Some Pros and Cons in being a Stump grinding Subcontractor
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Some Pros and Cons in being a Stump grinding Subcontractor, I explain what it's like and why not to quit your day job when you start out. I also outline some parts on my Diesel stump grinder and the costs and what machine to maybe start out with.
Picking up my stump grinder tomorrow morning and just found your channel. Good stuff man
I’m just gonna do a little here and there once I get comfortable with the machine on my own property
I swear what you said at 1:30 is the most true thing when providing a service. Everyone thinks you're in your lazy boy recliner waiting on their call.
That is why you are successful in life. Because your a good man. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Very inspiring.
I appreciate that!
I appreciate your honesty and common sense approaxh
I'm so glad to run across this! Been thinking about starting a business doing this.
Good, honest advice! You’re the type that gives tradesmen a good name, thank you!
Thanks for your help
I have a hp tractor.just got a 34" Erskine grinder. I like your ways
Thank you for your advices. Your channel is one of the useful channels in my list.
I appreciate that!
Thanks for your honest assessment of the stump game. Great video.
You bet
Love your attitude, keep telling the truth and enjoying what you do. I appreciate your knowledge and sharing with us.
I appreciate that
I've been doing stump grinding for 7 years now.. I'm 62 years old, Everything you talked about in your video is true. I do subcontracting work also, but not alot. This year has been my best yet..Most of my work is referrals and people I've worked for in the past. I take pride in my work and it's a good feeling for someone to call you that you have worked for in the past. Like you my contract is Word of mouth or handshake,.. Corona kinda messed up the handshake but I thg all good. Times are changing and people understand. Just wanted to say thanks and be safe
Just now seeing your comment sorry for late response, seems handshake is starting to be a dying trend
Wow I just prayed to find something like this and there u have it I'm here. I'm just coming across this I appreciate your ability and honesty. I've been looking to find a great hustle where I can workout make money on my own terms independently. You have truly changed my life. Thanks again so very much for sharing. May God continue to keep blessing you always.
Good luck my friend
I've enjoyed and learned from every video of yours that I have watched, awesome job straight up kinda guy
Brother, don't worry about the jackass haters. There will always be those people who are jealous. Most of us are glad you share your tips and hints with us, so don't let thos dummies sour you bro!!
I appreciate your videos. I am trying to get started with grinding and I am finding your videos very insightful. My beginnings are almost exactly the same as yours.
You got this!
Quality video from a quality dude, thanks for sharing 👍🏼
Excellent video. Very informative. I reached out to a tree stump remover guy. I gave him a real nice resume, called him after and mentioned To him I would work for free! you know...to learn the ropes: how to handle the machine, conduct businesses... etc. The gentleman never called me back or nothing. Not even a “I can’t right now” or “I already have a helper” ... i don’t know. That bummed me out and started to let go of the idea of tree stump grinding. Your videos on the matter keep me motivated. Thank you very much.
You made my day
He doesn't want you competing against him would be my guess.
Kye Staples my wife said the same thing, but there’s plenty of people doing work here in Houston area... I don’t know. I’ll get there somehow
New to your channel, really glad I came across you. I’m up in Ontario Canada and have been a tree guy for awhile but thinking about getting a small stump grinder and a 5” chipper to do more then just drop and buck trees. I’m finding your advice and tips are very helpful and helping me decide where to invest best for my capabilities. Thank you
I lost 65 Ash trees last year and to save some $, I did the clean up on the job. I’m left with 65 stumps and was considering burning or farm jacking them. You have given me the confidence that I feel I can rent a grinder and do the job myself. Appreciate your honesty!
That is awesome!
I really appreciate your candid videos. I am retired PD and am looking for a business to keep me busy, and am watching your videos to see if this might be a good fit. Thanks for the help and God bless 👍
You are so welcome!
Thanks for your service and also the info you are providing us
So glad I stumbled on your channel. Great content, great attitude. Support Blue Collar!!!
