I Tested the Chinese Mini Skid Steer Stump Grinder - Did I Waste My Money?

[@LS1Cobra]

I think you would be better to do the stump in 2 or 3 passes. You are going through in on one pass and hitting the hydraulic motor into the stump. That's a recipe for a broken machine. Do a pass across the whole stump at 1/2 or 2/3 of the depth you are doing and then roll back and go across the whole thing deeper. I reckon you will reduce your stalling and any chance of damaging the motor or a hose.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Awesome advice! Thanks! I will try that next time!

[@pierredignand9753]

What you need to do is grind in horizontal layers rather than vertical layers. This way you do not stop the hydraulic motor & cause damage over time. I started stump grinding 27 yrs ago.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Awesome advice. I will try that. This was my first time using one, if you can’t tell. Haha

[@dakotasweeney1019]

Such a brilliant idea getting the ambulance, hope it treats you well!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I took it on a 4 hour roadtrip today pulling an enclosed trailer to get some cabinets for another project…. Too many projects by the way… lol. And I couldn’t even tell it had a trailer behind me! So awesome. Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.

[@Do_the_Dishes]

Great video! I’m surprised you didn’t snap off your hydraulic line with that first pass/deep cut @7:35. The 90 was hitting the top of your stump. I think a few top passes first to whittle it down is more common practice. I had to pay some professionals to do my stump years ago and that is how they did it anyway. I wish I had a neighbor like you.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have never actually seen someone do it in person. So I appreciate the advice. It’s always good to be a good neighbor. lol

[@fullthrottle2656]

Light cuts. Slow and steady wins the race. If you see it bouncing like that or your RPMs drop off you are taking to big of a bite. Just take the high point little by little and make a couple passes. Or try attacking from more than one angle. Otherwise nice job. Mines on the boat on the way!!! 😃👍

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks for the advice. I couldn’t find any good how I videos on a machine like this. Just trial and error. Clearly, I’m a newbie. lol

[@elclavo1]

Where can I purchase the skid and the attachments?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@elclavo1There is a link in the video description to where I purchased it. Dean with Derette in China. Tell him you came from my video and he will give you a discount.

[@BOKEHMASTER]

Liked the stump grinder. I use my fiskars machete axe and the smaller version of it for those small limbs. (Reminds me of Conan the Barbarian 82) No batteries needed. Cool little saw though. Just got the HF Bauer 10 inch to haul in my sxs and with the 5.0 amp battery that thing will do dome cutting. Excellent video once again. Thanks.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I like the Conan reference! Haha I carry a 10” Ryobi saw in my SXS and have had to use it multiple times. I may start to carry this one as well. Thanks again for the support on the channel.

[@bigcountryreviews6551]

You need to run that engine wide open!! When running something like a Stump grinder!!!!!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks for the tip. More RPM. Got it. I’m brand new to this stuff. Thanks for the input.

[@robertwabol7235]

Practice...equals experience....helps having a spotter...aka...raker and shoveler as you move along ...I found grinding stumps...larger ones from 3 to four sides really speeds up the grinding process....I really enjoy your channel

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks for the feedback. A spotter would be great, too bad I don’t have anyone around. Sigh…. Maybe I need to get one of my sons out here. Heh.

[@tomd864]

Very nice! I'd slow the side to side speed way down so it doesn't stall out so much.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Good advice. I slowed it down already, I’ll try slowing it down even more.

[@jeffmayeux1692]

Yard Rescue! Brilliant idea to use an ambulance with all the storage space that can be locked. These ambulances may have many highway/transport miles on them but the payload is usually 2-3 humans plus equipment. Don’t forget to use your flashers when on the side of the road. LOL 😉

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I’m glad you like the idea because most people think I’m nuts. Haha I think it’s the perfect vehicle. It can tow anything I want with that 7.3l Powerstroke. It has all the storage in the world inside and out. It’s also a great Halloween scary ambulance prop for the neighborhood kids. lol A few months ago I was working in a neighbors yard and it was over 100 degrees. What I wouldn’t have given to come sit in that air conditioned box for a few minutes and cool off. Next summer, I will bring my Campulance with me and have a place to cool off with my cooler of drinks. Which flashers? Hazards or emergency strobes? Haha

[@speedbeagle6498]

Hey, Edgecrusher here, I was going to comment because this was painful to watch, but i see most everybody is saying the same thing as I would. I don't want to criticize too much because it was your first time but it was easy to see you were getting way too down in it and you needed to come back up and knock that ridge off and work your way down. The more it gets dished out and you stay in there the more drag you encounter. You only want a couple teeth engaging at one time. I wonder how the V1K would do with this thing? Thanks for the video, you scratched an itch for me. Im definitely getting one of these attachments.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah it was my first time. I actually did one stump at night a few weeks ago but this was my first time really using it. I didn’t see what it looked like until I was home and watched the footage. I learned more from these comments than I did actually doing the work. I plan to go out tomorrow and hit up another neighbor’s stump and try some of my newly acquired knowledge. We will see how I do then. lol. Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate hearing from people more knowledgeable than I am.

