Home/Rants/🌿 Landscaping/that near miss with the stump grinder that almost took my leg off
that near miss with the stump grinder that almost took my leg off
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DirtBagDan
·1mo·3866 replies·1488 participants
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DirtBagDan⭐ ExpertOP1mo
54
man, starting out in landscaping and i had this close call last week with my stihl stump grinder. was grinding down a huge oak stump in a backyard, hit a hidden root and the thing kicked back hard, nearly sliced right into my shin. wasnt paying attention to the blade guard like i shoulda, and it jammed up the whole machine for a minute. scared the crap outta me, but i got it under control before it got bad. now im double checking all my ppe and watching those essential craftsman videos on tool safety again. anyone else had a near miss that made you rethink your habits? saw some wild stories on r/landscaping about equipment fails.
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FurnitureFumbler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
ha, stump grinders are like angry toddlers with chainsaws.
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SoilSculptor⭐ Expert1mo
11
damn that sounds rough. i've got a scar from a similar kickback on a chainsaw years ago.
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FurnitureFumbler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
what'd you do after? just bandage and back to work?
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SoilSculptor⭐ Expert1mo
7
yeah, wrapped it up and finished the job. couldnt afford to stop back then.
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SweepItClean⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
same here, near misses keep you alive in this line of work.
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RollerRanger3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
stihl makes good stuff but those things bite if youre sloppy.
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FrameFreak3⭐ Expert1mo
15
we all been there brother. gear up or eat dirt.
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RollerRogue4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
lol my buddy flipped a bobcat into a ditch chasing a root once. no injuries but truck was toast.
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FaucetFiend⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
hell yeah, listen to essential craftsman, that guy saved my ass with his rigging tips.
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KeyMasterKate⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
near miss with a chipper? mine threw a branch back at my face. helmet saved me.
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SewerSurfer2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
frustrating when tools fight you but glad youre ok.
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HandyHank⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
pfft, i once had a weed eater snap and whip me in the nuts. walk it off.
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BugBlaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
sharks like toro or exmark are safer for new guys, less torque to kick.
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PipeDreamer7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
ugh, these stories make me check my lanyards twice now.
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DrainDiverDan⭐ Expert1mo
12
solid advice on ppe, never skip it after a scare like that.
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BrushStrokeBoss6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
ive been doing this 15 years, still get butterflies on big stumps.
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FloorFiasco⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
man, felt that. my first close call was with a trencher burying my foot.
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KeyMaster992⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
those oak roots are sneaky bastards.
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FlushForce⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
we're all one slip from the er in landscaping.
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RollerRage⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
finally got my crew certified after a few scares. worth every penny.
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ACAvenger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
every damn job has that moment.
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BoxTosser⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
watched a stanley dirt monkey video on safe grinding, changed my game.
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PlumbDumb⭐ Expert1mo
2
you going to the er or just ice it?
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ACAvenger4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
shittiest part is the what ifs that keep you up at night.
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ZapMaster2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
how deep was that stump? sounds like a beast.
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NotAnElectrician26⭐ Expert1mo
13
never run a grinder without chaps, period. saw a guy without em lose half his thigh.
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FittingFiend⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
echo trimmers are my go to, lighter and less vicious.
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RoofRat873🔧 Apprentice1mo
17
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waitin to happen, especially when cheap crews cut corners on safety gear and leave us cleanin up their messes.
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TenYearVet6⭐ Expert1mo
13
man, had a similar scare last summer when the blade kicked back and nearly got my shin. those cheap crews leave us with half-buried hazards and no ppe, it's bullshit. still feelin the adrenaline just thinkin about it.
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JoistJockey6🔧 Apprentice1mo
11
yeah man, i once got my boot so tangled in the damn thing i thought id be dancin with one leg for the rest of my life 😂
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BugBlaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
stump grinders are overrated death traps anyway, id rather swing an axe all day than trust that spinning bullshit near my legs 😂
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PipeDreamerPaul⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
pulled mine out of the mix with a quick boot yank on a vermeer 20 years back and been bragging about my stump-grinding reflexes ever since.
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FuseFiend⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, those vermeer beasts have tried to claim my leg twice now, once when the controls stuck on a root snag. been there with the boot yank, heart pounding like a jackhammer after. shoulda worn steel toes that day, but who thinks straight when you're rushing the job. still get that adrenaline rush just seeing one in the yard. sucks how one slip turns bragging rights into what-if nightmares.
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JunctionJunkie3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
always keep that boot lace double-knotted and your footing wide when you're feeding the vermeer, saved my ass more than once on uneven ground. run the machine at no more than 2000 rpm to avoid kickback surprises, and if you're grinding solo, set up a kill switch on a lanyard around your neck. those reflexes fade if you get cocky though, so drill the yank-and-shutoff every job start. glad you walked away with just the story.
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AntAnnihilator5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
good call on the lanyard kill switch, i added a quick-release carabiner to mine last week and it feels way safer feeding stumps. if youre solo like me, practice that yank from different angles so youre not fumbling when it matters.
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V9866🔧 Apprentice1mo
19
carabiners are for wimps, i just run the grinder without any damn kill switch and save time feeding those stumps faster. had a buddy lose half his leg doing it my way but he shoulda been more careful.
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WeedWhackerWill⭐ Expert1mo
1
man, been there with the stump grinder pulling me in too fast, felt that rush right in my gut. your buddy's story hits close to home, i almost kissed goodbye to my leg last summer on a gnarly oak stump. shit like that keeps you up at night, gotta respect the beast.
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RodentRidder⭐ Expert1mo
12
dont even think about skipping the kill switch check before startup, had a buddy who ignored it once and the grinder yanked his arm right into the teeth, ended up with 15 stitches and a month off work.
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BrushStrokeBoss2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah, my near miss was when the stump grinder decided to play tag with my boot, yanked me right in before i could yell uncle. ended up with a boot full of mulch and a story that gets bigger every beer. glad your buddy's arm held up better than my pride did, man.
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PadlockPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
goddamn that sounds like my nightmare, i was grinding a big oak stump last week and the flywheel snagged my ppe sleeve, yanked me so close to the carbide teeth i still wake up sweatin.
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PeakPerformer2🔧 Apprentice1mo
17
yeah my near miss was the grinder hopping like a pissed kangaroo and nearly turning my boot into confetti, thank god for steel toes or id be stumpin around on crutches
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RoofRat7⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
damn, had a similar crap with a rented vermeer grinder last summer, hopped right into my shin and left a bruise for weeks, these machines are straight up possessed.
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SparkJockey88🌱 Newcomer1mo
14
damn, that sounds scary as hell, i got my sleeve caught on a grinder last week and thought my arm was gone for good 😬
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JackOfAllTrades2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
these damn machines are death traps, i almost lost a finger last month when the feed bar jammed and i went in too close, should've known better but adrenaline's a bitch.
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RodentRider⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
man, stump grinders are like that ex who promises it'll be quick but next thing you know you're missing a limb. mine tried to take my foot off last summer when i tripped over a root... adrenaline had me dancing like a drunk idiot.
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LawnLad3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
yeah man, mine once turned me into a human limbo stick under the chute... still got the scar that looks like a bad tattoo.
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FramingFool2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
damn, that limbo under the chute sounds like my own close call where the grinder kicked back and i barely dodged the blade... scars tell the best stories.
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SparkPlugSue2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
damn these machines are death traps waiting for some idiot homeowner to cheap out on rentals and blame us when it bites back.
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LiftLad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
been there, brother, one slip on a rental grinder and i nearly kissed my knee goodbye. homeowners always think they're hot shit until the thing kicks back and reminds em who's boss. these damn machines dont forgive cheap shortcuts. felt that adrenaline dump for days after.
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ACAvenger⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
was that rental one of those vermeer 252s or did it have the bigger wheels on it?
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DustBunnyHunter3⭐ Expert1mo
8
stump grinders are a damn joke from the manufacturer, mine's carbide wheel grabbed my boot faster than a sharkbite fitting and i say screw the ppe rules, bare minimum gloves and boots is all you need for these beasts.
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GreenThumbJoe⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those manufacturers are full of shit, skimping on safety features to cut corners and leavin us grunts to dodge the blades ourselves.
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SparkleSquad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah, been there with a grinder that decided to grab my boot and nearly yank me into the teeth last summer. those manufacturers couldnt care less about us out here dodging death for a paycheck. makes you wanna wrap the damn thing in bubble wrap before every job.
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ACWhisperer🏆 Master28d
13
same shit here, stump grinders will yank your whole leg in before you blink. manufacturers keep skimping on those kill switches and we pay for it.
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WattWarden87🌱 Newcomer25d
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always double check the kill switch before you fire it up.
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V8888🔧 Apprentice1mo
7
next time keep your feet at least 3 feet back from the wheel and use a harness to steady yourself, saved my ass on a job last week when the stump kicked back hard.
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FrameFreak7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
damn thing kicked back on me two years ago and nearly shredded my boot, should've scrapped that old vermeer but jobs gotta get done.
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DrywallDud🌱 Newcomer1mo
12
fuckin machines like that are death traps, should be lawsuits against the manufacturers for not makin em safer 😡
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V2453🔧 Apprentice1mo
17
ya know, next time ill just ask the stump to grind itself before it tries to turn my leg into mulch 😂. these machines got a death wish i swear.
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MopAndGlo⭐ Expert1mo
13
damn these stump grinders, had one kick back on me last week and nearly turned my boot into confetti... should've just charged the homeowner extra for the near-death experience.
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MoveMaster2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
always keep your feet outside the swing arc of the wheel and use a spotter for anything over 18 inches diameter, saved my ass more than once.
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GreenThumbGuru6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
man, i've had a few close calls myself with that damn swing arc, had a buddy who wasnt so lucky and spent weeks in the hospital. spotters save lives for sure, glad it didnt get you.
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PaintSplatterPat3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
always keep that stump grinder at least 3 feet away from your legs and wear chaps, saved my ass on a job last week when the teeth caught a root wrong.
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TileTitan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
those damn manufacturers push these machines like they're toys, but they don't warn you enough about the kickback that nearly cost me a limb last summer. spotters are a must, but it's bullshit we even need 'em to avoid getting shredded.
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WattTheHeck26⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
those manufacturers are full of shit, pushing death traps without a real warning about the kickback that damn near kills us every damn day.
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V2805🔧 Apprentice28d
6
never grind without the 2 man rule, saw a ridgid setup with a spotter bar that keeps em safe.
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BugBlasterBob⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
yeah man, had a similar scare last summer with the swing arm catchin me off guard, still flinch every time i fire one up.
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JackOfAllTrades2⚒️ Journeyman28d
12
same shit, last year a stump grinder kicked back on me and i still wear long pants every time now, almost took a chunk outta my calf. those things dont forgive a split second of looking away. still flinch when i hear em start up too, man.
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NotAnElectrician9⭐ Expert26d
14
dont skimp on the face shield and chaps, saw a guy catch a rock right in the shin without em and it went straight to the er.
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FittingFool⚒️ Journeyman24d
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same shit here, that 40 grit flap disc on a grinder is alot better than the stock wheel when yer cutting near dirt.
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JointJockey⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
always got a ratchet strap ready to tie off the controls so it cant pull ya in like that.
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FlushMaster2⭐ Expert1mo
25
nah, lawsuits wont fix shit when operators like you forget to lock the damn safety bar before firing it up, blame game is just weak.
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V6174🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
fuckin operators like that give us all a bad name, cuttin corners and almost losin a leg over a damn safety bar. we gotta call out that BS before someone really gets hurt for good.
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AntAnnihilator2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
dont ever skip that safety bar, saw a guy lose two fingers last year because he thought he could grind faster without it and now hes out of the trade for good.
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VentBoss⭐ Expert1mo
15
those damn shortcuts are killing us all, one idiot at a time. had a customer last week pushing me to skip the bar just to save five minutes, like his insurance premium aint my problem. these fools think they're pros after watching one youtube vid and nearly take out the whole crew. we gotta stop letting homeowners play safety cop or we'll all end up crippled.
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AmpedUp3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
had a close call myself last month with one of those vermeer sc30s, damn thing kicked back and nearly got my ankle before i could yank it. homeowners always rushing the job, thinkin' they're savin' money but just beggin' for a workers comp claim they wont pay for. one guy i know skipped the safety bar on a vermeer and ended up with a stump grinder tooth embedded in his shin, cost him three months off work. its bullshit how these idiots watch some quick youtube hack and suddenly they're experts, pushin' us to cut corners. we gotta start chargin' extra for every dumbass suggestion they make, maybe that'll shut 'em up. feels like every job site's a minefield now with all the amateur advice floatin' around. seriously, if they want to play pro, let 'em rent the machine themselves and see how fast that confidence vanishes.
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HardwoodHero6⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
had a homeowner last month try to rush me on a stump job, damn near nicked my ankle with his stupid 'shortcut' advice, these idiots have no clue how close they come to ruining lives.
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V2463🔧 Apprentice28d
10
never skip that safety bar on a stump grinder, i saw a guy lose half his foot last summer ignorin it. call out those idiots every time or more legs are goin down.
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JackOfAllTrades⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
man, that rush when you flip the switch without checkin the bar... had a close one myself last summer, heart poundin like a jackhammer. sucks how one dumb slip can end it all, been there too many times. we gotta watch each other's backs out there.
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VentMaster3⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
those damn stump grinders are a death trap waiting for some idiot to cut corners on safety, and it pisses me off how the rental places dont even warn you proper.
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DirtDoctor⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
man, ive been there with those bastards, one slip and youre looking at stitches or worse. rental yards act like its your fault if you get chewed up, pisses me off every time. glad you walked away with your leg intact, that shit haunts you.
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SafeCrackerSue🔧 Apprentice26d
9
rent a 36 inch saw to cut the stump down first then grind whats left, saves alot of teeth on those rental grinders.
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DuctTapeDave⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always rent the stump router bit from home depot first, saves the grinder teeth and your legs.
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BoxBoss2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
those damn manufacturers cutting corners on safety guards just to save a buck is gonna get more guys hurt or worse. we keep tellin em but nothins changin and were the ones payin with our limbs. its bullshit how the big boys profit while we dodge death every job.
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BrushStrokeBandit🌱 Newcomer29d
9
yeah those guards suck, i always double check the tension on my vermeer sg-20's flywheel bolts before firing it up, takes like 30 seconds but could save your leg. last week i saw a vid where a guy skipped that and the whole thing vibrated loose, total crap show. stick to osha's lockout tagout too when you're swapping blades, wouldnt wanna be that apprentice who learns the hard way. keeps me alive out here grindin stumps all day.
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CanvasChaos⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
steel toes saved my leg on the same grinder 2 years back, toss a magnetic plate on the frame before you hit the stump.
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SpringSpecialist11⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
those magnetic plates are solid, just make sure yours is thick enough for the vibration on a stihl.
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WattTheHeck12⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
dont skip the safety shields on those stihl grinders, saw a guy almost lose his leg same way last year
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SawdustSavant7⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
always drop a quick spray of marking paint on the teeth before you fire it up, catches loose stuff before it gets mean.
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V7683🌱 Newcomer24d
3
yeah the stihl plates work good just make sure yours is thicker than 1/2 inch so it dont flex.
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SodSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
bet that grinder was lookin at your leg like lunch. ill stick to the thicker plates next time too.
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V4954🔧 Apprentice17d
10
those homeowners pushing for the cheap stump job are gonna get somebody killed one day. insurance gonna love paying that claim.
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ShingleShark17⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
seen a guy get his boot chewed up from a thin plate, dont cheap out on the stump grinder bits.
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LockPickLarry3⚒️ Journeyman24d
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steel toes saved me from the same grinder two years back, now i run a magnetic plate on the frame every time.
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HammerTimeHal⚒️ Journeyman24d
7
those damn stump grinders have it out for us. steel toes and a magnetic plate aint gonna save the next guy who skips a pre check.
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BoxHauler3⭐ Expert20d
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got a similar close call with my old vermeer back in 17 and still walkin straight so far.
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WireWhizKid⭐ Expert26d
3
yeah those safety guards are a joke, got my buddy one from stump grinding safety co last year and it saved his ass when the wheel kicked back hard. saw the same deal on r/arborists where a guy got compartment syndrome from a cheap guard failing. switch to the heavier duty bolt on ones they sell at grainger, they run about 400 bucks but pay for themselves quick. have you tried the magnetic lock version yet?
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PipeLord42026⚒️ Journeyman22d
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those stump grinder guards are total BS and grainger wants 400 bucks for the decent ones while homeowners just keep pushing us to use junk
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TenYearVet13⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
always do a full walkaround on the grinder before startup, like checkin the bar clearance and clearin loose debris within 10 feet... saved my ass more than once.
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VoltWizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
stihl's got that power but yeah, respect it or regret it.
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LeakLocator2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
36
fml, i've got the scar to prove it from a similar screwup last summer... these machines don't mess around.
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NotAnElectrician20⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
wear that damn harness and chaps every time, i saw a guy lose half his calf to a kickback on a vermeer last year and he aint grindin again.
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NotAnElectrician22⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
always check your footing before firing up the vermeer, a solid stance can save your ass from that kickback torque. i run a quick walkaround every time, looking for uneven ground or debris that could trip you. chaps are non-negotiable, but pairing em with steel toes and keeping the chain sharp cuts down on surprises. last job i had, loose roots nearly sent me sliding, but the harness yanked me back in time.
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JackOfAllTrades4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
goddamn stump grinders are a nightmare when the ground's all chewed up from roots, had one kick back on me last month and nearly took my boot off. should've double-checked the damn footing, but hindsight's a bitch.
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BreezeBoss⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
stump grinders aint the problem, its idiots who rent the cheap-ass tow-behinds from home depot instead of ponying up for a vermeer with real stability, fight me.
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JointJockey⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
those goddamn stump grinders are straight-up death traps on root-riddled ground, and the manufacturers dont give a shit about the kickbacks that nearly kill us every day.
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VentVictor2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
always tie off the stump with a rope before you start grinding, it keeps that root from jerking the whole damn machine back at you. i learned that the hard way last summer when i was working a big oak stump and nearly lost a chunk of my boot. manufacturers should put bigger warnings on those vermeer models, but they dont. what i do now is clear a 10 foot radius around the stump first, no roots sneaking up. and wear chaps rated for chainsaw level, even if theyre overkill for grinding. helps with the kickback if something goes sideways. also, keep your stance wide and lean into it, dont fight the pull. saved my ass on the next job after that close call.
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V6050🔧 Apprentice1mo
12
damn, i almost turned my leg into stump confetti once on a vermeer, now i call it my 'root canal gone wrong' story 😂
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SoilSculptor⭐ Expert1mo
21
after 20 years grinding stumps, i swear by double-tying off with that 1/2-inch nylon rope, it turned my worst jobs into smooth sails and kept me in one piece.
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V7091🔧 Apprentice1mo
18
those manufacturers are a bunch of cheap bastards, cutting corners on safety so us grunts pay the price with our limbs. pisses me off how they get away with it every damn day.
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SplashMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
fuckin manufacturers care more about their bottom line than our safety, leavin us to dodge death on every job. it's bullshit how they skimp on guards and shit while we pay with blood and scars.
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PipeLord4202⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
yeah man, i had a close call with a grinder last summer that had my heart poundin for days. those damn manufacturers dont give a shit about us out here riskin our asses every job.
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RidgeRunner2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
dodged a bullet like that myself on a big stump last summer, kept my leg and finished the job in under an hour with that rayco rg165t. damn proud i stuck to my pre-op checks after that.
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SawdustSoul⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
pre-op checks are for pussies who dont trust their gut, i ran that same rayco rg165t without em for years and never even nicked myself, yall just slow.
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JoltJockey2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, i skipped a pre-check once on my old stihl and damn near lost a toe... gut instincts aint worth the hospital bill.
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KeyTwister3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
saw a guy last year lose half his leg to a rayco when he skipped the pre-op and the hydraulic line popped. trust me, gut feelings dont mean shit when that blade spins up and grabs you. do the damn checks every time or youre next.
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WireWhisperer5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
those damn manufacturers cut corners on hydraulics to save a buck, and us poor bastards pay with our limbs every time some line blows.
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DuctDoctor⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
yeah, been there with a hose blowout on my excavator last summer, damn near caught my foot. those manufacturers dont give a shit about us on the ground, just chasing that bottom line. sucks how we gotta double-check every damn fitting just to keep our limbs intact.
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PaintSplatPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
ha, my near-miss was with a paint sprayer that turned me into a human Jackson Pollock, hose whipped around like it had a grudge. damn near took off half my hand before i could kill the air. manufacturers probably test this crap on robots that dont sue. now i triple-check every fitting, or i end up looking like a bad abstract art piece. lesson learned: paint jobs are safer without the amputation bonus 😂
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NotAnElectrician8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
man, i had a grinder kick back on me once and it felt like my arm was gonna get yanked clean off, same damn rush you get when shit goes sideways.
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TarheelTiler7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
those damn grinders are built like deathtraps by half-assed manufacturers who dont give a shit about safety until someone loses a limb, and we're the idiots paying the price.
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DuctDude⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
man, had a similar scare with a hvac fan blade that whipped loose and sliced right across my arm, blood everywhere before i shut it down, makes you respect that equipment like its alive.
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ColorCrazeCarl⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
dodged a flying paint roller that could've blinded me last year but i kept my cool and finished the job with a badass scar to show for it.
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DrainDemon2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
painting scars are cute, but stump grinding near misses are straight up BS when guys skip the $50 leg guards and grind like idiots.
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PipeDreamer21⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
fuckin homeowners leaving their yard a minefield with half-assed projects, had a grinder kick up a chunk of rebar that nearly sliced my arm open last week. these near misses are gonna get someone killed if they dont step up their game.
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V7029🌱 Newcomer1mo
17
goddamn manufacturers cut every corner to save a buck and leave us bleeding on the jobsite. had a buddy last month get his arm chewed up by a stump grinder 'cause the safety guard popped off too easy, and the company just shrugged like it was his fault for not babying the thing. these tools are built like crap, sold to us like gold, and when shit hits the fan they got lawyers thicker than the stump we're grinding. ffs, why cant they spend half on real testing instead of ads? i swear every near miss is on them for cheaping out, not us for trusting the hype. now i eyeball every piece of equipment like its out to get me, and im still pissed about the whole industry. screw that, time for better regs before someone loses more than a leg.
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KeyKeeper99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
been there with a rogue sprayer hose that almost peeled my thumb off, had to yank the trigger twice to stop the damn thing. now i double up on those clips every time, cant afford another round of that crap.
G
GateOpenerGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah man, those cheap-ass hydraulics have me double-checking every damn line before i fire up the grinder, cant afford to lose a leg over some corner-cutting bs.
H
HandyHank⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
always double-check the hydraulic lines on your rayco before firing it up, takes like two minutes but saves your ass. i mark mine with a sharpie every time so i dont forget in the rush.
T
TenYearVet21⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
i add a quick visual check for leaks on the hydraulic hoses too, just run your hand along em before startup to feel for any wetness.
P
PipeLord42023⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
yeah i thought i checked the damn hoses good enough last week but still got a slow leak that sprayed hydraulic fluid everywhere, nearly took out my boot.
G
GreenThumbJoe⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
damn, those hydraulic leaks are no joke, i had one spray right in my face last month and spent the whole day scrubbing that crap outta my eyes.
T
TarheelTiler4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
man, i had a hydraulic hose blow on my tile saw last year and it soaked my shirt in oil, spent the afternoon feeling like a damn grease monkey and pissed me off for days.
T
ToolTitan⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
damn, that hydraulic blowout on my excavator arm soaked me head to toe last summer and i was scrubbing oil outta my skin for a week straight, pissed me off like you wouldnt believe.
V
V3714🌱 Newcomer1mo
10
next time wear a full ppe kit with oil-resistant gloves and long sleeves, saved my buddies skin from a similar hydraulic spray last month.
R
RootRider2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
man, that hydraulic spray'll sneak up on ya faster than a pissed off stump, glad it didnt take your leg like it almost did mine last summer.
V
V7429🔧 Apprentice1mo
17
goddamn hydraulic lines are a nightmare, had one burst on me last month and sprayed crap everywhere, nearly blinded me while i was wrestling that stump. shoulda checked the fittings twice but who has time when the boss is breathing down your neck? now im paranoid every time i fire up the machine.
T
TenYearVet16⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man ive had those damn hydraulic lines blow on me too, had to wipe hydraulic fluid outta my eyes while tryna shut the thing down, bosses dont give a shit about safety checks.
F
FurnitureFury2⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
dodged a similar burst on a vermeer sc30 last year by swapping to ss braided lines myself, now i run every job without that paranoia hanging over me.
S
SawdustSavant28⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
same shit here, these rigs have no business running on cheap lines when a stump grinder can take your leg.
L
LaminateLord⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bet your leg still twitches when a leaf blower starts up now.
D
DirtBagLandscaper3⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
always keep your face shield down and wear thick chaps when grinding stumps, saved my ass more than once from that hydraulic kickback.
S
ScrubLord2⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
man, had a similar kickback grab my chaps last summer, felt that pull all the way to my spine... glad you're still kickin.
J
JoltJester⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
fml, i was grinding a stump last month and that damn thing yanked me forward so hard i thought my shoulder popped... should've worn better chaps but who has time for that bs.
D
DrainDragon7⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
stump grinders are way safer than half the hacks running them without chaps, fight me on that one.
V
V1188🔧 Apprentice25d
0
same shit, my buddy saw a guy lose his leg to one of those things last year and the homeowners still tried to blame the operator.
D
DoorJammer4⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
homeowners blaming the operator is bs, stump grinders chew everything they touch and people still think its a damn lawnmower.
B
BrushStrokePro⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
been there grinding too close to a fence and nearly clipped my boot, least you kept the leg tho.
M
MoverMadness⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
yeah, my near-miss was the grinder burpin' a rock that skipped off my shin like a damn bullet, now i call it my lucky pebble tattoo 😂
F
FrameForge2⚒️ Journeyman28d
19
glad ya kept the leg, those grinders have a sick sense of humor when ya least expect it. almost lost a boot myself last fall, still laughin about it.
T
TarHeelRoofer🔧 Apprentice28d
15
dont stand in front of em like that, saw a guy in pa lose his whole leg last year
L
LeakMaster99⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn those things bite harder than ya expect when ya let your guard down.
V
V6501🌱 Newcomer23d
4
that stump grinder sounds like it wanted a souvenir from your leg, man. I almost did the same stupid move last month with one from home depot and barely hopped away in time. never let your guard down around those things or theyll find a way to bite. you gonna stick with the manual way after that close call?
W
WrenchWizard🔧 Apprentice1mo
3
full ppe is smart, but last time i geared up like that the damn stump grinder still tried to turn my boot into confetti... good thing i tripped first 😂
N
NotAnElectrician17⭐ Expert1mo
15
always keep a good 10 foot buffer zone around that beast, it'll save your ass more times than you think. i add extra leg guards on mine after seeing a buddy get nicked.
D
DeckBuilderDan⭐ Expert1mo
25
yeah i once tripped over my own feet trying to back away from one, ended up kissing the dirt like a pro wrestler, leg still attached tho lol
G
GreenthumbGreg⚒️ Journeyman27d
13
dont get near a stump grinder without the right boots, saw a guy lose toes that way.
P
PeakProspector4⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
had a bar fly right past me last year and still feel it in my leg every time i fire one up
S
ScrubSquad🔧 Apprentice25d
2
stump grinders are sketchy as hell, id rather hit the roof with my Ridgid SeeSnake than mess with one of those. always feels like your leg is one slip away from the bar. why you still running em if it spooks you that bad?
B
BrushStrokePro⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
bet that disc spun a second longer than it looked, scared the hell out of me the one time mine hopped.
W
WrenchWarrior⭐ Expert1mo
17
never run that grinder without the full cage guard on, had a buddy skip it once and it chewed through his ppe like paper - he was lucky to walk away.
P
PipeDreamer25⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
always keep a 10-foot safety zone around the grinder's throw line and never stand in the chip path, saved my ass more than once.
P
PipeLord42027⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waiting to happen, manufacturers cut corners on safety guards and leave us holding the bag when shit goes sideways. had a buddy last year who lost half his foot cause the machine kicked back without warning, and the insurance dragged their feet for months on the claim. it's all about the profits, not our hides.
A
ArcFlashAl⭐ Expert26d
8
insurance companies are straight up criminals man. same shit happened to my crew last summer when a stump grinder flipped on us, the adjuster dragged it out for four months trying to call it operator error just to dodge the payout. manufacturers build these things with plastic guards that shatter after a couple weeks and then act shocked when someone gets hurt. we started taping up the weak spots with 3m heavy duty tape and carrying extra chain links in the truck but thats just bandaids on a broken system. how much did they finally end up screwing your buddy on that claim?
T
TrackTech⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
insurance companies are the real criminals here, same crap we deal with every claim.
R
RollMasterRay🔧 Apprentice25d
1
insurance is always the real villain, theyll fight every damn claim like its their own money.
D
DrainDiver3⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
insurance always finds a way to screw you on these claims.
S
SafeCracker⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
those bastards at the insurance company will drag it for months and then hit you with a 40 percent cut for operator error. been there on a vermeer job where they tried to say our chain maintenance was the problem and paid out half. switched to carrying a spare bar from bailey's and taping the guard with 3m right after every job. what did they finally settle on for your buddy?
R
RoachRidder⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
thats why i stick to hiring a crew and let them deal with the grinder headaches
S
SparkPlugMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
damn, that oil-soaked shirt bullshit sucks, i had a similar mess with hydraulic fluid on my grinder last summer and it ruined my favorite tee, felt like crap all day.
Z
ZapZapZoe⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those damn stump grinders are straight up death machines waiting to chew up a limb if the rental companies skimp on safety features, and don't get me started on how they never warn you about the hydraulic fluid turnin everything into a slippery nightmare. i almost lost a boot last month to one of those bastards on a tight job site. insurance better cover the therapy for the adrenaline dumps we all deal with.
S
SawdustSavant23🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
man, hydraulic fluid all over your gear is the worst, ruined a couple of my shirts last year too. sucks feeling like crap the whole day after.
C
CanvasKid⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
swap out that old hydraulic line before it turns into a bigger headache. i've been grinding stumps for 15 years and learned the hard way that checking the hoses every morning saves your ass. grab some milwaukee gloves with the rubber grip, they actually keep the fluid from soaking through right away. wipe everything down with dawn dish soap and hot water, it'll cut the oil better than anything else. dont let it ruin your day, just hit the parts store quick and get back to it. feels like crap at first but you'll bounce back.
F
FlushMaster88🌱 Newcomer29d
8
goddamn manufacturers cheaping out on these hoses, its like they WANT us to get sprayed with fluid and end up in the ER. had a buddy last summer who almost lost his arm cuz some bargain-bin line burst wide open, and the company wouldnt even cover the med bills. we gotta stop putting up with this crap before someone actually dies on the job.
B
BroomBandit⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
switch to parker hydraulic hoses, they've held up for me through 10+ years of grinding without a single burst.
V
V8881🔧 Apprentice25d
0
proud of how that turned out, switched to parker hoses after my own near miss and theyve held up for 3 years grinding steady. never had a burst yet even on those tough oak stumps. feels good knowin you dodged the big one too. what kinda teeth you runnin on your grinder now?
V
V8019🔧 Apprentice29d
3
yeah those cheap ass hoses are gonna get somebody killed, had one blow on me last week and i was covered in that crap, pissed me off so bad i almost quit the job right there.
S
ShockJock_E🌱 Newcomer28d
7
sounds like you got baptized in stump juice, next time wear a poncho so you dont look like you pissed yourself lol
L
LeakHunter_X🔧 Apprentice25d
0
those cheap hoses are bullshit, damn near blew my leg off last summer on a grinder job and i'm still pissed about it.
C
CircuitSurfer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bet that stump tried to take your leg as payback for using cheap hoses, had one blow on a jobsite too but mine just sprayed me with dirt instead. always go with the reinforced ones from supply house after that mess. what size grinder were you running?
A
AmpedUpAl⚒️ Journeyman28d
12
same shit almost got me last year on a rental grinder with a soft hose
C
CleanFreakCindy⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
same shit, my buddy got hit with hydraulic fluid last year and it was nasty. least they didnt try to cheap out on the replacement hose.
G
GarageGuru2⭐ Expert1mo
15
those damn hydraulic hoses always blow at the worst time, feels like the manufacturers skimp on quality just to screw us over.
G
GreenThumbGuru7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, ive had hoses blow like that twice this season and it sucks every time. youre right, those manufacturers are cheaping out on us field guys to boost their bottom line. got damn lucky it didnt take your leg, been there with close calls that make you sweat bullets. feels like were just waiting for the next failure out here. stay safe brother, dont let em get you.
R
RefrigerantRanger2⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
those cheap ass manufacturers are gonna get someone killed one day, i swear. had a hose burst on my grinder last month and it was pure luck i wasnt in the way, pisses me off how they cut corners.
N
NotAnElectrician7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
swap those factory hoses for something like goodall's high-pressure rated ones, they handle the abuse way better without bursting mid-job.
M
MulchMogul2⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
those hydraulic hoses are straight-up engineered to fail after a year or two just so the manufacturers can keep raking in replacement sales, screw 'em all.
W
WireWizard8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
fml, had a hydraulic line burst on my stump grinder last week and it nearly shredded my boot, spent hours cleaning up the mess. these things are death traps when they leak, cant believe how close i came.
P
PipeDreamer3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
dude, been there with a burst line on the chipper, shredded my pants and nearly got my knee. still shakes me thinkin about it, those machines are no joke when somethin gives. glad you walked away with just a boot story.
S
ShingleShark6⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah, my boot's got more holes than a politician's promises after tanglin with a chipper last summer, but hey, at least i can still run from the bill.
N
NotAnElectrician17⭐ Expert1mo
18
what kinda stump grinder you running that the hoses leak like that?
A
ACWizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
man, ive had hoses blow out on my old rayco too, that split second heartstopper aint fun at all.
W
WeedWhacker3⭐ Expert1mo
18
hell, my rayco once decided to play dodgeball with a hidden root and i jumped back so fast i nearly mooned the whole neighborhood. thought my leg was gone, but turns out it just wanted to dance. shoulda worn my lucky underwear that day, maybe it wouldnt have gotten so close. now i check every damn stump like its hiding a landmine. your hoses blowing out sounds like the machines revenge for all the trees weve taken down. glad youre still kickin, man, or id have to grind stumps solo forever lol.
E
EaveExpert2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
damn these machines are out for blood, always one rogue root or hose away from turning us into mulch. screw the cheap rentals too, they never maintain em right and we pay the price with our legs.
H
HardwoodHero3⭐ Expert1mo
7
yeah man, had a similar scare last year when a rogue root yanked the grinder right toward my knee, felt that adrenaline dump for days.
P
PipeDreamer17⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
man, my close call was the grinder deciding to moonwalk into a ditch, left me chasin it like a bad blind date. still got the scar to prove i aint dancin with machines no more.
D
DustDevil2⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
sounds like that grinder had a mind of its own, mine once tried to tango with a fence post and left me lookin like i lost a fight with a chainsaw. scar matches your bad date story, brother.
S
ShingleShaman2⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
damn near lost my own foot to one of them grinders last year, whole crew just standing there watching it eat a root like it was nothing. i swear these homeowners see a stump and think its our problem until it aint. get some decent boots and dont let em rush you on uneven ground or your gonna be the next story on that arborist page.
W
WattTheHeck10⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
i swear these stump grinders are out to get us, damn near cost me a foot last spring on a rental unit job.
P
PeakPerformer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn that grinder sounds like it had a mind of its own.
S
SawdustSavant10⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn, bet that thing kicked harder than a mule when it hit the root. you were running a bluebird grinder on that big stump? howd you get the stump out after you shut it down?
H
HammerTimeHank2⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
damn grinders got a mind of their own, same shit here with my old one almost clipping my boot.
C
CastIronCrusher2⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
those damn stump grinders are a curse, nearly lost two fingers to one last summer when it kicked back on a root ball i didnt see comin.
R
RoofRider⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
same shit, had a stump grinder kick back on me in texas and damn near took my foot off too.
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
those damn grinders will catch you off guard even when you think youre safe. had one kick back on me in a backyard last year and tore up my pants but not my leg thank god. what kind of stump were you working on anyway?
H
HueHustler2⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
always tie that grinder down with a sturdy chain to the stump before firing it up, saved my ass on a couple close calls.
J
JoltJester2⭐ Expert29d
5
don't skip the chain, watched a guy get his foot mangled when that grinder kicked back and he wasnt secured.
C
CanvasCowboy3⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
chains are for amateurs, i just wedge the damn thing with a log and keep my foot on the brake, never lost a leg yet.
J
JoistJockey6🔧 Apprentice29d
4
fucking manufacturers skimp on safety guards to cut costs and leave us dodging disaster every damn day. op, your log wedge trick is the only thing saving asses out here.
L
LockPickLarry5🔧 Apprentice28d
3
yeah, last time i skipped that chain my leg almost became the stump, woulda been a real short story.
W
WeedWhackerWill2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
stump grinders dont play around, skip the chain and youre asking for it.
W
WattWizard87🌱 Newcomer25d
0
always keep a good chain on it or youll be next.
B
BrushStrokePro7⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, almost lost a boot to one of those things last month
T
TrackTech⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
these stump grinders are a damn death trap and homeowners keep pushing us to rent em instead of hiring real help. saw a guy on a jobsite lose his foot to one last year cause the rental company didnt warn him right. why the hell do we even mess with em when a proper removal crew is safer?
V
V8019🔧 Apprentice23d
0
damn man that thing coulda taken your whole leg off, got lucky there
G
GarageGuruGus⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
fuckin stump grinders are straight up possessed, always tryin to take a chunk out of you like the damn things hate our legs or somethin.
V
VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah mine tried to audition for jaws last week, came at my knee like it had a personal grudge 😂
V
VentVictor2⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
man that stump grinder had it out for you. used a vermeer SC252 on a rental last year and the kill switch saved my ass when the chain kicked back. always keep a spotter or at least a long stick to shut it down fast. what size bar did yours have on it?
R
RoofRat99⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
damn homeowners wanting these stumps gone yesterday is what puts us in the shit to begin with.
N
NailGunNinja7⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, felt that one in my knees when a stump almost grabbed me. homeowners dont care how close it gets till it does.
P
PestPatrolPaul⭐ Expert22d
4
same shit, almost caught a tooth last week when the homeowner kept pushin for it to be done yesterday.
T
TidyTim⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
bet that stump grinder wanted your leg more than the chips did, at least it didnt take it
H
HammerTimeGuy4⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
same shit here man that thing will chew ya up quick if ya blink
J
JunctionJunkie⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
stump grinders are a hell of a lot safer than swinging an axe all day, fight me on that. half these guys get hurt because they skip the outriggers or forget to shut the damn thing off before pulling the wheels. i saw a guy on the heavy equipment forums say he ran one for 15 years and called em a waste, but i made bank with a ride on model grinding stumps in texas backyards. dont start the machine with your leg anywhere near the wheel or youll end up on the wrong side of a 911 call. what brand did you have out there anyway?
H
HammerTimeHal⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
this is why homeowners cheap out on safety gear and we end up cleaning up the mess. same shit, saw a guy skip the shutoff and damn near lost a boot in florida backyards. stick with the ride on models and keep that wheel clear till its fully stopped. you been using vermeer or a barrett out there?
V
VentVagabond⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, nearly clipped my boot on a walk behind in florida last year when the homeowner skipped the shutoff valve again.
W
WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
same shit happened to a buddy out in florida with a stump grinder, felt that one hard
N
NailGunNinja6⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
keep the stump grinder's wheel at least 3 feet away from your legs and use a spotter when you're backing it up, saved my ass more than once.
W
WireWhisperer2⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
damn, that could've been way worse. felt that one in my back when i read it. my old partner almost lost toes on a stump job a few years back and still walks funny. keeps me triple checking the safety pin every time now.
C
ColorCraze⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
i still hear that stump grinder every time i close my eyes at night
L
LiftAndShift3⚒️ Journeyman28d
11
bro, i've had stump grinders lunge at my leg like that twice now, makes you wonder if they're out to get us or what.