I will use your advice for starting a stump grinding business
Thanks for teaching us new guys. I am still learning about stump grinding. Before I buy a stump grinder. I appreciate your knowledge and sharing your experience because I am trying to retire and then find a side job . Thanks again
It can be perfect for a retired guy
Thank You I just bought a dk2 14 inch wheel 12 teeth for my own property but I'm actually trained at cutting trees I'm interested in business with the stumps after I get better with understanding it on my own property I appreciate all your experienced knowledge very much saves me eon's if mistakes
That is awesome!
Liked and subscribed 😎 appreciate your openness about the stump grinding business 👍
It's comments like this that make it all worth while
Thanks man
Love your willingness to share your knowledge
I appreciate that!
Thank you sir for your candid honesty and sharing your knowledge. I am a retired Army guy starting a stump grinding business to supplement my retirement income. I plan on starting near Nashville during the off season to get my feet wet and workout the hiccups before Spring 2021. I have everything but a grinder. That’s my hang up
Totally enjoy all of your videos! Just getting started with the grinding you have taught me tons! Thank you!!
Grind on brother
Lol 😆 kicked the stump came loose made $50 in two seconds love it. I know there are days when your like dang the never ending stump. I started my small lawn care business it is my side job. I've been thinking hard about buying a stump grinder in the next year or 2 and add that to my lawn care business. I'm looking forward to it think I will stick with residential when I first start
That was a good video all the way through!
I appreciate that!
Thank you for your knowledge, excellent wisdom information.
My pleasure!
Thanks for the information. I work for a tree service in Oregon and are in the beginning steps of starting my own stump grinding business. Might need ya on the near future. Like your style bro.. thanks. Keep on keeping on..
thanks brother
I appreciate all your information I am just starting out
Glad to help
Thanks Mr Mustang. Thinking of getting into this and your video is great info
I am new to the tree stump grinding business I am a veteran and I really appreciate your videos! They are more than helpful. Keep doing what you’re doing! What was your business plan when you initially started your business, did you have one? I literally was driving and said eureka that’s it tree stump grinding.
this is how I got started ua-cam.com/video/0945WDJp8eA/v-deo.html
Thank you, just starting out my business. You are giving me stuff to think about
Where do I find your email address? Would like to get that door knocker with how you measure your stumps. Great idea.
Mustangrebuilder@gmail.com
@@mustangrebuildersent you an email
Thanks for sharing your experience
I'm new to the business, I just bought a Vermeer252 thanks for all your voice and shall share in your knowledge ..I'm
Glad to help
Thank your valuable knowledge and experience.
Make that Money RLawn
I've been watching a lot of your videos and I'm learning a lot I was in the stump grinding business with a business partner and things went South but now I'm trying to get back in it and I have a 665a that I'm starting out with just got to get my engine rebuilt and hopefully by the first of the year be back in business greatly appreciate all the information you're putting out and I'm a lot like you if you don't like it move on but you are helping a lot of people with this stuff and we greatly appreciate it
Thanks you made my day brother
Really positive video, way to go.
Thank you!
Thank you for the information. I'm not from the US, but from South Africa. Will probably have to build a stump grinder as we are not so fortunate to be able to buy stump grinders from local retailers. We have to import from either Canada, Australia or USA. And with the exchange rate - 1 United States Dollar equals
14,08 South African Rand, it is very expensive. Nevertheless, I enjoyed hearing about the pros and cons. It is good to know, and it will help us in future. Started recently to do tree felling part time. Import a Silky Hayachi 20' from Japan. Now this is handy pruner especially for palm trees. We also have a few Stihl chain saws and a Tandem chipper. My business partner is registered with the ISA. But we have to invest in a stump grinder.
Well you made my day and if I ever get over there I am coming to see you .... send info to Mustangrebuilder@gmail.com and I will send you something
Great information. Thanks
Love your videos. Thank you so much for posting them. I have been grinding stumps out for almost 18 years now. Been down every road you speak of in this video. Love your work ethics. Same as ours. Exactly the same. Keep being awesome man. Rebecca and Brian Knight North Central Washington. Methow Valley.
Thank You
Outstanding information
Thanks for watching
Came over here after seeing your post on fb. Everyone can teach you something! Sometimes it's just not what to do.