[@mikewatson4644]

Good job!! Please try out some of the suggestions from the comments and post a new video. It looks like the stump grinder did a good job and with some experience, you will be doing a great job Thanks for the video

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I appreciate the feedback. I plan to try again, if it ever stops raining here! I know I have a lot of learn, but even with a new and inexperienced operator, I’m pretty darn impressed so far. I can’t wait until I get good at it! lol

[@CharlotteDaBun]

For what’s being asked of it, seems like it’s doing really good. It’s a lot to ask of any cutter/grinder to take 1/4” off of anything with 40% of its cutting surface. I’m getting the grinder without the sweep, this was a confidence booster for my purchase

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, I’m learning a lot from the comments. I can’t wait to go again! lol

[@thedadpluskidsproject7781]

How much did you speed up the grinding portion of the video? I rented a Carlton a while back and the swing speed was too fast. The grinding action should be smooth not jerky. I would see if there is a way to slow that down. It looks like a great little grinder. I personally worry how far all the hoses hang off the side. I could see one getting torn off.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I didn’t speed it up. Do you think I should slow down the right/left speed? There is a valve I can adjust the speed with.

[@jaxturner7288]

Grind during the right to left swing. You should have noticed how the teeth were setup when you changed them to cut in the one direction more cleanly.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I did not notice that. I thought the were even but I guess I need to take a better look.

[@jaxturner7288]

@ yeah the one side will be taking a shallow bite compared to the other side. That’s why it bogs and jams more grinding the opposite direction. Took me a few hours to figure out and then afterwards I read about it in the operator’s instructions manual. 👍

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@jaxturner7288ohhh awesome. I will try that. Thanks!

[@neilkratzer3182]

Suprised you haven't broke the hydraulic fitting off the motor on the grinder. It seems to work really well. To me a few tweeks from the factory could make it wven better.. The problem is the cost is so much less and it gets the job done, you can't ask for much more.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It was like $1400. Not bad when I get more experience with it I’m sure it will be even better.

[@ericginsel5621]

I’m sure after watching the video you see the error in the way you attack the stump and the problem it causes with the hydraulic lines going to the motor, but it looks like a great system, i have a pto grinder for my tractor, it works , but it’s a pain in the neck looking over your shoulder all the time

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, I can’t see the stump from standing on the machine. When I went to edit the video I saw, for the first time, exactly what I was doing. Next time, I’ll do better. lol Yeah the PTO grinder sounds like a pain. I bet it’s better than not having it though!

[@ericginsel5621]

@ trust me there were learning curves to the pto stump grinder also, but I’ve ground around 40 on my property up to 60” across so it’s more than paid for it’s self

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Oh that’s awesome. I don’t have any stumps besides a huge pine tree stump at our cabin. I just bought it to test out for KZbin. Maybe one day I can learn how it works and make some side money, until then… I’ll just be helping neighbors. lol

[@sethreynolds416]

Stihl makes a battery hand held saw just like that one you showed for only about $150 and it works awesome. So worth it.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Oh that’s cool. Yeah, I’m a big fan of this little saw.

[@OldIronAcres]

pretty cool. made the stump cry!! Best, -- J. Andre. / Old Iron Acres

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahah. The poor stump while it died. lol

[@georgejoseph4164]

My primary use for one. Can’t wait…

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It’s awesome.

[@georgejoseph4164]

@@OurLifeInTrees how easy to get parts and how fast to replace tips on the go? I noticed in the middle of the second stump you had issues when you had about 120 degrees of contact… maybe limit to 90.? Maybe a few more passes? But hey, I’m learning too. Nice job👍

[@OurLifeInTrees]

⁠@@georgejoseph4164currently, Dean at Derette can get me parts in about 1 to 1 1/2 weeks. The tips are held on with one nut each. They can easily be changed anywhere. They are also reversible, wear out one side and flip them to get the other side. Thanks for the advice. I will try that next time for sure.