P
PeakPerformer⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
same shit, i just about lost a toe to one last fall.
R
RoofRat876⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, those grinders got a mind of their own sometimes
C
CoilCleaner2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
always probe the stump with a bar or rebar first to uncover those hidden roots, saves you from a close call like that. i've had my vermeer kick back a few times in rocky soil, so i mark out a 4 foot radius and clear it before firing up. keeps the machine stable and your legs intact. glad it was just a scare, man.
L
LockPickLarry4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
saw a buddy lose half his leg to one of those bastards last summer when he skipped the full circle check, dont ever rush that shit or youre next.
B
BloomBandit⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
yeah my close call was when the grinder jumped and i swear it was aiming for my junk - now i check twice and blame the machine every time 😂
V
V8604🌱 Newcomer1mo
13
damn, mine almost got my fingers when i leaned in too close, now i call it the leg assassin 😂
L
LeakMaster99⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
what kinda stump grinder were you running when that happened?
V
VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
damn those cheap rental stump grinders with their shitty guards that let the blade get too close, its like they want us to lose limbs to save on liability.
D
DustBunnySlayer3⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
those rental outfits are a joke, skimping on guards to cut corners and leaving us to pay with our limbs. had a close call last summer when the damn blade kicked back and grazed my boot, nearly ended my season right there. its bullshit how they dont even inspect em properly before handing over the keys. we shoulda unionized against this crap years ago.
D
DuctTapeKing3⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
was runnin a vermeer sc30tx that time, make sure to always keep your feet outside the flywheel radius and wear steel toes.
C
CanvasKing⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
same shit almost got me last summer on a job site.
C
CircuitSurfer3⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
been there, that grinder vibration will get ya if ya aint watching close
H
HueHustler5⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
same shit almost got me too on that job last year, damn thing kicked back hard
D
DirtBagLand⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
dont skip the deadmans switch on those grinders, saw a guy lose a foot that way.
S
SolderSage⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
homeowners cheapin out on stump removal always leaves us dealin with that crap
G
GrimeFighter⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
saw a guy lose his shin to one of those things last year, dont lean in without the full pants and boots. keep the grinder at arms length or you'll be next on that list.
R
RoofRat4⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
always keep a good 4 foot buffer, that bar on the stump grinder hits hard as hell.
S
SawdustSavant2⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
yeah that bar comes out fast, keep a few extra feet back and watch for roots catching on the teeth.
V
VoltageVagabond2⭐ Expert26d
6
stump grinders scare the hell outta me, seen too many near misses.
S
SweepSquad2⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
had a stump grinder kick back and damn near took my boot off too, funniest part was the customer filming it for his tiktok.
N
NotAnElectrician15⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
same shit man my knee still twinges when i see one of those grinders go
S
SawdustSavant12⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
that grinder almost ate my buddy's boot last year, funny how quick those teeth turn on you.
L
LeakHunterPro⚒️ Journeyman19d
1
same close call with a stump grinder last month, learned to keep my damn boot outta there.
W
WattTheHeck9⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
felt that one in my back, stump grinders dont play around. kept my distance ever since.
M
MopAndGloGuy2⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
grinders are safer than trying to yank stumps out with chains and a truck, fight me
L
LawnLad4🔧 Apprentice24d
0
felt that one in my knees, that stump grinder bar dont mess around.
H
HammerTimeHank2⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
had a close call myself two years back when the damn thing kicked back and grazed my thigh, left a scar that still pisses me off every time i see it.
R
RoachRider⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those damn manufacturers cut corners on the hoses to save a buck and leave us out here risking our legs every job.
C
CanvasCowboy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
those cheap hoses are a damn joke, always splitting right when you need em most. had one blow out last week and nearly got my boot shredded before i could kill the engine. manufacturers dont give a shit about us out here bustin our asses.
S
SpringSpecialist10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, ive had a hose burst on me mid-grind and it felt like the machine was tryin to eat my whole damn leg. those manufacturers oughta test this crap on themselves for once.
S
SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
31
hell yeah, next time i'll just bring a chainsaw and call it a leg workout. manufacturers probably test on dummies 'cause they know we'd sue their asses off.
Z
ZapMaster3⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
don't ever grind without full leg chaps and a kill switch ready, i saw a buddy lose half his calf to one of those bastards last summer.
T
TarHeelRoofer🔧 Apprentice29d
4
damn, had a similar scare with a stump grinder kickback on a job last summer, felt like it was gonna rip my knee clean off.
D
DrainDragon8⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
hell yeah, ive dodged worse with that rent-a-rentals vermeer grinder and came out unscathed. makes you feel like a badass survivor after, doesnt it.
N
NotAProYet🌱 Newcomer28d
9
proud i handled that grinder without a scratch last week, just used my ridgid saw to cut around the roots clean
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PestPatrolPaul⭐ Expert29d
3
hell, next time strap on some roller skates so when it tries to eat your leg, at least you can roll away in style.
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RoofRat887⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
man that grinder post had me pissed just reading it, almost had my own close call last year and these machines dont forgive crap mistakes.
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WattTheHeck4⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
had a guy on our crew almost eat his own boot with one of those things, funniest part was him yelling "not today" like itd listen.
V
V3667🌱 Newcomer19d
4
same shit man, i damn near did the same thing last summer with a rented grinder
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LeakHunter2⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
dont rent those things without the safety bar, guy i know lost toes on one last year.
J
JoltJumper⚒️ Journeyman17d
2
seen a guy get his boot shredded cause he skipped the bar, dont rent without it. one time i almost dropped a log right on my foot doing the same thing. rental places will hand you the cheap model if you dont ask for the safety kit. what kinda grinder was it anyway?
S
ShingleShark17⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
same shit, almost caught a stump grinder with my shin last summer on a rental from home depot. those things dont care if you yell at em. had to buy new boots after that one.
B
BrushStrokeBandit🔧 Apprentice1mo
11
man, i almost got my leg chewed up by one of those grinders last week, feelin that close call in my bones already
A
AmpedUpAlex⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
dude, never stand behind that thing when its revvin, saw a guy lose half his calf to one last summer and he still cant walk right. keep your distance or youll be the next horror story.
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WireWizardWill⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, those stump grinders are straight up death machines, had one kick a rock back at me last year and it grazed my shin close enough to feel the burn. wish i could just quit these bullshit outdoor jobs for good.
H
HammerHead⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
good call on the hand check, i always wipe down the hoses with a rag after every job to spot pinhole leaks before they turn into a high-pressure spray nightmare.
V
V1136🔧 Apprentice1mo
13
yeah man i always do a quick tug on those hydraulic lines before starting up my rayco, makes a huge diff. last time i skipped it nearly pinched my finger off so dont rush it.
B
BoxHauler5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
been there with my vermeer, that split second of panic when the line gives way sucks.
D
DustBunnyHunter11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on those vermeer tension lines, its like they want us to lose limbs just to boost their lawsuit profits.
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WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah man, those vermeer tension lines feel like they're one bad weld away from turning us all into lawsuits, been there and it sucks.
B
BrushStrokePro3⭐ Expert1mo
9
what exactly happened with that tension line on the vermeer? you get it fixed?
F
FumeFighter2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
dodged a bullet like that myself back in '08, kept my leg and the job went smooth as hell. now i run my vermeer with zero issues, just got it serviced last month and it's grinding stumps like butter. proud to say i've never had a lawsuit from it, keeps the bosses off my back.
C
ColorClown2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
my vermeer SC362's been my workhorse for 15 years now, zero close calls since i started double-checking the blade guards every time.
B
BrushStrokeBoss14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, those near misses with the grinder keep me up at night too. had one last summer where the guard slipped and i swear my heart stopped for a second.
N
NotAnElectrician6⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
damn, those guards slipping is the stuff of nightmares, had one snag on a root last fall that yanked the whole rig toward my shin. heart pounding like a jackhammer after that, felt like i was inches from the ER. been there brother, makes you double check everything twice now. still gets me edgy around the grinder.
S
ShingleSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
same shit here brother, felt that grinder tug like it was coming right for my shin too. that one wrong root pull and youre done for the season. i always keep the ridgid k-45 nearby now just in case i gotta yank power fast. still gets my heart goin when i fire it up some days. double checking those guards and chains after that story has me paranoid every time. howd you end up clearing the rest of that stump after the scare?
H
HeatHustler⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
always hit the kill switch before you reach for the grinder now, saves alot of close calls.
T
TileTerror8⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
same shit with those grinders, one slip and your legs gone in a second.
C
CleanFreakMike⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
they're just asking for it running those damn grinders with no guards or training, insurance companies can go to hell.
B
BoxBoss⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit with those grinders, i felt it in my knees when i read that one. been there grinding a stump in the backyard when the wheel caught a root and kicked back hard. almost pinned my boot to the dirt before i could kill the power. safety harnesses and gloves are one thing but paying attention to how you stand is what saves ya. had a buddy use a vermeer for a big job and he swears by the extra guards they throw on. dont skimp on the setup time or youll be the next story on the feed. how far down you typically take em?
V
V6187🌱 Newcomer1mo
14
dude dont ever skip checkin that blade guard, i saw a guy last year who got his leg chewed up bad by a vermeer like that and it took months of surgery to fix.
P
PipeLord42012⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
damn, those stump grinders are sneaky bastards, had a close one myself last summer that left me sweatin bullets.
C
CircuitSnake2⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
almost lost my ankle to a vermeer back in the day too, those things don't mess around
T
TimberTitan⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those stump grinders are no joke and homeowners just stand there watching like it's a damn show.
B
BugBusterBob3⚒️ Journeyman24d
6
same shit here, i had one kick back on me last summer and it damn near clipped my boot
N
NotAnElectrician19⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
man, that split-second panic hits like a truck every damn time with my vermeer too. i was grinding a big oak stump up in oregon last fall and the line snapped hard, felt my heart stop as i dove clear. still got the shakes thinking about it, glad you're still in one piece.
O
OddJobOtto⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah man, that heart-stoppin dive outta the way is somethin i wouldnt wish on anyone, still get the chills from my own close call last summer.
R
RollerRanger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
damn, those chills stick with you for months, i still check my six every time i fire up the grinder after my own scare.
L
LeakHunter5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waitin to happen with all the cheapo models these homeowners insist on rentin from home depot instead of callin pros.
B
BushWhacker2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah man, been there with one of those home depot rentals, damn near lost a finger when the wheel kicked back on me.
V
VentWizard3🔧 Apprentice1mo
3
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waitin to happen, especially when some cheap-ass crew cuts corners on maintenance. i know a guy who lost half his calf last year cuz the safety guard was busted, and the insurance dragged their feet for months. we gotta band together and call out this BS before more of us end up crippled.
W
WattTheHeck8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man i know that heart-pounding feeling all too well, had a similar scare with a stump grinder a couple years back and it still makes me sweat. skipped checking the hydraulic lines just once and the damn thing jerked, nearly yanked my whole arm in there before i could pull back. been there with the finger pinch too, hurts like hell and you dont think about it til youre bleeding everywhere. these machines are no joke, always gotta double-check everything no matter how rushed the job feels. makes you appreciate coming home in one piece at the end of the day. tbh, i started taping reminders on my rayco just to remind myself. what kinda setup you running now to avoid that crap? feels like were all one slip from disaster out here.
B
BrushStrokePro10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
been there brother, that jerky pull on the hydraulics had me seeing my life flash too, damn near lost a chunk of my thumb on a vermeer last summer and i still check every line twice now.
S
SparkleSquad2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man, i had a similar scare with a rayco last fall, that kickback had me jumpin back quick. still makes my heart race thinkin about it.
P
PanelPusher5⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
same shit with my stump grinder last year, damn thing kicked so hard it nearly took my boot off. i just layed into the kill switch and froze up. felt that heart race for weeks after. you still running the rayco or switched brands?
L
LaminateLegend🔧 Apprentice27d
7
dont mess with those stump grinders unless you got a full face shield and gloves on, saw a guy lose his boot same way.
D
DeckDog⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
been there with that stump grinder, damn near took my boot too.
V
V6643🌱 Newcomer24d
2
that thing is no joke, i damn near lost a toe once and still walk funny
R
RefrigerantRanger⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
dont even think about runnin one without steel toes, saw a guy lose a foot that way.
N
NailGunNed2⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
always make sure you got a ridgid face shield on before firing up a stump grinder, saves your face from the flying rocks.
F
FridgeFixer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
yeah i always keep an extra rigid face shield in the truck just in case the one im wearing gets scratched up.
C
ChillMaster9⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
im so over homeowners thinking we dont need the right ppe when they hand us their damn stumps to grind
M
MopMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
homeowners keep cutting that ppe budget til someone bleeds for it
V
V8604🌱 Newcomer19d
5
dont skimp on ppe or that grinder will take more than your leg, saw a guy lose his boot last summer.
T
TarPaperTitan⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
stump grinders dont care about your insurance, grind em down yourself or pay the hospital bill.
S
SweepItClean⚒️ Journeyman24d
3
bet that grinder slung a rock like a bullet. you using a ridgid shield or something else when this happened?
B
BugBusterBob⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
saw a guy lose his hand on one of those when the chain broke, always keep that shield on.
L
LaminateLord⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
stump grinders are no joke, seen one chew through a guys boot like it was paper when the clutch slipped. almost lost my own leg last year out in the yard when i skipped the shield for a quick job. man these machines will bite if you treat em like a regular tool.
P
PestPatrol5⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
same shit here, that rayco kicked like a mule on me too.
R
RoofRat875⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
felt that kick in my back too, those raycos are brutal on uneven ground
B
BeamBoss4⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
those raycos will throw you if the ground aint level. homeowners never think about the torque til youre flying.
T
TenYearVet23⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
had a buddy who skipped checkin the hydraulics on his vermeer and it snapped back, took off three fingers - ALWAYS do the tug test first.
C
CircuitSmasher⭐ Expert1mo
8
goddamn manufacturers cheaping out on those hydraulic lines to boost their margins, its why we keep getting these close calls that coulda ended careers.
D
DuctDetective⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
swap those oem lines for something beefier like gennadi's reinforced hoses, they've saved my ass on three jobs already. check the pressure rating first, mine are rated for 5000 psi and never burst. makes a huge difference when you're grinding roots all day.
S
SpraySquad2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
hell yeah, upgrade those hoses or you'll be the guy nursing a hydraulic spray to the face, lost a buddy to a burst line on a vermeer last summer.
R
RollinRoller⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
burst lines are overhyped bs if you're running proper pressure checks, vermeer's got a rep for being bulletproof but i've seen more failures from cheap knockoffs than the real deal. half the guys i know skip the full inspect and blame the machine when shit hits the fan. your buddy probably wasnt maintaining those hoses right, thats on the operator not the tool. fight me if you think oems are always the villain here.
B
BeamBoss4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
good call on the sharpie marks, i do the same on my vermeer but add a quick visual check for leaks before startup. saved me from a hydraulic spray once that woulda soaked everything.
S
SparkPlugSue6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
yeah, that visual check is key; i also run the engine at idle for 30 seconds first to spot any hydraulic vibes before ramping up.
T
TarHeelRoofer🔧 Apprentice1mo
4
ha, vermeer leaks are like that ex who keeps coming back to ruin your day, glad you dodged the hydraulic bath.
D
DirtDevilDan⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
always keep a 10-foot safety zone around that vermeer when it's chewing stumps, saved my ass more than once by just stepping back and letting it do the work.
R
RustyNails2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those damn manufacturers keep cheaping out on hydraulic lines to boost profits, leaving us tree guys to dodge the next disaster while they count their cash.
S
SpringSpecialist2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
yeah man, been there with a busted line on my grinder last summer, makes you wonder if those manufacturers give a damn about us out here bustin our asses.
R
RoofRat887⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
manufacturers dont give a shit about safety, they just slap on some cheap plastic guards and call it a day. had a vermeer go south on me once, nearly cost me a foot, and their 'support' was pure bullshit.
S
ScrubSquad🔧 Apprentice1mo
22
swap out those plastic guards for some 1/4 inch steel plate from home depot; it'll hold up way better and might save your leg next time.
R
RollerRanger5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
damn, been there with a stump grinder flyin outta control, nearly cost me my knee. steel plate upgrade sounds smart, gonna do that myself.
T
TrackTech2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
always double-check that feed chute guard before firing up, saved my buddy from a nasty slip last year when his rayco grinder jammed on a root. manufacturers skimp on those safety interlocks to cut costs, so we gotta be our own line of defense. i swap out the belt every 200 hours or so, keeps the pull-back from sneaking up on ya. stay safe out there, brother.
R
RollerRanger5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
hell, my near miss was when the grinder kicked back and i ended up doing the splits like a damn ballerina, thought my leg was gonna be confetti. manufacturers probably test that crap on dummies who dont bleed. now i double check every nut and bolt before firing it up, saves you from becoming a pirate with a peg leg. 😂
V
V6050🔧 Apprentice1mo
11
damn manufacturers dont give a shit about us grunts, my grinder's carbide wheel almost chewed through my boot last month and they charged me $200 just to ship the replacement part.
V
V7402🔧 Apprentice1mo
20
fuckin manufacturers treat us like disposable crap, i damn near lost a finger to a jammed blade last week and they wouldnt even send the safety guard for free.
V
V4954🔧 Apprentice1mo
7
yeah my first time on a stump grinder i thought id impress the boss by goin full throttle... ended up with the wheel kickin back and my boot half shredded, felt like a cartoon character runnin in place 😂
T
TenYearVet7⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
damn, sounds like a close call. what kinda grinder was it that kicked back on ya?
V
V6331🔧 Apprentice28d
6
those cheap grinders are gonna keep eatin legs till guys stop buyin em off the rack at home depot.
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LockPickLarry5🔧 Apprentice26d
4
stump grinders kick back when you hit buried metal like rebar and this one was a bandit 3850xp. i run mine at half throttle in loose dirt and it saved my ass twice already. bet the guy on the video pushed it too hard into wet roots. yall still trusting those cheap rental ones from home depot. what brand you runnin?
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FuseFiend⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
those home depot rentals are a death trap waiting on the next dumbass who thinks half throttle is enough.
V
VentMaster993⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
home depot rentals are the worst for that kinda work, stick with a Ridgid if youre gonna grind stumps.
N
NotAnElectrician9⭐ Expert20d
1
had a guy on my crew lose a boot to one of those rentals last summer. its like the throttle sticks at the worst time and your leg is right there. next time just rent the bigger tracked one from sunbelt, those things dont jerk around like the home depot models.
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FlushMaster5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
man i know the feel, had a hose burst on my old grinder last month and nearly got me too, these manufacturers are full of bs.
D
DirtBagJoe⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
dont ever run that grinder without full leg chaps, i saw a guy get his calf shredded last summer when a hose popped just like yours. manufacturers skimp on those safety features to cut costs, and itll cost you a leg if youre not careful. always double check the hydraulics before firing it up, especially on a rental. stay safe out there man.
B
BoltTightener⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah man, that hose crap had me jumpin back so fast i damn near twisted my ankle, manufacturers need to step up their game.
C
ChillMasterC⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
dont ever run that hose without full ppe, i saw a guy lose half his foot when a weak one burst on him last summer.
D
DustBunnyHunter⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
goddamn manufacturers cut every corner to save a buck and leave us dodgin death on the jobsite every time, its bullshit.
C
ColorCraze⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
dodged a similar hose blowout on a vermeer sc30 last summer and came out without a scratch, made me the sharpest grinder in the crew. now i double-check every hydraulic line before firing it up, keeps the bosses off my back.
C
CoolantKing⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
man, been there with a close call on a vermeer last summer, skipped a quick hose inspect and damn near got stitched up myself.
K
KeyTwister3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those damn hoses are always the weak link, skipped checkin mine once and it blew like a bomb, nearly shredded my boot. FML, makes you paranoid about every startup now.
A
AmpedUpAndy2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
goddamn vermeers are beasts but that hose inspection is a must or youre askin for trouble, i skipped one on a rush job last month and watched the whole damn thing whip around like a pissed off snake. had the guys holdin their breath waitin for it to calm down, legs still shakin from the close call. makes you wanna slow the hell down next time.
S
ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
always double check those hydraulic lines with a pressure gauge before firing up, i use a 0-5000 psi one on my vermeer rg24 and it caught a leak last week that coulda been bad.
T
TenYearVet8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
damn, been there with a hydraulic burst on my old grinder that sprayed oil everywhere and nearly clipped my ankle, makes you paranoid about those pre-checks now.
B
BugBusterBob3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those damn manufacturers cut corners on the hydraulics and leave us picking up the pieces with our own limbs. one burst away from being a one-legged landscaper, and the inspectors dont even care.
R
RollerRogue⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
man, i had a similar scare last summer when the hydraulic line on my old vermeer started hissing like a pissed off snake, nearly yanked me right into the teeth. felt my heart drop faster than a felled oak, thinking bout how i'd explain that to the wife over takeout 'cause i couldnt mow the damn lawn anymore. these manufacturers skimp on the seals and expect us to dodge bullets all day, it's BS. inspectors? forget it, theyre too busy chasing paperwork to spot a rig thats one bad day from turning you into a pirate. had to rebuild the whole system myself with some reinforced hoses from grainger just to feel safe again. been there bro, those close calls stick with ya forever.
G
GreenThumbGus⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
manufacturers aint skimping, it's us operators runnin these beasts without proper ppe or maintenance that causes the real problems, fight me. those grainger hoses are a band-aid if you're still pushin limits on a 20 year old vermeer.
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BoltBoss⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
swap those grainger hoses for something beefier like goodall's high-pressure line, it'll handle the stress way better on an old vermeer. and always check the tension on that drive belt before firing it up, saved my ass more than once.
V
V8238🌱 Newcomer28d
9
yeah man, i learned the hard way last week to always pin that safety guard back on before starting up the vermeer, almost got my boot chewed. swap to those goodall hoses like you said, theyre holding up way better under the torque.
C
ChillMaster5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
man, i had a similar scare with my grinder last summer, kicked up a chunk of wood that grazed my shin and left a nasty bruise. makes you double check every damn thing before firing it up now.
B
BrushStrokeBoss5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
fml, had a similar crapshoot last summer when the grinder's guard jammed up and nearly dragged me in with it, these machines are death traps if you skip the damn inspections.
L
LockLadLarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
my biggest near miss was when the grinder kicked back and i tripped over my own damn boots, thought i was gonna be stump food for a sec 😂
L
LawnLizardLarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
damn, i once had a grinder kick back so hard it nearly turned my boot into confetti, but hey at least i didnt end up as the stump's new chew toy 😂
C
ChillTech⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
man, that kickback sounds like the machine's way of saying 'not today', i've had my share of those heart-stoppers with grinders too. nearly lost a finger last summer when the disc caught on some hidden root and yanked the whole damn thing toward me. been there with the boot confetti vibe, feels like your leg's about to become part of the yard art. sucks how one wrong move turns a quick job into a what-if nightmare. still get chills thinking about it, but glad we both walked away in one piece. keep those eyes peeled next time, brother.
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GutterGoblin🔧 Apprentice29d
7
yeah, my stump grinder once decided i was the stump, kicked back so hard i ended up kissing the dirt. still got the scar that looks like a bad tattoo, but hey, beats being yard fertilizer.
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PipeDreamer22🔧 Apprentice29d
3
man, i had a chainsaw kickback once that left me with a scar bigger than yours, still flinches every time i start it up.
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
always keep your feet planted at least 10 feet back from the stump, saw a guy lose half his leg last year when he got too close and it yanked him in.
S
SodSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
told my wife id buy her a new one but she aint takin my leg as a trade in.
B
BoxHaulerBen3⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
same shit, bet those homeowners always want the cheap grind without proper ppe.
V
V7346🔧 Apprentice25d
0
man that stump grinder story had me laughing, i got lucky and walked away from one last year too with just a scratch.
P
PanelPusher4🔧 Apprentice24d
0
that thing was bouncing around like it was alive and i was just glad it didnt eat my boot. seen too many guys rush jobs without proper ppe and pay for it later with bad knees. what brand grinder were you running?
D
DrainDiver4⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
bet that homeowner still asked if you could do the rest of the stumps for the same price.
B
BoltBoss⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
homeowners are the worst, always pushing for more after a close call. that guy in the lawn care forum was right about those walk behind grinders being mankillers.
T
TileTerror6⚒️ Journeyman18d
4
homeowners dont care till its their kid on that machine next time.
E
EaveEater2⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
saw a guy lose a finger on one of those walk behinds, never touch em unless you got a spotter.
R
RoofRider⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
same shit here, those homeowners push for the cheap grind and you end up dodging stumps without proper gear.
R
RollerRabbit2⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
man, stump grinders are like that ex who flips out over nothing - one second youre good, next youre eatin dirt with a side of regret. mine once launched a chunk of oak that hit me square in the chest, felt like gettin tackled by a pissed off linebacker. still got the bruise that reminds me to double check the damn safety guard every time. laugh now, but it aint funny when youre the one limpin home to the wife.
C
CircuitSmasher3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
those damn things kick back harder than a pissed off mule, almost lost a finger last year when mine caught a root. should've worn steel toes every time but who does that in the heat.
D
DeadboltDude⭐ Expert1mo
17
swap those sneakers for composite toe boots like the Timberland PRO ones, they're lighter and won't turn your feet into sweatboxes in the heat.
C
CircuitSnake⭐ Expert1mo
4
switched to those timberland pros last season and theyve saved my feet on more rough jobs than i can count, zero regrets.
B
BoltBreaker3⚒️ Journeyman28d
11
man that grinder almost making timberlands look like ballet shoes next time.
A
AmpedApprentice5⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
that thing woulda took my leg too if the homeowners cheap insurance didnt make us use the beat up rental unit
V
V1127🌱 Newcomer25d
0
damn homeowners insurance always picks the worst rental unit for safety. i had one last month where the kill switch stuck and i barely jumped back. never trust those beat up grinders on a job like that. what kinda company made you use it anyway?
B
BugBlaster4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had the same close call on a rental stump grinder last fall. check your pressure on the blades before you start, runs smoother and keeps it from kickin out. most of those beat up units are from sunbelt rentals and they never service them right. seen guys skip that step and end up with way worse than a near miss.
D
DeadboltDude⭐ Expert23d
1
always check your hydraulic pressure before you fire it up on any rental grinder, keeps the wheel from binding and throwing chips everywhere.
V
V9351🔧 Apprentice26d
0
get some good steel toe boots next time or that stump is gonna win.
N
NailBiter3⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
felt that one in my gut, seen too many close calls like that
S
SawdustSavant19⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
saw a guy lose three toes to a dull tooth on a vermeer, dont skip the daily check.
T
TrackTech3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that stump grinder story got me fired up as hell, homeowners think we can just hack away at anything without proper gear and then blame us when things go sideways. same shit every time they cheap out on safety and we pay for it with near misses like yours. i saw a guy last month on a job in the panhandle who skipped the steel toes too and ended up with stitches from a tooth flying off the wheel. insurance companies are the real villains here raking in premiums while we dodge death machines every week. next time tell em to pay for the right boots or walk, period. you good now or still limping around the jobsite? dont let these cheap customers push you into another close call like that one.
G
GarageGuru2⭐ Expert23d
4
insurance aint gonna cover shit when one of us actually loses a leg over some cheap homeowners skipping the right gear.
P
PipeLord4205⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
steel toes saved my buddies leg when a tooth let loose on a 8" grinder. switch to those shindaiwa boots with the steel shank, they hold up better than cheap ones.
L
LeakHunterPro2⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
been there man, felt that in my knees too.
T
TermiteTerminator⚒️ Journeyman25d
4
that stump grinder dont play around, nearly turned my work boots into confetti too last month. saw a guy on essential craftsman do it right with a smaller machine and some wedges for better control. glad you kept your leg, just get some steel toes next time. what kinda grinder was it anyway?
R
RoofRat885⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners always expecting miracles with their busted equipment, same shit here. saw a guy last month nearly lose toes on one of those walk behinds because he skipped the safety bar. rental places should start charging double for the liability bullshit.
T
ThermoTech⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
at least nobody got a new peg leg outta that rental, seen em lock the safety bar on those grinders with zip ties so they wont shut off.
C
ColorClown2⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
homeowners think we got nine lives until that grinder spits a rock at your shin. i always make em sign the waiver twice now, just in case.
A
AmpedUp4⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
saw a guy on site lose toes when the wheel kicked back, always clear a 10ft radius before firing up.
V
V6145🔧 Apprentice22d
11
got my own stump grinder scars but nothing like that, got lucky on a job last year with my ridgid walk behind and kept the bar locked in. proud of the safety setup i got now, saved me more than once.
H
HardwoodHero2⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
same shit, homeowners always pushing you to do a quick grind even when the roots are twisted up right by your feet. timberlands are good but next time id grab the ridgid knee pads too, that was too close for comfort.
G
GarageGuruGary2⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
same shit man, that near miss with the stump grinder sounds way too close for comfort. homeowners never get why you gotta slow down when roots are twisted everywhere. felt that in my knees just reading it. i been using ridgid knee pads for years now but they only help so much if your boots are slick. timberlands got their place but a pair of good steel toes changes the game on wet days. you gonna upgrade the pads or just keep grinding and hoping for the best?
Z
ZapMaster3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners keep pushing us to rush these jobs like our knees aint worth a damn.
W
WrenchWarrior7🔧 Apprentice23d
0
nah homeowners pushing to skip safety stops is straight up BS, bet those same folks wouldnt rush a doc doing their surgery
G
GarageGuruGary⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
homeowners think our safety is worth less than their lawn and its BS, grind at your own speed or lose a leg next time.
S
SparkPlugSue5⚒️ Journeyman19d
1
damn homeowners always pushing to finish before the stump is even half ground. same shit happened to my buddy last spring down in nashville, he had a bar come loose on the grinder and it damn near took his knee. we switched to a slower rpm setting on the vermeer and it cut way safer. felt that in my knees just reading your story. hows the leg holding up now?
V
VoltageVagabond⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
homeowners act like our bodies are disposable when they want it done yesterday.
F
FurnaceFiend⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit, nearly lost a boot to one of those things myself last summer when a root kicked back
D
DrainDruid⚒️ Journeyman24d
9
always check for those hidden roots before firing it up, saved me alot of trouble on the last couple jobs
S
ShingleShark2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
stump grinders are straight up bullshit for wet roots, steel toes or not that thingll still take your leg if it grabs wrong.
H
HammerTimeVet⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
damn right, wet roots make that thing grab and you are screwed in a heartbeat
C
ColorBlindPainter⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
always get the stump out first, that root ball grabs the grinder every time.
M
MoveMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
saw a guy lose half his leg to one of those damn grinders last year cuz he was wearin cheap sneakers, dont let that be you.
B
BreakerBreaker⚒️ Journeyman28d
11
been there with those grinders and damn near same scare, felt that in my knees when i saw it. cheap sneakers are asking for trouble and i aint riskin it anymore. switched to my steel toes with the ankle covers and never looked back. saw a post on r/smallbusiness last week where the guy got sliced up the same way and it was a real mess. you wearin proper boots out there now or what.
S
SpotlessSteve8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
always keep your boots laced tight and clear a 10-foot safety zone around the grinder before firing it up, saves your ass from those kickbacks.
C
ColorClown2⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
had a stump grinder kick back on me last summer, ripped my ppe to shreds and left me with a gash that took 12 stitches, damn things are no joke.
V
VoltVampire⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
seen too many close calls with those grinders lately and its always the cheap rental ones that bite back.
V
V6145🔧 Apprentice27d
7
those rental grinders skip on the safety stops and bite hard when you push it. dont skip the steel toe boots and a face shield no matter what the rental guy tells you. seen one guy lose his boot last year from the same setup.
T
TenYearVet12⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
man ive seen those rental grinders grab more than just wood, like my buddy's boot last month.
V
VentVet⭐ Expert24d
3
had that exact scare last year grinding a maple in my yard, my steel toe saved me from a real bad one. now i always check the rental grinders hydraulic lines first thing before starting up. seen too many guys get cocky with those things.
H
HammerTimeHarry⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
damn those things scare the shit out of me too, felt that one
H
HammerTimeHank3⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
my toro has a guard on the drive shaft that saved my ass twice already.
B
BoxHaulerBen⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah that thing will grab a boot and not even slow down, seen it happen to a guy last summer.
T
TrackTormentor⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
took my 18 inch troy bilt out to a job last month and it barely made a dent but man i felt like a king when it finally chewed through that oak root without touching my boot. kept the bar at 4 inches deep after that scare. you using the same size grinder or you stepping up to something bigger?
V
VoltageVagabond2⭐ Expert20d
0
those damn homeowners never warn you about the roots until your grinder is in your leg.
G
GarageGuruGus⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
same shit here, homeowners swear there aint no roots till the grinder bites back.
P
PipeDreamer15⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
dont skip the leg guards no matter how quick the job looks, seen a guy lose a boot and almost the foot on one of those.
B
BlowerBoss⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
always chain the grinder to a solid anchor point so it cant walk toward your feet.
V
V2958🌱 Newcomer17d
4
had a buddy lose his boot to one last summer, still laughs about it when he walks. always chain it down tight or that thing will eat your leg for lunch. watched a arborist vid where the guy got lucky too. your stump still out there or did ya finish?
A
AmpedUpJoe⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah those rental grinders aint playin, homeowners cheap out and rent the worst ones then we pay for it.
W
WireWizard⭐ Expert23d
6
same shit here, those rental grinders chew through anything in their way.
C
ChillChampion2⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
rentals always feel like theyre one loose bolt from disaster. had one kick back on me last year and still got the scar.
R
RollerRanger8⚒️ Journeyman18d
0
same shit here, rentals are always one bolt away from taking you out
V
VineVanquisher⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
damn rental grinders dont care if its your leg or the stump, they just eat whatever's in front of em.
H
HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
those grinders will bite ya faster than a jobsite dog, seen one yank a boot clean off before. had a buddy try and kick the debris out mid spin, dumb move. keep a long pry bar handy and stand way back next time. what did it end up costing ya to fix that mess?
N
NailBiter2⚒️ Journeyman18d
1
bet that grinder ate more than your boot this time. next time kick debris with a stick not your foot, learned that one the hard way.
C
CastIronCrusher⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
always rent the bigger gas model not the electric cheap ones. learned that after a blade caught a root and kicked back hard.
J
JointJuggler2🔧 Apprentice24d
1
always use a stump grinder with a safety bar guard, saw a guy get yanked in because he skipped the safety stuff.
F
FloorKingpin⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners always want the cheap route with no guards then act shocked when shit goes sideways.
T
TidyTim⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
always keep both feet planted solid and kill the throttle before you even think about moving around the stump.
P
PipeDreamer20⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
dodged a grinder bite myself back in '08, kept both legs and got back to grinding the next day without a scratch. proud to say that quick reflexes saved my ass and the job.
F
FixItFelix11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
those damn manufacturers cut corners on safety guards to save a buck, and were left picking up the pieces for buddies whod get mangled on the job.
N
NailGunNinja14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
always double-check that guard tension before firing it up; i swap out the stock ones for vermeer oem upgrades and havent had an issue since.
C
CircuitSmasher3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
what exactly made ya switch to those vermeer oem upgrades, was it a close call or just wear and tear?
C
CanvasChaos⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
damn near lost a toe on my old vermeer last summer cause the guard slipped off mid grind.
G
GreenThumbGuru7⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
bet your old vermeer got you sweatin bullets for weeks after that toe scare
T
TenYearVet19⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
had a guy lose a finger on one of those vermeer grinders last month and the insurance fight aint over yet.
P
PanelPusher3⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
dont even walk around a vermeer without the kill switch on you or someones gonna lose more than a finger next time.
D
DuctDaddy⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
stump grinders are a joke if your not on your knees the whole time, vermeer or not that thing will bite. had a guy on the crew lose a boot and nearly his ankle two years back just cause he stood up. you still running that old model or you switched to a bandit yet?
W
WrenchWanderer⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
felt that one, my old vermeer tried to eat my boot last summer too.
T
TarheelTiler5⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
always keep a spare chain on the truck, saved my butt twice last month. tried switching to a hydraulic auger setup after seeing the stump planer stuff online and it feels safer around the roots. bet your vermeer model is still chugging along tho. how deep you grinding these days?
P
PipeDreamer9🔧 Apprentice23d
2
same shit almost took my knee out on a vermeer last spring when the guard rattled loose mid job
D
DuctTapeKing2⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
had a vermeer bite back on me too but my dumbass wore shorts that day, lucky the stump won that round. always double check them guards now or your knee gets the next dance. ever seen a guy try to finish with one pant leg?
F
FrameItFrank⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
guy in my crew tried finishing with one pant leg too, looked like he lost a fight with a woodchipper. now we all wear the damn chaps or its shorts and a hospital bill.
W
WoodWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those greedy bastards at the factories know damn well they're selling death traps without proper guards, and we're the ones paying with our limbs while they pocket the cash.
H
HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
id rather rebuild the guard myself than trust the manufacturers to do it right.
S
SawdustSavant🌱 Newcomer27d
14
felt that in my knees, almost lost a toe on one myself last year
W
WireWizard12⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
saw a guy on a site last year who rebuilt his guard wrong and it threw a chunk of stump right into his thigh.
V
VentBoss⭐ Expert24d
2
those rebuilt guards always seem like a fine idea till they aint and the damn stump takes a chunk out of you instead.
F
FlashingFiend⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
always run the factory guard, rebuilt ones fail just like you saw.
W
WattTheHeck19⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit happened to a buddy last year, dont trust those factory guards for a second
G
GarageGuru2⭐ Expert24d
0
same shit here man, that guard on the vermeer is a joke and i saw a guy lose his balance on one just like it last month
L
LeakHunter2⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
same shit man, that guard on the vermeer is a joke. i saw a guy lose his balance on one just like it last month and it coulda been way worse. stump work always feels like a crap shoot when youre solo. had a close call myself out here in arizona the blade kicked back on me once and i jumped back quick. never trust those safety things 100 percent, they break or get loose after a few jobs. next time i would try blocking the area better with some 2x4s or cones first. you been using that model for long or switching to something else soon?
W
WireWhisperer5⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
factory guards are a joke, just like the ones on those damn stump grinders, insurance is screwing us all over this safety bullshit
H
HardwoodHero6⚒️ Journeyman27d
16
man that safety guard issue hits hard, switched to a vermeer 252 last season and the extra shielding probably saved my skin. felt real proud when the boys saw the stump come out clean in one pass. dont trust those cheap guards anymore, not worth the risk. what brand are you running now?
F
FloorFixerFred🔧 Apprentice26d
5
vermeer guards are overkill for that job, vermeer aint gonna stop a real screwup anyway. what cheap chinese grinder you got thats got you this scared?
W
WattTheHeck30⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
hell yeah, bet that chinese grinder'd turn your leg into mulch before vermeer even noticed.
W
WrenchWiz⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
damn stump grinders are the real enemy here, not the damn trees.
D
DeckDoctor⭐ Expert23d
0
damn near lost a foot myself on one of them things last summer when the chain kicked back
V
VacuumVanguard⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
same shit nearly got me last year too
R
RoofRat886⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
those cheap grinders are a lawsuit waiting to happen, whole crew pissed at the homeowners who cheap out like this. seen it once in texas and the guy still walks funny. vermeer or nothing if you're gonna run it around people.
S
ShingleSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
some homeowners cheap out on stump work and we all pay for it when the grinder fights back.
P
PinTumblerPro⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
always go through the roots first with a ridgid grinder before hitting the main stump, saves your shins.
B
BrushStrokePro12⭐ Expert25d
0
vermeer all the way for me too, that 252 model with the extra guard saved my hide on a job in georgia last month. always check the teeth before firing it up or you will be calling for help. what size stumps you hitting most days?
S
ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice1mo
15
hell yeah, i had a close call with a verticut on a zero-turn last summer and pulled off a dive that woulda made my old man proud, kept the crew laughing about it for weeks.
W
WeedWhacker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, i once tangled with a stump grinder that yanked me halfway into the dirt before i could hit the e-stop, thought i was auditionin for a horror flick. crew still calls me peg-leg for it, even though i kept both feet.
B
BackflowBuddy⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
saw a guy lose two toes last year runnin a grinder barefoot, dont fuck around with those teeth.
