How to start a Stump Grinding Business in 2022

[@pedroayala1277]

I was given a 1963 Vermeer 630a with a Wisconsin motor 5 months ago and I’ve fixed all the hoses,new gas pump,up to date maintenance,all gaskets and it was totally worth it.ive done 12 stumps so far and really enjoying it😀

[@traceys9035]

Good advise, I basically did what you just said. 8 months ago I bought the sg40 and it paid for itself already and now I purchased the Carlton 7015 it will be here in a couple weeks. It can be done or I am just lucky. Grind on buddy. Thanx for the videos. Time to grind llc

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Tracey, it sounds like you have figured out and doing a great job. Keep Grinding!!!

[@JimmyPower204]

What part of the country are you in?

[@chrishackworth5745]

Hey Chris! What is the farthest you travel from your office to grind stumps. I hear some fellas say they won't drive more than 15 miles. That seems too limiting. Thanks for the great knowledge you pass out!

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

@chrishackworth5745, I would say forty-five minutes or so. It just takes too long, and I start losing money after an hour of a drive. Thanks for watching!!!

[@danielherlihy4685]

Another very informative video. Thank you Chris

[@danahasson2892]

I even told guys just to start off with a handle bar unit to test the market

[@JimmyPower204]

Hey Chris, just found your channel and have really enjoyed watching your videos, I just started up this time last year grinding on the side and have enjoyed it so far as and extra source of income, keep making your videos its a real help to hear advice from someone with alot of experience.

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

James, you are on the right track with asking questions and wanting to get ahead with a second job. Keep up the work and just keep grinding. Thanks for watching!

[@MT89259]

are ya still doing it? any advice?

[@JimmyPower204]

​@michaelthomas8889 yes I am, it has had its up and downs, I have had to work through some breakdowns including replacing my grinders engine recently, work flow in my area is slow but steady, I wouldn't be able to do this full time at this point.

[@moisesnucamendi8673]

Thanks for the advise! Very informative videos.I am about to start this kind of job and will see what happens! Again thanks for the videos.

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Thanks for watching! Wish you good luck in the stump grinding and tree work. Keep grinding.

[@jessefincham8899]

Mini skid with a good aux pump? Stump grinder?

[@topcuttreecutters]

What’s your opinion on the Vermeer sc30tx? Most guys seems to talk it down! I was looking at one of them or the sc292tx. Which I believe most guys would recommend the 292. The thing is the dealer is really recommending the sc30!! And it’s not like not like he has one there he can’t sale…he actually has a 292 in stock and would have to bring the 30 in, yet he still recommends the 30! Which goes against what most guys think! Thoughts?

[@danielhodkinson6526]

Hey Chris thanks for posting i an thinking of getting into this business and what’s wondering what you think of the toro trx 26 over a Vermeer or bandit grinder of similar Hp I love the unit as a rental just can’t find that much information about them online.

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Daniel, I don't know much about that unit just the 252 Vermeer and Bandits. Thanks for watching!

[@foxmulder7616]

What about in a large city, like Phoenix Arizona? Is it gonna be saturated with ten million landscapers and arborists or do you think there's still enough work? I figure a couple stumps a week would be some nice extra income at least..

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

@foxmulder7616, I live in an area where they are fifty tree guys in the telephone book. The question is do they show up on time, cleanup well, give a great price and more? Most people can't do all that. It takes time build up. Thanks for watching!!!!

[@foxmulder7616]

@@ChrissStumpGrinding thanks for answering! God bless!

[@CynthiaEtheredge]

Great job on the video

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Thanks!

[@joeygartland4787]

So I run a small landscaping company and have about 5k to spend on a stump grinder, I only have a few clients for stumps but they are consistent clients. A lot of people are telling me not to invest in a stump grinder because it will take a long time to make the money back. I don’t think it will take as long as they do. Anyhow, what’s your advice on what to get for 5k? Should I get something small or try and work a deal/keep saving up for a larger unit

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Joey, it depends on how much you want to grow with the stump grinding business part. If you're not going to do a whole lot check with a local rental company or marketplace for a deal. I started out thinking I wouldn't do a whole lot either its a snowball sometimes. Thanks for watching!

[@jbinnie331]

How do you charge customers to pick up and remove wood chips? How do you charge a customer for top soil and leveling yard? TY

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Jim Binnie, I do have people that want wood chips or I run ads for free wood chips on Facebook Market Place.

[@jbinnie331]

Thanks Chris...one more question. Approximately how much can I expect to pay for stump grinding business insurance? TY

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

@@jbinnie331 It all depends on your location. I carry insurance for a tree service that covers stump grinding also. I pay less than $2,000 a year. Thanks for watching!!

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Jim Binnie, it all depends on if I have my skid steer on the job or not. That is hard one because of the different factors like dumping, hand loading, and customer buying the materials.

[@alanndeoliveira]

I live in Massachusetts 50 minutes from Boston, lots of traffic, I am looking to start part-time, once I start I'll will drive my equipment on that traffic for a whole week

[@randowoodman3459]

thanks mate

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Rando Woodmen, thanks sir! Keep grinding!!

[@randowoodman3459]

@@ChrissStumpGrinding you got a brother in Australia following your advice

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

@@randowoodman3459 Man! A small world. That is very long way from Alabama

[@josiahsifuentes253]

How far can a new teeth life last do u have to change them frequently..