[@michelplourde9831]

Only 1/4 max of the wheel should be on the stump and work by layer of 3 inch alway on top of the stump until you bottom out layer by layer .5 years in stump grinding with a pto stump grinder for me and love it. First couple dozen are the worst 😂

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks for the tips. I plan to try a few more this weekend and practice everything I have learned from the comments.

[@jonathancalderon7682]

I think that stump grinder has a design flaw. Should maybe have a bigger disc by an inch or two so you don’t damage the motor. Also, can you test it on a “green” stump. looks like it’s been dead for years from how the skin just came off.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The first one was dead for awhile, the second one was green hardwood.

[@urcindys]

NICE

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks.

[@mauriciotovar8319]

Can you share info on the stump grinding attachment please 🙏

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Sure. What info would you like?

[@uddemannen]

Maybe install a camera at the bearing if u having a hard time to se how much/deep u cutting

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have been thinking about that. When I watched the footage I saw where the cutting teeth were for the first time as I couldn’t see fork the machine.

[@SuperUbuntudude]

That thing works great, but I don't think you need to try to go to Mordor. You're going away bit too deep. I don't think you need to go any more than 6 inches below the surface.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahah goto Mordor!! lol Good call. I couldn’t see the grinder from standing on the machine. I learned a lot from watching the video honestly. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Walking_on_Chips]

If you run your chainsaws chain in the dirt, it gets dull almost immediately. This grinder, altho larger, is no different. Thats why the 1st stump started out so fast. Lastly, stumps should be ground down to just below the dirt line. Practice makes perfect my friend.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yup. I didn’t put the chainsaw in the dirt, at least I don’t think I did. I am mindful of that. This is my first time using a stump grinder. Learning every time. Thanks for the feedback.

[@johnhufnagel]

doesn't seem to like having large arc engagement. might be better to take bigger stumps and "mow" them down in passes, so as to keep the amount of arc engagement minimized.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Good call. I appreciate advice from people who know something about these. Clearly, I’m new to it. lol

[@johnhufnagel]

@@OurLifeInTrees while I'm afraid you're assigning to much experience to me, the physics are relatively simple. the longer each tooth is in contact with the stump, the more force is applied towards slowing down the head. apply enough resistant force and you stall the hydraulic motor. you can either spin the motor faster, apply more hydraulic pressure, or take smaller bites out of the stump. shaving it off in layers (like you would mow an overgrown lawn) is one method of achieving the latter.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@johnhufnagelGreat explanation. Thanks

[@sonofsteve566]

so the big question is after import and shipping- what did you pay for the stump grinder attachment? what is the operating pressure for this attachment and your machine???

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The stump grinder was about $1400 but I had it shipped with 7 other attachments. All of the attachments were $8k shipped.

[@sonofsteve566]

since your grinding wheel is so small and machine is underpowered, grind layers you will burn things up grinding to deep

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@sonofsteve566Good call. Thanks for your input.

[@itsjohnny497]

I agree that you can’t swing too far to left due to the motor position & hitting ground and stump. You got to deal with right half first otherwise the motor will interfere and hit.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, after watching the video footage I saw the hose and motor getting very close and occasionally hitting. I couldn’t see it from standing on the machine. Need to practice more.

[@creamshop]

That 90 degree steel hydraulic fitting wont last long , hitting the stump like no tomorrow, maybe your main hydraulic pump has its over pressure release valve is adjusted too low for the rotor to stop so easy

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, after watching the video footage I saw the hose and motor getting very close and occasionally hitting. I couldn’t see it from standing on the machine. Need to practice more.

[@KUBBI7488]

great video as usual!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you sir

[@evan3178]

What % throttle do u think u where running while grinding?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Not 100% sure, but it was pretty high.

[@evan3178]

​@@OurLifeInTrees great videos! Keep them coming

[@evan3178]

​@OurLifeInTrees is this what they are calling the grinder with electric swing or is that different?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@evan3178thank you. Derette has two grinder options. One doesn’t move, just the movement of the machine, and the other has the oscillating head, which is what I bought. I paid like $1400 I think www.deretteloader.com/loader-attachments/stump-grinder-0.html

[@matthewbetts1985]

Watch them hydraulic hoses don’t wanna snap one off an as others have said go across at one level so lift right up move forward then back down steady rinse and repeat

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, after watching the video footage I saw the hose and motor getting very close and occasionally hitting. I couldn’t see it from standing on the machine. Need to practice more. Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

[@Gangstercub]

Did your hydraulics run hot doing this?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The cooling fan came on but the temp gauge never looked hot.