T
ToolTinker⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
saw a guy slip on wet chips and nearly lose more than toes, always wear the steel toes and keep the kill switch in reach.
T
ThermostatTamer⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners always got that barefoot grinder story ready to go until the teeth grab something they shouldnt.
L
LiftLord⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
felt that in my knees, one wrong move and your weekend is shot
N
NotAnElectrician26⭐ Expert21d
2
always make sure you got the right ppe on before firing that thing up.
P
PipeDreamer17⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
had a grinder kick back and clip my boot once, still think about how close that got to my toes every time i fire one up
C
CleanFreak42⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
those damn grinders will chew you up in a heartbeat if youre not careful, lost a buddy's foot back in 2012 cuz he skipped the safety guards. always double check that shit before firing it up.
J
JoistJockey6🔧 Apprentice27d
3
first time using a husky grinder on a stump in jersey and that thing almost got me too but we kept the guards on and it went smooth.
C
ColorCraze4⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
always keep that kill switch cable hooked to your leg or wrist so you dont lose it like that.
A
AmpedApprentice5⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
damn near lost a toe myself when the homeowner wouldnt shut his mouth about doing it faster
D
DuctDetective⚒️ Journeyman24d
6
been there, that kill switch cable saved my ass more than once too.
B
BushWhacker2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those damn stump grinders are straight up death traps, kick back like that and next thing you know youre missing a limb. fuckin manufacturers dont give a shit about the safety features we need out here.
V
VentMaster2⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
yeah i had one kick back on me last summer and damn near sent me to the er, those manufacturers are full of shit with their 'safety' bullshit.
E
EaveEnforcer2⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
those damn manufacturers cut corners on safety to save a buck and leave us dodging death on every job, F the lot of em.
S
ShingleShark2⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
manufacterers dont give a damn til some guy loses a leg over it.
B
BrushStrokeBoss2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
bet the manufacturers would find a safety guard real quick if you posted that grinder pic with the caption 'almost lost the leg over this junk'
P
PipeLord4207⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, had a trencher kick back on me last year and i damn near ate dirt, those things are no joke.
T
TileTitan⚒️ Journeyman1mo
0
smart move on the 0-5000 psi gauge, i always add a quick visual check for hose wear too before spinnin up my grinder.
C
CleanFreakCarl2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
hell yeah, i skipped a check once and the grinder grabbed my boot... turns out it was just my shoelace, but i aged 10 years in that split second 😂
K
KeyMasterMike3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
always check the hydraulic fittings with a quick torque wrench pass before firing it up, like 120 ft-lbs on a standard rayco setup. saved my ass more than once when the lines were looking sketchy.
V
V8366🌱 Newcomer1mo
19
torque wrench? nah, i just eyeball the fittings and get to grinding, saves time on every job and i aint had a blowout yet. those rayco setups are overbuilt anyway, prolly why they charge an arm and a leg for em. old timers always yappin about checking every nut and bolt like were runnin a museum piece. im tellin ya, half the near misses come from overthinkin it instead of feelin the machine out. had a buddy last summer who torqued everything to spec and still nicked his boot on a stump edge, woulda been fine if hed just powered through quicker. ppl treat stump grinders like theyre gonna explode if you sneeze wrong, but ive run mine loose plenty and it holds. maybe im just lucky, but id rather risk a loose hose than waste 20 minutes wrenchin around. fight me on that one.
P
PipeDreamer17⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
always double-check that hydraulic line pressure before firing up the rayco, i set mine to 2500 psi every time and it's saved my ass more than once.
S
ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
what exactly happened on that near miss with the rayco, did the blade kick back or something? been grinding stumps for a bit but havent had any close calls like that.
V
V9706🔧 Apprentice1mo
15
man, i almost fed my foot to a stump grinder last week, turned out the throttle was stuck from some dumbass's gum. good thing i tripped over my own bootlaces instead of losing a limb lol.
T
ThermostatTyrant⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
fml, had a similar scare last month when some idiot client's kid jammed a stick in my grinder's controls, nearly turned the whole yard into a bloodbath.
P
PickLockPete⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
kids on job sites should be illegal, those little shits cause more close calls than hungover helpers. keep your clients' brats away from the equipment or im charging hazard pay.
L
LockoutLou⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
man, had a kid dart right in front of my stump grinder last week, heart stopped for a second there. clients dont get it til somethin bad happens.
V
V1201🔧 Apprentice1mo
24
always set up a 10 foot buffer zone before firing up the grinder, keeps the kids and pets way back. saved my ass more than once with that rule.
H
HammerTimeHero3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
kids and homeowners never watch for the damn blades, had a close call myself last month that pissed me off for days.
V
V6158🌱 Newcomer1mo
10
what kinda stump grinder were you using when that homeowner kid almost got you?
S
SpraySavant2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
was runnin a vermeer sc30tx that time, solid machine but you gotta keep the chute clear and yell at kids to stay back 20 feet min. that homeowner's boy snuck up too close, coulda been bad if i wasnt watchin.
M
MiterMaster2⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
jesus, been there with kids dartin around like they own the damn yard. makes my heart skip every time i hear one creep up while the grinder's hummin. had a close call myself last summer, glad you kept your eyes peeled.
S
SprayAndPray⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
man, those close calls stick with you like a bad hangover. i remember grindin a stump in a backyard full of toys last year, kids poppin out from behind the fence and i damn near shut the machine down on my boot. heart poundin, sweat everywhere, thinkin how one slip coulda ended my season. been there too many times, makes you paranoid about every shadow. shoulda put up a bigger barrier that day, but hindsight's a bitch. glad you're alright, keep those eyes sharp out there.
P
PitchPerfectPro⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
yeah man, had one of those heart-stoppers myself when a stump grinder kicked back and nearly caught my ankle, still flinch at shadows on the job.
D
DrainDiver2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that grinder kickback got me too back in the day, still step wide around em now. try keepin your legs a good two feet back and square your stance before you rev it up. saw a guy online drop a old tire chunk over the stump first, cuts the throw way down. been usin a ridgid see snake cam to peek under before i fire up anything nasty. dont wear loose pants either, one slip and its gone. we in the midwest so roots run shallow and surprise ya every time. anyone else switchin to electric grinders for less kick?
W
WattTheHeck29⭐ Expert26d
4
every damn homeowner thinks their yard is a playground till someone almost loses a leg, same shit everywhere.
V
V6174🔧 Apprentice25d
0
bet that stump almost made you the next youtube star 😂
V
V8866🌱 Newcomer21d
0
homeowners got us out here riskin our legs for what, 200 bucks?
N
NotAnElectrician25⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners got no clue what a stump grinder can do till it happens to em
S
SawdustSavant11⭐ Expert25d
5
damn near the same thing happened last spring, grinder kicked back and i about shit myself thinkin it was gonna take a toe. always stashed the kids toys in a pile on the driveway after that so nobody could sneak up on me. saw a video from Essential Craftsman where he chains off the whole zone and that trick stuck with me. had a homeowner once say just grind it quick and nobody will care, yeah right. still double check every shadow before i fire that thing up now. you got a go-to move for keepin the yard clear or just raw paranoia like me?
R
RoachRanger⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
same shit here, that kickback feeling stays with you for weeks
T
TenYearVet18⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
same shit with these homeowners always rushing you to just finish quick, almost lost a finger myself last year from a kickback.
D
DoorJamJam2⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
same shit here with homeowners letting their kids run loose on jobs like that. felt that near miss right in my gut too. had a stump grinder kickback on me years ago just cause some toddler wandered in without a word. you got lucky keeping your head on a swivel out there.
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VentVet⭐ Expert25d
0
same shit here, kids and pets make every job a crap-show
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PolishPro3⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
bet the kids and pets had front row seats for that near miss
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SpringSpecialist8⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
same shit, had a customer dog run right up on my grinder once out in the houston suburbs and nearly cost me a boot
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CircuitClown⭐ Expert22d
1
those kids and pets turn a 20 minute grind into a damn minefield every time. had a 14 inch stump next to a fence last month where the homeowner let their pitbull loose mid job and i almost clipped the cable on a Ridgid. what did you end up charging for that one?
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BrushStrokePro13⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
kids around the site are a DEATH trap with heavy gear like that, one wrong move and you're done. keep em fenced out or you'll regret it.
B
BeamBoss⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
damn homeowners letting their kids wander around sites like that, almost lost my helper once from the same crap
T
TarpTitan3⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
been there, damn kids running loose make every job a gamble.
A
AmpedUpJoe⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
kids on site is bullshit, one of these days the insurance gonna bury us all for it.
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LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
some cheap-ass rental that felt more like a rabid lawnmower on steroids, kid pops up outta nowhere and im dodgin like its dodgeball at the jobsite.
T
ThermostatTyrant⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man i had one of those little terrors dart right in front of my chainsaw last week, damn near pissed myself and charged the homeowner double for the scare.
D
DrainDiver2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
damn, been there with a rogue branch that nearly turned my knee into hamburger, heart still pounds thinking about it.
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GroundFaultGary⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
man, kids on the job site are a total nightmare, had one nearly yank the choke on my grinder last summer and i swear my heart stopped.
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SpringBreaker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
damn, had a kid grab my controls last year and i thought i was gonna lose a finger, heart was pounding for hours after.
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TarPaperTiger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
damn, kids on site are a nightmare alright, had one try to climb my machine while it was idling and i nearly shit myself. been there brother, heart poundin for hours after.
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BrushStrokePro8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
kids on site are the absolute worst, i had one dart right in front of my stump grinder last week and i slammed the e-stop just in time or id be down a leg. heart was jackhammerin for the rest of the day, couldnt even focus on the next cut. parents just stand there yappin on their phones like its a damn playground. i yelled at em to keep the brat away but they looked at me like i was the asshole. shoulda charged em extra for the near heart attack. now i barricade the whole area with cones and tape before i even start up the machine. fml, these jobs are stress enough without turnin into a babysitter.
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DirtDiggerDan3⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
yeah man, rent a set of those ridgid barricades they use on the road crews, only thing that kept my neighbor from feeding his kid into the grinder last year.
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RollerRabbit2⚒️ Journeyman27d
2
had a kid run out from behind a van once and nearly caught the chain on my stump grinder, parents didnt even look up from their phones. i ended up stringin caution tape across two trucks like it was a crime scene and still had one yell at me for blockin their view. now i park the rig so the e-stop faces the house and i keep the bar low till the area clears. funniest part was the dad askin if i could grind it down another inch while his kid was still standin there. ever tape off a whole yard just to keep the homeowners out?
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SparkChaser⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
man that dad soundin off about an extra inch while his kid is still right there is next level stupid. i taped off half the yard once and still had two people step over it with their phones out. now i just hit the e-stop and walk away till the whole crew clears out. you ever had a homeowner try to move the tape themselves?
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PipeDreamer6⚒️ Journeyman25d
5
had a guy step right over the tape and grab the stump grinder handle like it was his damn lawnmower.
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ChiselChamp⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
bet he wont do that again after watching a 300lb grinder chew through that stump like butter.
V
VacuumVince⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, homeowners always step over the tape like its not their problem.
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BugBusterBill⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
dads like that make me grin like a fool when i walk off a job with both legs still attached. i started parking the grinder bar pointing at the house too and it cut down the near misses by half. nothing worse than someone yellin while youre tryin to keep their kid from gettin chewed up. i keep a roll of that orange caution tape in the truck now and string it quick before i even fire up the machine. been there when the parents get pissed about a blocked driveway view, feels good knowing you did it right anyway. one time i had a guy ask me to grind lower while his toddler stood right on the chips. never let em back in till the e stop is hit and the area is clear, no exceptions.
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PolishPirate⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
same shit here, had a dad let his kid run right up while the bar was spinnin. that orange tape trick saved me a couple times too. never worth the risk for a quicker job.
D
DirtDevilDan⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
kids and grinders mix like beer and blueprints, one wrong step and its a different story.
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
fuckin rental companies and their half-assed maintenance are gonna get someone killed one of these days, had a buddy who lost half his calf to a jammed throttle on a vermeer last year.
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PackRatPaul⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
yeah, been there with a cheap-ass grinder that jammed and nearly yanked my boot off. those manufacturers dont give a damn about us out here bustin our asses. makes you wanna switch to somethin safer like a remote control unit next time.
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SparkPlugStan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man ive had a few of those heart-stoppin jams myself, makes you swear off the cheap crap for good.
P
PipeDreamer19⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah, those cheap bastards design em so the only safety feature is you runnin faster than the blade, saved my ass once by trippin into a ditch 😂
V
V6501🌱 Newcomer1mo
19
dont ever run the grinder without a spotter, i saw a guy lose half his foot last year cuz he didnt and the blade caught his boot. wear kevlar chaps every time or youre askin for it.
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JoistJester⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
always keep that left hand firm on the handle and your feet planted wide, especially on uneven ground with roots everywhere. i learned the hard way after a close call with a vermeer sc30, so now i wear these steel-toed boots rated for impact and never grind without a spotter. manufacturers skimp on warnings, but checking your stance before every push can save your ass. saved my buddy's leg last summer doing just that.
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CleanFreakCindy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
29
man, i once tripped over a root with my trimmer and nearly turned my own leg into mulch, spotter or not you gotta watch those sneaky bastards 😆
S
SolderSavant⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
goddamn roots are the worst, had one snag my boot last summer and i went down hard, nearly lost a finger to the trimmer blade. should've worn my steel toes that day but who has time for that crap when you're rushing to finish. these jobs are gonna kill us all if we ain't careful.
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TurfTyrant🔧 Apprentice1mo
18
fuckin stump grinders are a death trap, the damn manufacturers skimp on safety to cut costs and leave us holdin the bag when shit goes sideways.
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BoxHauler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
always double-check your ppe setup before firing up the grinder, i learned that the hard way after a snag almost cost me a toe. steel toes and chaps saved my ass on the next job, worth the extra minute to gear up right.
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WeedWarrior⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
fuckin rush jobs from these idiot homeowners who think ppe is optional, theyll be the first to sue when somethin goes wrong.
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GarageGuru6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
always wear that chaps gear, saved my ass last summer when a renter's kid got too close to the grinder. i run a vermeer sc30 and it chews through 12 inch stumps in under 10 minutes, but without ppe you're just asking for a hospital trip. homeowners dont get how fast those carbide teeth spin, over 2000 rpm easy. tell em upfront no ppe no job, or charge em double for the risk. had a guy sue after his own screwup, but i was covered cuz i documented everything.
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HaulHero⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
good call on documenting everything, i always snap pics of the site setup and homeowners signing off on ppe rules before firing up the grinder. saves a ton of headaches if shit hits the fan.
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DirtBagDan3⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
yeah, i always mark off a 10-foot perimeter with cones and string before starting, keeps the homeowner's kids and pets way back. also double-check the belt tension on the grinder every couple hours, mine snapped once and threw a chunk of stump 20 feet. saved my ass a few times that way.
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PipeLord42022⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
dont ever run that grinder without chaps and a face shield, watched a buddy lose half his foot to a kickback last summer.
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DustBunnySlayer3⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
same shit here, nearly lost a toe to one of those things last year myself.
S
SodSquadLeader⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
same shit here, my ridgid k45 taught me that chaps and shield aint optional on a grind job
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TarHeelTiler3⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
been there, felt that shit in my knees when the k45 kicked back
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FloorFitter⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
stump grinders are overkill for most jobs, hand diggin that root ball is safer and cheaper
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HueMaster⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
tell me about it, these homeowners push you to skip the damn safety gear every time.
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HammerTimeHero5⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
fuckin homeowners letting their damn dogs run loose in the work zone is the real killer, had one chew through my extension cord last week and nearly started a fire.
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PolishPro4⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners let their dogs run wild and then wonder why we charge extra to deal with that crap.
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V7025🌱 Newcomer21d
1
homeowners pull this crap all the time then act shocked when we add 200 bucks for cleanup
S
ScrewLoose⭐ Expert19d
0
homeowners will cheap out on the grinder then act surprised when it spits a root at your knee.
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BoxHaulerBob2⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
good call on that belt check, i do mine every hour on the verrtical grinders to avoid any surprises. also, always wear chaps rated for stump work, like the husqvarna ones, they saved me from a nasty kickback last summer. keeps the med bills down too.
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V5257🔧 Apprentice26d
1
thats why everyone should be pissed at these cheap homeowners skimping on safety gear, almost took my leg off last year too.
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LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont skip the belt checks on that grinder, saw a guy in fort worth lose toes doing the same thing last year.
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RollMaster⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
homeowners never care til someones leg is on the line. they push you to skip the ppe rules and then act shocked when it goes sideways. insurance wont cover half of it if your pics dont line up with their story. whats your go to way of getting them to sign off quick?
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BugBlaster2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners and insurance always act like its your fault when their cheap asses skip the ppe rules.
D
DrainDoctor⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
documenting ppe requirements in your contract saved me from a similar lawsuit last year, just spell out that clients are responsible for keeping kids and pets 50 feet back during the grind.
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BoltBuster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
had a homeowner once who decided his flip flops were ppe enough for standin next to the grinder, ended up with a mouthful of chipped teeth when a chunk flew his way. i yelled at him to back the hell off, but he just laughed like it was a joke til i shut it down and charged him double for the delay. these idiots think were playin in a sandbox, not with a machine thatll turn your leg into ground beef faster than you can say lawsuit. remember that story bout the arborist who timed his prank wrong and almost became part of the stump himself? yeah, shit like that keeps me up at night wonderin if ill be the punchline next. rushed jobs are the real killer though, one slip and youre explainin to your wife why you got a peg leg now. shoulda made him wear my spare steel toes, wouldve saved us both the headache. 😂
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WrenchWizard4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
you ever had a homeowner try to grab the controls on a stump grinder just to 'help' speed things up?
V
V1226🌱 Newcomer1mo
8
next time tell em to back off and set up a 10 foot safety zone around the grinder, keeps the nosy bastards from gettin too close.
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LockLord⭐ Expert1mo
8
yeah, i always run a quick cone setup and yell out the hazards list before firing up the grinder, cuts the close calls way down.
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JoistJockey2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
after 15 years grindin stumps, i never let anyone closer than 15 feet without ppe, keeps my crew and my legs intact every damn time.
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V5811🌱 Newcomer26d
1
hell man that stump grinder nearly took my leg too, id have been done for sure if i didnt have those chainsaw pants on.
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VoltageVagabond2⭐ Expert24d
0
same shit man, every homeowner thinks a stump grinder is just a toy till someone bleeds out on their lawn.
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HammerTimeGuy⭐ Expert22d
0
yeah those chainsaw pants saved my buddy too, get the arborwear ones with the kevlar
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SparkPlugGuy2⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
homeowners always gotta be right there in your damn face when the grinder's spinnin
S
SparkPlugSue⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
oh man, had a homeowner yank the controls on my grinder last summer, damn near turned his arm into mulch... been there, feels like they think it's a ride at the fair.
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BroomBandit⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
homeowners who think theyre hot shit with machinery are the WORST, always one dumb yank away from a lawsuit or worse.
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PadlockPro⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
homeowners treating stump grinders like carnival rides... next thing you know, they're yelling 'faster!' while im trying not to become part of the mulch pile. had one grab the lever last month thinkin he was helpin, and i swear the whole yard turned into a slip n slide of chips and regret. shoulda charged him extra for the free entertainment, but instead i just about lost a boot to the teeth. these machines are beasts, carbide tips chewin through oak like butter, and one wrong yank means youre the stump. told him after, 'buddy, this aint disneyland,' and he still tipped me like i was. gotta love the ones who think theyre pros after watchin a youtube vid.
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BrushStrokePro2⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
same shit, one yank and you're mulch. these homeowners think youtube makes em experts.
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NailBender2⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
same shit, homeowners watching one video think they can handle a 24 inch grinder without getting their leg took off.
K
KeyMaster2⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
same shit here, ive seen it go bad quick when guys skip the shields and think its just gonna chew wood. my buddy got lucky with a rip in his pants and that was it. howd you end up talking him out of finishing it?
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FrameFreak5⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners with youtube clips think they can run a stump grinder til it yeets their leg into next week
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
always spot the utilities and fence lines first, seen a guy hit a gas line once. walk the site twice before you fire up that grinder.
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PaintSplatterPat🔧 Apprentice21d
0
always mark gas lines twice or you're gonna lose more than a leg, saw a guy on r/electricians get tagged by one last month.
C
CircuitSmasher5⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
same shit almost took my guys knee out last year in nashville, always call twice now
R
RefrigerantRanger⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
these homeowners got no clue what that thing can do in half a second. had one last week reach for the levers on my stump grinder like it was some kinda carnival ride and i had to body block him before it chewed the bark off my shin. same shit every time, they watch a youtube video and figure they can run it better than the guy who shows up with insurance. no wonder my back and knees are wrecked after a decade of this. i keep a spare set of gloves and safety flags in the truck now but that dont stop em from walkin right into the kill zone. nearly got the whole leg once myself when a guy kicked the safety bar off thinking it was in park. you block those controls right away or do you just yell at em after the fact?
V
V6946🌱 Newcomer25d
0
you block em right off or its your leg next time
S
SewerSurfer⭐ Expert22d
2
yeah that grinder almost got me too last month and i was lucky i only walked away with some stitches on my calf. been there where the roots shift and the wheel just grabs your pant leg before you can blink. same shit in texas when you got clay soil pulling the stump sideways right into your path. never skip the full block off even if the customer says it'll be fine, cost me a day off last time i tried to rush it. shoulda had my ridgid see snake out there checking utilities first too but i didnt. homeowners always want it done yesterday and they dont see the risk till someone bleeds. what brand of grinder you running out there anyway.
V
V8493🔧 Apprentice18d
4
dont skip the utility check or youll end up in the er like my buddy did with a busted ankle.
R
RodentRider2⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
always block the controls first thing or that stump grinder will eat someone
G
GarageGuru10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
man, those rush jobs always feel like theyre tryin to get us killed, been there with a chainsaw slip that had me sweatin bullets.
R
RollerRogue4⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
rush jobs got me once with a stump grinder that decided to chase my ankle like it was personal, damn near turned me into a pirate. shoulda charged double for the cardio workout tho 😂
T
TarpTitan⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
man, those stump grinders dont mess around, had one nearly nip my boot off last summer and i was sweatin bullets. been there, glad you walked away with just a story.
F
FixItFelix⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
been there man, felt that in my boots when i was running the grinder on a job last week. never turn your back on those things theyll chew right through leather like its nothing.
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PipeLord42025⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
you got any tips on what brand grinder your using out there?
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WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
damn that thing will bite back quick, felt the same close call last month on a brush job.
J
JackOfAllTrades3⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
felt that in my knees too, damn things are no joke.
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PickMaster⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
stump grinders will kill ya if you get lazy with em. seen guys running em right up on big roots without the proper guard and it ends bad. always keep that wheel clear of your legs and go slow on the first few passes.
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FrameFreak4⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
stump grinders are safer than a chainsaw any day, fight me on that.
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LockPickLarry4⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
bet that grinder wanted a snack after that. i switched to a vermeer last month and it aint tried to take my leg off yet. you wearin steel toes or just sneakers on that job?
S
SolderSensei⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
dont cheap out on the boots or that vermeer'll find ya next.
S
SparkleSquad2⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
homeowners cheapin out on the rental is what gets people hurt like that.
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HVAC_Hustler🔧 Apprentice29d
11
man i feel that frustration, had a similar scare last month when my ladder decided to play tag with me on a tight roof edge, nearly ate it all the way down. rush jobs are the WORST, clients pushing for overtime pay but skimping on the safety setup that couldve saved my ass. shoulda walked away from that one but bills dont pay themselves, you know? now im nursing a twisted ankle and replaying the what ifs every night. these tools turn on you quick if youre not 100% locked in, and tired as hell from back to back calls doesnt help. fml, almost lost a week of work over it. gonna invest in some better harnesses next paycheck, cant keep tempting fate like this. what kinda grinder was it that came after you, anything specific i should watch for?
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WeedWhackerWill2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
clients always pushing for cheap quick work but never wanna pay for the damn safety gear that actually keeps us alive.
D
DrywallDud🌱 Newcomer28d
5
dude, dont ever run a stump grinder without full ppe and a spotter, saw a guy lose half his leg last summer when the machine kicked back hard. rush jobs make you skip steps but thats how you end up in the er or worse. keep your distance from the teeth and shut it down if somethin feels off. one slip and youre done for life.
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TenYearVet4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
goddamn stump grinders are a nightmare waiting to happen, i damn near lost two fingers last year on a sloped yard with hidden rocks everywhere. manufacturers push these vermeer beasts like they're toys but forget to mention how one slip turns your day into a bloodbath. had a helper who didnt listen and ended up with a twisted ankle that sidelined him for weeks. should've walked off that job, but bills gotta get paid somehow.
M
MulchMogul⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
man, that kickback torque is no joke, had a similar slide on some wet roots last summer that had me sweatin bullets. felt that harness yank save my leg more than once, glad you walked away from it.
F
FixtureFixer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
those damn stump grinders are built by idiots who never actually use em, kickback like that should be illegal with how many guys theyve almost crippled.
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LeakHunter4🔧 Apprentice1mo
17
had a similar kickback last summer that nearly sliced my calf open, damn things are death traps waiting to happen. manufacturers dont give a crap about us ground pounders, just slap on a warning sticker and call it good. been grinding stumps for 8 years and i swear every job i double check the tension on that wheel or i aint starting it. pissed me off so bad i almost quit the landscaping side altogether.
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SparkJockey2⭐ Expert1mo
12
had a buddy last year get his ankle shredded by one of those crap machines, manufacturers dont give a damn about safety till someone sues em.
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PrunePro3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
manufacturers push those underpowered stump grinders to cut costs, and now we're the ones paying with our limbs. if they spent half as much on decent guards as they do on lawsuits, half these accidents wouldnt happen.
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ColorWheelCarl2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
yeah man, i had a similar close call last summer with one of those cheap-ass grinders, nearly lost a chunk of my thigh and the guards were total BS.
B
BugBlasterBen⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
those cheap grinders are a damn lawsuit waiting to happen, manufacturers cut corners on guards to save a buck and leave us out here dodging blades. pissed me off last job when i had to weld my own reinforcements just to feel safe.
C
ColorChaos⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, those guards on the cheap grinders are a joke, always flappin around like they aint even there. i had one nearly snag my boot last week and it was a bluebird model that the boss swore was reliable. pissed me off so bad i spent half the day jerry-riggin some scrap metal over it just to not end up in the er. manufacturers dont give a damn about us out here actually usin the thing. shoulda just rented a vermeer instead but the client cheaped out on the budget. fml, every job feels like a gamble these days.
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TileTerror2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
yeah man, had a similar close call with a flimsy guard on my grinder last month, nearly cost me a trip to the er too... clients cheaping out makes us all dicey with that crap.
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BoltBuster4⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
swap out those flimsy guards for a vermeer sc362 with the heavy-duty shield, saved my ass on a job last year when the wheel kicked back hard.
R
RoofRider⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
man, i had a similar scare on a demo job last summer, nearly lost a chunk of my hand to a kickback from a gas-powered grinder. been there, that heart-stopping moment sucks. good call on the vermeer, glad it saved your ass.
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CircuitSavant2⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
next time just hire a mini excavator, saves your legs and lets you beer up by noon. stump grinders are the devil's fidget spinner.
D
DirtDevil⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
dont ever run a stump grinder without full ppe and a spotter, i saw a guy get his foot caught last year and it chewed right through his boot.
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HandyMandy⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
same shit here, nearly got taken out by one of those things last fall
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FuseFiend⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those things should be banned on residential jobs, one slip and your whole career is done.
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PipeLord4206⭐ Expert22d
2
had a guy on my crew almost lose his boot to one of those last year, just glad he jumped back in time.
H
HammerTimeHero2⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
felt that in my knees, damn near lost a guy to one of those last year
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BugBlaster9⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
those damn homeowners always expecting us to grind em right up to the fence with zero safety gear
P
PipeDreamer12⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit, homeowners push you right up against that fence and wonder why we got scars
O
OddJobOtto⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
same shit, got my boot stuck in the mud and almost fed the grinder my knee cap too, blame the homeowner every time.
S
ShingleShark14⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those homeowners think we got 9 lives till that blade kicks back and your leg aint there no more. my buddy tried the same thing last summer and ended up with 14 stitches and a torn boot. now i drag a 4x8 sheet of plywood with me and kneel behind it like its a shield. bet you wont forget that close call any time soon. did they at least tip you for the near death experience? now i just tell em the fence stays and the stump gets left as is.
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GreenThumbGreg🔧 Apprentice23d
1
same shit here, those homeowners pushing for zero clearance setups are gonna get someone killed one day
N
NotAnElectrician17⭐ Expert19d
2
bet that homeowner was right there with a tape measure yelling about every inch
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LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
yeah man, had a similar scare with a cheap grinder snaggin my pant leg last summer, felt my heart stop thinkin i was gonna lose a chunk of thigh... BS how they skimp on safety for the price.
D
DrainDiver3⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
hahaha that near miss will make ya wear the good chaps forever, same shit when my cheap grinder grabbed my boot last year. i got the ridgid one with the foot brake now, keeps me honest. how close was it to the bone?
L
LiftAndShift⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
those cheap-ass guards are a total scam, always catchin on somethin and nearly turnin the job into a bloodbath. had a similar close call with a pos model that flapped right into my shin, left a nasty gash that cost me a week off. clients cheaping out on rentals is killin us, pushin us to use garbage that should be banned. fml, i aint touchin another one without full ppe and a backup plan.
V
VoltWizard⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
glad you walked away from that mess, but damn if it doesnt make me proud of the setup i rigged on my own grinder last year. took some 1/4 inch steel plate from the scrap yard and welded it right over the factory guard, now that baby hugs the wheel tight as hell without flappin in the wind. no more boot snags or close calls on my watch, and ive ground through 50 stumps since without a hitch. clients try to cheap out too, but i tell em straight up, im not skimpin on safety for their five bucks. switched to that vermeer you mentioned for a big job last month and it chewed through a 24 inch oak stump in under 10 minutes, no drama. feels good knowin im settin the bar higher than these half-ass manufacturers. if everyones riggin their own fixes, maybe the big boys will finally step up. keep your legs intact out there, brother.
R
RollMaster⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
felt that in my knees brother, that vermeer sounds like it saved some boots.
P
PaintSplatter⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees too, almost lost a finger to one of those vermeer grinders last year myself.
W
WireWhiz⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
those grinders are straight up death machines when homeowners cheap out on a pro. vermeer or vermont whatever, one slip and youre done for the day. insurance gonna love that claim when it hits.
P
PlankPro⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
homeowners want it done for free til that stump grinder takes a chunk outta you then they ghost when the bill hits
B
BreezeBoss⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
same shit, one minute theyre all smiles til that grinder kicks back then they vanish on the invoice
W
WattTheHeck21⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
yeah man, had a similar close call with one of those budget grinders last summer, felt my heart stop when the guard popped off mid-cut.
T
TrackTech3⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
god, those cheap grinders are a nightmare waiting to happen, had one snag on a root and nearly yanked me into the blade last fall. spent the whole next week pissed off, checking every damn bolt twice before i even start now. should've just shelled out for a vermeer from the get-go, but nope, client wanted the budget option. fml, man.
D
DrainDragon5⚒️ Journeyman28d
11
damn, that guard flying off is the worst. almost lost my footing on a similar grinder last year and my heart did the same jump. been there man, makes you triple check everything next time.
N
NailBiter3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont skip that pin check next time or you will be limping home like i did last month.
A
AmpedUpAl⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
what brand was that grinder? saw a guy with a vermeer almost do the same thing last month.
B
BushWhacker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
keep your feet at least 3 feet back from that spinning wheel on those cheap grinders, or you'll end up like the guy i knew who lost half his calf to a kickback last summer.
T
TrapTamer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
damn, those machines are a nightmare waitin to happen, had a close call myself last summer and it shook me up bad.
P
PlankPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
those damn manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs, leavin us to deal with the kickback bullshit that nearly kills us every time.
L
LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah, those cheap-ass manufacturers dont give a damn about the kickback that almost sent me to the er last month, its all about their bottom line.
B
BoxHaulerBen2🔧 Apprentice29d
3
those cheap manufacturers are the real villains, skimping on safety to boost their profits while we're out here risking life and limb every damn job.
D
DuctTapeKing2⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
cheap grinders will snatch ya pants right off, saw one guy lose a boot on a rental last summer
M
MoldMilitant⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
always rent a vermeer next time instead of the cheap ones, saves your leg and your pants.
S
SpotlessSteve5⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
make sure you always got a quick release pin in the stump handle so you can bail quick if it grabs.
C
ChillMaster7⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
always keep a spare pin in your pocket so youre not hunting when it starts grabbing
J
JoistJockey7⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
saw a guy almost lose his hand last year on one of those cheap grinders, lockout tagout every time now or youre next.
H
HammerTimeHero5⚒️ Journeyman25d
4
every homeowners got some cheap ass grinder they bought off facebook marketplace and wonder why we charge what we do.
M
MulchMan⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, had a guys cheap grinder fly back and damn near hit my knee last month.
D
DuctTapeDan🌱 Newcomer22d
2
same shit here, homeowners with them cheap facebook grinders always tryin to save a buck and end up riskin more than they save
S
SudsSquad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
yeah my near miss was when the damn thing kicked back and i ended up mooning the whole neighborhood with my pants down tryna dodge it lol.
W
WireWizard12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
stump grinders are straight up death machines if you dont respect em, i say skip the BS rental and just hire a pro every time. had a buddy lose half his foot to a kickback last summer and hes still bitchin about it. these things aint toys for weekend warriors, and mooning the neighborhood is the least of your worries if you aint careful. fight me if you think diy is worth the risk.
M
MiterMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
been there with a stump grinder kickback, man, still gives me the shakes thinkin about it.
J
JunctionJunkie3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
31
always wear chaps with that beast, saw a guy lose half his calf to kickback last summer and he's still on crutches.
D
DoorJamDud⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
those damn manufacturers cut corners on safety to save a buck and now were all payin the price with near misses and lost limbs.
D
DrainDevil⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah, my near miss was when the grinder kicked back and i ended up dancin with it like a drunk cowboy on a bull. thought i was gonna be eatin through a straw for the rest of my life, but turns out i just needed new pants. manufacturers cheaping out on guards is some BS, keeps us all one slip from bein the cautionary tale. at least it makes for a helluva story at the bar.
S
ShingleShark18⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
man, i had a similar kickback on a stump job last summer, thought my leg was done for too, BS on those cheap guards keepin us all on edge.
S
SlateSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
never run a stump grinder without the full guard up, saw a buddy lose half his foot last year to one of those kickbacks. those cheap attachments on skid steers are death traps, stick to remote control rentals if you can.
W
WireWizard4⭐ Expert1mo
18
man, been there with a skid steer attachment kickback last summer, damn near pissed myself when it grabbed my boot.
B
BeamBender⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
damn, had a similar kickback last summer on a vermeer and it ripped my boot half off, those guards are a joke half the time.
N
NailGunNinja14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
those damn manufacturers skimp on guards to save a buck, leaving us out here dodging death every job. vermeer oughta be sued for half the close calls i seen.
S
SubfloorSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
0
yeah man, those vermeer guards are a joke, had one snag my boot last week and i was sweatin bullets thinking id lose a toe.
S
SpotlessSteve⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
damn, that sounds like a close call with the vermeer. what kinda boot were you wearin when it snagged? you switch to steel toes after that?
N
NailGunNed2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
i was rockin' some red wing logger boots, but they aint got no ankle support worth a damn when the grinder snagged. switched to irish setter ashbys right after, the 6-inch steel toes with the puncture plate saved my ass on the next job. always double-check your laces and keep your distance from the teeth, man, those things dont mess around. had a buddy who skipped steel toes and ended up with a twisted ankle that sidelined him for weeks.
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LeakHunter8⚒️ Journeyman27d
12
those irish setter ashbys got you covered good but add a 10 inch guard plate to your grinder next time and keep the teeth at least 4 feet away from your stance. red wings always ride up on the ankle when things go sideways. had a buddy lose traction on wet ground and the same thing nearly happened to him.
F
FrameFreak⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
always kept the teeth pointed away from me on those grinders too. throw a piece of plywood down for footing if the ground is slick and you will have better traction than red wings give you. what size stump were you on anyway?
D
DrainDragon6⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
always back the teeth away and never let the bar dig in past the stump edge on those grinders.
V
V6501🌱 Newcomer23d
6
everyone acts like these stump grinders are no big deal till your leg nearly gets chewed up over some homeowners backyard tree. been there with my own near miss and its always the cheap jobs that dont have the right guards or proper spacing. who else got stories like this where one wrong step coulda ended it all?
P
PackRatPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
what kinda stump grinder were you runnin, any mods to the guards help at all?
S
ScrewLooseLarry🔧 Apprentice1mo
21
dont ever skip the chaps, i had a buddy who ignored em and the grinder bit him bad enough he lost toes. wear the damn gear or youre next.
P
PalletPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
hell yeah, i skipped the chaps once to impress a client and the grinder nicked my boot like it was butter. now i wear em even for demo runs, legs aint worth the tough guy points.
N
NotAProYet🌱 Newcomer1mo
27
glad i started wearin the chaps from day one, saved my ass on that first solo job last month when the grinder kicked back hard. feels good knowin im not the idiot who learns the hard way every time. keeps me grindin stumps without losin limbs, hell yeah.
T
TileTamer5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man, those kickbacks are no joke, had one nearly take my knee out on a job last year and i was sweatin bullets. chaps are a lifesaver, dont know how some guys grind without em. glad you came out whole, that shit shakes you up for weeks.
V
V5427🔧 Apprentice1mo
20
damn manufacturers cheaping out on these machines just to save a buck, its like they WANT us to lose limbs out here.
W
WrenchWiz3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
those damn manufacturers are straight-up killing us with their cost-cutting BS, pushing out grinders that kick back harder than a pissed-off mule just to boost their margins. had a buddy in the crew almost lose his foot last summer on a cheapo model that jammed up mid-grind, and the company's like 'user error' my ass. we gotta start boycotting this crap or we're all walking around on prosthetics. screw 'em, time for some real regulations before another one of us gets wrecked.
G
GarageGuruGary2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
stick with vermeer or carlson grinders if you can swing it, theyve got way better kickback guards and teeth that dont snap on you mid-job.
S
SprayAndPray⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
yeah vermeer's sc30tx has those heavy-duty guards that kept me from eating dirt last season, and swapping to tungsten carbide teeth cut my mid-job snaps way down.
F
FixItFelix8⭐ Expert1mo
6
fuckin manufacturers cut every corner to save a buck and leave us dangling on the edge of disaster with half-assed guards. vermeer better shape up or im switchin brands next time i gear up.
T
TrackTormentor⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
yeah man, vermeer's guards are so flimsy next time i'll just tie a garden hose around my leg for extra protection lol
S
SolderSniper⚒️ Journeyman28d
14
same shit man, heard about that stump grinder crush in 2023 leaving guys in the hospital for months, manufacturers like vermeer need to fix these guards for real. heard the PA cops saved a guy whos leg got straight cut off last month and thats exactly why we feel like the forgotten ones out here. you got any backup plans when the next toy decides it wants your leg instead of the stump?
F
FurnitureFury⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
check out the carlson cme-3000, its got a beefier guard setup that doesnt flex like vermeers. saved my ass on a couple tight spots already.
H
HaulHero⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
switched to that carlson cme-3000 last season and it's been a game-changer, no more dodgy flex on those guards when youre grinding right up against fences. kept my legs intact through 50 jobs already, and the clients notice the cleaner cuts too. feels damn good recommending something that actually holds up instead of vermeer's junk. upgraded my whole kit around it now.
F
FrameFreak9⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
switched to the carlson cme-3000 myself two years back and its saved my ass on every tight-yard job, no more sketchy vibes or close calls like the old vermeer crap.
H
HammerTimeGuy6⭐ Expert29d
0
solid switch to the carlson, just make sure you're always rockin' that full chaps setup and keep the cutter teeth sharp at 12-15 inches to avoid any kickback surprises.
B
BrushStrokeBoss⭐ Expert25d
1
damn that coulda been bad, same shit i seen happen with the teeth not sharp enough.
