Bandit SG-40 Stump Grinder 100 Hour Review

[@AATreeService]

Been looking for a review just like this! Thank you

[@nickhearn7288]

I just moved from Phoenix to Colonial Heights 3 days ago and have been thinking about starting a stump grinding business here. I have a 14hp push grinder that worked good for our small landscaping business in AZ but I figure I would need a bigger one to specialize in stumps out here. Was doing some research on the SG-40 which led me here, was cool to see you are right in Virginia!👍🏼 great review seems like a good machine!

[@SuperTreemendus]

Hello from the UK. Great review. I own a ZT, orange like yours. Despite the issues you have to love the machine ❤. It gets through really tight spaces and then smashes through the stumps. New sub👍

[@mr.momhoustontexas]

I am saving up for one like this. I am currently using a 13hp one , it gets thru tight areas but i need something more powerful. Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. 🙏

[@bloomstumpremoval]

Definitely don't get rid of your 13hp if you get a more powerful one. We have a backup ZT1844 and have been using it for over a month. The SG40 has been in the shop for repairs and Bandit has been a insanely slow to send the parts or communicate with us or the dealership. We'd be out of business if we didn't have a spare machine. Having 2 grinders seems to be a must.

[@mr.momhoustontexas]

@@bloomstumpremoval 🙏 Thank you so much for taking your time to reply and for the tip. I will definitely keep it. I hope y’all get it back and running soon. I enjoy your videos, you are so positive and charismatic ma’am, stay awesome. 😃👍

[@matt84712]

Cant find anyone changing the hydraulic filter anywhere.

[@darrenswoodworks8695]

Thank you for the update

[@tg5717]

Just curious the issue with the bearing set screws....does the bearing cover need to be in a certain position when you put the set screws back in?

[@jackgreen6353]

I have had a 2019 zt and a2021 sg 40 both have had an insane amount of problems for a brand new machines. The sg is currently in the shop because of engine issues and a hydraulic leak under the controls. The zt is gone. It was burning belts up inside of 20hrs each belt, slew bearing was replaced, exaust a few times, belt tension system replaced, and the list goes on. Bandit did a factory buy back with the zt. My frame cracked on the zt1844 and the sg40 by the cutter head in 2 places same place on both machines. I have made good money with the sg40 when its running. But I have also had the jack shaft and cutter head bearings, exaust fail, bolts on the inside of the shields vibrate out, and more It seems like there's a lot of issues with keeping these machines running. The sg40 currently has 90 hrs on the new hour meter.(old one broke at 5.7 worked on and off untill till it was changed at 150hrs. I'm in Maine with stump jobs to do and a machine that is going on 3 weeks of being in the shop there bare ground now but who knows how long for. Im not impressed with with my bandit experience... or yours. P.s. when I dropped it off at the shop there was another sg40 with 0.4 hours on it I asked about it motor is skipping and they can't plug into it because they are a bandit shop not a kolher dealer

[@bloomstumpremoval]

Since making this video, we've had a few problems with the sg40. A cracked frame took 2 months to fix. Supply chain shortages were blamed, but we've had delays in the past before the supply chain issues were a thing. Stump grinding friends with Vermeer, Rayco, and Carlton have all had repair issues and complaints. We're not sure there is such a thing as a reliable stump grinder.

[@kelownatreeguy7020]

@@bloomstumpremoval Hello...I had a vermeer 30 track. Good little grinder but engine blew at 150 hours....and last 2 years I have spent 4500 in hyd repairs. I took care of it..but the crap it goes through each day isnt nice for any grinder....saying that I did use a barrato and it was amazing...seemed simple and built with good parts.

[@matt84712]

Mine hasnt had one problem in 70hrs. I bet it will now

[@IVIylostpotato]

Do you have an opinion on the branch manager T3800 38 special

[@harleydavidson663]

I have the same unit and only have 40hrs and it seems to have a lot of plat in the main swing centre bearing I removed the belly pan and found a huge pile of grease which I though i was greasing the bearing Che k the bearing has a tin cup underneath and it is hollow ? You would think it should have a plug to keep the grease in the bearing ! I have a call into bandit waiting to see what they are going to say ,

[@stumpintom23]

Any updates?

[@harleydavidson663]

@ got a hold of my bandit rep and figured that the plug to hold in the grease was never installed from factory so when I thought I was greasing it , it literally was running out the bottom! Anyway they covered the part under warranty all is good now I have over a 100 hours on it and still going strong lol !

[@stumpintom23]

@@harleydavidson663 ok thanks for responding! I noticed my Grease was all on the belly pan also! But I found the little rubber plug inside it. So hopefully I have no issues. 145 hrs and my only issue has been o2 sensors. Thanks again.

[@BeauRakes]

Outstanding

[@Dustydozer]

Do you have the gates part number for the cutter side belt handy? A rock got hung between the belt and the pulley like the set screw did on yours and my belt is about to give up im afraid, and the numbers are worn off of it and I'd rather not buy one from bandit. I like what you did with the grease fitting under belt guard. I put a longer stem on mine I still have to remove the rubber cap to grease the fitting but it's where I can see it now but your way is alot nicer. I may do the same in the future. My tension pulley on the engine side vibrated loose at about 15 hours I have put loctite on just about everything on it now 🤣 still good buy I think.

[@bloomstumpremoval]

This is the belt number - 3/5VX750.

[@Dustydozer]

@@bloomstumpremoval thank you! I sure appreciate it.

[@AATreeService]

I think locktite is a must have for any grinder. Stump grinder, wood grinder, wood chipper, debris grinder. They all do this.

[@kencanoe]

@@AATreeService locktite, but also anti-seize

[@michaelgerrior2844]

Where did you get the debris fence, I have been looking for one. thanks

[@bloomstumpremoval]

Foards Parts Plus - GNE-1200 Safety Barricade.

[@erics211210]

What does one of these cost?

[@bloomstumpremoval]

This one was around 20k.

[@jacobmilne3034]

Do you find it front heavy at all?

[@bloomstumpremoval]

Yes, especially when grinding downhill.

[@tg5717]

Appreciate the review! Curious...do you have a good view of the cutter wheel while grinding? I currently have a tow behind rayco 1660 that I use and I have a good view of the cutter wheel.

[@bloomstumpremoval]

The operator cannot see the cutter wheel while grinding with the sg-40. On some jobs, that can be an issue. We use a 2 person team with radio headsets to do precision work.

[@penguinistas]

From your description of all the vibration, it sounds like the grinding head may be out of balance. Just my $0.02.

[@mr.momhoustontexas]

Got a new sub here ☝️😃

[@bloomstumpremoval]

WooHoo, that's 20. We're famous! :)

[@AATreeService]

Me too!! Keep those videos coming

[@kevinandress1115]

Seems like I’m staying with Vermeer ….