Thank you for your advice it helps a lot
Retired firefighter, Congratulations. I just made division Chief and moved to 5 days a week. Got a few years before retirement. I have a stump grinder ordered for a retirement supplement. Going to start out doing it in the evenings.
That is awesome!
This is very helpful. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Hi I was wondering if you could do a video about which grinders to buy when starting out and who are the best companies or contractors to drop off your business cards with ?
will do
Great video!
Thanks!
You're a very good teacher... down to earth! Thank you!
You really made my day thank you
@@mustangrebuilder You are appreciated... your "holistic" approach is more than business advice, it's business with life lessons sprinkled in!
Thank you for your honest and informative video. Much appreciated that you take the time to do this.
Thank Paul
Thank you for your Video, I am a month into my stump grinding Buisness. I am a heavy equipment mechanic during the day and grinding at night. I am just trying to get as much knowledge as possible. If you ever have a question on your diesel motor or hyd issue let me know. I can help you out. Have a good day.
Thanks brother I will
Thanks for your videos. I will soon be a retired school teacher, and I'm researching small business ideas to supplement my pension,
Your a very wise n kind man
I love your honesty and same pricing to all customers. You have inspired me at 55 years old to start a side job. Did you register as a business with your state before buying the grinder and doing jobs or test the waters before doing that? Also do you recommend buying an industrial type like Vermeer or more of a residential type. Also start out with new or used? Thanks Dan
Always comercial grade equipment
GREAT VIDEO ! THANK YOU ! AWESOME !
I am a stump grinder in Tahoe! Love your videos. This is my trade.
Thanks brother
Great input!
Thanks cominted before video was over THANKS
Great stuff brother!
Appreciate it!
Great videos. I have the identical grinder. I saw a video you made a while back where you changed your grinding wheel pump. Where did you get your pump? My machine needs one of those bad boys. Thanks
Look on pump and its a german company and that pump is used in the oil field ..Bandit now sells them rebuilt but call Bandit factory ask for parts then ask for Elliot ... do not call your dealer because they will push a new one on you
Will do. Thanks Blue Collar Brother from another mother
Awesome videos , keep it up!
Thanks, will do!
Good video
Thanks
love your videos
Your videos are very helpful. I'm a 20yr fireman and looking for a business that I can stay busy with on my off time and pass on to my son. Would your Bandit SG 40 be a good machine to start with, having only one machine? Do you use a dump trailer for your business? Are you doing much prep work prior to starting your grind, Chain saw and shovel work, to get the stumps as close to the ground as you can? Thanks,
sg-40 great machine , I started with an old vermeer 252 and an old Toyota pickup and a husky rancher chainsaw
What are the average size stumps and what type of trees in your area ?
Do you have a video about locating, underground conflicts, etc. I am thinking about shallow buried phone and data lines, underground sprinklers and their controls, Water, electric, sewer drain, propane, fuel oil and gas lines, French drains.... Do you require a locate or have any contract at all regarding customer responsibility or your lack of such responsibility for hitting unexpected stuff?
No I will plan on one in the future
Thanks again for your videos. I have a Vermeer sc252 and just put new motor on it. Things are going well. I do it just as a part-time Hobby and making money. I support my stepson by helping him out with his tree business that he has started. My question to you is, is there an incentive to the contractors you subcontract for? What I mean is do you give them a percentage of each lead you get or is it just them poking the customer up with a reliable person such as yourself?
they make money on top of what I bid, lets say it was a $100 stump they would charge an extra $50 to $75 on top of my price to them and Im there that day or the next. They dont have to rent a machine or buy one and then maintain it or drag one back to the job or bring an extra truck.
@@mustangrebuilder do you have a conversation with the contractor about not charging too much because it does affect you giving the fact that you're doing the work, you're being seen on the job site, and that price equates to you? Sorry hope I'm not asking too many questions. But I am finding myself making very very good money. I'm having fun with this. I live in New Hampshire. Thanks for all your doing. And thank you very much for serving. My cousin was a Marine period or I should say is a marine because it's never left him. You never know, you may know him, his name is Kenny Reilly. Thanks again
@@BillyP-49Chevy When I show up on a contractor's job as a sub it's his price and I never discuss it with the customer and if a customer wants my number I don't give it to them ... I just tell them I am sorry you will have to go through him .. I never try to steal work and I know that is a bad word to use LOL I just respect his turf. Now my contractors are so good to me and just give customers my number and say call Adam and say I sent you and he will give you contractors price and I do.