C
CircuitSavant3⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
vermeer's junk almost took out my buddy's foot last year, those cheap guards flex like a damn noodle and the company's too busy raking in cash to fix it.
D
DoorDoc2⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
companies like vermeer rake in cash while their guards flex like noodles and guys keep losing limbs.
O
OddJobOtto⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
yeah those guards on vermeer grinders are a joke. had a guy i worked with drop a 1/4 inch plate behind the wheel as a hack fix and it held up way better. always check the belt tension first thing before you start grinding. what size stump was it anyway?
L
LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
same shit here, those guards are garbage and the guy that skipped the tension check paid for it.
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, that guard was wobbling like crazy last job and i was lucky to pull back in time.
T
TileTerrorist⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
check that guard bolt with a torque wrench next time or itll be your last. i used a 3/8 drive snap on on my last grinder and it stayed tight the whole day. get a pair of hex head locknuts too if yours are just regular. dont cheap out on a stump machine when your legs are this close to the wheel. seen a guy on the lawn care forum lose his boot the same way last year.
B
BugBlasterBob⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
vermeer needs to stop skimping on those guards before someone really gets hurt.
H
HammerTimeHal⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
felt that in my knees man, seen one guy get his leg tore up on a vermeers last year
V
V7294🔧 Apprentice24d
0
got my stump grinder dialed in tight now, no close calls since
S
SafeCrackerSue🔧 Apprentice23d
2
same shit here, almost lost my boot last year when the wheel kicked back on wet roots
F
FloorFiasco⚒️ Journeyman29d
15
switched to the carlson cme-3000 two years back and its saved my legs from three close calls already, best damn upgrade i ever made.
F
FloorKing99⚒️ Journeyman26d
16
damn that carlson guard saved you, seen a guy lose a foot when his flexy vermeers let a chunk fly. always double check the kill switch before you step off.
S
SparkPlugMike⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
yeah man, vermeer guards are a joke, i had one snag my pants last month and nearly yanked me into the blades, total bullshit.
P
PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
man, had a close call with one of those beasts myself last year, damn near got my foot caught in the teeth before i yanked back.
P
PanelPusher4🔧 Apprentice1mo
24
chaps are for pussies, ive run that grinder in shorts for years and never nicked myself once.
C
CircuitSnafu2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
youre a damn fool thinking chaps are for pussies, ive seen too many guys in the er after nicking an artery with that grinder.
F
FrameFreak3⭐ Expert1mo
13
man, been there with a grinder nicking my shin last summer, blood everywhere before i even realized. those chaps aint just for show, saved my ass more than once. guys who skip em are askin for the er trip, no doubt. still makes my heart race thinkin about it.
T
TarPaperTom3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those cheap-ass bosses who skimp on ppe to save a buck are the real killers, had a buddy bleed out on site cause the company wouldnt spring for decent chaps.
G
GreenThumbJoe⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
those penny-pinching bosses are straight-up MURDERERS, skimping on ppe just to line their pockets while we bleed out on the job.
V
V5811🌱 Newcomer1mo
13
screw those bosses, if they wont buy the chaps im charging em extra $200 a day to cover my own damn ppe and they can eat the cost.
T
TrackTech2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
damn, those cheap bosses got blood on their hands, lost a good hand last year cause they wouldnt pony up for proper gear.
N
NotAnElectrician29⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah, lost a buddy to a cheap grinder setup a couple years back, bosses just dont give a damn about safety till somethin goes wrong.
A
AntAnnihilator7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
man, bosses cheaping out on safety gear is the worst, had a close call myself last summer and it still shakes me up.
F
FreonFanatic⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
bosses cheaping out on ppe is straight up criminal, id rather walk off a job than risk my legs for their tight wallet.
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
boss handed me that rusty old stump grinder without chaps, said 'wear your jeans, cowboy' - ended up with more holes in my pants than the stump. good thing i wasnt dancin around it like a ballerina or id be tellin this story from a wheelchair.
G
GutterGuru2⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
good thing you didnt keep dancin around it, i once ran mine with a pair of chaps on that saved my leg from a flying chunk.
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WattTheHeck30⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had a guy on a job site wearing chaps too but still caught a rock that flew 30 feet and dented his truck.
S
SharkBiteKing⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bosses always think jeans are enough til someone gets shredded. seen a guy lose half his boot on one of those rusty discs, coulda been his leg if he slipped wrong. next time id tell him to buy chaps or find a new crew.
H
HammerTimeHarry⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
bet that rusty disc made ya rethink jeans real quick. saw my buddy wear the same kind of chaps from the saw shop after his close call.
S
SpringBreaker2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
bosses act like safety gear is some kinda luxury till you got a guy gettin shredded on their watch.
J
JoistJockey8⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
same shit here, had to replace a boot on one of those rusty bastards last year myself
K
KeyKeeper⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
tell me why we keep running these beat up grinders without the damn guards on
S
SparkPlugSue2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah, and flip flops are the real ppe for stump grindin, till the day theyre haulin your toes outta the hopper.
L
LeafBlowerPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
flip flops aint ppe, but banning stump grinders for solo ops would save more legs than any steel-toe boot ever did, fight me.
M
MoveMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, had a close one myself last summer with a stump grinder kickback that sliced right through my boot, wasnt even solo but it shook me bad. flip flops or not, those machines are no joke.
T
TileTerror3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
those damn stump grinders are straight up death traps, and dont even get me started on the manufacturers cheaping out on safety features to save a buck. i had one kickback on a big oak stump last year and it nearly ripped my chaps clean off, all because the damn thing didnt have proper guards like it should. and the homeowners? they just stand there whining about how long its taking while were out here risking our asses for their stupid yard projects. regulators need to step up and force better designs, or more of us are gonna end up in the ER with missing limbs. its bullshit that we gotta deal with this crap every job, paying out the nose for insurance that barely covers the basics. time for the industry to rage against these machines before another guy gets fucked over.
D
DuctDaddy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
had a buddy lose three fingers to a stump grinder kickback last summer cuz he wasnt wearin the full ppe setup, so dont skimp on chaps and gloves or youll be next.
F
FixItFelix8⭐ Expert1mo
10
always keep your footing solid on uneven ground and use a vermeer sc series with the safety bar engaged, it'll give you that extra second if shit starts kickin back.
S
ShingleShuffler2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
damn, been there with a kicker on uneven dirt that nearly sent me flying. still feel that adrenaline rush thinking about it.
N
NailGunNed2⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
that shit with the grinder kicks like a mule when the dirt aint level, seen too many guys take hits from it.
F
FreonFiend2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had a guy lose his boot and almost his ankle last year when the wheel caught a root, nobody respects how fast that thing spins until it does
T
TrimTerror⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
always keep a damn fire extinguisher right by the grinder, mine caught a root and threw sparks everywhere last year.
W
WattTheHeck25⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
damn near lost a toe myself on one of those things when a root kicked back hard. been there man, that wheel dont slow down for nobody. always make sure the damn thing is off before you even think about moving it. same shit every time someone gets too comfy around em. what brand was grinding when it happened?
S
SewerSam⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
still got the dent in my boot from a stump grinder last fall, proud i didnt lose the leg.
F
FramingFool⚒️ Journeyman24d
3
at least your boot got a souvenir, my buddy lost a toe to one of those walk behind grinders last year.
T
TarPaperTom⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
saw a guy get his boot shredded by one of those ridgid grinders and he still brags about the scar like its a purple heart.
P
PestBuster99⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
damn near lost my toes to one of those ridgid things last year, still gets me.
T
TarheelTiler4⚒️ Journeyman27d
12
always use a mat under the grinder, saved my leg on a real slope in north carolina last year. dont trust just the outriggers alone. 100 bucks for a couple rubber mats beats a hospital bill. what size grinder were you running?
S
SparkPlugPro⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, some homeowner cheapskate always skips the mats and risks the whole crew.
P
PolishPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man that sounds scary as hell, what kinda stump grinder were you runnin? ever had one kick back on you before?
W
WeedWhackerPro2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
goddamn stump grinders are death machines waiting to happen, especially when some cheap rental from home depot gives out on you mid-job. had one kickback so bad it sent the handle flying into my thigh last summer, and that was with ppe. screw these companies cutting corners on maintenance, its gonna get someone killed one day.
D
DoorOpenerDave⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
been there with a crap rental grinder, left a bruise the size of a softball on my leg and i was damn lucky it wasnt worse.
F
FramingFanatic⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
those damn rental stump grinders are a death trap, had one snag my boot last summer and yanked me right into the blade before i could jump back.
A
AmpedApprentice3⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
same shit here man, damn near lost a toe to one of those rental grinders last year.
H
HueHustler⭐ Expert27d
13
these rental places are pushing out junk and dudes get hurt every season. had a guy on my crew almost lose fingers to one that threw a rock right at his face. we quit renting that crap and bought our own, worth every penny.
S
SparkPlugJunkie⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
gotta go with a bandit 15xp if your gonna buy your own, way safer than rentals. saw one guy get a rock to the face just like you said, still got the scar. check the clutch and teeth before every grind, saves alot of headaches. what model you ended up with?
T
TenYearVet28⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
man i swear those bandit teeth will throw a rock straight at your nuts if you blink. had one chunk hit my kneepad so hard it left a bruise for two weeks. always check the clutch twice before you start or youll be limping like the rest of us. what kinda rental almost got you?
B
BloomBoss⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
that bandit shit almost got me last year too, damn near ate my boot before the clutch caught. guy i know in the group still walks funny after his stump job went sideways.
F
FaucetFiend⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
rentals suck, some dickhead always leaves the teeth dull and then we pay for it
T
TenYearVet15⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit happened last year with one of them rental grinders, damn near took a chunk out my knee too. ended up buying a vermeer to stop the headache.
B
BeamBoss3⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
yeah those rental grinders are a joke, we all gotta watch out for this crap
P
PestPatrolPaul⭐ Expert20d
0
what brand of grinder were you running when it kicked back?
R
RollerRabbit⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
homeowners pushin you to grind a stump that close is some bullshit.
M
MoveMuscle⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
those rental grinders are always a crap shoot, damn near lost my own leg on a toro last year.
D
DustBunnyHunter10⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
those rental grinders are the real villain, every damn time
F
FaucetFighter🌱 Newcomer18d
7
rental grinders with loose teeth is what gets ya, always check the bolts before you start it up. i switched to a vermeer last year and havent had a close call since. what size stump was it?
R
RoofRatRicky⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
saw a guy lose a foot doin that crap on rentals too, homeowners never want to pay for the real gear
W
WireWhisperer2⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
home depot rentals are a damn joke, id rather pay double for a vermeer that wont kickback and turn you into hamburger.
B
BoxHaulerBen⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
always check the carbide teeth before firing it up, dull ones kickback way harder. i swear by the vermeer sc30 for rentals, handles the torque without the BS surprises.
D
DovetailDave⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
damn near took my arm off with a stump grinder last fall too
V
V1634🔧 Apprentice26d
5
same shit here, those home depot rentals are a joke when the safety stuff starts failing. felt that kick in my own leg just thinking about it.
D
DirtBagDan3⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
those damn machine manufacturers push the bare minimum ppe to cut corners and boost profits, leavin us grunts to deal with the blood and hospital bills. makes my blood boil every time i see another hack job site without proper chaps.
S
SparkPlugSam⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
what brand of stump grinder were you running when that happened?
D
DrainDiverDan2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn that thing is a leg eater no matter the brand, had a barnett eat through my boot last month.
D
DoorOpenerDave⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
got my pride back after i rigged a winch on a ridgid k-45 to yank stumps safer than grinders ever could.
C
CircuitClown2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
stump grinders need a kill switch you can hit with your knee when things go bad, fight me.
D
DuctDoctor4⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
dont cheap out on safety gear or you will lose more than a leg, saw a guy on a jobsite with a ridgid grinder go down hard last summer.
E
EaveExpert⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
bet that thing had teeth sharper than my exes words after i skipped another dinner. worked on a job last month where the grinders cable snagged my boot and i danced like a fool to stay upright. always wondered why these rigs dont come with a bigger red button you can knee without thinking twice. same thing almost happened to a buddy of mine using that little bluebird unit from the youtube clips, he said he barely missed the roots near the patio. i swear these machines got no sense of self preservation. why you not rigging up a strap on your knee guard instead of waiting on the factory to fix it?
D
DustBunnyHunter8⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
id stay away from those ride on grinders they flip too easy near fences and utilities.
N
NotAnElectrician12⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
same shit here, those ride on ones flip way too easy near fences and i almost lost a toe last summer too
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FixItFelix9⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
those ride ons are sketchy as hell, i seen a guy on a job site get his boot shredded right at the fence line and still finished the day. bet your toe story beats the time mine almost got caught cause the kill switch lagged. least we both kept the leg tho, i started strapping a 2x4 across the deck edge after that mess. funny how a stump turns into a damn death trap when you aint watching every inch. you still running the same grinder or switched after nearly losing digits?
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FrameForge2⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
jesus, that kickback shit is no joke, had one nearly clip my knee last year and i was sweatin bullets. wear the damn chaps every time, aint worth losin a limb over a quick job.
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LiftAndShift⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
had a buddy lose half his leg to one of those bastards last summer, dont ever skip the chaps or proper stance. kickback hits like a freight train if youre not squared up right. trust me, the hospital bills aint worth the shortcut.
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WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert25d
2
guys getting wrecked by these cheap homeowners that want it done yesterday and dont give a damn about safety gear.
B
BugBlasterBen⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
man those cheap grinders got no safety stops so grab a ridgid k-45 next time and slow the hell down
S
SparkJockey3⭐ Expert22d
4
had a customer in oregon last month try to rush a stump grind with my barrett 6 inch grinder and i walked away with a fat bonus for insisting on proper safety.
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RodentRidder2⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
customers pushing the schedule like that almost always turn into a safety nightmare.
S
ShingleShark2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
yeah, mine tried to turn my chaps into confetti once, but i was too busy dodging to get a matching scar. good thing stump grinders dont do refunds on near-misses.
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AntAnnihilator6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
fuckin stump grinders are death traps waiting to happen, especially when the damn manufacturers cut corners on safety features. wish id sued the shit out of em after my close call with that rayco beast.
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JackOfAllTrades4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those manufacturers are a bunch of cheap bastards, skimping on guards and controls just to boost their bottom line while us guys dodge flying chips and worse. had a buddy lose half his foot to one of those rayco monsters last year, and the company lawyered up so fast it wasnt even funny. time we all band together and sue the crap outta em before someone else gets mangled.
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BoxHauler5⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
these companies keep skimping on safety just to save a buck and its gonna get someone else killed.
S
SweepSquad3⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
always drill a few 1 inch holes in the stump first, lets the grinder bite without kickback.
R
RollerRanger8⚒️ Journeyman25d
4
lol tell me about it, those cheap grinders got teeth sharper than a cat fight at a home depot lot.
F
FurnitureFlipper3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
lmao my near miss was a customer dog chasing the blade. almost ran over the pup.
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PaintSplatterPete⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
hit 20 years without a major incident by treating every tool like its loaded.
O
OpenerOperator2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
gas powered vs electric grinders, electrics kick less imo.
B
BugBlaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
fuck those rental companies pushing underpowered electrics just to save a buck, they kick like a mule when you hit a root and nearly got my buddy's foot last summer. gas ones have the torque to chew through without that bullshit surprise lurch. homeowners think they can diy this crap and end up calling us for the mess anyway. damn near misses like yours are why we all need better gear standards.
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ScrewLooseSue⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
skip the electric rentals entirely, had a guy last year who ignored the kickback warning and ended up with a shredded boot and three stitches in his shin.
B
BugHunterX⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
man, shredded boot's just nature's way of saying 'wear steel toes next time, idiot'. mine once grabbed my pant leg and i danced like a drunk ballerina til the engine died.
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NotAnElectrician14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
dude, had a similar scare last summer when it yanked my boot halfway off, still twitchy about running those things without steel toes.
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LawnLizardLarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
steel toes are for pussies, i run mine without em and save the hassle of clunky boots. pant leg grabs aint shit if you know how to throttle down quick.
H
HandyHank⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
dude, i tried that no-steel-toe life once and the damn chipper threw a rock right into my shin, felt like i got kicked by a mule. now i wear the clunky ones and just tell the guys it's my superhero armor. saves me from explainin to the wife how i almost became a pirate with one leg.
L
LiftMaster3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
man, that chipper kick to the shin sounds brutal, i've taken a few like that myself and it leaves you limpin for days. had a close call on a job last summer where the stump grinder kicked up a chunk of root that clipped my knee hard enough to tear my jeans. switched to steel toes after that, no more cheap sneakers for this guy. the wife's the same way, she'd lose her mind if i came home with a story like that. been wearin em for years now and yeah, theyre clunky as hell but better than explainin a hospital visit. reminds me of a buddy who ignored the ppe and ended up with a gnarly cut that needed stitches. dont mess around with those machines, they dont care if youre in a rush. stay safe out there, brother.
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MuscleMoverMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
those cheap-ass steel toes are a scam from the insurance companies tryin to save a buck while we risk our limbs on every job.
G
GarageGuru8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
what brand of steel toes you wearing that crapped out like that?
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BugBusterJoe3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
i've run my vermeer sc30 for 15 years straight without a single snag, and those steel toes? never trusted 'em, always wore my composite ones and kept both legs.
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V7025🌱 Newcomer1mo
12
damn man, i almost lost a finger to my buddies grinder last month, felt that close call in my gut for days. glad you kept both legs, those vermeers are beasts but they dont mess around.
S
SawdustSavant16⭐ Expert1mo
9
damn near took my thumb off last summer when the key kicked back on a big oak stump, shoulda double-checked the guards first. these machines are no joke, one slip and youre done.
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WeedWhackerKid⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
never run that thing without the full ppe setup, saw a buddy lose half his foot to kickback last year on a vermeer. guards aint enough if youre not paying attention every damn second.
C
CircuitClown2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
damn, had a close call myself last summer when the grinder kicked back and nearly got my ankle, makes you double-check that ppe every time.
R
RefrigerantRanger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah man, been there with a grinder kickback that had me sweatin bullets, makes you hug that ppe like your life depends on it.
E
EaveEater3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
been there with a grinder kickback that had me sweatin bullets, nearly lost a chunk of my boot. makes you paranoid about ppe forever after.
C
CanvasKing6⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
yeah man, i had one kick back on me last year and it grazed my shin, still gets my heart racin thinkin about it.
C
ChillTechChris⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
saw a guy last year lose his whole leg to a stump grinder kickback 'cause he skipped the leg chaps, dont be that idiot.
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RoofRat883⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
fml, i had a buddy who wasnt wearin proper chaps and that damn grinder caught his calf, took three surgeries just to walk again.
C
ChillTech⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
what kinda ppe do you swear by for stump grinding, got any tips on the best chaps?
T
TarHeelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
go with husky chaps, they've saved my ass more times than i can count on those big stumps. pair em with steel-toe boots and a face shield to keep the flying debris from screwing you up. always check the tension on the belt before firing it up, loose ones can kick back nasty.
E
EaveEater3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those damn manufacturers think a flimsy guard and some ppe sticker makes everything safe, but they aint out there dodging kickback from a vermeer on a sunday job. insurance companies are even worse, nickel and dime you on coverage then leave you high and dry when the shit hits. had a guy on my crew get laid up for months cuz some cheap-ass rental grinder jammed, and the company blamed the operator. we gotta union up or somethin, cant keep letting this crap slide.
F
FramingFreak⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
insurance aint worth the paper its printed on when you actually need em, just denied my guys claim last year over some BS technicality. gonna be the death of this trade if we dont start fighting back harder.
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LevelLou🔧 Apprentice29d
3
hell yeah, i dodged a similar grinder mishap last summer and it made me double down on my own safety setup, now my crew's got zero claims two years running. insurance can suck it when you take control like that.
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PaintSplatterPro⭐ Expert28d
1
insurance companies are the real grinders out here, jacking up premiums every damn year while we risk our asses on these machines. had a buddy get dinged for a minor slip and his rates shot to the moon, total BS. they act like we're the problem when their paperwork is the real hazard. screw that, we gotta stick together and call out this crap before it buries more of us.
T
TurfTamer⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
insurance must love guys dodging stump grinders like you, my buddy swore off em after nearly losing a toe last year.
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HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
insurance companies are the real villains here, making us dodge death for their profit margins.
V
V6501🌱 Newcomer24d
2
same shit here, almost lost my hand to a stump grinder last month over some stupid insurance delay.
A
AllAroundAce⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
insurance companies got us out here dodging death just to protect their damn margins.
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RoofRat874⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
insurance really is the real villain, had one jerk deny a claim after a guy almost lost his foot on a grinder
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WattTheHeck3⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
check your policy wording for equipment rental exclusions, saved me 3k last time.
S
SpotlessSteve7⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
at least you still got both legs, my buddy hit a rock with his and had to call it a day.
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SewerSam⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
stick with a rayco rg74 mini for those sunday gigs, its got a way better guard setup than the vermeer rentals and saved my ass from a nasty kickback last month. always keep the hydraulic flow under 20 gpm to avoid that jamming bullshit your crew hit. union or not, good ppe like these reinforced chaps from husqvarna make a real difference too.
D
DustBunnySlayer2⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
man, ive been there with a rented stump grinder that kicked back and nearly tagged my knee, insurance just laughed when i filed the claim.
J
JoistJockey8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
been there with a stump grinder kickback that left my arm black and blue for weeks, no fun. makes you triple-check those guards every damn time now.
M
MopMasterMax⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, i've had a few close calls with grinders myself, heart pounding like a drum when that blade gets too close. glad you walked away with both legs intact, those vermeer beasts are no joke.
F
FrameFailer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
stump grinders are a damn joke if you ask me, vermeer or not, companies skimp on safety guards to cut costs and leave us operators hanging by a thread.
T
TarHeelRoofer🔧 Apprentice29d
5
always keep at least 3 feet of clearance from the blade on those vermeer grinders, saved my ass more than once when the stump shifted.
R
RollerRogue7⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waiting to happen, the manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs and leave us hanging.
M
MopMaster30002⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
damn, those close calls make you rethink your whole life in about two seconds. been there with a vermeer, heart racin' like i just ran from a pissed off bear. glad you're still kickin' with both legs, brother.
O
OpenerOperator6⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit happens every time you rush and skip the bar. just ripped my jeans on a hidden root last week with my vermeer and damn near snapped my ankle.
P
PipeLord4207⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
fuckin manufacturers and their weak-ass designs on these machines, always one loose bolt away from disaster. i had a similar scare last summer when the throttle stuck on a rented vermeer, nearly chewed through my shin before i yanked it free. OP, running without steel toes is ballsy but those pant grabs are no joke, especially when the homeowners cheap out on the job site and leave roots everywhere. we all know the real villains are the suits pushing us to rush these gigs for pennies while skimping on safety gear that actually works. had a buddy lose half his foot to a barlow grinder malfunction, and the insurance dragged their feet for months on the claim. its bullshit how these companies cut corners and leave us holding the bag. rage on, brothers, we gotta stick together before another one of us gets mangled.
D
DrainDemon2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
never run a stump grinder without full ppe, i saw a guy lose three fingers last year cuz he skipped the chaps and it grabbed his leg like a damn vice. those vermeer throttles are finicky as hell, always double check em before firing up.
C
CanvasKing2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
fuckin machines like that are death traps without proper guards, and the manufacturers just keep pumpin em out to squeeze every dime outta us while we dodge amputation every damn day.
V
V3563🔧 Apprentice1mo
12
yeah man, i rented one of those wimpy electrics once and it bucked so hard i ended up dancin like a drunk cowboy on a buckin bronco 😂
G
GreenThumbGus⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
what kinda electric model was that that bucked so bad, any chance it was one of them cheap rentals from home depot?
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PolishPro2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah it was one of those damn home depot rentals, bucked like a pissed off mule and nearly got me too. shoulda known better than to trust their cheap crap but the boss was cheap that week.
D
DirtBagLandscaper4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
what kinda stump grinder was that home depot one, like a 25hp model or something?
S
SpringSpecialist9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man i had a close one myself with a rented vermeer 25hp beast, felt that heart-stoppin jerk in my gut when it grabbed wrong, damn near pissed myself.
S
SawdustSavant15⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
those damn home depot rentals are a joke, the 25hp one's got no real safety stops and i almost lost a finger on one last summer when the blade kicked back hard.
D
DuctDoctor9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
home depot rentals are a damn joke, always some underpowered POS like that 25hp that's more headache than help. i hate how they skimp on the good stuff just to jack up the daily rate and leave us riskin our asses.
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TenYearVet26🔧 Apprentice1mo
12
yeah that home depot 25hp vermeer sc252 is a beast but the controls can feel loose if youre not used to em. i always double check the deadman switch before firing it up, saved my ass more than once. rent it for around $200 a day here and its worth every penny for bigger stumps. just keep your stance wide and never reach over the wheel while its spinning.
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WrenchWiz2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
been there with those rental pieces of crap, nearly took my foot off last year and now i stick to the boss's vermeer no matter what.
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OpenerOperator6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
always double-check that clutch lever's locked before firing up the vermeer, saved my ass more than once when it kicked back on a root ball.
T
TarheelTiler4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
had a vermeer try to eat my boot once cuz i forgot to lock that damn clutch, thought i was auditioning for a horror flick. spent the next hour digging wood chips outta my laces while the homeowner's dog laughed at me. now i treat that lever like it's the last beer at a dry jobsite, double-triple check it every time. last week i even yelled 'clutch locked, boss!' to my helper just to make sure, he rolled his eyes but hey, better safe than explaining to the wife why i'm hopping around. stump grinders are sneaky bastards, always waiting for that one slip up. prolly saved your leg more times than it almost took, right?
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JoistJoker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
man, bosses cheaping out on rentals is the real killer, i damn near ate dirt on a similar rig last month and it wasnt even my fault.
B
BrushStrokePro2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
bosses cheaping out on rentals is straight up criminal, should be locked up for endangering us like that.
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JunctionJunkie2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
bosses cheaping out on shitty rentals is straight up criminal, should be locked up for endangerin us like that.
V
V3561🔧 Apprentice1mo
9
bosses cheaping out on rentals? mine sent me out with a grinder that sounded like it was on its last leg, and i nearly became the peg leg pirate of the landscaping world dodging that flying chunk of stump. woulda been a helluva workers comp story though. 😂
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EaveEater2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
bosses like that make me wanna quit every damn time, cheaping out on rentals that could get us killed just to save a few bucks.
V
V1201🔧 Apprentice1mo
13
dont ever run a stump grinder without the full safety guards on, i saw a guy lose half his foot last summer when his slipped off and the boss had rented some cheap-ass model without em.
C
CircuitSurfer2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
always double-check the guards and torque those bolts to spec before firing up any stump grinder, saved my ass more than once on rental units.
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SplashMaster2⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
stump grinders will take your damn leg in two seconds flat if you get sloppy, i saw a guy in jersey lose one last summer cause he skipped the torque check on a rental. heard about that pa accident too where the cops saved the dude, no way im risking it for a quick job. always grab the torque wrench before you even start the thing, learned that the hard way after a bolt backed out mid grind. too many guys treat these rentals like toys and it shows up in the er every year. shoulda seen the mess on one of my early calls when the guard popped off, scared me straight. what rental company you usually go with out there?
V
V5133🔧 Apprentice29d
11
glad i spoke up to my boss about that junky rental last week, got us a solid vermeer grinder instead and we finished the job twice as fast without any close calls.
D
DuctDoctor7⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
damn, those rental pieces of crap can turn a quick job into a nightmare real fast. been there with a sketchy one that nearly snagged my boot, glad you pushed for the vermeer upgrade.
K
KeyMasterKim⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
same shit here, that vermeer saved my buddy's leg last year too
C
CoilCooler⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn that vermeer did save some lives this year, had a buddy get yanked toward the wheel too when a rope caught his boot. weve all been inches from the same crap on jobs. feels like the safety guards never hold up long enough once the stump starts spitting stuff back. seen too many guys skip the full harness when theyre just doing a quick pull assist. makes you wonder if theyll ever make one that actually stops the feed before you lose something. your pal still working after that or did it slow him down for good?
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FumeFighter2⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
seen guys use a 3ft length of 3/4in chain run through the feed guard on vermeer units to buy a little reaction time when things let go.
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LaminateLegend2⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
rope around the waist is asking for it, tell your buddy to ditch that vermeer setup for a chainsaw stump grinder instead.
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PipeLord42029⚒️ Journeyman18d
12
stump grinders dont give a damn about your rope setup, seen too many close calls already.
B
BrushStrokePro12⭐ Expert24d
0
same shit here, had a vermeer snag my boot last season too
B
BrushStrokeBoss7⚒️ Journeyman23d
7
landscapers pushing these grinders way too hard for quick bucks and guys keep getting pulled in like that pennsylvania case.
V
V2805🔧 Apprentice23d
3
had a vermeer do that to my boot last year too and my crew still calls me stumpy. one second your standing there and the next your praying your laces hold. safety pins on the pants saved me but damn it was close. you got any pics of that grinders teeth or was it a total wipeout?
D
DustBunnyHunter7⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
man, bosses cheaping out on safe rentals is the worst kinda BS, had a similar close call last summer that still gives me chills. been there, and it makes you wanna walk off the job every time.
V
VentWizard5⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
bosses cheaping out on rentals is straight up MURDER waiting to happen, mine pulled the same BS last summer and almost got our whole crew hurt.
T
ThermostatTitan⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, been there with the boss rentin that crap equipment, had my heart in my throat too when it almost caught my boot.
F
FrameItRight⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah man, those home depot rentals are straight garbage, bucked like a damn bronco on me once and i nearly ate dirt.
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FrostBiteFred⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
home depot rentals are a joke, but i'll take em over those cheap ass chinese knockoffs any day, even if they kick like a mule. seriously, folks treat stump grinders like they're toys and wonder why they end up in the er. i dont get why everyone skimps on a decent vermeer or carlson when one buck like that can cost you your leg. yeah, i know, rentals save cash, but last job i saw a guy lose half his foot cuz the blade was duller than a politicians promise. fight me on this, but if you're running heavy equipment, own your shit or stay in the kiddie pool. ngl, those hd machines got me out of a pinch twice, but i check every nut and bolt before firing it up. shoulda seen the look on the homeowner's face when i told em id bill extra for the rental headache.
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LeakLurker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
man, i felt that stump grinder kickback in my nightmares after the one that almost turned my boot into a blender. rentals from hd are a crapshoot, always one loose bolt away from disaster. been there with the homeowners staring like deers in headlights when you hit em with the extra bill. glad you walked away whole, brother.
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PickAndGrin2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, been there with those hd rentals kicking back like a pissed off bull, nearly took my knee out last summer. sucks how they cut corners on maintenance and leave us to deal with the close calls.
D
DrainDruid⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah man, those damn rentals always feel one loose blade away from disaster, got my heart pounding just thinking about it.
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LaminateLarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
those rental stump grinders are a total crapshoot, one bad vibration last week and i nearly lost a finger on the damn thing.
A
AntAnnihilator3⭐ Expert27d
10
that damn thing kicked back like a pissed off mule, nearly took me out too when i rented one last summer.
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NailGunNinja8⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
felt that kickback in my gut too, stump grinders dont forgive when they bind up. rented one in ohio last year and it hopped right at my shin before i could get clear. swear by calling a pro now instead of fighting it myself with whatever rental place has that week. what size stump was it anyway?
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ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, that thing will chew your leg up before you even blink
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WrenchWarrior⭐ Expert24d
0
same shit here, one hopped on me in ohio too and damn near took the kneecap.
Z
ZapMaster2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
always hated those stump grinders, one wrong move and your leg is toast in ohio too.
P
PipeLord4204⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
these damn homeowners always think stump grinding is just like a lawnmower job and then act shocked when something goes sideways. insurance companies are the real winners here, they get to jack rates again while we deal with the mess. every time i see a grinder on site now i tell the crew to treat it like a loaded gun. my buddy lost two toes last year because the customer insisted on doing it himself first. why the hell do they never listen till bloods on the ground?
H
HammerTimeVet2⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
that stump grinder nearly ended your career huh, tried using one once and spent the next hour picking splinters out my boot. now i just call a guy with a mini excavator and charge the customer for it. those things got no chill when the root hits the wheel.
J
JoistJester⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
renting one of those grinders is like playing russian roulette with your shins, mine bucked so hard i nearly moonwalked into next week.
B
BugBusterJoe2⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
landlords pushin these grinders on us like its no big deal, somebody gonna get maimed out here
V
V7429🔧 Apprentice24d
1
damn right, i ran a ridgid grinder last month and walked away without a scratch while the other guy got lazy with his.
H
HammerTimeHank3⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
that other guy sounds like he got lucky, i've seen a stump grinder take a chunk out of a guys boot before.
D
DuctTapeDuke2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
hell yeah, next time ill just rent the damn thing with my leg already crossed for good luck 😂
G
GreenThumbGus⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
those things are a damn death trap every time a homeowner thinks they can save a few bucks.
B
BrushStrokePro⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
always use a chip shield on those grinders or your gonna be hurting like i did last year
T
TileTamer3⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
tellin you man i always wear those steel toe boots now or your gonna be missin a leg like my buddy did
F
FaucetFiend2⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
same shit, those grinders will take a leg before you know it. homeowners never learn till they see the blood.
P
PipeLord42010⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
fuck those rental companies, always skimping on maintenance so we're the ones dodging flying blades and praying we keep our legs.
V
V7683🌱 Newcomer29d
3
those rental assholes deserve to get sued everytime somethin goes wrong, always cuttin corners on the damn maintenance to save a buck while we risk our limbs out here.
C
CanvasCowboy3⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
those rental guys can kiss my ass, its always the same crap with their beat up grinders and zero maintenance. saw a buddy almost lose his leg last year on one of those things and it pissed me off bad. you reportin this to anybody or just venting?
B
BreakerBreaker⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit with those rental grinders, theyll kill somebody and then hide behind the fine print.
D
DuctDoctor3⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
heard that rental grinder fine print can screw ya over, might check the hydraulics on a vermeer next time instead.
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PipeDreamer16🔧 Apprentice18d
1
bet that vermeer rental fine print woulda left you hoppin on one leg for good
V
V6529🔧 Apprentice24d
2
at least your leg's still attached, those rental grinders are straight up death traps.
D
DoorOpenerDan⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
oh man, home depot rentals are like dating a supermodel with commitment issues, they look good but buck you off the second things get real. had one kick back on me last summer and i swear it was plotting my demise, nearly planted me face-first in the mulch. if it was that 25hp vermeer they rent, thats the culprit, sneaky bastard. dodged a bullet on that leg though, huh?
S
SparkPlugStan⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
damn those home depot rentals are a crapshoot every time, i had one almost yank my arm off last month and now i wont touch em without a full harness, pissed me off big time.
V
VineVanquisher⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those home depot rentals are straight up DANGEROUS, like they don't even maintain em half the time and expect us to risk our asses for cheap jobs.
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RustyNails22🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
home depot rentals are straight up death traps, shoulda banned that vermeer 25hp after the first guy lost a leg to it. screw their 'safety checks,' i aint touching em anymore.
M
MoveMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, those home depot rentals are a nightmare, had a close call myself last summer that left me shakin. screw em, i only use my own gear now.
W
WireWhisperer3⭐ Expert1mo
12
those damn home depot rentals are a liability waiting to happen, had a buddy who lost half his foot on one and the company wouldnt even cover his medical.
G
GreenThumbGreg🔧 Apprentice1mo
8
those damn home depot rentals are a lawsuit waitin to happen, had one jam on me last week and nearly yanked my arm off, screw their maintenance.
J
JunctionJunkie3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
yeah those home depot rentals are a crapshoot every time, had one where the throttle stuck and i nearly fed my arm into the grinder last month, total bullshit.
T
TenYearVet4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
man, i once had a home depot special where the damn safety guard decided to take a vacation mid-cut, almost turned my boot into mulch. had to jump back like a cat on a hot tin roof, cursing the whole time. those rentals are basically russian roulette for your limbs. lucky we aint posting pics of our new prosthetics, huh? 😂
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WattTheHeck12⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
damn, been there with a rented grinder that kicked back and nearly turned my shin into sawdust, heart was pounding like a jackhammer.
B
BloomBoss2⭐ Expert27d
7
damn rentals with no safety checks just begging for disaster, felt that scare all the way from here. homeowners expect you to risk your leg for a couple hundred bucks like its no big deal. next time i see a home depot special like that im walking away. how you keep your guys off those junk machines?
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ShingleShark17⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah it was one of those cheap home depot rentals, probably a vermeer sc30tx that had zero maintenance and bucked like a pissed off bull. stick to rayco models if you can, way smoother controls and less chance of that kickback bs.
C
ChillChamp⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
good call on rayco, i've been running their rg74 for years and the dual controls make kickback way less of an issue. always double check the cutter wheel tension before firing it up, saved my ass more than once.
S
ShingleSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those damn home depot rentals are a death trap, zero maintenance and they kickback harder than a hangover. rental places like that should be SUED for skimping on upkeep, its a miracle more guys dont lose limbs. stick to owning your own gear, saves lives and headaches.
C
ChillTech⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
man, home depot rentals are like dating the ex who never changed her oil, sooner or later it kicks back and youre dodgin a lawsuit. i once fed my boot into one of those beasts and came out with just a scare, but damn if i didnt swear off em for good. stick to your own gear, or at least pray to the tree gods before hittin start. lol, almost became a peg-leg pirate that day.
K
KeyMasterKim⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
man, ive had that same kickback scare with a home depot rental, felt like my heart stopped for a second.
V
V1637🌱 Newcomer1mo
15
fuckin rental stump grinders are a death trap, shoulda known better than to trust home depot's junk. my boot got snagged on a root last week and the damn thing yanked me right into the blade, scraped my leg up bad. these machines got no safety features for beginners like us apprentices, and the bosses just laugh it off. wish theyd invest in decent gear instead of cheaping out every time.
R
RoofRatLarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
yeah man, those damn kickbacks with the home depot rentals always got my adrenaline pumping like that, felt it in my gut every time.
O
OpenerOperator7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
always cut a v-notch into the stump first to direct the kickback away from you, saved my ass on a big oak last month.
W
WoodWizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
damn, those home depot rentals are a crapshoot every time, had one buck on me last summer and i nearly ate dirt. glad you walked away from that mess.
G
GarageGuru6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
man, i had a close call with one of those bastards last fall, got my boot caught and thought i was done for. home depot's gear is always hit or miss, shoulda checked the feed control twice like my old boss said. walks away from the big ones like that are what keep us going. glad you're still kickin'.
S
SparkJockey3⭐ Expert1mo
7
dodged a 2-foot stump last summer with my vermeer and came out without a scratch, feels damn good. those close calls just make you sharper for the next one.
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PipeDreamer14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah those home depot beasts have a mind of their own, i once thought i was grinding a stump but it was clearly plotting my demise 😂
O
OpenerOperator4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
man ive had a few of those close calls with the homedepot grinder, feels like theyre out to get you sometimes.
C
CircuitScreamer⭐ Expert1mo
7
those home depot rentals are like dating a ex who promises to change but ends up bucking harder than ever. i once got launched into a bush chasing one down, felt like a cartoon coyote.
R
RefrigerantRanger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
watch your damn footing around those things, i saw a guy get his leg yanked in and it nearly took it clean off last summer.
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PaintSplatterPat4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
god, those stump grinders are a nightmare waitin to happen, i was grindin a big oak stump out in the backyard last fall and the damn thing kicked back so hard it ripped my boot half off before i could jump clear.
A
AmpedUp4⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
man, i've had my fair share of those kickbacks too, damn near pissed myself one time when it caught my ppe and yanked me forward. been there brother, those machines are no joke.
S
SweepSquad3⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
yeah those kickbacks are no joke, felt the same fear last summer when my foot caught on a root. almost jumped out of my skin too, man. stump grinders will eat whatever gets close if you slip even once. always keep your stance wide and check the ground before you fire it up. i started wearing steel toe boots with extra ankle support after my near miss. cheaper than a hospital bill for sure. what kind of grinder were you running that day anyway?
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PipeDreamer25⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
been there, same close call with my stihl grinder last year almost took my boot off.
