Lightning Stumps (Drew)

@grinditstumps I was thinking I’d get a new set and swap them. Then re-tip the current ones down the line.

@lightningstumps Replace and hang on to them. Use as spares and when you have enough I think it’s more worth it to send out for retip or sharpen

Stump grinders: should I sharpen, re-tip, or replace these teeth?

@Well_Done_Adams Ah. 100% gonna do this. Thanks!

@lightningstumps Nice! I have a very similar trailer. I would recommend getting a metal plate to go where your wheel touches the wood. I didn't do that, and now I've got some chunks of wood missing lol.

Old and busted. ❌ New hotness. ✅

@EBikeMikeVA I run a Ford Lightning. It’s got as much power as a 3/4 diesel (775 lb-ft). Could be an option depending on the size of your service area. I pay 95% less than gas/diesel trucks because of off-peak electricity rates in Ontario.

Anyone running 6.8 V10s and towing 7-10k lbs daily?

@grinditstumps @StumpGuyTy Big win!

Just got my first cold call from someone who was referred to me from a past client. Feels good! Started this trying to emulate @StumpGuyTy but 95%+ of work has been retail. Still trying to crack my first few regular tree sub jobs and hope that that’ll explode my revenue 📈

@GroundsCrew_CT You have the cleanest jobs.

The thing about before and afters is there’s a lot that happens in between ⏱️

@GroundsCrew_CT It was a rental? Dodged a bullet, for sure.

Day before my biggest job, grinder not sounding so good just as I’m finishing up. Thankfully got it on the trailer but now it doesn’t start. Good news - I haven’t actually bought it yet. I don’t really believe in “signs” but maybe this is a reason to go bigger.

A bigger stump grinder impresses homeowners and contractors. It’s an underrated part of owning a 60-75hp grinder.

@grinditstumps I’m jealous of the push blade (and warranty lol)

Please welcome Big Bertha 🪵 75hp Blade Remote Full warranty

@waynenilsen I opted to skip it. Especially with a big machine, I’m worried about the vibrations from a 60hp grinder transferring through the stump and damaging gas lines.

@lightningstumps it can be done to ground level, just have to explain limitations to customer

Always do your locates! It’s the biggest risk with stump grinding. The gas utility couldn’t make it much clearer, they don’t want me grinding this stump.

@grinditstumps Like every trade, there’s always a cheaper contractor. And there’s always a homeowner willing to hire them.

@lightningstumps I’ve lost at least 5 customers my first month cause they said someone came and just did it for them. Clearly 0 cares about calling 811. If I get to the customer first I usually explain 811 and if someone doesn’t call they may not even be insured and it’s legally required.

@NC_state_parks @grinditstumps Might be different in different states. It’s certainly different in Canada. We have plenty of shallow utilities.

@grinditstumps @lightningstumps ive got one company that does 811 - even if utilities are marked the gas/electric/water has never come into play because of the depth of the grinding vs. utilities - i would argue it doesnt matter at all. Internet is the only shallow bury. 80% of my jobs dont get marked.

@rootforcegrind I got my first tip today. Thought of you!

I seem to get tipped on almost every stump grinding job. Not sure if that means customers are happy with the work, or if I just look like I need help. Either way, I’m grateful.

Three jobs cancelled today because of access and locate issues. But it gave me time to handle an emergency stump for a homebuilder that needed it gone by tomorrow. Cancelled jobs: $450 New job: $450

@TrevorJConner The downside risk isn’t worth it, IMO.

@lightningstumps I so surprised how many folks don’t mark utilities before grinding! I know it can slow things down but it sure covers you

@StumpGuyTy Curse the tree guy who did this.

Idk what to even do with this one. 5 feet high and 6 ish feet across.

@grinditstumps YES! Which machine did you pick?

1 month in to grinding and going all in. Driving 10 hours to get a machine and spending close to what I paid for both of my vehicles 💀 Sometimes you have to bet on yourself - go big or go home 💪

@BlueCollarInvr A big grinder really spoils you. So much fun.

I’m loving this new stump grinder.