Thanks for the great videos, don’t care what anyone says. I like your attitude and approach. New sub here for how you present yourself.
I stumbled across your video doing some research as I’m thinking on buying a grinder for side work. I’m considering a Vermeer 362. Any thoughts?
I appreciate that! I made a lot of money with that 362 model
Hi do you have any videos on you actually grinding.???.. again i am only wanting to make a couple hundred per week probably just home owners and i don't need a huge machine like you have... i live in sw florida... thanks for your time...
Look at ua-cam.com/video/t7mk4EgRDIg/v-deo.html
Great information. I have one question. Who makes the most reliable machines?
They all have problems but as far a diesels stay away from any of the new machines due to emissions ( look to see if it has a computer on it) thats a sign
Thanks for the video. I’m curious about starting a stump grinding business (I have about 20 in my backyard to practice on). What would you say is a good mid-power grinder? Not too big, not too small.
Vermeer 252 or a sg40 from bandit
@@mustangrebuilder awesome thanks!
Hey man thanks for all the info, I just bought a stump grinder, I haven't picked it up yet. It is a rayco 1625 super junior and the problem with it is they say it keeps breaking belts, also it has a green teeth conversion on it. Any advice on the belt breaking problem would be appreciated, Thanks man!
Join this facebook group called stump grinders and post the question on your rayco on it and they will help you 100% ,great guys. Find out which belts are blowing up and take a pic and post it there
Hey brother how often do you run into pipe and stuff in stumps, all the time or not so much. Thank you for the tips as well!
at least once a week I see a pipe and my son is learning to get out of the truck and we first do a walk around and then plan the attack
@@mustangrebuilder shoot that often huh, ok. Thank you for the quick response brother, I will do that myself as a general rule as well. Get out and do a quick survey first! Thanks again!!
Hello sir.. I have question.. before you go and do a stump job, you ask your customers to call 811 first ?
2nd question.. if you are grinding and you hit the mail water 💦 who is going to pay to get it fix or you fix it for free ?
If you hit Internet, gas or cable.. how you work it out with your customers ?
Thank You in advanze.
Have customer call 811, learn your area and how the utilities are run, if it was marked and you hit it you are responsible as far as cable lines I tell the customer if it's not marked and I hit it I am not responsible
@@mustangrebuilder ok that works thank you
Subscribed to your channel, good video i like it.
I saw a video from you a while back and you had a door hanger that you said you would scan to someone that needs it ! Could I please get a copy of one?
request it at mustangrebuilder@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
What size machine do you recommend to start doing small jobs?
25 to 27 hp
Very helpful, I’m starting up in this business. Do you do this by yourself or do you have employees?
by myself but will explain how to expand
To get started in stump grinding do you recommend renting a stump grinder until you get established? What entry level stump grinder would you recommend?
If you rent one remember most likely the teeth will be dull , go to your rental place and see what they have for you to rent and how much it is . Then you can line up enough stumps for a Saturday to do but be careful to start off small
@@mustangrebuilder Thanks so much. What is your opinion of these stump grinders that work off a tractor PTO?
If you live in an area that is wide open then I can see it work
How are you doing anyway you can do a video with the smaller grinder of how well it does and how fast it grinds looking to get one of those grinders
how big of a stump ?
Mid size to bigger stumps 2 ft or so
Love the video up till the remote con role part lol
What brand name Stump Grinder do you recommend for a beginner who is just starting in the business. Live in an area where there arr large size trees and small trees. Any particular Models that are more reliable or easier to fix. Easy to get parts? Just curious about some other equipment recommendations you may have for a beginner. Ditch With for the mulch??
Yet Ditch witch for mulch .... if stumps are 40 inch or less you cant beat the Bandit sg40
@@mustangrebuilder Ty for the information.