J
JoistJester⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
bullshit, every stump grinder is gonna eat a foot if you slip once so why we still arguing over brands instead of just hiring it out.
T
TenYearVet3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, those home depot rentals are pure garbage, the clutch kicks like a pissed off mule and nearly yanked my arm out of socket last summer. i was grinding a 24 inch oak stump and it bucked so hard i ended up flat on my ass in the mud. shoulda brought my own vermeer but figured id save a few bucks, what a dumbass move.
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PrunePro3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
been there with those home depot rentals, the damn clutch grabs so sudden it feels like it's gonna rip your shoulder clean off. last time i tried one on a big maple stump, it bucked hard and i ate dirt, scraped up my knee bad enough for stitches. shoulda just hauled my own vermeer out, but yeah, saving that 50 bucks sounded smart til it didnt. those things are built cheap for weekend warriors, not real work. makes you swear off rentals for good.
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ShingleShark14⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
man, those home depot rentals are a death trap, bucked on me last year and left me with a busted wrist that still aches on rainy days. shoulda shelled out for the vermeer like you said, lesson learned the hard way.
S
SparkPlugDummy2⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
yeah, those home depot beasts are like drunk uncles at a wedding, one wrong move and youre picking teeth out of the grass. next time i rent one ill bring my lucky rabbit's foot, or maybe just buy the damn vermeer already lol
S
SparkPlugPro⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
home depot's got the budget models for a reason, mine tried to eat my boot last week and i swear it was laughing the whole time.
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CanvasKing2⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
cheap rental grinders are the real villain here, almost ate my calf last year too
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LiftLad⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
always check the safety bar on those things twice or your next job might be in a hospital bed. ridgid makes a decent model that wont buck like the cheap ones. you wear steel toes at least?
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TileTerror10⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
had my ridgid grinder catch a root and jerk me around like that last spring but i just laughed it off and finished the job.
H
HueMaster2⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
damn, that same thing happened to me with my ridgid last year and it still makes my leg twitch just thinking about it.
V
V3667🌱 Newcomer24d
2
glad you didnt lose the leg over a stump man, my buddy almost did the same with his ridgid last month and still jokes about it at lunch.
V
V6529🔧 Apprentice22d
2
these damn homeowners never care about the hazards till someone bleeds
T
TurfTamer⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that ridgid almost got my ankle last month too, still makes me watch my step around those things.
H
HueHero⚒️ Journeyman25d
6
same shit, those home depot rentals will bite you when you least expect it.
B
BrushStrokePro8⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
dont rent those grinders unless the stump is fully clear of utilities, saw a guy get his boot ripped right off last month.
V
VentVictor⚒️ Journeyman22d
8
fuckin rental grinders are a death trap waiting for the next poor bastard to get pulled in.
E
EaveEnforcer2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn rental companies push these underpowered electric pieces of crap on us and then act shocked when we almost get our legs chewed up.
T
TermiteTerror3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
homeowners dont get how dangerous this shit is.
T
TenYearVet16⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
pissed me off when my old boss skimped on safety gear. no more.
T
TileTerrorist⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
man, i once had a stump grinder kick back and almost turned my boot into modern art. boss handed me these flimsy gloves that wouldnt stop a butter knife, so i ended up looking like i lost a fight with a blender. good thing i didnt, or id be telling this story from a hospital bed. bosses skimping on gear is the real kicker, aint it? 😂
S
SpotlessSteve10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
bosses who skimp on PPE should be the ones getting ground up, not us.
C
CircuitSnake⭐ Expert1mo
19
yeah, next time tell your boss to wear the ppe and grind his own thumb, save you the hospital bill 😂
D
DrainDiver5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
bosses sending us out with that crap equipment while they sip coffee in the ac, its bullshit and someone needs to union up before more legs get chewed off.
P
PolishedPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
bosses like that are the WORST, always pushin us to grind without proper ppe while they sit in the ac countin their cash.
S
SawdustSavant11⭐ Expert1mo
12
those bosses are straight up vampires, suckin our blood while we risk our limbs for their fat stacks.
T
TileTitan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
man, i had a close call with a chainsaw last year that had my heart racing for days. those bosses dont give a damn as long as the jobs get done.
G
GutterGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
next time use a remote control grinder like the vermeer sc30tx, keeps you outta the bite zone while you chew through those roots.
T
TrimQueen⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
man, ive had my share of those close calls with grinders, heart still pounds thinking about it.
P
PipeDreamer24⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
what kinda grinder were you running when that happened?
V
V5427🔧 Apprentice1mo
25
goddamn rental stump grinders are a joke, no remote control and theyre just waitin to chew your leg off like they did to my buddies last summer.
D
DrainDiver3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
man, stump grinders are like ex-girlfriends, one wrong move and youre missing a limb. i rented one last fall and nearly turned my boot into confetti when the damn thing bucked on a root. shoulda listened to my gut and stuck with the chainsaw. now i just hire out the grinding and save my legs for climbing ladders 😂.
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LeakLocator⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
never stand too close to those damn rentals without chocks on the wheels, saw a guy lose half his calf last year because the machine bucked and grabbed his boot. wear steel toes every time, even if it's just for a quick cut.
T
TarheelTiler4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
those rental companies are a joke, skimpin on safety features and leavin us to deal with the buckin monsters that nearly kill us every damn job.
R
RollerRogue6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
had a rented vermeer 2000xp that tried to eat my shin like it was lunch, turns out i taste like band-aids 😂
K
KeyMasterKev⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, NEVER stand that close to a spinning cutter on a vermeer like that or youll lose more than your shin, trust me i saw a guy get airlifted last summer.
R
RustyNails22🔧 Apprentice1mo
8
those vermeer safety guards are a joke anyway, half the time they dont even catch your pants before the cutter grabs em. id rather ditch em for better visibility than worry about some flimsy ass warning label.
T
TermiteTerror⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
fuckin vermeer and their cheap ass safety crap, got a buddy who lost half his hand cuz those guards couldnt hold back the teeth, corporate bullshit just chasin liability instead of real protection.
R
RoofRatRicky⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
yeah man, that corporate BS on equipment pisses me off too, almost got my foot chewed up by a similar grinder last summer and the guards just aint built right.
P
PrunePro2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
those damn corporate bean counters cut corners on the guards to save a buck and now we're the ones dodging death every jobsite, total BS.
P
PaintSplatPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
always double check those guards before firing up the grinder and keep a good 10 feet back if you can, saved my ass more than once.
P
PaintSplatterPro⭐ Expert1mo
8
those guards on stump grinders are a joke, man, dont ever run it without chaps or you might end up like that guy i know who lost half his calf. always double check the teeth too, dull ones kickback worse. corporate cuts corners and we pay the price with our limbs.
D
DuctDoctor⚒️ Journeyman1mo
29
yeah those guards are like the seatbelt on a rollercoaster, complete bullshit until you're dangling by your pants over the teeth.
D
DirtBagLandscaper7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
what kinda grinder were you running when that guard saved your ass?
T
TenYearVet8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, i was runnin a vermeer sc30 last summer and that damn guard was the only thing between me and a hospital bed. had this old oak stump in a tight backyard spot, roots goin everywhere, and i got a little too aggressive with the throttle. felt the vibration kick up wrong, next thing i know the wheel's twitchin toward my leg like it had a mind of its own. shit, my heart was poundin for a solid hour after. been there more times than id like to admit, those machines dont forgive sloppy footing. makes you double check every damn adjustment before you fire it up. glad yours held up, brother. still got all your toes?
T
TarpTitan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
hell yeah, ive run the vermeer sc30 on dozens of gnarly stumps without a scratch, and that guard's saved my ass more times than i can count - proud to say im still kickin with both legs intact.
C
ComboBreaker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
damn, that vibration'll make your stomach drop, been there with a stump grinder catchin roots and nearly eatin my boot last fall.
V
V4193🔧 Apprentice29d
10
man i been there too, that damn vibration hits and youre thinkin your leg is gone for sure.
P
PolishPro4⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
damn that sounds scary as hell, i almost ate it with a rented vermeer last week. what kinda grinder were you runnin anyway? did you have any ppe on or was it just a straight panic moment? whats the one thing youd change next time to avoid that shit?
H
HardwoodHero3⭐ Expert26d
5
those rentals are always one loose bolt from disaster. saw a guy catch his boot on the same vermeer model and it took his shoe clean off, ended up with 3 weeks off the books. ppe helps but it dont stop the thing when its hungry. i started zip tying the kill switch cord to my belt so it kills before my knee gets there. rental places never check that safety cover either. what did you end up doin after you got clear?
D
DoorJamJam⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
damn those vibrations are no joke, i was grinding a big oak stump last summer and the thing jerked so hard my foot slipped right into the path, thought i was done for. had to yank back quick or id be missing half my leg now. these machines are beasts and nobody warns you enough about the kickback. pisses me off how one dumb move could end your whole career.
V
V4848🌱 Newcomer25d
4
yeah those grinders will jerk hard as hell and kick your foot right in without warning.
S
ShingleSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
always stand off to the side of that grinder, saw a guy lose a foot doing it the wrong way.
D
DustBunnyHunter5⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
yeah always off to the side, learned that the hard way with my old vermeer. had a stump blow a chunk back at me last month and it was only the guard that saved my shin. use a face shield too, not just safety glasses.
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PipeDreamer23⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
damn near lost a toe the same way on a jobsite last summer, hurts just reading that
D
DrainDevil⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
stump grinders are way safer than those cheap rented chainsaws, fight me on that. how far back did you stand after the first kick?
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PaintSplat2⚒️ Journeyman17d
3
homeowners and their cheap stump grinding quotes are gonna kill someone one of these days
V
V6643🌱 Newcomer19d
0
that grinder dont care if your new or been doing it 20 years. almost lost my leg last month when the wheel kicked a rock right at me. standing off to the side saved my butt but i still had a bruise for weeks. my buddy keeps telling me to get a face shield from the supply house but i keep forgetting. guy on the crew lost a toe doing it the old way and now we all laugh about it over beers. shoulda listened the first time someone told me. you wearin boots at least or you just lucky?
R
RoofRat8810⚒️ Journeyman18d
9
same shit, one of those things should have a shield from day one but guys keep putting it off till they get hit.
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LadderLad5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
man, i was runnin a vermeer sc30 and the guard caught my pant leg just in time, still get the shakes thinkin about it.
A
ArcFlashAvoider⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
vermeer guards are a damn joke, i never run without loose pants tucked in and a second guy watchin my back... almost like they're askin for accidents.
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PipeDreamer4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
man, those vermeer guards feel like they're there just to make you drop your pants in the wind, had a close call myself last summer and it still wakes me up sweaty. tucked in every time now, but damn if it doesnt slow you down. been there brother, safety aint optional with that beast.
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BoltBrain⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
those vermeer guards are straight up garbage, had a close call last summer when the damn thing snagged my boot and yanked me halfway to the blade. manufacturers dont give a shit about real job site hazards, its all about cheaping out on safety.
T
TarheelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
damn, that yank towards the blade is every operator's nightmare, been there myself on a job last year and it shook me up bad. vermeer needs to step up their game on those guards before someone really gets messed up. sucks how they prioritize cost over keeping us safe out there. stay careful man, those close calls add up.
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RootRider2⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
damn vermeer, always cutting corners on safety to save a few bucks. feels like these companies never learn till someone gets wrecked.
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PestPatrol3⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
the whole industry acts like safety guards are optional until some poor bastard pays for it with his leg. vermeer and the rest of em been cheaping out for years and we all pay the price when they cut one too many corners. same shit happens with every big equipment brand that values profit over making sure a guy comes home with all his limbs. had a buddy lose three toes to one of these things two summers back and the company just shrugged like it was normal. why the hell they still sell these death traps without better kill switches is beyond me. its like they wait for the lawsuits before they bother fixing anything. seen too many guys on the job with scars from near misses just like this one. how many more legs gotta get chewed before they stop treating safety like an afterthought?
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ShingleShaman⚒️ Journeyman26d
10
thats why i keep a spare set of boots in the truck now, never know when one of these grinders is gonna decide your leg looks like the next stump. buddy of mine swears by the Vermeer kill switch upgrade but half the time its still not enough when youre rushing a job. saw a guy online with pics of his skin grafts after one of these things and it made me rethink ever jumping on for a quick cut. still cant believe the companies keep selling em this way but hey at least the lawsuits keep some of em honest.
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GarageGuru3⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
dont skip the kill switch check even on a quick cut, saw a guy nearly lose his boot on one of those vermeer rigs last year.
T
TenYearVet18⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
stump grinders aint no joke but blaming vermeer for every scar ignores how many guys skip the guards and training.
H
HueHero⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always check the guards twice before firing it up even on a quick job.
H
HeatWaveHero2⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
for real, these cheap grinders got me checking guards three times now after i saw a guy get pinned under one. home depot rentals are the real villain here, they hand em out like candy with zero training. you feel me on that?
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SawdustSavant5⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
home depot rentals hand out equipment like its nothing and guys pay for it
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PipeLord420🔧 Apprentice20d
2
home depot rentals dont give a damn if you walk away with both legs. had a buddy get his boot shredded on one of those things last year and they still rent em out same day. rental places are the real problem here.
C
ConduitCrafter⭐ Expert24d
0
same shit here, had a grinder kick back on me once and damn near lost a boot. guys skipping guards is half the problem but the other half is these old machines without decent kill switches. always check the teeth and keep that 12 inch rule in your head when you're backing up. how long did it take for the swelling to go down on your leg?
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VoltageVampire⭐ Expert23d
16
saw a guy lose his foot when he skipped the guard on an old vermeer. never back up without checking the teeth first or you will pay for it. how bad was the swelling after that one?
F
FittingFiend⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
felt that in my knees watching it happen
C
CrownMoldingMoron⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
dont skip the guard even once or you'll be the next story on the jobsite. always check teeth before every pull back.
P
PeakPerformer⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
been there, that guard saved my ass too.
W
WireWhiz⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
had a guy on my crew come home missing a boot laces and all the toes inside it from a vermeer that decided to spin up again on its own.
C
CircuitSavage⭐ Expert23d
0
same shit happens when a grinder kicks back without warning, damn near took out my leg too last summer. why didnt you have the deadman switch wired right?
D
DuctTapeDave⚒️ Journeyman27d
13
vermeer pissing on our safety for another buck while guys are limping around jobsites pisses me off
S
SawdustSavant17⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
same shit, those companies cut corners and guys pay for it with busted knees.
P
PipeDreamer17⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
felt that one, those grinders dont forgive when owners skip the safety stops.
A
ACAvenger3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
damn near had a stump grinder chew my boot once too. those things will eat you quick if you skip the stops.
T
TenYearVet20⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
always put the safety bar on or that thing will eat right through your boot like mine almost did.
C
ChillMasterC⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
stump grinders are overkill for most yards, id rather pull em with a truck and chain.
D
DustBunnySlayer5⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
that stump grinder crap has almost wrecked me twice and i swear these homeowners never learn. they watch one tiktok and think its just like mowing the lawn. ive seen guys skip the stops to save time and end up with a boot full of steel teeth. same shit every time, chase the quick job and pay for it later. insurance keeps going up because of these near misses and we foot the bill. dont skip the stops, saw a guy lose his boot last year in ohio. why do homeowners always think they know better than the guy running the machine? you alright after that one or still limping around?
C
ChillMaster6⭐ Expert18d
1
always chain the outriggers down even on a flat lawn, saved my leg last summer.
M
MoveItMuscle3⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
saw a guy almost lose a foot on one of those because he skipped the deadmans switch on a stump grinder. always check the safety stops yourself before firing it up no matter what the homeowner says. i use a ridgid model now and it has that bar you have to hold down the whole time or it shuts off. dont trust rented gear from home depot either, half the time the stops are busted. had a close call myself last spring when the blade kept spinning after i let go. better to walk away from a job than explain to your wife why you only got one leg. what brand did you end up with on that near miss?
C
ChillMaster7⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those walk behind grinders are straight up leg eaters, had one toss a tooth at me last year and now i always stand behind the bar.
F
FurnitureFlipper2⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
how long you been usin that grinder before it got sketchy?
N
NailBiterCarp⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
these damn machines will eat you alive if you let your guard down for a second.
L
LiftMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
what kinda ppe were you rockin when that vermeer tried to eat your boot?
H
HueMaster⚒️ Journeyman27d
3
hahaha shoulda taped a couple extra toes to that boot man, almost got your foot chewed into mulch! heard of guys running a little 2x4 guard right across the front of their steel toes when they fire up them vermeer 252s and it saved a couple shins already. one slip on wet grass and that wheel does not care. you keep a spare pair of laces in the truck now or just rawdog it till they snap?
H
HammerTimeVet⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same damn thing almost got me last summer and nobody ever warns you til its too late. these grinders are straight up ankle eaters if you slip once on that wet grass.
V
V1062🌱 Newcomer24d
1
that stump grinder dont care bout your toes man same shit almost got my boot shredded last month on a wet slope. i started keepin a 2x4 scrap in the truck just for that reason. one slip and your leg is mulch real quick. you runnin a vermeer 252 too or something smaller?
V
V1226🌱 Newcomer24d
3
got my vermeer 252 boots taped just like that and still almost mulched my leg last month.
M
MulchMan⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
glad the guard saved ya, bud; i once got my boot tangled and thought i was auditionin for a horror flick.
W
WattTheHeck15⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
did the grinder have the stock guard or one of those aftermarket bars?
S
SpringSpecialist11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those damn guards never hold up when you need em, had one fly off last week and nearly shredded my boot. manufacturers cheaping out on safety just to save a buck pisses me off every time.
V
V4923🔧 Apprentice1mo
15
man, those guards are straight up worthless, almost got my boot sucked in last week and i aint even close to finishing my apprenticeship yet.
T
TileTamer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
dude i been there, almost lost a finger to one of those damn things last summer. guards are a joke, gotta keep your head on a swivel or youre toast.
S
SpringSlinger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah man, i once tripped over my own bootlace and the grinder chased me like it had a personal grudge. luckily it just ate my lunchbox instead of my leg.
V
V9386🔧 Apprentice1mo
9
damn these stump grinders are straight up death machines, waiting to chew up anyone dumb enough to rent from those cheap ass shops. i swear the rental companies dont give a shit about safety, just want your cash before youre in the ER.
R
RoofRat87🔧 Apprentice1mo
12
those rental outfits are a joke, handin out machines that shoulda been retired years ago without even a proper demo. had a close call myself last month and it pissed me off how they dont give a damn about trainin.
H
HammerTimeHal⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
those damn rental companies are straight up criminal, handin out death traps without a single safety check and actin like its your fault when shit hits the fan.
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LockoutLila⭐ Expert28d
9
these rental outfits are a damn joke, almost took my leg off too on a grinder last summer that had a cracked shield they swore was fine. i had to cover a 800 dollar medical bill outta pocket while they pointed fingers at me for not inspecting their crap. never rent without firing up a Ridgid SeeSnake or at least popping the housing off yourself first. same shit happened to a guy on r/Carpentry who posted a video that looked just like that near miss one. next time i stick with buying a used one outright, costs less in the long run than hospital runs. anybody else been burned like that on rentals this year. gotta watch your back or youre next. rentals are killing us all slowly.
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WireWhisperer87🌱 Newcomer26d
3
dont rent those grinders without checkin the kill switch first or youll lose more than your pants leg. i seen a guy get his foot pulled right in last year and the rental place still tried to pin it on him. always hit the kill and walk it back slow instead of steppin forward. what brand was the one that got you?
D
DustBunnyHunter11⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
always test that kill switch on any rented grinder before you fire it up.
D
DirtBagLandscaper7⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
did the rental place even show you how to kill it or just hand you the keys?
H
HeatHustler3⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
same shit, rental places hand out machines like theyre handing out candy. customer didnt even tell you about the root ball hiding under the grass either. whole damn industry just expects us to figure out the kill switch while the wheel is already spinning. been there with a rented stump grinder in my area that had no safety bar at all. next time id bring my own lockout before i touch anything from them. homeowners calling these things weekend projects is getting old. rental guy probably couldnt even show you the teeth depth. who else had the same near miss lately?
K
KeyMaster5⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
test the kill switch or that stump grinder will make you a one legged man real quick. learned that the hard way last year.
R
RollerRanger10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
damn, those stump grinders are pure evil, i had one snag my shirt sleeve last week and it yanked me halfway across the yard before i could kill the engine.
C
CircuitSavant2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waiting to happen, manufacturers cheap out on safety features and leave us hanging by a thread. had one chew through my ppe like it was paper last month, pissed me off big time.
T
TarPaperTom3⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
those damn stump grinders are gonna get someone killed one of these days, i swear. last month i was grinding this old oak stump in the backyard and the thing caught on a hidden root, jerked the whole machine sideways and nearly pinned my leg under the wheel. i was wearing my carhartt pants but that wouldnt have stopped it from chewing right through. had to dive out of the way and shut it down, heart pounding like a jackhammer. and get this, the homeowner's dog comes running up right after, thinking it's playtime. shoulda charged extra for the therapy session. FML, these jobs are no joke when equipment turns on you.
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WireWizard12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn manufacturers push out these half-assed guards to dodge lawsuits, but theyre the ones skimping on real safety to boost their bottom line.
G
GeneralFixIt3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
yeah those cheap-ass guards are a joke, had one fly off mid-job last summer and nearly turned my ankle into pulp, all so they can save a few bucks on metal.
C
CleanFreakCarl⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
swap out those factory guards for a beefed-up aftermarket set before you end up in the er, i saw a guy lose half his calf last year to one of those flimsy pieces of crap.
V
VentVet⭐ Expert1mo
2
those damn manufacturers cut every corner on safety to save a buck, leavin us pros to deal with the ER bills and lawsuits. it's bullshit how they get away with it while we're out here riskin our limbs for peanuts.
S
SparkSafety⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
those factory guards are a joke anyway, ive ditched em on my grinder for custom steel plates and never looked back. osha can shove it, safety theater aint saving your leg when shit hits the fan.
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PipeDreamer2⭐ Expert1mo
16
always double-check those guards before firing up the machine, saved my ass more than once on jobs with that finicky setup. manufacturers like vermeer or carlson skimp on the beefier shields to cut costs, so i added a custom metal skirt around the flywheel using 1/4-inch steel plate, bolted it right on. cost me about 80 bucks at the local shop, but it keeps debris from kicking back at your legs while youre grinding down 10-inch stumps. keeps the vibration down too, less strain on your back over a full day. if youre running a walk-behind model, make sure the pivot lock engages every time you swing it around. prolly shoulda done that mod years ago, but better late than in the er.
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PrunePro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
man, ive had those same heart-stopping moments with the grinder kicking chunks at my shins, feels like russian roulette some days. that custom skirt sounds like a smart fix, prolly saved you from a hospital bill i wouldnt wish on anyone. been there grinding 8-hour days and barely dodging the flywheel spray, it wears you down quick. glad you walked away from that near miss, brother.
N
NotAnElectrician5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah man, those kickbacks had me checkin my shins every five minutes, felt like i was dancin with death out there. glad you made it through without a scratch, that stuff'll mess you up quick.
B
BreakerBoxBen⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
hell yeah, i once danced with a stump grinder so close i could smell its cologne, but it just left me with a bruised ego and a story for the crew.
S
SparkSafety⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
man, ive had my share of those close calls with grinders, leaves ya sweatin and thankin your lucky stars.
A
AntAnnihilator2⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
next time tie a rope around your waist and have a buddy yank you back if the grinder kicks, saved my ass twice already.
T
TarpTitan4⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
yeah, that rope trick works wonders, but i always add a quick-release carabiner like the ones from black diamond to avoid getting tangled if things go south. ive seen grinders kick hard enough to send a 200 pound guy flying ten feet, so positioning your buddy at a 45 degree angle behind you gives em better leverage for the yank. also, never skimp on chaps, the arborwear ones with kevlar layers stopped a blade from even nicking me last season. keep your feet planted outside the machine's footprint and use the deadman switch religiously, itll shut down faster than you can swear. if youre grinding near roots, wet the ground first to reduce kickback by about 30 percent, makes the whole job smoother. one more thing, inspect the teeth daily, dull ones cause way more surprises than sharp ones. saved my leg last year on a big oak stump, wouldnt go back without it. stay safe out there.
R
RustyNails2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
dont ever grind without that deadman switch locked in, saw a buddy lose half his foot last summer when his jammed up and the machine didnt shut off fast enough.
B
BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
those damn manufacturers cutting corners on safety features is gonna get more guys maimed before they fix their shit
O
OpenerOperator3⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
manufacturers keep cutting corners till guys lose limbs, they wont listen till someone sues em big time
D
DeckDoctor⭐ Expert26d
0
saw a guy almost lose a foot when the kill switch stuck, now i yank that deadman lever twice before i start grinding.
P
PipeDreamer4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yank that lever three times and listen for the click, saved my buddy from a real mess last year.
B
BrushStrokeBoss7⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
i always wet the ground first too, drops kickback by like 30 percent and its saved me a few times.
H
HardwoodHero5⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
stump grinders dont care if you wet the dirt first, mine kicked back so hard it took a chunk out my work boot.
A
AmpedUp⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
man, i had a similar scare last summer with a grinder kickin back on me, damn near got my foot. havent run one without that rope setup since, makes you feel a little less invincible. sucks how quick it can go sideways.
R
RoofRat6⭐ Expert26d
6
had a guy on a grinder last week that kicked so hard i still feel it in my back.
P
PipeLord42020⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees when i saw it. that stump grinder is a bastard.
M
MopMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
damn that thing almost took your leg, felt that in my knees too
T
TenYearVet17⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
same shit, those grinders will throw you if you hit a root wrong. felt that kick in my back plenty of times too. always check the blades twice before you fire it up.
G
GeneralFixIt3⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
dodged a similar mess with my stihl grinder last summer by jerkin back just in time, still got the scar to prove im tougher than the damn machine.
S
SpringSpecialist5⚒️ Journeyman28d
14
fuck these machines, they're built like death traps and the manufacturers don't give a damn about us grinding stumps all day.
S
SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
damn near got my foot chewed up by a stump grinder too last year, still cant believe how fast those things grab ya
D
DrainDiver6⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
same shit man, those grinders dont care if your boot is on the ground or not. had a buddy lose a couple toes couple years back cause he got too close trying to pull out a root chunk. now we keep the damn thing parked and use the bobcat bucket to push stuff in from a safe distance. still makes my stomach turn thinking about how quick it grabs ya. got a pair of chains on the legs of my jeans now just in case. what kinda setup you running on your jobs?
Z
ZapMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
been there with a grinder, damn near took my toes once too.
H
HammerTimePro⭐ Expert26d
7
stump grinders aint for amateurs no matter how many youtube videos you watch.
B
BoxTosser⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
never run that grinder without chaps and a face shield, had a buddy lose half his calf to a kickback last summer and he's still limpin.
V
VentBoss⭐ Expert1mo
5
man, i once had a stump grinder kickback that sent me flying into a thorn bush, came out lookin like a porcupine reject. chaps saved my ass that day, but i still got the scars to prove it. your buddy's limp sounds like a walk in the park compared to my ego after that tumble. wear that gear, or you'll be the punchline at the next crew barbecue.
H
HVACHero⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
damn near lost my foot to a chainsaw kickback last year and the shop wouldnt even cover the chaps cuz i 'forgot' em, pissed me off.
B
BroomBandit⚒️ Journeyman29d
20
kickbacks like that'll tear through chaps if you're too close, so always keep a solid 10 feet back and let the machine do the work.
A
ACAvenger4⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
homeowners never get why we keep hammering safety rules till someone loses a leg like that.
S
SpringSpecialist7⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners dont get that the stump can kick back on ya and take a leg before you even see it coming.
T
TrackTech⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
gotta respect a stump grinder or it will bite you back. i got mine at the auction for 900 bucks and still have both legs thanks to that.
R
RustyNails2⚒️ Journeyman24d
3
those homeowner jobs are always the ones where shit nearly takes a leg
N
NotAnElectrician6⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
these stump grinders are straight up dangerous as hell and insurance treats em like death machines every time. same shit happened to a guy i know with a cheap auction unit that snagged his boot. howd you keep from getting a big claim on that one?
R
RoachRidder⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
been there with a stump kickin back on ya, scared the hell outta me too
D
DrainDevil⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
that 10 foot rule saved my ass on a job in texas once. the grinder kicked a root chunk right at my knee and i was glad i stayed back with my ridgid chaps on. what brand of stump grinder you running?
F
FurnaceFiend⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
these homeowners think we got 9 lives on every job. a guy i know lost his knee to a stump grinder last year in texas and insurance still tried to fight the claim. ridgid chaps are solid but that 10 foot rule only works if you enforce it hard. i switched to a vermeer 252 after my old one nearly bit me too. dont let them push you closer than you want to be. you running a drum or wheel model?
M
MowMan⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
same shit with those grinders, one kick and you are done
H
HammerHeadHal⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
kickbacks are a joke if youre using a cheap ass grinder without chipping chain guards, they save more legs than any ppe ever will, fight me.
W
WeedWhacker⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
those damn manufacturers cut corners on guards to save a buck and leave us paying with our limbs. os ha should fine their asses into oblivion for this crap.
C
ChillMaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
good call on that steel skirt mod, i started using a vermeer sc30g walk-behind and added a similar 3/16-inch plate guard around the wheel to stop those rogue chips from flying up. it cut my close calls in half last season, especially when grinding 8-inch oak stumps that throw wood like shrapnel. make sure to check the carbide teeth daily too, dull ones vibrate more and wear out the guards faster. prolly saved my knees from a real beatdown.
B
BrushStrokePro9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
those mods are overrated bs, ive run a bare vermeer sc30g on 10-inch stumps without a single close call in five years. guards just add weight and snag roots half the time, making you slower and more exposed.
A
AntAnnihilator3⭐ Expert1mo
6
man, those cheap guards are a joke, almost got my arm caught last summer and it was all on me to not bleed out on the job. manufacturers dont give a damn as long as they sell units. been there with the close calls, sucks every time.
F
FlushKing2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
what brand grinder you usin, cause i wanna steer clear of that crap
L
LiftMaster3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
i run the vermeer sc30 and it's been rock solid for 8 years straight, no near misses on my watch.
N
NotAnElectrician21⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
those damn manufacturers cut corners on safety features just to save a buck, and we're the ones dodging blades like idiots.
P
PlumbDumb⭐ Expert1mo
15
yeah those cheap-ass manufacturers are a joke, skimping on guards and shit just to boost their margins while we risk our limbs every damn day.
S
ShingleShark17⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
those greedy bastards at the factories dont give a damn about us out here dodging death every shift just to line their pockets.
A
ACWhisperer🏆 Master29d
1
been there with those crap guards on my old grinder, damn near lost a boot and half my foot last summer.
P
PipeLord42024⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
those factory guards are a joke, i rip em off every grinder i run and never had an issue. blame the lawyers not the tool.
N
NailGunNinja5⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
been there, that grinder kickback is no joke. try keeping a wide stance and work the teeth in short bursts instead.
V
V9149🌱 Newcomer26d
6
same shit, those grinders got no chill
K
KeyMasterKev3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
dont go anywhere near that thing without knee pads and a full face shield man. seen a guy get his shin split open last year when the chain grabbed a root. always keep a clear escape path before you even hit the trigger.
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WattTheHeck8⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
that stump grinder sounds sketchy as hell with those guards. what brand of grinder was it and did you switch to something with better protection after? i nearly had the same thing happen on a rental unit last year but caught it quick. how long did it take you to get back on your feet after that close call?
C
CoolCatCraig⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
saw a guy lose a finger on one of those rental grinders last month so i switched to a vermeer with the better guard after that. my insurance went up $600 right after the close call and i still feel it in my knees when the weather turns. rental places never check the safety stuff proper before you drive off. did you end up getting a settlement or just a new set of jeans?
C
ColorWheelCarl2⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
same shit with those rental grinders, insurance always jacks the price after any close call like that.
B
BoxHauler4⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
had a grinder throw a tooth right past my knee too, those rental places still charged me 80 bucks for the day like nothin happened
D
DuctTapeDave4🔧 Apprentice19d
1
always wear the steel toe boots and chain mail chaps, saved my leg from the same rental grinder last summer.
D
DuctTapeKing⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
same shit every time, homeowners hand you the rental grinder and act shocked when someone gets hurt.
D
DoorJamJam⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
rental places are such bullshit for that, charge you full day even after you damn near lose a leg
Z
ZapMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
screw the manufacturers, i always bypass those half-assed safety guards on stump grinders 'cause they jam up the big jobs anyway and slow you down half the day.
C
CleanFreak⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
dude, been there with bypassing those damn guards on my old vermeer, heart was pounding like a jackhammer when it kicked back and nearly got me too.
N
NailGunNinja6⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
those damn manufacturers push those crap guards just to cover their asses and leave us real workers dodging injuries on every job, screw em.
Z
ZapMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
those guards are total BS, just there so the lawyers don't sue their asses off while we actually get the work done. take em off and run the damn thing right, saves your leg every time.
S
SawdustSavant21⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
dont bypass those guards, watched a guy lose his foot when one jammed on a root. better to slow down than hit the er.
F
FurnitureFlipper3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
dodged a similar bullet last summer with a rayco rg165 and came out with just a scratch, felt like i won the damn lottery. been grindin stumps for 8 years now and that machine's the smoothest i've run, carbide teeth eat through oak like butter. kept my cool, pulled back just in time, and finished the job without a hitch. now i always double check the guards before firing it up. proud to say it's made me a helluva lot sharper on the job.
S
ShingleShark8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
goddamn manufacturers cheaping out on those guards just to save a buck, its like they dont give a shit if we come home in pieces. had a buddy lose half his foot last year cuz some idiot at the factory skipped the safety pins, and the insurers? they just hike your rates and act like its your fault for breathin. pisses me off every time i see these machines sittin there, waitin to bite. we gotta start pushin back on this crap before another one of us gets chewed up.
R
RollerRanger7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
yeah man, i had one of those guards fly off mid-grind last summer and it was inches from my shin, same cheap ass crap from the factory pissin me off every time.
A
ACAvenger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
those factory guards are a damn joke, skimpin on safety to save a buck while we're out here riskin our limbs every day.
F
FloorKing99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those guards are pure bullshit, wouldnt trust em on a good day. had one fly off mid-job and nearly clipped my ankle, pissed me off for weeks.
B
BoltBuster2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
damn those guards are worthless, had one shatter on me last month and i was dodgin chunks for what felt like forever, total crap-show.
R
RollerRandy⭐ Expert1mo
10
those damn manufacturers cut corners on guards to save a buck and leave us dodging death every job, its bullshit.
W
WattTheHeck24⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
had a similar close call last summer when the guard on my grinder snapped off mid-job and i was inches from losing toes, those cheap-ass manufacturers dont give a damn about us out here bustin our asses.
B
BrushStrokeBoss8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
sounds like you danced better than i did last summer when my grinder kicked a rock right at my nuts... still walkin' funny.
P
PipeLord42028⭐ Expert1mo
19
those damn manufacturers skimp on the guards to cut costs and leave us hanging when shit hits the fan, total BS.
R
RustyFittings🔧 Apprentice1mo
8
man that sounds like my nightmare from last summer, i was grinding a big oak stump and the guard on my rented vermeer just flew off when a root snagged it. shoulda checked it twice but i was in a rush, nearly took my boot clean off and i felt the vibration right up my leg. these manufacturers cut corners to save a buck and leave us out here praying we dont end up in the er. been there with crappy equipment too many times, makes you wanna throw the whole thing in the ditch. total BS how they skimp on safety for profit. i got lucky that day but it shook me up bad, couldnt sleep thinking about what if it caught skin. you do anything after like complain to the rental place? stay safe out there brother, these jobs are dangerous enough without faulty guards.
S
SpringSpecialist9⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
always double-check the guards on those vermeer grinders before firing it up, saved my ass more than once. if it's loose, zip tie it or bolt on some aftermarket steel plate to beef it up.
L
LaminateLarry⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
damn vermeer guards are always the first thing to go and then we're the ones paying for it
B
BlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
vermeer guards on those things suck, add an extra steel plate like the arborist guys do.
S
SodSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees, those guards are crap
L
LeakHunterJoe⚒️ Journeyman24d
4
those guards are straight up trash, i seen a stump grinder throw a rock like a bullet right past a guys shin last year. insurance companies love pushing that cheap crap on us to save a buck while we risk our legs out here. home owners just want the stump gone yesterday so we skip the real safety steps half the time. 8 years doing this and i still double check the RPMs and throw a tarp around the whole rig before firing it up.
P
PaintSplatPro⚒️ Journeyman22d
16
those guards are total junk and everyone knows it, i seen a guy almost lose his foot on a job last year because the manufacturer skimped on the shield. homeowners keep buying these cheap chinese stump grinders off amazon and thinking they can play contractor for a weekend. same shit here, i had to stop and weld a plate on my own machine just to feel safe running it again. the worst part is the videos making it look easy while they edit out the real danger. been there too many times to count now, and these companies dont give a damn about the tradesmen using their gear. what brand was yours anyway, so i know what to avoid next time?
A
AntAnnihilator3⭐ Expert25d
0
vermeer makes these things damn near impossible to guard right and then guys gotta add steel plates themselves, whole system is a joke.
S
ShingleShaman3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah those guards are like speed bumps for a semi, my close call was when the damn thing kicked back and i ended up dancin with the carbide wheel like it was prom night.
B
BugBlaster3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
damn those kickbacks are no joke, i was grinding a 3 foot oak stump last summer and the wheel grabbed a root, nearly yanked the whole rig right into my shin before i could jump back.
K
KeyMasterKev3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
always keep your left hand on the handlebar and right on the kill switch, that way you can shut it down in a heartbeat if it kicks. i learned that the hard way after a close call with a vermeer sc30, now i never grind without chaps either. saved my ass last month on a stubborn pine stump. stick to that and you'll avoid the ER trips.
C
CanvasCowboy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
ground a 12-inch oak stump yesterday with my vermeer sc30 and those chaps stopped a flying chunk cold, felt like a damn superhero. never grinding without em now, makes me feel bulletproof out there.
L
LockJock⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
get yourself a pair of those husqvarna forestry chaps too, they saved my buddy's leg from a wild ricochet last season on a maple stump.
S
SawdustSavant22⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
man, those ricochets'll have you sweatin bullets every time. had a close one myself last year on a pine stump, glad your buddy's chaps did the trick.
D
DustBunnyBoss2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
yeah man, i had a ricochet like that on an oak stump last month, still feelin the sweat every time i fire up the grinder, glad you guys are ok.
V
V2453🔧 Apprentice25d
0
i drilled some holes and hit em with stump remover last time instead of grinding, way safer for me.
C
CircuitSurfer5⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
man those grinders dont mess around, almost lost a toe to one years ago after it kicked back on a root. drilling and using stump remover like you did is way smarter than risking your leg. ever try soaking the chips in diesel after to speed it up?
R
RollMasterRay🔧 Apprentice23d
4
that kickback on a root is no joke and i felt it when you said almost lost a toe. diesel soak might speed the rot but id skip it around any dry stuff that could catch. try renting a bluebird grinder with fresh carbide teeth instead, it cuts smoother than old beat up units. took me two hours on a 14 inch oak stump last spring and it stayed quiet the whole time. dont bury the chips too deep or theyll just sit there and stay wet. got any pics of how deep you drilled the holes? had a helper once who forgot to clear the debris and the machine climbed right up on him.
F
FrameFreak3⭐ Expert19d
0
homeowners never get why we wont touch those death machines without a cage.
D
DirtBagLandscaper8⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
same shit, always some homeowner wanting the cheap way out till we almost lose a leg over it
F
FloorFanatic2⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
glad those chaps saved your leg, i always double-check the stump's root spread before firing up my bobcat mini and keep at least 10 feet clear of the fly zone.
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PrimerPal3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
good call on the chaps, i always double check the wheel guards on my vermeer before firing it up to avoid any kickback surprises. also, mark your depth with spray paint every 6 inches so you don't grind too deep and hit buried lines. keeps things smooth and saves headaches. learned that after a near miss in rocky soil last fall.
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PolishPro5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
dont ever skip the pre-job call to 811, i saw a guy grind right into a gas line last summer and it was a total shitshow. saved his ass by pure luck but coulda been way worse.
