweigh the pros.
Now that you have worked out which type of stump grinder will suit your needs, it’s time to decide which brand to go with.
Do your research
Make sure you do your research on brands and dealers before purchasing a new Stump Grinder. Sure, you may be able to find a similar Stump Grinder for a cheaper price but some things you need to consider;
Are they going to be importing machines in the future to service your requirements and backup that machine or are they just in it for a quick buck?
Can the company you’re considering buying your new stump grinder from supply parts in a timely manner? Remember when your machine is down you are losing money.
Do they have the knowledge and staff to assist you with technical info to keep your machine working?
Is the warranty on that machine realistic? Long warranties sound great on paper but when it comes time to honour it will they back you up?
While stump grinders are a valuable asset to your business and can generate a very good income, there is a tipping point, as with most industrial equipment, a decision needs to be made to spend some money in order to make money. It’s not gambling, there is no chance involved, it is just making the most of the opportunities and benefit’s that some of us don’t always take full advantage of.
Knowledge is power & power is money. Hopefully, by reading this, you get a better understanding of your equipment and how to get the most from it with the end game being, more money in your bank account.
One of the most important things to weigh up when purchasing any equipment is to think about your decision from a complete life cycle point of view, what saves you $2 today, might well cost you $5 tomorrow. The purchase price of any equipment should never be the sole consideration when looking at new equipment. Thinking of the average age of a stump grinder being 5 years or 2000 hours, several factors will make a significant difference at the end of that 5 year period.
- Re-sale value, this alone could offset the difference in the purchase price.
- Productivity – Can be significantly different between manufacturers. Buying equipment with more focus on the budget than your requirements is not the best way to go.
- Reliability – Downtime is money, all machines can and will break down at some point in their life, but you pay for what you get. After sales service & support plays a big role in this too. What can the service provider offer if things do go wrong?
- Safety, if not the most important piece of the puzzle. An injury can cost you a lot more than just money.
- Tax/Depreciation benefits. The more you spend, the more you get back.