How do you determine the price? Is there a formula to go buy?
you have to know your competition, so say you have a 24 inch diameter stump ..ck your area how much it is going to cost
do stump grinders require a lot of maintaining im concerned if it swarmed the repair costs would eat me alive
yes and you have to have mechanical ability to save cost
hey do you use insurance on your business, if so what should i look into for this type of business. Looking to start mine by next spring in NY. I will keep my night job, which gives my flexibility to work any day when i have a job.
Yes and I used to be listed with tree services type policy but latter switched to a landscapers type policy that saved me more money
@@mustangrebuilder thanks man i saw your email earlier. I will get a hold of you at some point with some questions. appreciate the help!!
Hey how much do u charge to clean up and clear the debri? Thanks
I sub it out but used to charge about the same as the stump ...a 36 inch stump will fill the back of a pickup, depending on the type of wood it was
Hey I was wondering if I could contact you and talk about the stump grinding business. I just started a company last year towards the end of the year and I would love to get some advice and tips if possible. I’ve been watching your videos which have been very helpful. I have the bandit ZT1844. Would love to know how to get the business really going and how to get established.
mustangrebuilder@gmail.com
Hi , i am 61 and i was thinking of starting a small stump removal business... i did landscaping,tree removal and construction for many years and have pulled stumps and dug them out... Question i don't mind work. and could dig and pull out stumps for those that may want to re plant etc... As far a grinder for smaller stumps maybe up to 3 ft diameter are there any smaller machines that are good? thanks
An old and reliable Vermeer 252 would do the trick and also an updated cutter wheel on it
@@mustangrebuilder thanks for the advice... i am researching machines now... but i also think on a lot of jobs using old school methods will be great... again i am not out to make a ton of money,just get out there again and feel productive...
@@roadstar499 Look around and find out the average stump size in your area
@@mustangrebuilder one last question how low do most decent grinders go under ground? around 5 inches? thanks
@@roadstar499 12 to 16 inchs
I need some advice please sir I’m pete from South Carolina
Do you ever take the stump grindings with you? Do you charge more for that. Thinking of keep my day job and starting a grinding on the side.
I used to do that and yes I charged the same amount for the chips as the stump was .. a big stump can easily fill the bed of a long bed pick up
Came across this video today and thought this was all very good information but it made me a bit angry thinking about what our locals want to charge me for a 24” stump give or take. The stump is sawn almost to the ground nice and flat and I’ve had estimates from $800-2500! I just laughed at those numbers, seriously? I had a crew of 5 remove the whole 60’ maple tree for $700 and these guys want $800-2500 to grind the stump? Argh!😡 Is this price gouging? I’ve found that I can rent a good size grinder for $178 for 24 hours. I have quite a bit of experience running machinery and am confident I can do this for the amount I can save. But I question why the stump grinding guys want to charge these exorbitant amounts, any ideas?
I Have been flame thrower torched over this , I know it differs all across the USA but hey you can do it just follow some of my videos and dig around the stump looking for any rocks so you dont damage the teeth also for that size make sure you rent a 25hp and above machine
How long does it take for a pine tree root to rt after it's grounded? Great visio
Depends on the soil conditions ... is it wet or a very dry area .. a root could take a year
Im in the process of getting obtaining a license to operate. City hasnt responed back to me. Any advice on how to go about obtaining the business license?
what city or state
@@mustangrebuilder I live in Va. Its crazy the city just sent an email at 5pm today with all the info i need to turn in. Not sure how that happened on a Saturday but I'll take it. Thanks
Before you grind do you have the customer call for underground service checks like phone or tv or do you contact the utilities through " Julie" ?
It depends on the area of my city due to how the utilities are run otherwise I have the customer call and have them marked
Nice vid! how much does it cost to replace the teeth on the stump grinder?
Each tooth is about 11 bucks
Thanks! And normally how many teeth does a stump grinder have?
@@marcocolin450 Now that's hard? to answer depends on make and model, my smaller machine has 8 my bigger one has 36
Got it! Thanks!
How much do you charge per dime or inch for contractors?
its 3.50 now
Thank you for the information.
How do figure what you charge for a stump
Depends on where you live and the competition , I live in the S. West and charge $3.50 a diameter inch