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BoardBenderBob⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
dont ever run a stump grinder without chock blocks under the wheels, had a buddy lose control on a slope and it kicked back hard enough to smash his knee... coulda been his leg gone.
B
BoltTightener⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
damn near had the same thing happen to me last summer when i skipped the chocks on a steep backyard job, almost got my foot caught in the blades, pissed me off for weeks.
D
DuctDetective⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
shit, what kinda grinder were you running that day? ever skip the chocks again on a hill?
P
PlankPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
man, i've had my own close calls with that damn thing on slopes, still wake up sweatin about it sometimes.
R
RoofRat7⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waitin to happen, especially when some idiot homeowner thinks they can rent one for a weekend without a clue.
T
TenYearVet2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
same shit, had a guy rent one and the bar flew off damn near taking his arm.
F
FurnitureFlipper⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
machines like that dont care if your paying attention or not, seen a guy almost lose his hand last year.
L
LiftAndShift3⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
felt that shit in my chest when i saw the video of the bar comin off.
B
BrushStrokePro2⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
landlords renting that crap to anyone with a pulse is the real killer here.
C
ChillMasterC⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
chocks are for pussies, i run my vermeer sc30 on hills without em all the time and never had an issue. that shit only happens if youre half-assin the setup or the machines got worn treads. op probably wasnt paying attention anyway. you think id risk my leg on some rented pos?
S
ScrubSquadSam⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
man, i had a similar close call on a steep slope last year, heart still pounds thinking about it. glad you're ok, dont let anyone downplay that shit.
P
PipeDreamer11⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
yeah man, those stump grinders dont mess around, had a buddy who got nicked bad on one and still flinches every time he hears the engine.
L
LockPickLarry⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
man, i had a close call with one last summer, still get the shakes just lookin at those damn blades.
V
V6085🌱 Newcomer25d
0
had a buddy lose a boot to one of those grinders, still cracks me up tellin the story at the bar.
D
DeadboltDude⭐ Expert24d
0
had a guy near me lose a foot when the stump grinder kicked back on wet ground, always chain em down now.
V
VentVictor⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
same shit, those grinders will take a leg off faster than any homeowner wants to admit.
V
V3714🌱 Newcomer24d
0
homeowners think its like pushing a damn lawnmower but that thing coulda took my knee off in a second too. its always the guys who never ran one before that act surprised when shit goes sideways.
W
WattTheHeck21⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit, my buddy got clipped by one of those grinders and it was ugly quick.
O
OpenerOperator7⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
man that disc sounds like it chews up everything in its path just like the one i saw rip a hole in some guys boot on a rental job last week. funny how a pecan stump can look harmless till it fights back with roots the size of your arm. i always rent from home depot instead of buying and it still scares the crap outta me every time the teeth spin up. kept my leg back farther than usual after hearing that story and still almost kicked the throttle by mistake. guys on r/smallbusiness would probably laugh but they aint out there dodging wood chips at 8am. we got lucky with no serious cuts this round but next time i might just pay the tree guy to finish it off. heard the disc on those grinders can throw stuff fifty feet if it hits a rock. you keeping that buddy away from anything with an engine now or what?
L
LeakHunter4🔧 Apprentice25d
2
yeah put a couple cinder blocks between you and that disc next time instead of renting from home depot.
P
PrimerPal⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
i still got my leg thanks to always renting the bigger units from home depot instead of those little rental ones.
S
SplashMaster2⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
been there with those rental units, one slip and your day is wrecked. always grab the bigger grinders even if it costs more upfront. saw a guy get his boot shredded on the cheap model last year.
D
DrainSnakeKing⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
even on hills, i'd chock that vermeer sc30 with a couple 4x4 blocks under the tracks to keep it stable, saved my ass more than once when the ground gets slick.
M
MoldMilitant⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees, those vermeer machines can get squirrely on wet ground
W
WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
same shit here, almost lost a boot to a vermeer on wet grass last summer
V
V1136🔧 Apprentice18d
4
same shit here, vermeer on wet grass will eat your boot quick
B
BugBlaster⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
man that vermeer had me sweatin bullets too, i stuck with my toro and never looked back.
L
LiftLad2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
yeah that vermeer will walk on you in a heartbeat when the hill gets slick. lost a guy in our crew cause he skipped the blocks once. how deep was the stump anyway?
O
OpenerOperator7⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
same shit here, that vermeer tried to walk me right into a hole last summer too.
K
KeyKeeperKarl⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
always chock it or you end up as another lawn ornament, been there twice.
L
LaminateLord⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bet you were sweatin bullets after the second time it kicked back on ya. that grinder dont mess around when the chocks slip.
F
FittingFiend⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
same shit almost took my leg last year on a slope job too.
F
FlashingFox⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
nothing beats watching that bar sink into the dirt without taking a chunk outta you, felt like a damn pro move.
K
KeyMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman25d
5
that close call crap is why i wont even look at a stump grinder without backup on site.
P
PackRatPro⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
always park that stump grinder on a tarp so ya dont track dirt back in the truck.
F
FrameForge⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
same shit, these homeowners never get why we wont run that grinder with no proper bar guards and a guy pulling ropes like a damn circus act.
L
LadderLad4⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
same shit here, felt that close call in my back just thinking about it.
S
ShingleShark⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
always keep both feet clear of the wheel on a slope, saw a guy lose a leg that way last year.
S
ScrubLord2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
told my guy to keep that foot back and he still almost took the stump grinder for a ride, lucky as hell it didnt clip him.
M
MopMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
shoulda had him wear the damn steel toes next time.
R
RollerRascal🔧 Apprentice20d
0
damn that sounds rough, glad it didnt end worse.
L
LawnLad4🔧 Apprentice23d
6
damn near did the same last month til i tripped over the gas can and fell on my ass instead.
T
ToiletTamer42🌱 Newcomer26d
4
saw a guy get his boot shredded on a slope job last month and still cant believe how close he came
V
V2780🌱 Newcomer25d
0
id never run a stump grinder on a slope without stakes and a rope. seen a guy almost lose his leg same way. why didnt you just dig it out by hand?
D
DustBunnyHunter8⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
same shit here, i did that exact thing last year without stakes and damn near flipped the grinder on me. felt that in my knees when i read it. why the hell you still out there grinding instead of just diggin by hand like that guy said.
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
homeowners keep hiring the cheapest grinder guy and we all pay for it in stitches later.
N
NailGunNed⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
damn, felt that in my knees just reading it.
B
BoltBandit⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
these near misses always happen because homeowners push for the cheapest bid on a slope job.
D
DeadboltDude⭐ Expert19d
1
price shoppers are the real hazard on those jobs, they skip the slope anchors and wonder why someone gets hurt. homeowner tried talking me into running my vermeer with just the outriggers on a 25 degree grade once. told him hell no and walked, he found some kid with a cheap rig two days later. think those guys ever learn or is this just how it goes?
V
V8330🔧 Apprentice24d
2
finally nailed that slope angle last month and felt like a hero till the grinder kicked back hard.
G
GarageGuru11⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
saw a guy get his foot caught in a stump grinder last year without the wheel chocks, nearly lost the damn thing to amputation. always double check that shit on slopes, it aint worth the risk.
R
RootRotRider⚒️ Journeyman27d
3
man i seen a dude lose a boot on one of those slopes without chocks, that grinder dont play.
F
FloorFumbler3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those homeowners never give a shit about safety setups until someones missing a leg, then its your fault.
V
VentWizard4⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
dont mess with those grinders on a slope without chocks or you will lose more than a boot. seen a guy nearly rip his jeans off last month when it kicked back on him.
V
VentVictor⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
homeowners who cheap out on chocks are the real villains here, someone always pays for it.
P
PipeLord42027⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
been there, cheap chocks on a stump grinder is how you lose a leg for real.
F
FixItFelix7⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
gotta love when the customer says theyll bring the chocks and you end up with a 2x4 and some bricks, that stump grinder story is no joke
S
ShingleShark15⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
felt that in my knees, had a customer pull the same crap last year and my helper nearly ate the stump grinder. never trust their chocks again, we always bring our own now.
C
ChillACMaster🔧 Apprentice21d
5
same shit, had a guy hand me bricks once and nearly lost a toe when the grinder kicked. customers never bring the right stuff, that ones on me for not checking.
V
V7028🔧 Apprentice18d
3
homeowners always dump the wrong crap on ya then act shocked when it goes sideways, same shit every time. they hand you busted bricks and expect magic. next time im charging double just to check their junk first.
A
AntAnnihilator2⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
same shit, that 2x4 setup aint holding nothin when the grinder hits a root
B
BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman18d
10
these cheap ass 2x4 rigs are gonna get someone killed, homeowners never wanna pay for proper rigging
P
PanelPusher4🔧 Apprentice1mo
11
man, that gas line story hits close to home, i had a buddy who almost blew his truck sky high last month grinding a stump without calling 811 first. felt my heart drop just hearing about it, like that coulda been any of us rushing the job. been there myself on a smaller scale, nicked a water line once and spent the rest of the day digging like a madman to fix it. these near misses keep me up at night, wondering what if luck wasnt on our side that time. swear ill triple check every dig site from now on, cant afford to be the next cautionary tale. shit, trades like this demand we look out for each other on this stuff.
V
V1656🌱 Newcomer27d
6
near miss like that and im still checkin my boots twice a shift for leftover cable pieces
C
CircuitSavant2⚒️ Journeyman26d
10
what kinda boots you running that you gotta double check every time? thinking about switching mine out.
F
FurnitureFlipper⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
lol i get why your jumpy after that one. go with the carhartt steel toes that hit right at the ankle, they held up way better than my last pair when a rock flew out. check the laces before you fire it up though or youll be sorry. what model you running now?
D
DuctTapeDuke2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit with that damn stump grinder, almost lost a boot last summer when homeowners keep calling for cheap fixes. carhartt boots saved my ass on the laces too, always double knot em before firing up. what kind of grinder you running out there?
D
DuctTapeKing4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners always pushin cheap quick fixes till your boot gets ate by a grinder blade.
L
LawnLordLee⚒️ Journeyman22d
10
that barnett 12 inch auger head will chew through roots without kickback like the rotary ones. kept my leg on a big oak job last month when i drilled straight down first. what size stump you hitting now?
F
FurnaceFiend⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
damn near lost a toe once when a root kicked back and cut through my old boots like paper. switched to redwings with the steel toe after that and never looked back. still check every time tho because you never know what a stump is hiding. what kinda grinder you running out there?
B
BoxHauler⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
those homeowners never think twice about what that grinder can do to ya. had a stump bite back on me last year too and it was no joke.
F
FloorFixer3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
saw a guy almost lose his foot on one of those grinders last summer, boots didnt save him none.
B
BugBlaster6🔧 Apprentice25d
0
seen a guy trip on roots with one of those grinders and it damn near took his leg too, shit like that makes ya wonder why we even bother some days.
H
HaulHound⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
seen one of those grinders kick back on a root and damn near took the guys knee with it, always keep a spotter when your doing stumps like that.
F
FloorFumbler3⚒️ Journeyman24d
4
dont mess around with those things, saw a guy on a different crew lose a foot when his steel toes caught.
V
VentVet⭐ Expert27d
12
saw a guy grind into a stump and the whole thing launched like a rocket, thought my leg was next
A
AntAnnihilator3⭐ Expert1mo
6
yeah, marking depth every 6 inches is key, but i also run a locator wand before starting to flag any utilities - saved my ass from hitting a gas line last summer. vermeer guards are solid, but double-check the tension on those belts too or you'll get a nasty vibration kick.
S
SparkJockey88🌱 Newcomer1mo
11
man i felt that vibe last week when the grinder kicked back on me, nearly took my foot clean off too, shit gets real fast.
T
TrackTormentor⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
always keep your foot 2 feet back from the grind line and wear steel-toe boots with ankle guards, saved my ass more than once on those rentals.
C
ConduitCrafter⭐ Expert29d
6
what brand of stump grinder were you running when that happened?
T
ThermostatTamer2⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
dont ever stand too close when the wheel's spinning, saw a guy lose half his calf to a vermeer last summer. always kill the engine before you poke around the stump.
P
PaintSplatterPete⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
always tie off the safety bar before starting up, keeps the wheel from kicking back and catching your leg. vermeer makes a good one but check the hydraulic pressure gauge first or itll bite you hard.
T
TrimTim2⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
man, i had a close call with a rayco rg 165 years back, nearly lost a chunk of my shin when it kicked back, still feel that twinge on rainy days.
F
FumeFighter2⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
i was running a vermeer sc30tx, but the real key to avoiding that mess is always chocking the rear wheels on sloped ground before you fire it up.
W
WattTheHeck3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
vermeer or bandit grinders are safer with the teeth facing down, just keep your legs clear.
K
KeyMasterKate⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
thats why i always stand to the side with my stump grinder, safer that way.
J
JointJuggler2🔧 Apprentice26d
1
yeah im with you on this one, these damn homeowners think we got nine lives just so they can save a couple bucks cutting the stump themselves. seen too many guys get shredded over this crap, insurance never pays what it should either. you running a vermeer or toro grinder? heard the new models got better safety bars but they still eat pants for breakfast.
S
SodSquadLeader⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
insurance treating these homeowners like saints while we risk limbs every damn day, same shit everywhere.
T
TileTitan⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
insurance gonna screw us every time while we dodge stumps and grinders for them.
S
SparkJockey3⭐ Expert23d
2
insurance is such a joke on this stuff, they never pay out right anyway.
D
DuctDoctor8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
yeah marking depths with spray paint every 6 inches saved my ass on a job last year when we hit unexpected rocky soil, just like you said.
N
NotAnElectrician27⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
marking every 6 inches is for pussies, i just eyeball it and get the job done twice as fast without all that nanny state BS. had a close call myself last summer when the grinder kicked back on some hidden roots, nearly took my boot off. but hey, if youre too scared to run it hot, stick to digging holes with a shovel. spray paint aint gonna save you from a real fuck up anyway.
V
V8019🔧 Apprentice28d
2
those damn stump grinders are straight up deathtraps, shoulda been banned after the first guy lost a limb to some cheap rental crap.
F
FrameFreak7⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
chaps are for pussies, ive run vermeers shirtless for years and never had a kickback that bad, you guys are just paranoid.
N
NotAnElectrician18⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
how long before your insurance makes you wear em? what kinda vermeer you got?
S
SprayMaster⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
dont even give them the idea man, had a buddy lose half his leg to one of them vermeer grinders back in 2023 and now hes on disability for life. insurance will make you wear whatever they want once they see a claim like that. keep the stump in the ground next time if you can.
V
V3925🔧 Apprentice23d
1
got my vermeer 252 stump grinder last year and that things been a beast.
H
HammerTimeHero5⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
those grinders dont care if its your leg or the stump next time
G
GroundFaultGary⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
chaps are for pussies, ive run my vermeer without em for 15 years and never had a close call... until that one time i did.
T
TenYearVet2⚒️ Journeyman28d
17
man, i had a similar scare with my vermeer a couple years back, heart was poundin like a jackhammer. glad you walked away from it, those things dont mess around.
B
BlowerBoss⚒️ Journeyman27d
2
every time some asshole skips the chaps it ends with the same damn ER trip.
S
SawdustSavant5⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
same shit here, chaps or not that grinder dont care.
T
TenYearVet27⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
what brand of grinder was that anyway?
P
PipeDreamer25⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
ditch the walk behinds man, a skid steer mount like the Bobcat does the job safer and faster
S
SparkFryer🌱 Newcomer28d
4
that stump grinder story is why i keep my chaps on even for a 2 minute job, almost lost my own leg to a vermeer last year
V
VentVet2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
man, that sounds like a heart-stopper. what kinda grinder were you running, one of those big vermeer rentals or something smaller? ever try adding a winch line for tension after that? keeps the kickback from sneaking up on ya.
S
SawdustSavant26⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on these machines is gonna get more of us killed, should've been a recall on that vermeer after the last kickback lawsuits. hate how they prioritize profit over our legs.
R
RollerRanger9⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
those vermeer bastards are straight up gambling with our lives for a few extra bucks on the bottom line. i remember hearing about that kickback incident from a couple years back, and nothing changed, just more lawyers involved while we dodge teeth flying everywhere. its infuriating how they slap a warning sticker on it and call it a day, like thats gonna save your leg when the damn thing bucks. we all know the unions been screaming for recalls but the corps just laugh it off. had a close call myself last summer on a big oak stump, nearly lost a finger because the guards werent up to snuff. screw these manufacturers prioritizing quarterly reports over basic safety. time we all start boycotting their crap and forcing some real accountability. if enough of us walk away from their machines, maybe then theyll listen before another one of us ends up in the er.
B
BrushStrokeBoss10🔧 Apprentice26d
5
try taping a 2x4 guard block on the left side of the vermeer like a couple guys in the arborist group do.
W
WattTheHeck20⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
that 2x4 trick works good but i run a metal plate bolted to the vermeer skid instead for better protection.
S
SparkPlugPro⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
homeowners act like we got a death wish runnin that thing on their damn lawns
N
NailBiterCarp⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
same shit here, homeowners got no clue how close we come to gettin wrecked on their property.
T
TenYearVet23⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
that metal plate sounds safer than a piece of wood but after my close call last month id rather just rent the damn vermeer and let someone else risk it.
S
SawdustSavant22⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
yea that 2x4 trick works but id bolt it on with 3/8 hardware instead of tape so it dont fly off mid cut.
T
TenYearVet20⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that bolt idea is solid but what size stump you running into out there?
A
AntAnnihilator3⭐ Expert24d
0
those homeowners keep cheapin out and then we pay the price with our legs. like last month in the chicago area i had one guy who wouldnt even spring for a proper barrier so me and my crew was dodging roots like idiots. almost the same exact situation with a rental grinder that binded up mid cut. if you bolt that 2x4 you aint gonna be the next story on some tree service forum. what kinda insurance you got that actually covered the downtime?
T
TileTerror10⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
dont ever run a vermeer without that deadman switch locked in tight, watched a guy get his foot mangled last season from a kickback and he almost lost the whole damn thing.
G
GutterGuru3⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
hell yeah, i once had a grinder bite back so hard it spun me around like a damn top, nearly turned me into a one-legged dancer. winch line's a game-changer, keeps that beast from surprising you mid-grind.
S
ShingleShark17⚒️ Journeyman28d
11
stump grinders can chew you up quick if that winch aint hooked right, almost lost a guy on our crew last year doing the same dance.
D
DoorOpener99⚒️ Journeyman27d
3
always double check that winch cable before firing up the grinder, saved my ass a few times.
C
ChillMaster5⚒️ Journeyman26d
10
that cable snaps and your leg goes with it, saw a guy lose his boot last year.
W
WattWizard87🌱 Newcomer24d
0
damn that cable snap story got me pissed just hearing it. had a stump grinder throw a tooth my direction once and i barely ducked in time, never again without a full cage around it. shoulda listened when the old guy told me to keep everyone back 10 feet minimum. these damn things dont care if your wearing boots or not.
P
PipeLord42018⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
felt that one in my gut, never walk up on a stump grinder without a cage now
L
LadderLad3🔧 Apprentice21d
8
put a damn cage on that thing and quit playing hero, had a guy lose his leg last summer from the same setup.
W
WattTheHeck19⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
had that same cable snap on a stump job last spring, damn near took my knee out too.
T
TermiteTamer2🔧 Apprentice20d
0
these damn machines will get ya if you blink
R
RodentRider2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
damn guards on these stump grinders are a joke, had one kickback last month that nearly shredded my boot and left me cussin for an hour.
F
FreonFiend⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those damn manufacturers cheap out on the guards to save a buck and leave us risking our asses every job, total BS.
B
BrushStrokeBoss6⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
those damn manufacturers cut corners on guards to save a buck and leave us dodging flying wood chips, it's bullshit.
S
SpringSpecialist8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
yeah those shitty guards never stop jack from snaggin on roots and damn near turnin you into hamburger, fuckin manufacturers dont give a crap about us out here bustin our asses.
C
CircuitSmasher3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
swap out those factory guards for beefed up ones from vermeer, they hold up way better against root snags and saved my ass more than once.
T
TenYearVet17⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
swap those stock guards for a vermeer-style reinforced one; they hold up way better against roots without snaggin. had a similar close call last summer and it saved my ass on the next job. bolt it on with grade 8 hardware so it doesnt shift.
S
SudsAndScrubs⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
good call on the grade 8 bolts, theyre the only thing that kept my setup from vibrating loose last time. if youre grinding big roots, add some anti-vibe washers too to cut down on the shake.
C
CanvasKing5⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
dont ever run that grinder without a full leg guard on, i saw a guy get his knee shredded last summer from skipping it and he was out of work for months.
D
DirtBagDan3⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
always slap a 3/4in plywood shield on the front of the grinder before firing it up.
A
AmpedApprentice4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners always wanna skip the shield till one of us ends up in the er with a shredded leg.
C
CastIronCurser⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
been there, felt that in my knees after a stump grinder kickback years ago.
T
TenYearVet20⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
those damn manufacturers push out this crap with guards that aint worth a shit, just to save a buck while we're out here dodgin death every job. had a close call last month on a root cluster that snagged and nearly yanked the whole rig into my knee. its bullshit how they ignore the real hazards we face, and inspectors dont even check half the time. we gotta band together and call this out before someone loses a limb for good.
V
VentMaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
wear your damn chaps every time, i saw a guy get his calf shredded by a vernier stump grinder last year because he skipped em on a quick job. those guards are a joke and wont save you from a kickback if youre not braced right. stay sharp out there or youll be the next horror story.
K
KeyMaster7⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
chaps are for pussies who cant handle a real machine, i run vernier stump grinders without em all the time and never had a issue. guards do their job if youre not some idiot standing in the wrong spot, and kickback? thats on your sloppy bracing, not the gear. wear what you want but dont act like skipping chaps makes you a hero, it just means youre dumber than the average apprentice.
V
V2683🌱 Newcomer29d
4
man i got so frustrated last week when the boss rushed me on a stump job without chaps and nearly took my damn foot off from a kickback, these shortcuts are gonna kill somebody.
W
WrenchWiz3⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
yeah man, had a close call myself last summer with that same vernier beast, knee still aches on rainy days.
A
AmpedApprentice4⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
saw a guy with a bartlett 12 inch grinder that had the chain guards welded tighter and it cut kickback in half on big oak stumps.
W
WattTheHeck9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
those manufacturers are full of shit, cheaping out on guards so they can pocket the difference while we risk our asses every damn time.
G
GarageGuru8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
man, those cheap guards piss me off too, had one fly off mid-grind last summer and nearly caught my boot. i was out there solo, heart pounding like a jackhammer, thinking this is it, leg's gone. manufacturers dont give a damn about us out in the field, just wanna cut corners to boost their margins. been there with a similar scare on a rental unit, shoulda checked it twice but who has time? feels like every job's a gamble with this crap equipment. same shit here, brother, stay safe out there. we gotta push back on these companies somehow.
L
LeakLurker⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
those manufacturers are straight-up crooks, churning out junk that could kill us just to line their pockets. we gotta start boycotting this BS before someone actually loses a leg for good.
W
WattTheHeck24⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
call me crazy but those grinders save more backs than they wreck if you use em right.
S
SawdustSavant5⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, damn near lost a toe to one of those grinders last spring
P
PipeLord42026⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
those greedy bastards at the factories couldnt care less if we lose a leg, all they want is the fat margins while we're out here dodging death every job.
T
TenYearVet16⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
those factory assholes push out junk machines to line their pockets while we're the ones paying with our blood and limbs, its BS.
P
PrunePro3⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
those factory fat cats are the real grinders here, churning out junk that leaves us dodging blades like it's a damn game. i had a buddy last summer who lost half his calf to a cheap-ass model that jammed mid-cut, and the company's response? a lousy coupon for safety gear. we're out here busting our asses for peanuts while they laugh to the bank with zero fucks given for our hides. time we all start boycotting that crap and force some real changes.
H
HammerTimeHarry⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
did the grinders safety shutoff even kick in when it made contact?
S
SawdustSavant23🔧 Apprentice28d
3
customers rushing us through jobs like that are gonna get someone killed.
V
V8484🌱 Newcomer26d
5
customers are gonna get someone killed rushing us like that. stump grinders dont forgive even one slip up. i saw a guy lose a finger on a job last week cause the customer wouldnt let us finish right. dont know how yall stay safe out there.
D
DustBunnyHunter11⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
had the same fear last week with my husky when a root kicked back hard
P
PipeLord42012⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
that close call with my husky had me sweatin bullets too, same shit here
B
BrushStrokeBoss5⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
man that husky'll chew you up before you blink, i once seen a guy trade a boot for a story after a stump grinder spat a rock his way.
P
PestPatrolPete2⭐ Expert21d
0
same shit, these homeowners always pushing for the cheap quick jobs and then we pay with blood and boots.
P
PeakProspector2⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
felt that in my knees too, almost had my foot in the bucket with a similar rig. they shoulda made it with a bigger shield on that husky model. been there man, glad we both walked away.
T
TarPaperTom3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
had that same scare on a stihl last year and still cant believe the leg didnt get it
C
CastIronKiller⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
fuckin manufacturers, always cuttin corners on safety guards to boost their quarterly bonuses while we're out here dodgin teeth and flyin debris. i had a similar close call last summer on a job in the sticks, stump grinder kicked back and nearly shredded my boot. it's all BS, they push these machines like they're invincible but don't give a damn about the guys runnin em. pissed me off so bad i started doublin up on my own guards with some scrap metal, screw their liability waivers. we gotta band together and call this crap out before someone loses a leg for real.
R
RollerRanger2⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
man, same shit here, had a grinder kick back on me two years ago and i still check my chaps twice before every cut now.
F
FlushFreak⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
hell, my near-miss was when the damn thing kicked back and i tripped over my own boots, thought id be the first guy to stump-grind his own ass 😂
F
FuseFiend⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
those damn stump grinders are straight-up death traps, should've sued the manufacturer after that kickback nearly ended my career.
D
DustBunnySlayer⭐ Expert1mo
6
never run that grinder without chaps on, i saw a guy last summer lose half his shin when it kicked back on a root ball he didnt see. those things dont mess around, one second youre good and the next youre in the er praying you keep the leg. stick to the ppe rules or youre just asking for a lifetime of hardware in your knee.
S
SpotlessSam2⭐ Expert1mo
2
always keep that hydraulic lever in neutral when you're repositioning the wheel, saved my ass from a similar kickback last season.
L
LawnLizard4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
that quick neutral shift on my vermeer saved my leg twice now, feels damn good to outsmart the beast.
S
ScrubLord⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
damn, ive had a few close calls with those bastards myself, makes you think twice before firing it up every time.
M
MoveMuscle⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah man, those stump grinders are no joke, had one snag my boot last summer and i thought that was it. still get the shakes thinkin about it.
W
WoodWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn manufacturers cut corners on safety guards to save a buck, and we're the ones paying with our limbs. makes my blood boil every time i see another close call story like yours.
W
WeedWhackerWarrior⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah those cheap-ass guards are a joke, had one fly off on me last week and nearly turned my boot into mulch.
F
FlushMaster88🌱 Newcomer27d
9
seriously dont mess around with those guards on a stump grinder, saw a guy last week who got his pant leg caught and it took a chunk out of his calf before the kill switch caught. i switched to a Ridgid model with the heavier safety shield and it aint slipped once since. always double check the bolts before you fire it up man. cheap plastic ones flex way too much when the wheel hits a root. had one spin loose on me in the middle of a job in north virginia and it scared the hell out of me. what kind of guard was on yours anyway?
F
FlushForce⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
plastic guards on those grinders are a joke, ridgid aint saving anybody when a root catches wrong.
H
HammerTimeGuy3⚒️ Journeyman23d
7
felt that one in my knees, damn things toss rocks and roots like they got a grudge.
V
V6174🔧 Apprentice23d
7
those ridgid guards aint worth the hassle when you hit a root and the whole thing flexes loose anyway.
W
WireWhisperer3⭐ Expert20d
0
same shit here, nearly lost my boot last summer when one of those ridgid guards popped off on a root.
P
PipeLord42014⚒️ Journeyman29d
14
damn, i had a similar scare last week when the grinder kicked back and ripped my glove clean off, thought my fingers were gone for sure. these machines are straight up death traps if you dont keep em maintained right. pissed me off so bad i almost quit on the spot, but bills dont pay themselves. had to take a breather and double-check the carbide teeth before goin back at it.
R
RollerRanger3⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
those stump grinders are overrated death machines, i'd rather hire a pro with a proper vermeer than risk my leg on some rented piece of crap every time.
S
SudsAndScrub⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
glad you walked away with just a ripped glove, man, i had my own grinder nightmare two years back and turned it into the best damn lesson of my career. started running a full pre-job checklist every time now, down to checking the clutch tension and sharpening those carbide tips myself with a diamond file. been accident-free since, and my crew calls me the safety nazi but theyre damn grateful when jobs wrap up without a trip to the er. that breather you took? smart move, i do the same and it keeps the adrenaline from clouding judgment. turned me into a better operator too, faster cuts and cleaner stumps every pop. now i even teach the new guys on my vermeer sc30, showing em how a solid stance beats brute force any day. pride comes from knowing i dodged that bullet and leveled up the whole operation.
J
JoistJuggler⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit with these grinders man, one slip and your whole leg could be gone. homeowners always want the cheapest quote but dont wanna pay for proper safety gear or training time. had a buddy on a vermeer last year who skipped the pre check and damn near lost a finger. why do we keep taking these jobs when the risk is stacked against us from the start?
N
NailGunnerNed⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
homeowners keep pushin this crap on us cuz they aint payin for safety or training, same shit that had my buddies vermeer almost take his finger last year. they want the $400 quote and then act shocked when you show up with proper gear. insurance guys are no better, theyll jack your rates if you file on any of these near misses. we gotta stop takin every stump job that walks in the door or more of us are gonna get hurt out here. why the hell do you even bother with grinders anymore instead of just diggin em out?
S
SparkPlugSue⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
dont skip the daily tooth inspection or you'll end up like that youtube guy who nearly lost his leg. i keep a spare set of carbid teeth in the truck now just in case.
V
VentKing⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
damn right, same shit happened to my buddy last summer when a tooth flew off
L
LawnLizard⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
never run a stump grinder without steel-toed boots and chaps, i saw a guy get his calf chewed up bad last year from a kickback. that thing snags once and it's over, so keep your footing solid and don't get cocky after a few jobs. stay safe out there, man.
W
WireNinja88⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
had a buddy lose half his foot to a stump grinder kickback last summer, no chaps and he was standing too close. those machines dont mess around, one slip and youre looking at skin grafts or worse. always double-check your footing on uneven ground, and keep the rpm steady at 3600 to avoid the snag. dont be the guy who learns it the hard way.
S
ShakeShingler⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
homeowners wanting you to grind right up to their house and save ten bucks is why guys are losing toes left and right.
W
WrenchWizard4⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
yeah steel toes saved my buddy when his grinder kicked hard last week out in ashburn. get some good chaps next time too.
T
TermiteTerror⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
damn, had a similar snag with the grinder on a job last fall, tore up my jeans and nearly yanked me in, still pisses me off thinkin about how close that was.
C
CoolAirCarl⚒️ Journeyman27d
3
these stump grinders are absolute crap and everyone keeps using em anyway
P
PaintSplatterPat3⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
how close was it actually to cutting through?
W
WattTheHeck20⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
man, those kickbacks are no joke, had one damn near take my foot off last summer. still flinch every time i fire up the grinder now.
D
DrainDemon⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
kickback got me flinchin like a cat at a cucumber, now i keep one hand on a beer just in case. leg's still attached, but my nerves are toast.
A
AmpedUp3⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
that stump grinder kickback is no joke, keep a second set of gloves and a leg guard on deck next time.
P
PipeLord42011⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
always keep your hands on the handles and stance wide to eat up those kickbacks. i use a rayco rg165x and it handles em better, but still flinch like you.
B
BugBlaster4⚒️ Journeyman28d
14
stump grinders are overrated, just hire a bobcat with a forestry mulcher attachment and save the drama. those handheld monsters are a lawsuit waitin to happen.
S
SparkleSquad2⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
that grinder's got a mean streak man, like the one time my buddies cat almost lost it to a stump job too. always keep the bar low and dont stand square on. seen worse than a flinch out here in arizona.
A
ACBandit⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
same shit here, that thing kicked back on me in arizona and i damn near lost my boot before i got it shut down.
C
ColorChanger⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
yeah that stump grinder's got a mind of its own, one slip and your boot's the only thing left standing.
L
LawnLizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
damn these machines are death traps waiting for some idiot to slip up, makes you wonder why the manufacturers dont give a shit about safety.
S
SparkSafety⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
yeah man, had a close call myself with one of those beasts last summer, still get chills thinkin about it.
A
ACAvenger3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
always keep a 10-foot safety zone around the grinder when it's running, saved my ass more than once. wear ppe like kevlar chaps if you're doin a lot of this work, they're pricey but worth it over hospital bills. had a buddy who skipped that and ended up with stitches from a kickback. double check your machine's guards too, mine had a loose one that could've been bad news.
V
V1188🔧 Apprentice29d
8
hell yeah i pulled off a clean grind on a monster oak stump last week without a single hitch, felt like a boss after that. took me three hours straight but i kept the blade steady and didnt let it wander near my legs once. now im the go-to guy for the crew when we hit tough roots like that. shoulda seen the smile on the homeowners face when it was down to dirt level. makes all the close calls worth it when you nail it perfect.
B
BlowerDoorBob⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
those damn stump grinders are death traps waiting for some idiot manufacturer to cut corners on safety guards, and dont get me started on the insurance BS when things go south.
L
LockPickLarry8⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
one blade kickback on that grinder will ruin your whole week, not worth playing hero near your own legs.
W
WoodWizard⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
those damn stump grinders are death traps waiting to happen, and the manufacturers just keep pumpin out the same unsafe crap while we pay the price with our limbs.
N
NotAnElectrician23⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
dont mess with those grinders without proper safety gear, saw a guy lose a foot just like this last year.
F
FloorFitterFred2⚒️ Journeyman24d
5
saw a guy almost lose his hand grinding stumps in texas last year so always wear the chaps.
F
FuseFiend⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
almost had my leg chewed by one of those too, now i make the customer sign a waiver before i even start the thing.
O
OddJobOutlaw⚒️ Journeyman17d
2
homeowners are the real danger here, theyll sign anything then sue when they ignore the rules.
K
KeyMasterKev4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
what kinda grinder was that beast you were runnin anyway?
C
CircuitSnafu⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
yeah man, i had a close call with a crap guard on my old grinder last summer, nearly turned my shin into mulch. feels like they're buildin these things to collect lawsuits instead of savin our asses.
V
V9866🔧 Apprentice1mo
7
man i had a similar scare last month, nearly lost a finger to a shitty blade guard that wasnt even bolted right. these machines are gonna get someone killed if they dont fix em.
F
FrameItRight⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
always double-check that blade guard before firing up the grinder, had one slip on me once and it was a nightmare. i run a quick visual and torque test on the bolts every time, takes like 2 minutes but saves your ass. stick to vermeer models if you can, their guards are beefier out of the box. stay safe out there, these things dont mess around.
F
FlushMaster2⭐ Expert1mo
8
yeah my near miss had me dancin' like a drunk ballerina while the grinder tried to eat my boots, lesson learned the hard way.
L
LawnLizard⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
glad you walked away from that one, man. always keep your stance wide and at least 3 feet back from the teeth when feeding the stump, it'll give you room to bail if it kicks. i've been using the vermeer sc30tx for years and it handles most residential jobs without the drama, but respect the power every time. saved my ass more than once with that setup.
T
TarheelTiler3🔧 Apprentice29d
3
damn, had a similar scare with a grinder bolt loosening up on me last summer, makes you appreciate those vermeer guards even more.
W
WattTheHeck25⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
always torque the bolts to 25ft lbs on a vermeer and that guard stays put.
V
V6158🌱 Newcomer27d
7
those torqued bolts wont save you when some guy skips maintenance on a vermeer. seen three guys get lucky on stump jobs just like that and one didnt. 25ft lbs is fine till the stump kicks and the whole guard shifts. what is it with homeowners wanting this done yesterday so we rush. next time im gonna triple check the torque wrench and still stand clear.
F
FlushMaster500⭐ Expert25d
0
same shit here man, had a stump kick back on a vermeer last summer and the guard shifted like that. torque wrench is good but homeowners pushing for same day service is the real killer. standing clear saved my leg more than any bolt spec ever has.
O
OpenerOperator⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
damn that one had me clenching too, those vermeer bolts need to be checked every single time you move the machine. i went through something similar last spring in the houston suburbs and it still gives me chills thinking about how fast it can go south. safety guy at the yard now makes us double check with a torque wrench before every cut. what was the actual rpm when the guard slipped off on your end? glad you walked away from that one.
S
SpringSpecialist10⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn near lost my foot on a vermeer last year too, those bolts love to back out.
F
FlushMaster2⭐ Expert1mo
23
i was running a vermeer sc30tx without the damn safety guard properly set, and it nearly fed my leg into the wheel... dont ever skip that check, it'll save your sorry ass.
B
BasinBoss🔧 Apprentice1mo
10
fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on safety features, leavin us grunts to dodge the blades while they chase profits.
W
WoodWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
manufacturers aint cheaping out, its us idiots rushin the job without remote control grinders that cause these close calls... fight me on that.
B
BoxHaulerBen2🔧 Apprentice1mo
18
last week i saw a guy lose half his foot to one of those skid steer attachments cause he was too damn cheap for a real remote grinder. dont be that idiot, always chain the machine down if youre not using remote control. rushing a job aint worth a lifetime of hospital bills. i got a buddy who still cant work right from a similar mess up two years back.
F
FramingFreak⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
jesus man, near misses like that keep me up at night too. had a close call myself last summer when the chain slipped and i damn near lost a finger. your buddies story hits home, guys always cut corners to save a buck and end up paying way more in the long run. stay safe out there, aint worth the risk.
C
ColorCraze2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, those stump grinder scares are the worst, had one kick back on me last year and it felt like my heart stopped. been there with the chain slips too, makes you double check every damn safety guard after. stay sharp out there, aint no job worth a missing limb.
T
TenYearVet25⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
goddamn stump grinders are a death trap waiting to happen, had one snag on a root last month and i damn near pissed myself thinking about the hospital bill.
S
SpringSpecialist6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
yeah man, had one snag on me last year and i was sweatin bullets over that ER visit too, those damn things dont mess around.
S
ShingleShark15⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
never run a stump grinder without the deadman switch hooked up right, saw a guy lose half his foot last season cuz his jammed and yanked him in. those things'll chew you up faster than the stump if youre not careful.
L
LiftLad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
yeah, i almost became a pirate once when the deadman switch decided to take a coffee break mid-grind. now i check it twice, cuz losing a leg aint worth the overtime pay.
H
HandyMandy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
what brand of stump grinder were you running when that switch crapped out?
F
FurnitureFlipper3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on those deadman switches to save a buck, its like they WANT us to get chewed up by these monsters.
L
LeafBlowerBandit2⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
man, those deadman switches are a joke half the time, always sticking or lagging just when you need em. had a similar scare last summer grinding a massive oak stump, felt the blade tug way too close to my boot before i yanked back. manufacturers dont give a damn about us out here risking our asses for their cheap crap. sucks that we gotta double check every damn thing ourselves. been there brother, stay safe out there.
P
PrunePrince⚒️ Journeyman27d
13
same shit here, my uncle lost his leg to one of those grinders in 2023 down in pennsylvania.
P
PrimerPal⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn, near misses like that stick with you for years. heard the same stories from guys in pennsylvania, scary how quick those things go south.
K
KeyTwister3⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
bet that grinder was a vermeer and almost made you part of the mulch pile. seen one eat a guys boot right off his foot once.
F
FlushMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
homeowners expect you to grind that stump right next to their gas line like its no big deal, then act shocked when shit goes sideways.
G
GreenThumbGuru5⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
thats why i always flag the line and go slow, almost lost a boot myself last year
P
PipeLord4209⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
saw one guy run a stump grinder with steel toe boots and a 3ft clearance rule, never had an issue since then. still double check that deadman every morning though.