[@stevenchamlee6600]

I have zero experience in the tree business. With that said what about the chips that are grounded up? How would I sell the removal of that?

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Steven Chamlee, if your grinding stumps the best way to make money is grind and go. Unless you don't a lot of jobs lined up. In my area people don't want to pay a lot for the cleanup unless I am cutting the trees down and have all my equipment already on the job site. Thanks for watching!!!

[@Kodesch]

Thanks Bro!

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Any time! Thanks for watching!!! Keep Grinding

[@kristycongo4579]

Great advise

[@alwaysapplypressure2477]

We Appreciate You

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Always Apply Pressure 247, thank you sir! Keep grinding

[@bullfrogoutdoors2666]

Do you think a 2014 Vermeer Sc30tx self propelled would be too small? I beleive it’s a 25hp engine

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

BullFrog Outdoors, i don't know much about the Vermeer Sc30tx like I do the 252 Vermeer. I would probably same they are about the same with the same size motor. If you get it at a good price start with that one and move up later.

[@TheFewmr2]

How do you put a ad for stump grinding on marketplace? I never knew it was possible

[@joelperry9380]

How do you feel about the Toro STX 26 stump grinder?

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

I like them if has at least 27 horse motors. It's got to have power for the bigger stumps. Thanks for watching!!!

[@marissabutler4391]

I've recently started looking into a Stump grinding business. You say to start small, but would a 12 in 14hp be a good start? Or something bigger and if I need bigger where would I even purchase something bigger?

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

No, I would not start out with that small of grinder but like a Vermeer 252 or Bandit Sg 40. I would still check the market in your area if they is a demand for the work. I would run a add on Facebook for stump removal and see how many people call you or call a few tree services in your area if they need anybody. Thanks for watching!

[@dexdaflex1817]

What’s the advice on getting a better price or financing ?

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

@dexdaflex1817, I have no, idea I haven't borrowed any money since 2008 on anything. I wouldn't know where to start looking at rates at. Thanks for watching!! Keep grinding

[@benlewis3511]

How about insurance? How much do you pay and who’s the best to go with?

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Ben, I have insurance through my tree service adding stump grinding to it. It costs me around $2,000 a year Thanks for watching!!! Keep grinding

[@FRIVZ306]

Could i work for a stump grinding company near me and learn the ropes and then move on from there.

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

FRIVZ, I would say, it would be hard near you because people may think your new competition unless you go work for a tree service. Thanks for watching!

[@FRIVZ306]

@@ChrissStumpGrinding I’ve already worked for a tree company but mostly stayed on the tree removal crews.It might be an option and this company I want to join is relatively small only 2 guys and both are way older than me probably mid 40’s-50’s

[@jasonbourne557]

How much should I charge for a stump? I've got about 6 grand I could use to buy one but I have no idea how much i should charge?

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Jason Bourne, I would figure your hourly right you want. $100 hr or $200. It depends on the price of the machine and how long it's going to take recoup your money after buying one. I am starting to see some deals on machines now. Thanks for watching

[@mvximus3188]

I'm a 17 year old in Baltimore, I inherited my Pop Pop's handlebar stump grinder this summer, God rest his soul, I'm thinking I can make some serious cash here. There's trees out front of every rowhome in Baltimore, the city always leaves stumps or even the entire tree fell over, I'm sure I'm one of the only ones with a stump grinder now.

[@fourtraxing7910]

Where can you find the best deals on grinders?

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

FourTraxing, I would look on Facebook Market Place and Govdeals.com first. They are out there if you have a little patience and cash. Thanks for watching!

[@matt84712]

I have plenty of cash saved & could buy whatever i need, but when it comes to used, I get a bad feeling when it comes to used. I definitely wouldnt buy anything from a rental place. Every tom dick & harry had their little hands on it. And the guy that says hes the 1st owner. I dont believe a word they say. He could have loaned it to his son in law who beat on it. I’ve concluded that im buying new only. Like my harley, im the only one whos ever touched it. Its like when a guy says, it all highway miles. Prove it

[@jbinnie331]

Hey Chris, did you establish an LLC for your business? TY

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Jim Binnie, no just a DBA. I would if i starting out now.

[@jbinnie331]

@@ChrissStumpGrinding thank you!

[@ES-fr3yz]

Whan you say you need a license and insurance, what kind of license are we talking about?

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

E S, city and insurance to cover damages

[@dexdaflex1817]

Sg40 bandit goes for 22k

[@ChrissStumpGrinding]

Test the market with free posts about your business. If the demand is there, it's a deal. I started out grinding stumps and got into tree work. I made over 6,700 this weekend with storms we had with two guys. You have to look at the big picture sometimes. THANKS FOR WATCHING!!! keep grinding

[@tarpontail2750]

Never really understood why people want to encourage others to get in the same business that they’re in. I’ve been grinding stumps for 19 years and I can tell you the market is diluted with stump grinders. Can’t make a living anymore. Thanks to the Internet.

[@MA-yv8dw]

😢unfortunately, that's the wrong way to look at it. There's more business than 20 businesses can handle. Marketing and NEVER giving up on your goals. Also, additionally you could add in other services 🤔🔑