[@thegarbagegladiators4735]

Cuts great but I wouldn't tilt it so much because you were pitting your hoses in the stump. Just lower it up and down really is all ya need.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks for the advice. I will try that next time. This is all new to me.

[@thegarbagegladiators4735]

@@OurLifeInTrees Just my opinion, but maybe try to start at the top corner and shave the top down? Seems going in the side like that might be counter productive? Just from observation of the blade..NO offense . awesome tho.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@thegarbagegladiators4735No offense taken. I don’t know anything about this stuff. Just me, my machine and a camera trying to figure it out! lol

[@thegarbagegladiators4735]

@OurLifeInTrees I mean like I said I'm just taking gases at it myself. You appear to be doing very well at it yourself. Keep up the good work sir.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@thegarbagegladiators4735thanks. I appreciate it.

[@cesalsdiesel]

Careful with that hydraulic elbow, it's literally imbedded in the stump at 10:51

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, after watching the video footage I saw the hose and motor getting very close and occasionally hitting. I couldn’t see it from standing on the machine. Need to practice more.

[@allenletondre1561]

The slowest good thing they are not paying by the hour

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, it took 20 minutes to do the first one and 35 minutes for the second. Paying by the hour wouldn’t have paid anything. Instead I did it for free as I learn to use it and that paid me more in the end. lol

[@gonzalomadrid8744]

Who sells this equipment

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Derette manufactures and sells it.

[@shoeinprofinish7279]

show the video when you rip the hydro line off

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Can’t show something has hasn’t happened. 🤷‍♂️

[@bassthis]

Nice tool increase the rpm if you can

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I’ve heard that. I’ll try it next time. I appreciate the feedback.

[@whatchath385]

Watch out for rocks and other embedded things when grinding!! Objects will fly when that grinder hits them!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Good advice. I wondered if that was a thing. I do have a face shield I should wear.

[@whatchath385]

@@OurLifeInTrees I would suggest a flannel shirt too. All depends on what you're comfortable with.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@whatchath385Yeah, I wear them when it’s cold out. That day was the first time I had worn jeans yet this year it been so hot.

[@whatchath385]

@@OurLifeInTrees Definitely wear what's comfortable for you.

[@Dean-derette]

perfect!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks

[@WELCOMETOTHEPITINFO]

No way that thing could tackle a bug walnut or oak . Just not enough flow

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The second stump I did in the video was a blackjack oak. Much more difficult than the first older stump.

[@MrMoonpie001]

Pass, would had spent more on something that works. I don't see this lasting more that a season if your lucky. Moonpie

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s the whole point of the videos! Are they any good? Do they last? For the price, I think it’s awesome.

[@allenletondre1561]

You overheated the knives

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s possible.

[@richr909]

Yeah it works...........for now. China equipment usually breaks alot and then it's a royal pain to get parts. If you even can get the part at all. I would have just bought a used Toro Dingo personally.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

So far all my Chinese Equiptment still works fine. Maybe I’m just lucky, or maybe because I’m buying better equipment from the manufacturer and not cheap copied auction crap, mine last longer. Who knows. It does take a week or two to get parts though.

[@richr909]

@@OurLifeInTrees My work bought a cheap Massimo side by side utv because it was only $10k new. They had to replace the entire drive line in the thing and had to wait around 4 months to get the parts in. So they owned it for a year and it was in the shop for 6 months. It was ordered by dumb college kids in management who don't know anything about equipment. I lit them up about learning that lesson the hard way lol.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@richr909 I’m impressed that in that year, it worked for 1/2 the time. That’s one of the disposable Chinese vehicles. Like the go-karts, little cloned Honda 50cc motorcycles, Auction unit mini skid steers, etc. all junk. I found the cheat code. There are a couple dealers that sell “high end” Chinese Equiptment, and I found the manufacturer. This machine I bought is where those dealers get them from. Muhahaha

[@richr909]

@@OurLifeInTrees Never knew those companies existed lol.

[@allenletondre1561]

Taking to big of a. Bite

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s what the comments said.

[@Yukon-y4d]

UNDER POWERD POOR DESIGHN

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Worked great, especially for a newbie who has never used one before.

[@jen318]

Takes to long underpowered

[@OurLifeInTrees]

So much better than a drill and a burn barrel. That’s what I used on the stumps at my place.

[@jen318]

@OurLifeInTrees gotcha