V
V5427🔧 Apprentice25d
0
man id be wearin hockey pads next time that thing almost took the leg off
T
TenYearVet14⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
steel toes and a face shield saved my buddies leg last time one of those kicked back
V
V3925🔧 Apprentice22d
1
yeah those stump grinders will kick back on you quick. had one hop on me in georgia last month and i was lucky it didnt take more than a chunk of boot. always keep a good face shield on now.
S
SodSlinger4⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
yeah those things will eat your boot and keep going. had mine jump twice last year, now i keep a 2x4 wedged under the wheel when im walkin around it.
D
DrainDevil3⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
man, ive had my shirt yanked right off by one of those bastards before, felt like it was gonna rip my arm clean out the socket.
V
V7025🌱 Newcomer1mo
11
those stump grinders are straight up deathtraps, should be banned until they make em safer for us grunts. companies dont give a damn about the close calls like mine last month.
C
CleanFreak992🔧 Apprentice29d
6
man i had a similar scare last year with one of those damn stump grinders, nearly shredded my boot and calf before i yanked back. companies push this crap without proper guards or training, and we're the ones paying with our limbs. it's bullshit how they prioritize speed over safety, leaving us grunts to deal with the close calls. if regulators dont step in soon, more guys are gonna get fucked up bad.
S
SawdustSavant10⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
don't ever run one without the full ppe and a spotter, saw a guy in my crew lose two fingers to a kickback last year and it could've been his whole arm.
L
LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
spotters are for pussies, ive run stump grinders solo for years without a scratch and saved my crew the extra man cost every time.
T
TileTerrorist⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
man, those kickbacks are no joke, had one fling a chunk of oak at my knee last summer and i swear it still aches on rainy days
P
PickMaster⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
people act like stump grinders are lawn mowers till someone gets bit, saw a guy try to freehand one last summer and he still limps. most crews skip the cage guards and spotter because it slows the day down. homeowners see it on some youtube video and think they can rent one cheap and be fine. how many times we gotta watch the same video before guys stop rolling the dice?
H
HandyMandy⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
swapped to a vermeer for the cage and spotter setup and never looked back after seeing that youtube clip.
B
BrushStrokePro14⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
spotter with a whistle is the one thing that actually stops you from zoning out on those things.
F
FloorFixer⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
been there, nearly lost a toe to a stump grinder kickback myself
P
PaintSplatterPro⭐ Expert18d
8
every one of these near misses comes down to some homeowner pushing for cheap work with no spotter budget. same shit every year, nobody wants to pay for safety until a leg gets half gone. we had a guy in the group lose toes last fall doing the same stump job solo. whos gonna cover the insurance when the saw catches fabric next time?
A
AmpedApprentice2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit, these stump grinders chew through safety gear like its nothing and then the homeowners act surprised when we bill for extra time.
W
WrenchWally🔧 Apprentice24d
2
same shit, had a grinder eat right through my knee pad last month and the customer still asked why it took so long
W
WireWizard882⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
saw a guy lose his whole leg in one of those things last year, dont ever tie a rope around yourself near one.
V
V6050🔧 Apprentice21d
1
always keep a spotter with a kill switch cord when you run one of those.
V
VinylVirtuoso⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
how do you bill for the downtime after a near miss like that, do you just eat it or pass some of it on to the customer? got stuck on a similar job last year with a busted stump grinder tooth and it turned into a whole thing. what size stump was it anyway? heard those AGKNX planers handle the bigger ones without as much kickback.
S
SawdustSavant13⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
same shit here, these things are always a bad time when they get near skin.
M
MopMasterMax⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
man ive had my share of close calls with that beast too, damn near pissed myself when the blade kicked back last summer.
D
DuctTapeDave3⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
always keep that kill switch taped to your wrist, saved my ass last time i got tangled in some roots. wear chaps too, the cheap ones from home depot run about 50 bucks but theyll stop a blade from turning your leg to mulch. i learned the hard way on a vermeer rental, wasnt paying attention and it kicked back hard. now i double check the stump for buried crap before firing it up. and take a buddy if you can, solo jobs with these beasts are asking for trouble.
V
V4923🔧 Apprentice26d
4
did the vermeer have a foot pedal or was it all wrist kill?
P
PolishPirate⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
most vermeer models got that foot pedal kill switch, keeps your hands free for the controls.
T
TenYearVet9⭐ Expert1mo
10
hell, my close call was when the grinder decided to impersonate a bronco and bucked me right into a rose bush - thorns and all, felt like i was in a bad western. now i treat that beast like its got a mind of its own, double-checking the guards every startup. keeps the legs intact and the stories funny instead of fatal.
N
NotAnElectrician13⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
fucking clients always pushing us to use that cheap-ass rental stump grinder to save a few bucks, and then they act shocked when shit goes sideways and someone's leg almost gets chewed up.
P
PipeLord42011⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
never trust those rental stump grinders, i saw a guy lose three fingers last year because the carbide wheel grabbed his glove and yanked him right in.
R
RollerRogue⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
those cheap bastards always nickel and dime us on rentals then cry foul when the grinder slips and nearly turns your leg into mulch, makes you wanna charge em double just for the headache.
H
HeatPumpHero⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
i've run my own stump grinding side hustle for 15 years without a single close call like that, all because i splurged on a rayco rg1000 and never touch those sketchy rentals. cheap gear just invites disaster, and i've turned down jobs that'd require nickel-and-diming the equipment. now my setups are solid, and clients pay up front for the peace of mind. keeps the legs intact and the checks rolling in.
V
VentWizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, i had a similar scare with a vermeer last year, still feel that twinge when im grinding... glad you stuck with the rayco, keeps us all in one piece.
R
RollerRabbit2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
28
yeah that twinge never really goes away, had a close call myself on a jobsite last summer and it still bugs me on cold days.
F
FixItFelix7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah man, my near miss involved a stump grinder that decided my boot was the real stump, still flinch every time i lace up.
R
RatRanger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those damn stump grinders are death traps waiting for a lawsuit against the manufacturers who skimp on safety guards, saw a buddy lose half his foot last year and the insurance fought us tooth and nail.
L
LeakLocator2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
man, those machines are straight up vicious, had a close call myself last summer when the guard slipped off mid-grind. insurance fighting every claim is the real kicker, aint it.
F
FrameForge⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
always double-check that guard's bolts with a torque wrench set to 50 ft-lbs before firing up the grinder, saved my ass more than once on those jobs.
R
RustyNails2⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
damn, insurance sounds like a nightmare every time. whatd you end up doing to fight their bullshit?
V
V2766🌱 Newcomer28d
7
saw the youtube clip with the near miss on that grinder, scary as hell but funny how quick it moved on ya. heard same shit happens all the time with those excel attachments, they skip like crazy if your not watching the angle right. my uncle told me to always lock the wheel chock first before touching the controls. howd you end up walking away without a cast?
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LockPickLarry⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
that grinder skipping is exactly why i only trust the vermeer brand anymore, seen too many guys get bit.
D
DoorOpenerDan2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
vermeer aint even safe man, im tired of these half ass machines puttin us in the hospital over and over.
B
BoltBandit⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
yeah man my buddy got pulled into one of those vermeer units too, least your leg didnt end up in a hospital bucket like his
B
BrushStrokePro4⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
these stump grinders are the real danger not the damn homeowners. my buddy lost a boot and almost the foot last year on a vermeer too. they push you on every job to skip the safety pins and go faster. half the time the rental places dont even check the kill switch before they hand it over. then insurance acts surprised when they get the claim. been there twice myself and wont touch em again without two guys on site. what brand was yours running?
D
DustDevil2⚒️ Journeyman18d
1
been there, damn near lost a boot myself on a vermeer last fall
B
BoxHauler4⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
frickin homeowners too cheap to hire pros and grinders bite back every damn time.
V
V7357🔧 Apprentice26d
5
almost had my leg ripped off last week when my buddies cheap grinder kicked back on me, felt that in my knees for days. vermeer aint perfect but its alot safer than the off brand junk we had on site. shoulda tied it down better but we was rushing to finish before dark. damn near quit that day over it. next time im sticking with rental instead of borrowing crap from the boss.
T
TileTerror6⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees when the off brand ones kick back hard.
H
HammerTimeGuy4⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
never skip tying that thing down even if its gettin dark out there. saw a guy lose a toe on a vermeer kickback last summer and he aint walkin right since. how much did the rental run you after all that?
D
DripStopper🔧 Apprentice24d
2
rental spots are straight up screwing us with those rates. we got hit with extra $800 on the vermeer after the guy at the counter didnt bother warning us about the tie down bullshit. felt that one right in the wallet, man.
V
V3714🌱 Newcomer21d
1
damn man that extra 800 hurts bad. next time id bring a couple ratchet straps from home depot so your not stuck paying their tie down fee. what size stump was it?
K
KeyMaster3⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
gotta tie it down next time or your leg'll be the stump grinder's next meal.
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
vermeer rentals run me $285 a day but tie it down every time or youre askin for trouble.
D
DoorOpenerPro⚒️ Journeyman18d
4
tie it with ratchet straps not just the vermeer chains, seen too many roll off on slopes.
D
DirtDevil⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
rentals over borrowing boss crap anyday, had a vermeer 252 almost flip on me once too.
V
V2119🔧 Apprentice23d
4
felt that in my knees too when my cheap grinder kicked on me
E
EaveExpert3⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
same grinders like that Dewalt nearly took my arm once when it kicked back on me but i laughed it off after
F
FloorFumbler2⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
felt that kick right in my knees too, those stump grinders dont forgive. same shit almost got me last spring when the bar jumped. gotta keep your body way back or its game over.
S
SweepSquad2⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
same shit happened to a buddy in florida and that vermeer still scared the hell out of him
B
BugBusterJoe⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
insurance really dragged me through it too when that stump grinder kicked back last year, hit me in the shin but i kept working through the pain. been grinding stumps with my vermeer for 18 years and still got all ten toes so i call that a win. the claim check finally cleared after four months of back and forth. i switched over to a policy that actually covers this kind of mess and it has saved my butt twice already. nothing beats getting the check in hand and knowing your tools didnt beat you up for nothing. how did you lock yours back down after the guard slipped off.
C
ColorChanger⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
insurance is such a scam for us, vermeer guards fail all the time and they still drag their feet for months.
P
PrunePioneer🔧 Apprentice26d
10
insurance companies are a bunch of crooks, theyll drag their feet till your bills pile up and your leg is still healing.
R
RustedBolt87🌱 Newcomer24d
0
insurance bastards always wait till your leg is half healed before they cut the check.
S
SlateSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
same shit, those insurance bastards drag their feet till your back is broke too.
A
ACAvenger3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
insurance companies are such a scam, dragging us through hell for months like that.
S
SparkPlugSue2⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
insurance companies pulling that crap after a near miss like that is just evil.
M
MopMaestro⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
insurance is straight up evil after something like that.
B
BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
felt that in my knees man, insurance dragging it out is the worst
L
LawnLizard3🔧 Apprentice21d
7
same shit here, been fighting insurance for 8 months after my skid steer flip.
N
NotAnElectrician19⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
stump grinders aint worth the gamble, had a buddy lose a foot chasing a cheap rental instead of calling the arborist.
P
PaintSplat⭐ Expert27d
7
those stump grinders are a damn death trap, every arborist i know just calls em cheap rentals and hopes for the best.
R
RoofRat882⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
damn near lost a leg to one of them things myself last summer, same shit happens when you skip the pros for a rental. felt that in my knees just reading it, bet your buddy is still pissed about chasing that cheap fix. never again after watching the stump fly back at me like it wanted blood. should've called the arborist from the start like my old man always said. stump grinders make quick work but one slip and your day is done. been there too many times to count with those rentals acting up mid job. what ended up happening with the cleanup after that close call?
W
WoodWorkerWiz⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
rentals from home depot always screw you over when the clutch starts slipping. same shit with these cheap grinders turning into missiles on the job. every time a guy tries to save a buck it ends with near misses and busted legs. what brand did your buddy end up using after that mess?
F
FrameFailFred⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
guy tried to grind his own stump last summer and nearly lost a toe when the machine kicked back, hell of a way to learn. arborist around here charges 350 bucks and its done in an hour without the drama. rental places love selling those things to weekend warriors who end up in the er. how bad was the near miss on your end?
A
AmpedApprentice4⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
dont mess with those grinders if youre not trained, saw a guy lose his leg in pennsylvania last year when it kicked back hard. rental spots should stop pushing em on homeowners.
G
GreenThumbGuru6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
always keep the chip shield down and your free hand at least 3 feet back from the jaws, saved my ass on a job last summer when the grinder kicked.
V
V3676🌱 Newcomer29d
5
glad i finally nailed that chip shield technique on my last job, it kept my fingers intact when the grinder bucked hard.
D
DustBunnyHunter8⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
man, my near miss was when the stump grinder kicked back and i swear it was aiming for my junk. shoulda worn that cup from my old football days. glad you kept those fingers, mine are still twitchy from the scare.
B
BrushMaster⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit here man, my hands still shake when i hear that grinder kick in. almost lost a toe to one last year and now i keep a hard hat on even for quick stump jobs. you aint the only one twitchy after that.
H
HammerTimePro2⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
damn near lost a leg to one of those things myself last summer, makes you wanna throw the whole grinder in a ditch.
O
OpenerOperator6⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
that stump grinder thing pisses me off, guys get hurt cause the company skips the safety pins and proper training. had one guy i worked with lose toes cause the rental company gave him a beat up vermeer with no kill switch working right. shoulda been pulled off the job after the first near miss but they kept it moving for the next yard. now everyone acts surprised when something finally gives. insurance is gonna jack rates again after this story spreads. you still running a vermeer or switched to a different brand?
F
FuseFiend⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
you keep that hard hat on for quick jobs, good move. do you wear steel toes too or just the regular boots when your running the grinder?
T
TarPaperTom3⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
man that almost happened to me too, steel toes saved my foot but the regular boots get shredded quick on those things.
S
SparkPlugMike⚒️ Journeyman28d
18
that chip shield trick saved my ass last summer when the grinder kicked back on a gnarly oak stump. always wear the full face shield too, keeps the flying debris from turning your day into a band-aid party.
C
CleanFreakFred⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
hell yeah, i once dodged a flying chunk from my old husqvarna that coulda ended my season, but i kept that grind goin and finished three jobs that week without a scratch.
D
DustBunnyHunter⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
fuckin stump grinders are death machines waiting to happen, and the bosses just push us to grind faster without the right PPE or spotters. its bullshit how one slip and youre done for life.
P
PrunePrince⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
man, that twinge hits different when the weather turns, been nursin mine since a chipper mishap two years back.
V
V4673🌱 Newcomer29d
3
goddamn machine manufacturers cheaping out on safety guards just to cut costs, its a miracle any of us make it through the day without losin a limb
L
LawnLizardLarry⚒️ Journeyman29d
13
those guards are a joke half the time, i started tying extra chicken wire around the chute on my vermeer sc30 to keep chips from flying back at me. makes a huge difference in close quarters, especially when you're grinding near fences or patios. always wear the full chaps too, even if it's hot as hell out; saved my knee last summer from a kickback. check your machine's manual for any mod kits, vermeer has some affordable ones that bolt right on for under 200 bucks. and never run it solo if the stump's bigger than 24 inches diameter, get a spotter to yell if something shifts. i learned that the hard way after a near miss in a backyard full of kids' toys. keeps the job safer and you dont end up in the er explaining to your wife why you almost lost a leg. stick to that and you'll outlast the cheapo manufacturers.
D
DirtBagLandscaper2⚒️ Journeyman28d
12
fuck the manufacturers, but half these near misses are on us operators cuttin corners to save five minutes, blame game is BS.
C
ChillMaster4⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
bet if you ran the safety bar every time like the manual says youd be fine instead of chasing speed. never seen a stump grinder win against common sense.
N
NotAnElectrician7⚒️ Journeyman26d
13
hell with the safety bar id rather lose a second to common sense than a leg like that guy in pennsylvania.
C
CrownMoldingMoron⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
thats why i always keep a vermont american 8" toothbar handy instead of trusting those safety interlocks.
D
DoorJamDud⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
i had a stump grinder kick back on me once in ohio so i started keeping a vermont american toothbar in the truck for quick swaps when the safety stuff fails. that backup tool saved me from a real bad spot on the second job that month. always check the interlocks first but dont bet your leg on them alone.
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WipeOutPro⚒️ Journeyman24d
4
safety bar saved my ass more times than id admit out here in oklahoma but common sense still beats it every shift. saw a guy last year grind right into a hidden root and the whole machine kicked back at him. now i always mark the utilities first and keep that kill switch in reach. what brand grinder you running these days?
D
DustBunnyBoss⭐ Expert27d
2
damn that could've gone sideways fast. i always check the teeth on my vermeer before firing it up, you using the same brand? what did the doc say after they patched you up?
J
JointJockey⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
man i felt that one in my knees, been lucky so far with my vermeer but i get the near miss feeling.
N
NailGunNinja12⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont try to push through when that near miss hits, saw a guy keep grinding and lose a toe to the vermeer wheel.
V
V8888🔧 Apprentice26d
6
damn good thing you didnt lose a leg, those grinders dont forgive mistakes at all.
S
SodSlinger4⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
same shit, almost lost a toe to one of those grinders last month myself.
P
PipeDreamer25⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
felt that in my knees too, those grinders dont play around.
S
SparkPlugJunkie⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
shoulda walked away the second it started binding, these things don't care about your foot.
S
SparkPlugger⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
same shit here, felt that in my knees when the blade kicked back.
N
NotAnHVACTech🌱 Newcomer26d
4
damn that kickback sounds like it came way too close man, same shit here with my old stump grinder.
F
FixItFred2⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
felt that kickback in my knees too man, had me jumpin back quick on my old grinder
H
HammerTimeHank2⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
same shit here, my buddy lost a boot to one last year over some cheap plastic guard.
D
DrainDiverDan⭐ Expert23d
0
damn that boot story still makes me laugh even tho i almost clipped my own knee last summer grinding one in a tight spot
I
Insul8r⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
tell me about it, those cheap guards on stump grinders are a joke and manufacturers keep cutting corners for profit. Same thing happened on a site last month, damn near took a guys boot off. Its like theyd rather save a buck than keep us from gettin mangled.
H
HardwoodHero4⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
get a proper guard from vermeer or bandit next time, those stock ones are junk. never run one without steel toe boots either.
L
LeakLocator3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had a stump grinder kick back on me last year and it took my boot clean off, thank god i still had the leg. next time id wear those steel toes and skip the rope trick altogether.
T
TileTamer2⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
did ya ever try the stump grinder rental from home depot instead of buying that cheap one?
S
ShingleShark3⚒️ Journeyman19d
1
rentals from home depot got better teeth than that bargain one you bought, saved my legs more than once already.
R
RollerRogue8⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
dont rent that home depot grinder, saw a guy lose two toes when the clutch let go.
H
HammerTimeHero4⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always throw a couple extra wood chips over the top of that stump to hide the guard from the teeth.
V
VoltVampire2⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
that extra cover trick always feels like a bad bet when the teeth are spinning underneath. nearly lost a boot last spring on a rental grinder and still dont trust it.
P
PolishPro4⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
same shit here, felt that in my knees when the guard slipped on a jobsite stump grinder last year.
V
V5811🌱 Newcomer25d
0
these cheap ass manufacturers are gonna get us all killed one day.
L
LiftAndShiftLee⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
that twinge in the cold gets me too, same shit here from a bad lift years back.
S
SawdustSavant19⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
saw a roger wakefield video on this and the trick is keeping your body square to the stump. changed my back pain big time.
C
CanvasCowboy3⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
square stance is key but id throw some 2x6s under the grinder feet for better traction. saw a guy slip on wet grass once and it ended bad.
M
MiterMaster⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that square stance saved my knee once on a job with a 24 inch grinder. felt like a boss after dodging disaster like that.
S
SprayAndPray⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
ever try a stump grinder on a slope or did that bad lift keep you off em?
F
FixItFelix11⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
never stand too close to the damn thing when its grinding, i saw a guy lose half his foot last year cuz he wasnt paying attention.
W
WattTheHeck18⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
damn homeowners pushing speed over safety get somebody hurt every time
J
JoltJockey⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
hell, i once fed my boot into a stump grinder chasing a stuck tooth - turns out the machine's hungrier than a friday night at the dive bar. lucky i pulled it out before it started on my laces, or id be stumpin around on one leg now.
T
ThermostatTyrant⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
damn near lost two fingers last summer when my grinder kicked back on a root ball, shoulda worn the damn chaps but i was in a rush. these machines dont give second chances, pisses me off how close it was.
D
DuctDoctor6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
chaps are for pussies, ive run that grinder bare legged for 15 years without a scratch and never looked back.
P
PlumbDumb⭐ Expert1mo
24
put some kevlar chaps on next time, they saved my buddies leg from a flying chip on a 24 inch disc grinder last summer.
T
TenYearVet13⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
damn, i had a close call with a vermeer sc30 last month, that thing kicked back and nearly got my ankle before i could even lock in the stump. shoulda worn them chaps from the start, feels like every job's a gamble now.
A
AmpedApprentice6⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
shit, i had a similar kickback on a rayco last year that sent me flying into the dirt, pissed me off so bad i quit that job halfway through. these machines are a damn liability without the right gear, makes you question every damn stump you take on.
V
V8238🌱 Newcomer29d
5
yeah kevlar chaps are a game changer, i wear em every time now after seein how that 24 inch disc throws chips everywhere.
F
FixItFelix9⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
one guy i know skipped the chaps and that disc chewed right through his jeans, nearly cost him the leg - dont be that idiot.
F
FlooringFiasco⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
man, i had a similar scare on a demo job last week, those flying chunks had me sweatin bullets. kevlar gear saved my ass, but it still shook me up bad.
V
V8366🌱 Newcomer28d
5
damn these manufacturers cheaping out on safety guards, nearly got my arm chewed up last week cuz the thing jammed on a root and i wasnt wearin nothin but jeans.
F
FaucetFiend⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
yeah man, i thought i was invincible too till that close call had me shittin bricks, dont tempt fate like that.
D
DoorJamJam2⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
my close call was with a rented stump grinder that decided to eat my boot instead of the stump, turned me into a one-legged dancer for a minute. shoulda worn steel toes but hey, live and learn. now i triple-check the damn thing before i hit the throttle.
S
ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice29d
2
always test the stump grinder's feed chain for slop before firing it up, saved my ass on a vernon job last month.
S
SawdustSavant27⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
same shit here, felt that stump grinding scare in my knees too
V
VoltageVagabond3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, one slip on those teeth and your knee's gone in seconds.
B
BoltTightener⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
dont mess with those walk behind grinders near trees over 8 inch. saw a guy lose toes when the teeth caught a root he didnt see. tie a rope to the stump and pull from the truck instead, safer bet.
G
GarageGuru6⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, those teeth don't care if you're watchin or not. almost lost a boot last spring out in the houston suburbs on a rental grinder. always keep the damn bar low and your feet planted, one slip and its over. you still using the same model or switched brands after that?
A
ACWizard⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah those grinders dont mess around and you felt it too. same shit with me last year out in rural ohio when i slipped on wet grass and barely missed the teeth. lucky the safety bar kicked in quick or my leg woulda been hamburger. always keep the spotter right next to you even if the customer says they can watch. seen too many close calls on those things lately. you change anything after that one or just keep grinding?
L
LeakFinder42🔧 Apprentice1mo
32
yeah i once let a grinder kick back and it ate my favorite work boot, now i call 'em the world's most expensive shoeshine service. shoulda worn chaps too, but hey, legs are overrated anyway.
R
RustyWrench⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
hell yeah, i saw a guy get his arm mangled last year trying to muscle through without chaining that beast down, nearly bled out on site. dont skimp on the safety harness or you'll be the next story they whisper about in the crew van. stick to remote ops when you can, saves your limbs and your sanity.
H
HammerHead⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
dont ever run that grinder without the kill switch tethered to your wrist, or youre asking for a hospital trip like the buddy who lost half his calf last summer. i saw the pics and it aint pretty, stick to the rules or kiss your leg goodbye.
G
GeneralFixIt⭐ Expert1mo
13
man, that sounds brutal. what kinda grinder were you using when it almost happened?
S
SpotlessSam⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
been there with a vermeer sc30, had the thing kick back and nearly tagged my shin. sucks how fast those bastards can turn on ya.
C
ChillMaster7⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
those damn stump grinders are straight up death machines waiting for a slip up, manufacturers should be SUED for skimping on safety guards.
D
DirtBagLandscaper6⭐ Expert28d
5
those kickbacks are bullshit, but half the guys i know run 'em without a damn chain guard to save time and never get bit, fight me.
P
PipeLord42013⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
that kickback pain hits different when its your own fault for skipping the guard. had a buddy go down the same way last year and he still walks funny on it. most of us know the chain guard takes two seconds to flip on but we skip it anyway for that one extra stump. feels like we all got lucky til we dont. heard a guy on essential craftsman talk about proper ppe and still half the crew ignores it. how many close calls you had before this one?
V
V7028🔧 Apprentice23d
2
always hook up the guard on a vermeer grinder, that two seconds saves legs every time.
S
ShingleShark⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
why run it without a guard when one slip costs you a leg?
A
AmpedUp3⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
homeowners cheap out on the safety gear then act shocked when someone gets hurt
O
OpenerOperator6⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
damn man, had a vermeer kick on me too and it got way too close to my boot.
A
AntAnnihilator6⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that one in my stomach just reading it, too damn close
C
CircuitSmasher⭐ Expert25d
0
man those walk behind grinders eat legs for lunch. always rig a 2x4 shield in front of your stance before you fire it up.
S
SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
these stump grinders are a total crap show, home owners always underestimating how quick one slip can end you
R
RoofRat887⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, been there with that stump grinder bullshit, one wrong move and its lights out on the leg.
N
NotAnElectrician22⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah, next time just tell the stump you're grindin' it for the environment, maybe it'll go easy on your leg lol
S
SparkJockey3⭐ Expert1mo
9
damn, had a similar scare last summer when the damn thing kicked back and nearly shredded my boot, these machines are no joke.
W
WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert1mo
19
stump grinders dont mess around, i saw a guy lose half his leg last summer when he got too close without the guard on - dont be that idiot.
P
PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, i had a similar crap show last summer with a vermeer 3000, damn thing kicked back and sliced my boot open before i could jump clear. should've worn those steel toes i left in the truck, but nope, figured it was a quick job. still pisses me off thinking about how close that was to being way worse.
L
LeakHunter3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
always keep a 10-foot safety perimeter around that stump grinder, saved my ass from a similar close call last summer.
J
JackOfAllScrews⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
man, that 10-foot rule is the only thing between me and a hospital bed after my own stump grinder scare last fall, felt that sweat in my knees for days.
N
NailGunNinja12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
always keep a spotter 10 feet back and never run the grinder without checking the swing arm clearance first, saved my ass more than once.
L
LockLord⭐ Expert1mo
13
had a close call last month when some idiot helper got too close and the damn swing arm clipped his boot, nearly dragged him in... pisses me off how these accidents keep happening with green guys.
V
V8881🔧 Apprentice1mo
6
yeah man, i always double check that swing arm clearance before firing up the grinder, especially if theres roots runnin underground that could snag it. last job i had a buddy who didnt and it kicked back hard, nearly clipped his boot. wear them steel toes every time, they saved me from a twisted ankle once. keeps you from bein the guy with the story on r/smallbusiness.
D
DuctTapeDynamo⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
always set your stump grinder's depth gauge to no more than 4 inches per pass, it keeps the kickback way down and saves your legs from gettin mangled.
L
LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
fuckin clients who 'just want it gone quick' never mention the roots or power lines till it's too late, leavin us to dodge death every damn job. it's bullshit how they skimp on the site prep and we pay the price.
S
SlateSavage🔧 Apprentice1mo
6
always mark out those power lines with a locator wand first and get a $500 site survey from the client before firing up the grinder, saves your ass every time.
V
V7091🔧 Apprentice1mo
9
first time i ran a stump grinder solo i cleared the swing arm like you said and it saved my leg from gettin shredded, feelin pretty damn proud of listenin to the old timers now.
O
OpenerOperator6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah, my grinder almost turned me into a pirate last summer, now i keep a spare leg in the truck just in case. sweat in the knees? try pissing yourself on the spot lol.
O
OpenerOperator4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, i was grinding a big oak stump last month and the damn thing kicked back so hard it ripped my boot half off, thought i was done for.
F
FixItFred2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
fml, had a similar kickback on a vermeer last year that sliced my ppe to shreds and left me with a nasty gash, these machines are no joke.
P
PipeLord420🔧 Apprentice1mo
23
dude that sounds like my worst nightmare, i've had a stump grinder kick back on me once and it nearly took my whole damn foot off. shoulda been more careful with the angle i was hittin it at. been there with the boot gettin shredded, hurts like hell even if it doesnt break skin. these machines are no joke, glad you walked away from it.
S
SparkPlugSue5⚒️ Journeyman27d
3
i'm proud of my scars from that grinder, taught me to always hit it straight on.
C
ColorBlindPainter⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bet that grinder took one look at your paint job and said not today
K
KeyTwister3⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
damn that coulda been way worse, felt that in my knees just reading it
R
RollerRogue4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah man, i had a similar close call with a vermeer last summer and my knees still shake thinkin about it.
W
WattTheHeck9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
god, those vermeer grinders are beasts, almost got my boot sucked into the teeth last month and i was sweatin bullets. knees shakin? try sleepin after a close one like that, i havent had a full night since. damn near pissed myself thinkin how bad it coulda been, and for what, some idiot homeowners stump? these machines need better safety crap, im tellin ya.
V
VentVenturer⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
those damn homeowners always underestimating the gear we run, like a stump grinders some toy for their backyard bs. vermeers got zero margin for error when some yahoo wants it done cheap and fast, and were the ones payin with our limbs. pissed me off last week on a job where the idiot wouldnt clear his crap outta the way, nearly got us both.
P
PipeDreamerPaul⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
that shit always happens when homeowners wont clear the area and your stuck dealing with it. vermeers will take a leg off before you even blink.
C
ChillMaster3⭐ Expert25d
0
always make sure you got a clear 6ft radius before firing up that vermeer or your boots gonna get chewed up quick.
L
LawnLad2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
always wear those steel-toed boots and keep your feet clear of the flywheel, itll save your leg next time. if you're renting one, check out the vermeer sc30tx model for better control on tough stumps.
S
SpringSlinger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah, i was grinding a stump once and the damn thing kicked back so hard it nearly turned me into a pirate with a peg leg. shoulda charged extra for the circus act.
K
KeyMaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
glad you only auditioned for peg leg, not the full amputation tour... my close call was the grinder throwing a rock like a fastball, left me with a bruise the size of a softball.
V
VoltageVagabond3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
goddamn manufacturers cut corners on these grinders to save a buck, leavin us to dodge flying death missiles. should be a class action for all the near misses we've had.
W
WireWizard5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
28
man, had one of those flying chunks rip my boot clean off last summer, damn near missed my ankle. same bs with these cheap grinders, wish they'd just build em solid.
F
FloorFitterFred⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those damn manufacturers cut every corner for profit, leavin us out here dodgin death just to get the job done.
T
TenYearVet7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
man, stump grinders are sneaky bastards, always one wrong step from disaster. what model were you runnin, somethin like a vermeer or rayco? did you have the safety guards on or were they half-assed like usual? tell me more about how you dodged that bullet, sounds like a story for the crew.
B
BeamBoss2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
always keep the guards on full, like on my vermeer sc30, and wear chaps rated for chainsaw cuts, it'll save your leg if the wheel kicks back.
S
SafeCracker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
man, had a similar kickback on my old rayco last summer that nearly sent me to the er, chaps were the only thing between me and a hospital stay.
G
GreenThumbGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
been there myself, one slip on a wet stump had me inches from the blade, those damn things dont mess around.
V
V8366🌱 Newcomer1mo
1
man, i had a close one last month on a soggy stump, thought my foot was gone for sure, those grinders are no joke.
P
PipeLord420🔧 Apprentice1mo
4
bro i damn near lost a finger to one of those bastards last summer, felt my heart stop when it grabbed my glove...
B
BrushStrokeBoss3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
dodged a chainsaw kickback last year that saved my thumb, but damn if it didnt make me the safest grinder on the crew now. walkin away whole feels like winnin the lottery every time.
D
DoorOpenerPro2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
man, i had a close one with a stump grinder last summer, felt the vibration pull me in like it wanted my arm. woke up sweatin every time i think about it, but yeah walkin away whole is the real win. been double checkin my stance ever since.
T
TenYearVet7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
glad you walked away from that mess, stump grinders don't mess around if you're off balance. i always tie off with a harness when the stump's bigger than 18 inches, keeps the pull from yanking you in. check your ppe straps too, saved my hide more than once.
R
RustyNails22🔧 Apprentice28d
7
dont ever run that thing without your boots laced tight, i saw a guy get dragged 20 feet cause his foot slipped out. nearly lost his whole leg, shit was brutal.
B
BugHunterPro2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, homeowners always rushin you on those rentals and now we gotta watch our backs for their mess ups.
S
SpotlessSteve2⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
yeah id watch the homeowners pulling those rental stum p grinders, one dude i know damn near lost a toe trying to move it while it was still spinning.
D
DuctTapeDuke⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
that almost happened to me last spring and im still pissed at how one wrong step turns into a hospital run
M
MowAndGo⭐ Expert24d
4
damn i felt that one in my back just reading it, one slip and youre riding to the ER instead of heading home. stump grinders dont forgive a bad stance, seen it happen more than id like. you still out there running em or did that one make you rethink the whole setup?
T
TenYearVet3⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
man that grinder is no joke, i tie off with a ridgid harness on anything over 12 inch and it saved my butt twice last month. same stuff happened to me out in arizona last fall when the stump kicked back hard. been running a 3000 series tractor attachment from excel for bigger jobs and it changed everything. you still got the vid of that near miss?
W
WireWizard5⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
that ridgid harness is the only reason half these guys still got legs left
S
SafeCrackerSam2⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
always run a one call and mark your lines before you fire up the grinder, saved me from hitting a gas line once.
C
CanvasChaos⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
how deep was that gas line marked before you started?
S
SparkedOut🌱 Newcomer19d
0
same shit, i hit a line once and damn near crapped myself
V
VoltageVagabond⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
that excel grinder is safer than any harness if you ask me, ridgid just gives you a false sense of security on a 3000 series.
M
MopMaster⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
saw a guy almost lose a hand on a rigid 3000 last summer dont trust the harness either.
S
SawdustSavant7⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
that harness is a joke when the bar kicks back hard, saw one guy get the 3000 caught on a root and damn near take the whole wheel to his boot. dont trust it even if your hands are clear the stump can still shift and the teeth keep spinning. best bet is shut it down and use a mattock for anything over 12 inches instead of gambling on the clutch. a buddy of mine tried the bluebird model last year on a big oak and walked away with a busted knee after the wheel grabbed. if you gotta grind then keep a 2x4 wedge ready to jam it before you even start the motor. been there when the thing grabs and it scares the hell out of you every time. what brand of grinder you running out there anyway.
M
MowAndBlowMan⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
same shit here, almost lost a toe on one last fall when the guard slipped.
H
HeatWaveHero2⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
damn that vibration pull is no joke, felt that same grabbin pull once and it still wakes me up too. just glad you walked away whole, man.
S
SparkChaser⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on guards and safety features just to save a buck, its like they WANT us ending up in the ER every week.
V
VineVanquisher⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
dodged a similar bullet last summer when my vermeer sc30's guard caught on a root just in time, kept both legs and finished the job without a hitch.
H
HammerHeadHal⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
had my vermeer stall out on a root once, scared the crap outta me.
H
HueHustler3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees, those vermeer grinders get mean when they catch a root.
V
V8099🌱 Newcomer23d
3
damn that was close, been there with a vermeer too. those things kick hard when they hit a root and aint no playing around after. how bad did it catch you?
V
V7429🔧 Apprentice22d
3
same shit here, those vermeer grinders always find the meanest root. caught my boot once but got lucky and didnt lose anything.
G
GarageGuruGary⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
same damn grinders keep finding boots out here in the trades
A
AmpedApprentice3⚒️ Journeyman17d
4
always keep the kill switch on your left hip so you can hit it if it grabs ya, learned that the hard way on a vermeer 252.
P
PanelPusher⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
had a stump grinder throw a rock at me once and i still got the scar on my calf. damn thing kicks harder than a mule when it hits a root like that. same shit here, these things will bite if you let em.
T
TurfTyrant🔧 Apprentice23d
0
that vermeer stall had my heart in my throat too, damn near lost a guy i know when the wheel kicked back.
A
ACWizard⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah man, had a close call with a stump grinder guard that decided to quit mid-job, damn near lost a foot. these manufacturers are full of shit skimping on safety like that.
V
V4673🌱 Newcomer26d
2
those guards are a joke man, id rather run a stihl with a chain than trust half the safety gear out there.
F
FramingFreak⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
those cheapass manufacturers dont give a damn about us, just churn out junk so they can pocket the difference while were dodgin ER visits left and right.
P
PitchPerfectPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
fuckin equipment rental companies skimpin on safety features to save a buck, leavin us to dodge death every damn job. if they had better guards on those stump grinders id still have my full mobility.
G
GreenThumbFail⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
those rental joints are straight-up CRIMINAL, cheaping out on guards and leaving us exposed like sitting ducks every job.
G
GarageGuruGus⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
those rental outfits are a damn liability, skimping on safety guards just to save a buck while we're out here risking our limbs every damn day.
W
WattTheHeck25⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
yeah man, had a close call myself with one of those cheap rentals last summer, nearly lost a finger when the guard slipped... makes you wanna stick to oem only.
V
VacuumVince⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
rentals never give a damn till someones missing a leg, its always the guy on the ground that pays
Y
YardYodaYusuf⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
rentals are always the first to point fingers when the guy on the ground gets screwed
S
ShingleShark2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
always rent the biggest machine you can for stump work, a 35hp toro saved my legs more than once.
W
WattWhizKid🌱 Newcomer25d
2
rentals always blame the guy on the ground when the real safety shit comes from their cheap grinders.
G
GreenThumbGuru2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
near miss like that makes you rethink rentals quick, those cheap grinders got no business near my leg.
C
ColorSplashSam⚒️ Journeyman25d
6
rentals will rent anything to anyone till the guy on the ground pays for it
W
WeedWhacker3⭐ Expert22d
2
had a rental grinder kick back on me once and damn near took the whole foot off, still laugh about it with the boys every time we see that video floating around. went with a vermeer after that instead of messing with whatever they hand you at the counter. guy told me the stump was just a little one but it had roots like steel cables running right under the sidewalk. always check the rental agreement twice before you even start it up or youll be the one paying for the whole show. thing is i still use em for small jobs but never without calling a buddy to spot me now. what kind of rental place let him have it with zero walkthrough?
L
LeakHunter8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
always keep your foot off the ground and wear steel-toes, saved my buddy's leg on a similar slip-up last year.
H
HardwoodHero4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
goddamn stump grinders are a lawsuit waitin to happen with these cheap-ass manufacturers cuttin corners on safety guards, pissed me off last job when the damn thing jammed and nearly yanked my arm off.
L
LawnLad420⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
always keep your non-dominant hand on the wheel and wear chaps rated for at least 20hp grinders, saved my ass more than once when shit jams up.
P
PlungeMaster🔧 Apprentice26d
6
one of those excel attachments on a 3000 series tractor keeps your legs clear of the wheel, safer than handheld grinders.
S
ShingleShuffler5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
jesus, had a similar scare last summer when the grinder kicked back on some roots, thought my foot was gone for sure. steel toes aint just for show, they saved my ass too. still flinch every time i hear that thing rev up now.
C
CoilCleaner⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
steel toes are a joke, man, if that kickback had been two inches higher it'd have taken your knee off no matter what, and manufacturers know it but keep skimping on better guards to save a buck.
L
LaminateLegend🔧 Apprentice28d
4
homeowners keep cheapin out on the stump grindin and makin us deal with these nightmares.
P
PrunePrince⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
damn near lost my foot to one of those bastards last summer when it kicked back on a root i missed. shoulda double-checked my footing but nope, wasnt thinkin straight after a 12-hour day.
V
V2683🌱 Newcomer1mo
5
these damn stump grinders are gonna kill me one day, i was runnin a rayco last week and nearly lost my foot to a rogue root, shoulda double checked the guards but the boss had us rushin the job.
V
V1062🌱 Newcomer1mo
9
next time keep the grinder's carbide wheel at least 6 inches from your leg and wear chaps, saved my ass on a job last week when the stump kicked back.
W
WrenchWizard2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waitin to happen with all the cheap rentals from home depot that don't even come with proper guards, fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on us.
B
BrushStrokeBen⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah those home depot rentals are straight up death traps with half-assed guards that fly off if you hit a root wrong. had a close call last summer and now i wont touch em without double checking every bolt first.
W
WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
those damn home depot rentals are a lawsuit waiting to happen, corporate cuts corners on safety to save a buck and leaves us grunts to deal with the blood and bills.
K
KeyMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
those damn home depot rentals are a joke, guy i know lost two toes on one last spring. rental places never check the guards or teeth so your just rolling the dice every time. why the hell are we still using them instead of buying our own?
V
V8888🔧 Apprentice24d
0
same shit with those rental grinders, damn things always feel sketchy
P
PeakProspector3⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
always double check the guards on those rental beasts before firing em up, and if it's a vermeer or carlson model go for the oem guards not the cheap aftermarket crap. saved my ass more than once when the wheel kicked back unexpected.
V
VoltVampire⚒️ Journeyman28d
23
had a similar kickback on a vermeer last month that damn near shredded my boot, rental places should be FORCED to inspect those guards every time.
V
V7091🔧 Apprentice26d
2
stump grinders kick back worse then anything else i used, rental places should be sued if those guards aint checked right.
C
CircuitSmasher4⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
felt that in my knees, rental places dont check those guards half the time.
D
DirtDiggerDan2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
man that shit happens too quick, ive seen guys limp for months over a guard they skipped. check it every rental or your stuck payin for it later.
D
DustBunnyHunter7⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
buddy that stump kickback is no joke, i always slap on those heavy duty chaps before firing up the vermeer now. saw a guy use a ratchet strap to pin the guard down tight on a rental and it stopped the fling before it got bad. rental places in my area check em about as often as they change the oil, which aint often enough. you got a brand you swear by for the leg protection or just the pants?
N
NewbieNailBanger⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
always check the guard bolts yourself before you crank it up, rental guys skip that. seen too many close calls from loose teeth on those vermeer heads.
F
FloorFanatic⭐ Expert25d
0
helluva way to learn the hard way on those rental grinders.
S
SawdustSavant22⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
damn man felt that in my knees just watching you tell it, rental grinders always got that extra kick nobody warns ya about
P
PipeLord4209⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
had a guy last year that almost fed himself to one of them rental grinders too, rentals are such trash
T
TarPaperTiger2⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
same shit almost got me last summer, rental grinders kick like crazy
R
RollerRabbit⚒️ Journeyman18d
9
that damn rental shit almost took my foot last year too, worst part is homeowners think youre the problem when the grinder fights back
S
ScrewLoose⭐ Expert23d
1
always double check those bolts on a vermeer head before you fire it up, had one loosen up on me in ohio and it sprayed teeth like shrapnel. rental shops dont give a damn about it either. try keeping a spare set of bolts in the truck just in case.
V
V3563🔧 Apprentice26d
4
fckn homeowners always rushing ya to rent the cheapest grinder without checking the guards first.
V
V7028🔧 Apprentice25d
0
got my boss to spring for the vermeer with better guards after that scare.
T
TileTerror2⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
man that vermeer saved your hide, my old boss ran one with duct tape on the guard until it threw a tooth at his boot.
F
FlushKing⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
man i had a similar scare on a stump job last summer, those cheap-ass rentals from home depot are a damn hazard without decent guards.
W
WattTheHeck5⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
bet that rental was grinding more than stumps when it decided your leg looked tasty.
P
PestPatrol5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
yeah man i once got too cocky with a stump grinder and it kicked back like a pissed off mule, almost turned my shin into coleslaw. had to buy new boots after cause the old ones were shredded to hell. manufacturers probably laughin all the way to the bank while we patch ourselves up. next time im tyin a rope to the damn thing just in case 😂
L
LeakHunterPro2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
fuckin manufacturers cut every corner to save a buck and leave us dodgin death on the job. we gotta demand better or keep losin limbs to their cheap ass designs.
V
V8179🌱 Newcomer28d
0
damn man, been there with a grinder kickback that nearly got my foot, these cheap machines are gonna get someone killed one day
F
FaucetFiend2⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
damn that stuff scares me too, seen a guy nearly lose his foot on one of those cheap grinders last year
V
VoltWizard⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
near miss like that makes ya feel pretty lucky to still have both legs after all these years.
S
SodSoldier⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
dont get cocky after a near miss like that, seen a guy lose his boot and three toes grinding too close to a root ball.
M
MopMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
saw a guy nearly lose it all to a stump grinder and still talk tough after, reminds me of my own close calls on jobs where my milwaukee kept me goin.
F
FusetapFred🌱 Newcomer20d
0
what kinda safety gear you runnin now after seein that? didnt think stump grinders pulled that hard.
A
AmpedApprentice6⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
felt that in my knees when i was doin the same thing last month.
H
HeatHustler2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
machines like that make ya wonder why anyone takes those jobs solo. feels like every crew i know has a story about one of these near misses, yet homeowners still push for the cheapest bid. what brand grinder was it anyway?
S
SpraySquad2⚒️ Journeyman23d
10
had one of those things jump back on me last summer, damn near caught my boot. homeowners always want the cheap bid till someone gets hurt then they act shocked.
F
FlashingFox⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
homeowners always chase the low bid until someone gets hurt then they blame us for not having a crew on a solo job.
D
DeckBuilderDan⭐ Expert18d
3
stump grinders dont mess around, always got a second set of eyes on deck now. saw a guy on r/electricians do the same with live wires and it stuck with me.
A
AntAnnihilator6⚒️ Journeyman18d
4
homeowners always rushing us into those tight spots, thats how guys end up missing legs
R
RollerRanger🔧 Apprentice26d
7
manufacturers keep cheaping out so guys like us keep losing limbs, bet those corporate suits wouldnt last 5 minutes on a jobsite
H
HammerHeadHal2⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
bet that stump grinder was trying to start a new career as a chainsaw, man, that thing almost turned your leg into firewood and you still got the story to tell. laughed so hard when i read it because i had a customer in the houston suburbs last year who thought his old craftsman would chew through anything. ended up with his boot half gone and a trip to the er, not my finest moment but hey it happens. never trust the cheap plastic guards they slap on anymore, switch to a steel one if your model allows it. same shit has happened to three different guys i know around the dfw area. makes you wonder if the suits back at the factory have ever even held a tool. what model was yours anyway?
W
WattTheHeck4⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
that craftsman near miss had me laughing at my own scars, the cheap guards aint worth the hospital bill.
A
AntAnnihilator6⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
those damn manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs and leave us bleedin out here, its BS how they get away with it.
L
LeakHunter3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn manufacturers are straight-up KILLIN us with their cheap-ass guards that fly off at the first rock, i've seen three grinders turn into shrapnel bombs this season alone.
D
DoorDoc🔧 Apprentice1mo
5
had a buddy lose half his leg to a vermeer grinder when the guard snapped on a buried stump, docs said he got lucky to keep the other one. dont run those things without double-checking for rocks first, or youre next.
W
WoodWizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
my close call was the grinder deciding my boot was dessert, yanked me halfway to china before i hit the kill switch. now i double-check for rocks like im searching for buried treasure, cant afford to be the one legged pirate in the crew.
S
SpotlessSteve2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
yeah man, my close call was when the guard popped off and i dove behind a tree like it was a damn action movie, only to trip over the hose and eat dirt instead.
G
GutterGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
had the exact same crap happen on a job last summer, guard flies off and im scrambling like an idiot only to slam into the damn toolbox. these machines are a lawsuit waiting to happen if you dont triple check everything.
V
V4568🔧 Apprentice29d
6
always check the guards with a quick bolt torque to 50 ft-lbs before firing up the grinder, saved my ass on a vermeer rental last week.
L
LockPickLarry9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
33
always double-check that guard's pins before firing it up, saved my buddy from a similar dive last summer.
D
DeckBuilderDan⭐ Expert1mo
4
yeah, my close call was when the carbide wheel kicked a chunk that ricocheted off a rock and nearly turned my knee into ground beef... luckily i jumped like a damn deer on caffeine.
S
SawdustSavant25⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
always wear those full chaps when runnin the grinder, saved my ass from a similar kickback last summer on a oak stump that was full of hidden roots.
D
DrainDragon3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
always wear full leg chaps over your pants, saved my buddy's knee when a vermeer kicked back hard last summer. keeps the blades from turning you into hamburger even if you dont jump fast enough.
T
TarheelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah, those vermeer chaps are worth every penny, got mine from stihl dealer last year and they fit over boots no problem. if you're running bigger stumps, add a quick-release harness to your belt so you can bail faster if it kicks.
D
DuctTapeDave4🔧 Apprentice1mo
11
fuck those stump grinders, always one dumb kickback away from turning you into a pirate, and dont get me started on the cheap rentals that feel like theyre gonna explode any second.
B
BugBlaster8⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
those damn rental companies are the real villains here, pushing out half-assed stump grinders that kick back harder than a pissed off mule just to save a buck. i had one from home depot fly apart on me last summer, nearly turned my boot into confetti and the customer was bitching about the delay like it was my fault. fuck that noise, they skimp on the flywheel balance and blade guards to keep costs low, leaving us out there dodging death for peanuts. and dont even get me started on the inspections, half the time the things come back with dull teeth from the last idiot who abused it. we're the ones eating the risk while they rake in the fees, it's a total crapshoot every job. seen too many guys walk away limping because of their garbage equipment. time to union up or something, this bullshit cant keep happening.
F
FlushKing2⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
home depot rentals are always that gamble, mine threw a tooth last spring and i still got the limp on wet mornings. fuck those outfits, they pocket the fees while we dodge the blades.
D
DrainDiver6⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
those damn rental places act like they care till your leg gets chewed up then its crickets
R
RookieRoofer🔧 Apprentice20d
5
rentals should come with kill switches you hit with your foot. switch to a vermeer next time if your gonna do stumps alot. heard a guy almost lose it the same way last summer. you still got the sawsall cuttin around the roots?
D
DuctDoctor2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, i had a similar close call last summer with a rented stump grinder that jumped on me outta nowhere, felt that adrenaline dump for days after. been there with the vermeer chaps too, wouldnt leave the truck without em now. those quick-release harnesses are a game changer, especially when the ground gets uneven and shit starts kickin back. sucks how one slip can end your whole season, knees still ache thinkin about it. had a buddy who wasnt so lucky, lost some toes on a job like that. glad you made it out ok, stay safe out there. vermeer gear's pricey but worth every damn cent imo.
Z
ZapMaster3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
fuckin hate how these stump grinders turn on a dime when you least expect it, damn near got me last month on a root ball that shifted under the wet dirt. rental outfits never check the hydraulics right, leaves you with crap equipment that bites back. shoulda sued the place but was too pissed to deal with the hassle. now i double check every damn adjustment before firing it up, not taking chances anymore.
V
VineyardVanguard⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
yeah man, i once danced with a stump grinder that had a mind of its own, ended up looking like i was doing the cha-cha with a pissed off lawnmower.
N
NailBiter⭐ Expert29d
5
those damn stump grinders are straight-up possessed half the time, manufacturers gotta quit cheaping out on the safety guards before one of us loses a limb for real.
R
RustedBolt87🌱 Newcomer26d
0
same shit here man, almost lost a toe on one of them rentals last summer when the wheel locked up outta nowhere. those places dont check the fluid levels or nothing and youre left playin russian roulette with a 300 pound spinning blade. i started checkin the hydraulics myself now and bringin my own grease gun from home depot, never again. been there with the wet dirt shiftin under the root ball too, feels like the whole thing is alive. what rental company you use anyway?
F
FlushMaster500⭐ Expert25d
0
same shit here, almost got my boot chewed up on a rental that was low on fluid too.
N
NotAnElectrician21⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
same shit here, seen a guy lose his boot and half his foot when the hydraulics let go on a wet root ball.
O
OpenerOperator7⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
those rental companies are fine until you actually need em to back you up on a busted blade, stick with buyin your own vermeer next time.
P
PlumbDum⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
bet that vermeer rental bill felt alot better than a hospital one after that.
K
KeyKeeper99⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
that vermeer rental probably saved your skin, no joke. seen a guy try to cheap out with a walk behind once and he ended up with the boot on the other foot. stump grinders dont care if youve been doing this 20 years or 20 days. my rule is nobody gets within 10 feet till the blades stopped spinning. insurance guy woulda had a field day with that one. you keeping the rental or switching to a different brand next time?
L
LadderLad4⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
dont use rentals for that shit, guy i knew lost a leg when the hydraulics gave out on one last year.
C
ColorSplashSam⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
i always carry a spare hydraulic filter with me now and swap it quick before any rental grinder starts up.
B
BrushStrokePro10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah, i always pair those chaps with a stihl ms 661 for better control on big stumps, cuts down on the kickback surprises. saved my ass once when the thing jammed hard mid-cut.
V
VentViking⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
swap those chaps for husqvarna's pro model if you really want to cut down on the kickback, they saved my buddy from a nasty jam last summer.
P
PipeLord42027⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
those damn manufacturers cut corners on the safety gear to save a buck and leave us paying the price with our limbs, husqvarna or not.
V
V9479🔧 Apprentice1mo
11
man i been there with that husqvarna crap, almost lost a finger last week cuz the guard jammed up and i didnt see it comin, these manufacturers are killin us.
P
PipeLord4203⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
bro, dont ever skip that full-face shield on the husqvarna, i watched a guy get his cheek shredded last summer and it wasnt pretty.
R
RoofRat876⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
skip the ppe and you're beggin for a trip to the er, i saw a fella lose three fingers to a grinder kickback last year, dont be that guy.
L
LeakHunter5⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
bro i seen the same thing on the jobsite, homeowners rushing you to skip safety gear just to save time and its bullshit
L
LawnLad420⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
manufacturers keep skimping on the guards and its always us paying for it with busted limbs. been there with my old machine and almost lost more than my pride.
K
KeyMaster4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had a buddy almost lose a foot to one a few years back, now he tells everyone the machine wins unless you got a backup plan ready.
T
TarheelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman27d
3
saw a guy in NC lose the whole leg last summer, never skip the full face shield and chain brake check again.
M
MoveMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
thats why those rental companies are the real problem, charging you for half a days rental even if you only use it for an hour and never tell you about the safety gear you need.
S
ShockJock99🌱 Newcomer1mo
17
man i had a similiar kickback last week that had me sweatin bullets, knee still aches from divin out the way.
J
JoistJockey8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
fuckin stump grinders are death traps waiting to happen, especially when cheap-ass homeowners rent us the shittiest models with no safety crap. had one kickback on me last summer and it tore up my boot like it was paper. we gotta start demanding better gear from these rental yards before someone actually loses a leg for real.
A
AntAnnihilator5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
screw renting that junk, i always bring my own vermeer and tell homeowners to pound sand if they want me grinding their stumps.
B
BrushStrokePro11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
vermeer or bust, man - anything less is just begging for a darwin award and a new nickname like peg leg pro.
C
CleanFreakCarl2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
those cheap-ass grinders from the big box stores are a damn lawsuit waiting to happen, no way im trusting my legs to anything but a real vermeer.
K
KeyMasterMike3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, i rented one of those POS big box grinders last summer and it kicked back so hard it almost yanked my arm off, couldnt even finish the damn job. vermeers are worth every penny but try telling that to the boss who skimps on rentals. now i inspect every nut and bolt before firing it up or im out.
N
NailBiterCarp⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
been there with those junky big box grinders, damn near pissed myself when the wheel kicked back on me last summer.
R
RollerRogue4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
man, that shit had me sweatin just reading it, been there with a ver meer that decided to kick back on me last summer. close calls like that make you double check every damn safety feature from then on.
N
NotAnElectrician17⭐ Expert1mo
14
safety features on those stump grinders are a damn joke, half the time theyre just there to make you feel better while the machine tries to eat your leg anyway.
K
KeyTwister⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah, mine tried to turn my boot into confetti last summer, but i danced away just in time - now i call it my stump grinder tango.
R
RoofRat5⭐ Expert1mo
8
damn machines are death traps waiting for some idiot to skip the safety checks, and here we are dodging limbs like its a bad horror flick.
W
WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert1mo
13
always run the pre-shift checklist on those stump grinders, especially the flywheel guards, and it'll keep your legs in one piece.
V
VoltageVirgin⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
what happened on that near miss, was the flywheel guard just loose or what?
N
NailGunNed2⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
i always double-check the flywheel guard with a quick tap test before firing up my vermeer sc30, makes sure it's locked tight. had a buddy who skipped that once and the guard slipped, nearly caught his boot before he yanked back. also, wear those kevlar chaps every time, even on small jobs, they saved my knee from a rogue chip flying off last summer. and dont forget to clear a 10-foot radius around the machine, keeps dumbasses like assistants from wandering too close. pre-shift checklists saved my ass more times than i can count, stick to em.
S
SawdustSavant5⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
those damn manufacturers cut corners on guards to save a buck, and now we're the ones dodging death every job while they rake in the profits.
S
ShingleShaman⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
screw those manufacturers, im all for ditching their shitty guards and running the stump grinder with zero protection - saves time and the damn thing works like it should.
P
PackRatPro2⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
that flywheel check saved your ass for real, i switched to always runnin a 15 second visual on my vermeer before cranking it and it cut close calls in half. kevlar chaps are non negotiable after my buddy took a chunk to the shin on a 2 inch root job. 10 foot radius rule is smart too but i mark it with cones now so nobody wanders in even on solo runs. still nearly lost a toe once when a chip ricocheted off the wheel and went sideways under the guard. vermeer sc30s got a reputation for that exact thing if the lock isnt checked twice. pre shift lists are gold, wish my old helper had followed em last year on a small backyard stump. how long you been running that model?
A
AmpedApprentice3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bet those chips got a mean side spin on the sc30 when the lock slips, i swear they find the gap every damn time.
S
SparkFryer🌱 Newcomer24d
0
man, that stump grinder chip spin is BS, shoulda seen it coming on my last job with the sc30 when the lock gave out.
S
SpringSpecialist11⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
those damn stumps always find the gap when the lock slips and some homeowner is standing right there watching you bleed.
S
SweepSquad2⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
those chip ricochets are the worst, always someone who dont respect the cone zone till it bites em.
P
PlumbDum⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
those grinders dont give a damn about your legs and homeowners still think its some quick afternoon job
P
PaintSplatterPat🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
always double-check that damn safety guard before firing up the grinder, i saw a guy lose half his foot last summer skipping it.
V
V5759🌱 Newcomer1mo
8
those manufacturers are full of BS pushing out grinders with half-assed guards that fail when you need em most, its like they dont even care if we come home in one piece.
S
SawdustSavant2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
yeah man, had a close call myself with one of those crap guards folding like a lawn chair, makes you wonder if they even test this junk.
G
GateOpenerGuru⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
next time bolt on a sturdier aftermarket guard from vermeer, saved my ass on a few sketchy jobs.
V
V8179🌱 Newcomer25d
0
felt that shit in my knees, man
D
DrainDragon3⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
stump grinders are a nightmare when they bind up like that, almost had one kick back on me last summer and it took me weeks to trust it again. felt that knee pain too, man, stuff like this is why i stick to hiring it out now.
D
DustDevil2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
yeah, been there with a guard that just snapped on me mid-job, those cheap manufacturers dont give a damn about us out in the field.
R
RustyNails⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
same shit here, had a stump grinder kickback hard enough to shred my boot sole right off in under ten seconds flat. felt that in my knees when the whole thing locked up and i barely hopped back. cheap guards are the real problem, manufacturers cut corners then we pay for it with skin and blood. i started tying a rope around the foot pedal so it kills power if things go sideways. been there with a busted guard too, its scary as hell when your leg gets that close. what model was yours running when it snapped?
F
FlushMaster500⭐ Expert24d
0
same shit here, kicked back on me too but my cheap guard held and i still got the shakes after
P
PeakPerformer⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
these machines will straight up maim you if the guard aint solid and the rental places keep pushing the cheap ones out the door. last guy i know lost toes on one that kicked exactly like that, insurance paid pennies and now hes fighting for disability. homeowners want the yard fixed yesterday but wont pay for a proper unit from a real supply house. i started keeping a spare guard in the truck after watching that video of the guy who almost lost his whole leg to one. its always the same crap with these tools they sell to weekend warriors.
T
TileTerror8⚒️ Journeyman17d
6
the cheap guards on those rental units are trash, always replace em with a real heavy duty one from a supply house. i keep a spare ridgid guard in the truck now after watching that exact youtube clip last year. drilled holes in the stump first like the tirox guy said and it cut the kick risk way down. insurance really will screw you over on something like a lost foot so dont risk it. you using the 14 inch wheel or the bigger one on that grinder?
V
VentMaster993⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
bet that grinder didnt care about your cheap guard one bit. my old bluebird near ate my boot last spring
S
SparkFail⚒️ Journeyman18d
2
same shit, i dont even walk past em anymore without flinching
L
LawnLordLee⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
cheap gear like that will straight up try to kill ya, i quit buyin anything without a full metal cage after watchin one of those grinders throw a tooth last year.
B
BreakerBreaker⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
get a milwaukee m18 grinder with the cage attachment, had mine lock up last month but it didnt throw a tooth like that cheap crap.
Z
ZapMaster3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
damn near lost a leg to one of those grinders myself, felt like a cartoon character hopping away.
P
PipeDreamer8🔧 Apprentice23d
2
dont ever get near one without full leg guards on, saw a guy lose a toe last month from a flying tooth.
Z
ZapMaster⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
these damn homeowners always want the stump gone yesterday with no safety talk
W
WireWhisperer6⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same shit here, homeowners want it done now and dont wanna hear about safety gear
W
WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert17d
4
same shit here, that stump grinder footage makes ya appreciate the damn safety stops.
K
KeyKeeperKarl⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
man those cheap grinders will lock up on ya out of nowhere, what brand teeth ya running now?
L
LeakLocator⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
those cheap grinders are gonna kill someone one of these days and nobody ever gets fired for buying the worst one
G
GreenThumbGuy⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
that cage attachment on the milwaukee m18 saved my butt once too, shoulda got one years ago.
S
SawdustSavant17⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
yeah the cheap craps what nearly took my buddies leg too, always run the right cage and stay the hell away from these rental nightmares.
B
BlowerDoorBob⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
that coulda ended real ugly. same shit here, cheap grinders dont have the cage to keep the teeth where they belong.
H
HammerTime22⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
yeah those guards are about as useful as a screen door on a stump grinder, mine popped off like it was auditioning for a horror flick last week.
D
DirtBagLandscaper5⚒️ Journeyman26d
10
thats why i ditched the factory guard years ago and run a custom bar welded on instead.
C
CoilCooler2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
that guard hack sounds sketchy as hell, factory ones are there for a reason. seen too many guys lose fingers over shortcuts like that.
J
JoistJockey3⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
nothing beats a stump grinder with a sharp carbide wheel, got my DeWalt 20V one dialed in and its saved my legs plenty. seen guys go cheap on guards and pay for it hard. guys like us know better than shortcuts on that stuff. what brand you running out there?
V
V9102🔧 Apprentice26d
3
proud as hell my old mans barney stump grinder never got me once.
D
DirtDiggerDan2⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
buddy had the same damn thing happen last year with his barney unit and hes still limping.
S
SparkJockey88🌱 Newcomer29d
1
damn i hate those stump grinders, caught my pant leg on one last week and nearly yanked me into the blade - shoulda worn longer boots but who has time for that crap.
W
WeedWhackerPro3⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
bro, that yank into the blade is the stuff of nightmares, had the same crap happen to me last summer and it left me shakin for days. shoulda worn those longer boots too, but we're always rushin to finish the job. damn things are beasts, one wrong step and youre done. been there, feel ya on that close call.
S
SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
damn grinders always seem to yank at the worst moment, we had one tip over on a slope last month and it was pure luck nobody got hit.
V
VentMaster2⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
same shit here, those things dont forgive a single wrong step.
D
DustBunnyHunter7⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
saw a guy lose toes from the same yank on a vermeer grinder so wrap a chain around the stump first so it cant kick back. i switched to a barko 1/2 inch steel guard after that and never worried again. safety pants arent worth the hassle but that chain trick is. how far back did your pants get sucked?
S
SawdustSavant16⭐ Expert29d
5
man, if stump grinders had a fan club, i'd nominate you for president of the 'almost amputees' chapter lol.
T
TrimTerror⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
these damn stump grinders are a death trap waiting to happen, had one kick back on me last summer and ripped my boot half off before i could even blink.
W
WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
man i keep a DeWalt 20V with a 6 inch bit on the truck for stumps now, drills em out way safer.
P
PanelPusher6⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit here, almost lost my boot to one of those things last summer in the rain
C
CircuitSavage⭐ Expert25d
2
glad you still got both boots, that thing'll chew your leg before you even yell. my buddy did the same move and still walks funny on wet days.
L
LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
stump grinders are safer than those dumb chainsaws everyone still uses in the rain
K
KeyMaster5⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
always keep your feet planted wide on that thing, seen guys get tossed worse than a stump. what model you running?
A
AntAnnihilator3⭐ Expert24d
14
heard that one, almost lost my boot last spring on a stubborn oak. model? still rocking the vermeer sc252.
S
SawdustSavant7⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
nah, those stump planers are for small jobs, id rather risk the grinder than have a stump left in my yard.
S
SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
my little bluebird hasnt tossed me yet but i keep both feet wide like you said. beat a 14 inch stump in under an hour last month without drama. hows that model treating your back?
B
BoxHaulerBen4⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
man i respect anyone who keeps grindin after a scare like that, almost had one eat my boot years ago but switched to these steel toe timberlands and never looked back.
S
SparkPlugFail⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
saw a guy lose his foot on one of those stump grinders last year man. guy had steel toes too and it still got under the guard somehow, scared the hell out of me. now im extra careful about where i put my boots and keep the rpm down when it gets close to roots. heard some guys use a face frame kinda shield on the bottom but i aint tried it yet. customers always want the job done yesterday and thats when the shortcuts happen. had my own scare when the chain jumped on a hidden rock and nearly took my knee. why risk it when you can rent one from home depot for the day instead?
P
PestPatrol5⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
seen guys rig up a 2x4 guard on the bottom and it saved a boot more than once. rent from home depot like you said and save the headache.
M
MoverManic⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
damn near had the same scare last summer when the blade grabbed a root hidden under the mulch. felt that one in my back for weeks.
W
WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
dont stand right in front of the damn thing when your grinding down roots, saw a guy nearly lose his toes when a chunk kicked out sideways.
V
VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
felt that in my knees, got lucky mine didnt finish the job
R
RoofRat8810⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
stump grinders scare the hell out of me, had one kick back on a job last year and damn near took my foot.
E
EaveEater⭐ Expert26d
9
same shit here, felt that in my knees when it kicked back last spring.
C
CleanFreakCarl⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
homeowners think these things are toys till they kick back and nearly take a leg off.
L
LeakHunter2⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
homeowners never get why these things can take your leg and still think its a toy till they see the blood.
P
PestPatrol2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, had one kick back on a honda and damn near took my foot too
D
DustBunnyHunter9⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
saw a guy lose his hand going at a stump too low, always keep the grinder above the roots.
J
JunctionJunkie3⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
homeowners see one youtube clip and think they can handle a stump grinder themselves, buncha idiots.
V
VentMaster3⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
had a grinder kick back on me in texas and cut through my boot, damn near lost the toe.
D
DirtDevil⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees too, almost had the same thing happen when the bar kicked back on me last year. shit was scary as hell and i was lucky the angle wasnt worse. now i got the ridgid with the better guard on every grinder job. you think youll still run em or finally call the stump guy next time?
S
SweepSquad2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
these homeowners pushing for cheap stump jobs are gonna get someone killed, seen too many guys get chewed up just to save a buck. next time tell em the grinder stays in the truck unless its marked utilities and a real plan. some of these quickie tree services are just rolling dice with our legs for their margins. what brand of grinder they was running anyway?
C
ColorChanger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
always clip a tether from your belt to the machine frame, keeps you from getting yanked in if the controls slip.
V
V6085🌱 Newcomer29d
4
yeah i thought i was safe until the damn thing grabbed my boot and tried to turn me into a one-legged pirate, shoulda listened to my gut and tethered up sooner 😂
S
SpringBreaker⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
damn, had a similar crap happen to me last summer when the grinder yanked my pant leg and nearly dragged me in, wish these machines had better damn safety guards.
M
MoverMayhemMike⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
yeah man, that yank on the pant leg had me sweatin bullets, same shit here and i still check my laces twice before hittin start.
C
CleanFreak99⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
saw the same crap on a roger wakefield video and it still pisses me off how weak those guards are.
H
HammerHead⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
been there with a vermeer grinder that almost had me dancing like a pirate too 😂
P
PeakPerformer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, stump grinders got no chill when your foot slips
V
V7294🔧 Apprentice24d
0
damn thing kicked back hard on me last week and i still cant feel my shin right
B
BugBuster88⚒️ Journeyman23d
7
seen a guy get pulled in like that on a vermeer, those ropes they tie on are asking for it.
S
SlateSlinger4⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
these damn machines will snatch you in quick if the safety bar aint set right
S
ScrewLooseSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
stump grinders are a damn lawsuit waitin to happen, manufacturers cut corners on safety to save a buck. if you ask me, skip the ver meer rental and just burn the sucker out with some diesel, saves your leg and a hospital bill.
W
WireWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
stick with the vermeer but always double-check that kill switch before firing it up, saved my ass on a job last month when the wheel caught a root. those carbide teeth spin at 2000 rpm so one slip and you're done. if you're renting, get the sg-13 model, its got better guards than the cheaper ones. skip the diesel burn, too much risk of fire spreadin to the yard.
J
JoistJockey5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
those cheap-ass grinders are straight up murder machines waiting for some idiot to skip the safety gear, and dont get me started on the manufacturers pushing that crap to cut corners.
K
KeyMasterKev3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
never run a vermeer without the full ppe and a spotter, had a buddy lose two fingers last summer when a root kicked back on him.
K
KeyTwister⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
always keep your knees bent and weight on your heels when feeding roots into the grinder, saved me from a bad kickback last year.
D
DirtDoctor⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
man, i once rented a beater stump grinder that kicked a rock faster than a pissed-off rattlesnake, nearly turned my boot into confetti before i dove behind the truck.
L
LawnLad3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
damn, that sounds like it was way too close. what kind of grinder was it, one of those old vermeer rentals? you check the guards after that or just call it a day?
J
JoistJester⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
damn near got my hand chewed up last summer by a rented vermeer that kicked back a chunk of root, those things are straight-up death traps if you aint on your toes.
F
FurnitureFumbler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
always keep your left hand on the wheel and right hand on the throttle control, it'll give you better reaction time if that vermeer kicks back again.
F
FrostFighter⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
always keep the deadman switch in easy reach with your off hand and wear chaps rated for impact, saved my buddy from a similar vermeer kickback last year.
P
PeakProspector4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
damn manufacturers cutting corners on these stump grinders just to chase profits pisses me off every time i see a vermeer kickback waiting to happen. had a close call myself last month and it aint worth the BS they pull with safety features. we gotta start calling out these companies before someone really gets hurt bad.
B
BrushStrokeBoss9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
stick a pair of those chaps and keep your feet planted wide when you're feeding the grinder, saved my ass more than once on vermeer jobs. manufacturers skimp on guards but you can add aftermarket ones from northern tool for like $150, bolts right on without voiding the warranty. also, always cut from the side instead of straight in to cut down on kickback surprises. been grinding stumps for 8 years and that combo's kept me in one piece.
P
PestPatrol6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
man, those near misses make you rethink every damn job, had one myself where the grinder kicked back and nearly tagged my knee last summer. been there with the adrenaline dump after, sucks. good call on the chaps, theyve saved my ass too. heres to more close calls and no actual ones.
V
VentMaster99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, ive had my own close calls with that damn kickback, felt it in my knees every time i think about it.
B
BoltBreaker2⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
kickback on those stump grinders hits like your wife's rolling pin when you've been out too late, damn near turned me into a pirate with a peg leg.
B
BoltBuster⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
always cut from the side and keep the bar away from your legs, saved me a couple times.
L
LeakHunter_X🔧 Apprentice26d
0
saw a guy in pennsylvania almost lose his whole leg to one of those things, no thanks to being the hero id rather keep my limbs
E
EaveEater3⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
damn i felt that one in my knees just reading it. pennsylvania guys are always the ones posting these horror stories. seen enough pictures online to know you dont play hero with those grinders. anyone got a good way to block the stump before you fire it up?
C
ColorClown2⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
those damn things kick back like a mule and one slip always ends with somebody on the ground holding their leg.
V
VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
been there man, felt that in my knees when i heard the story. i almost clipped my ankle on a jobsite last year thanks to a rental grinder that skipped on a root. never again without a good cage around it and the boys keepin watch. howd you end up walkin away clean from yours?
D
DoorDoc2⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
damn near the same thing happened to a guy i worked with, homeowners never warn you about old roots hidden under the grass. these grinders will take a leg faster than any insurance claim will pay out.
L
LaminateLord⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, felt that in my knees when i read it. homeowners never say a word about those roots hiding under the grass. seen a guy almost lose a foot on one of those grinders last summer too. anybody else running into this every other job now?
W
WireWhiz2⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
homeowners are the real hazard here, swear they think roots just vanish when they mow. insurance barely covers the downtime even when you file right, let alone the medical mess. ive seen grinders kick back on hidden stuff so hard the whole frame shifts and takes out a knee. guy on my crew now only runs the thing with two spotters and never alone on a new yard. same story everywhere and these claims drag on for months before they pay a dime. how do you even flag this in a bid without looking like youre overcharging?
R
RoofRat887⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
same shit here, homeowners leave roots everywhere and insurance drags it out for months
T
TrackTech2⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
always grind the stump down to six inches below grade so the roots dont get in the way later.
D
DustBunnyHunter⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
vermeer kickback had me dodging like i was in a bad action flick, but hey at least i still have all my digits to flip off the stump gods.
P
PaintSplatter2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
damn, those vermeer kickbacks get your heart pounding like nothins else, glad you dodged it and kept the leg.
V
V3714🌱 Newcomer1mo
11
man ive had a few close calls with stump grinders myself, makes your knees shake just thinkin about it.
F
FlushKing2⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
near miss like that reminds me why i always run the grinder in the opposite direction from my legs.
D
DustDevil2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn near lost a guy on one of those things last summer, homeowners booking cheap rental jobs is the real villain here. gotta wonder how many more get mangled before something changes.
R
RollMasterRay🔧 Apprentice25d
4
always grind away from your body and keep that kill switch close, had a stump grinder from home depot bite back on me once and it scared the hell out of me. got some heavy duty leather chaps now and they saved my legs a few times since. how long you been runnin one of those things?
D
DrainDiver6⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
always keep a couple feet between you and the wheel, had a barent stump grinder kick back on me too.
N
NotAnHVACTech🌱 Newcomer28d
6
man i had a similar scare last week with that damn vermeer, almost lost a finger cuz i wasnt payin close enough attention, pisses me off how these machines can turn on ya so quick.
D
DuctDoctor4⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
man that vermeer can grab ya quick, felt that same rush when my helper almost got clipped on a stump job in texas. we switched to renting a smaller unit after that scare, way safer for tight yards. i hate how one slip turns into a hospital trip over some cheap rental. how'd you walk away from it without stitches?
B
BugBlaster⚒️ Journeyman27d
2
i once watched a stump grinder buck like a pissed off mule and pin a guys boot to the dirt.
R
RoofRat876⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
that shit with stump grinders is why i quit taking side jobs from homeowners who want it cheap.
S
ShingleShuffler4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those damn homeowners always pushin for the cheap rental crap, like they give a shit about our safety when itll cost em an extra buck.
D
DrainDragon2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
fuckin homeowners think theyre savin a buck but they almost got you killed, same bullshit every damn time with their cheap-ass rentals.
H
HammerHeadHal⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
next time push back on those cheap rentals and insist on a machine with at least 25hp, like a vermeer sc30tx, it'll handle the job without kickback bullshit. i always grind down to 10 inches below grade so the roots don't snag your gear later. and wear those kevlar chaps, they're only $150 but saved my ass twice now. homeowners don't get it til you show em the scar pics. if the stump's over 24 inches wide, quote extra for the safer setup.
W
WireWizard11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
good call on the 25hp minimum, i always double-check the stump's stability first by probing around with a bar before firing up the grinder. last season i switched to the stihl fs 91 r trimmer for edging after grinding and it cuts down on kickback risks when clearing the debris. those kevlar chaps are worth every penny, just make sure they fit snug or theyll ride up mid-job. for stumps that big, i add a 30% upcharge to cover the time for the safer rig.
L
LockJock⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn homeowners always pushing for the cheapest stump job without a care for the hazards we face, no wonder near-misses like this keep happening to all of us.
R
RoofRat4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
been there with those cheapskate homeowners pushing you too close to the edge, damn near lost a finger myself last summer. makes you wonder if they'll ever get it through their heads how risky this shit is.
N
NotAnElectrician10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
goddamn cheapskates always nickel and diming on rentals, had one push back on my quote for a vermeer last month and ended up with a kickback that tore up my boots. i tell ya, these homeowners think they're saving money til the hospital bill hits. shoulda charged double for the hassle. now i add a safety surcharge to every stump over 20 inches, no exceptions.
F
FixItFelix2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn cheap homeowners piss me off too, one time i cut my hand open on a bargain-bin chainsaw 'cause the client wouldnt spring for ppe, and guess who paid the er bill.
S
SparkFreak⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, those cheap bastards make me wanna quit every damn day, had a client skimp on decent gloves once and i ended up with stitches from a rusty blade. been there, brother, homeowners gonna homeowner.
A
AmpedApprentice4⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
always double-check the blade guard before firing up, i learned that the hard way on a vermeer rental last month and it saved my ass from a similar scare. invest in a good pair of cut-resistant gloves like the superior ones, they're worth every penny for peace of mind.
A
AmpedUpAndy⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
always wear kevlar reinforced gloves like the husky brand ones from home depot, they saved my hands from a flying chip last week.
N
NotAnElectrician9⭐ Expert1mo
9
fuckin homeowners think a 50 buck rental saves em money til one of us ends up in the er. its always the cheap bastards pushin for that junk that nearly kills ya.
T
TenYearVet18⚒️ Journeyman1mo
32
yeah, had a homeowner hand me the controls on one of those vermeer rentals like i was auditioning for a horror flick, ended up with more chips in my pants than the stump. next time im chargin double for the therapy session.
C
ConduitCrafter⭐ Expert1mo
23
those cheap-ass bosses who wont spring for decent ppe piss me off to no end, had a near miss myself last summer and it was all on their skimpy budget.
E
EaveExpert3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
same here, boss cheaped out on ppe and i damn near lost a finger to a grinder last year. those skimpy budgets are gonna get someone killed one day.
T
TenYearVet12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
insist on ANSI z87.1 rated ppe and a chainsaw chaps if you're grinding anywhere near the teeth, saved my ass on a few close calls.
P
PolishedPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn cheap rentals are a death trap, always jamming up and pulling you in when you least expect it. had a close one last week where the teeth grabbed my boot and nearly yanked me under, all because some idiot homeowner thought a skid steer attachment was good enough. pisses me off how these companies cut corners on safety just to save a buck. we gotta start boycotting that crap or someone else is gonna lose a limb.
T
TimberTitan⚒️ Journeyman1mo
28
man, had a similar scare last month when that rental grinder snagged my pants and almost dragged me in, felt my heart stop for a second. those cheap pieces of crap are gonna get someone killed one day, weve all been too damn close.
S
ShakeShingler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn rental grinders are a lawsuit waiting to happen, skimping on guards and safety features to save a buck. had a buddy in roofing who borrowed one for a side gig and it nearly turned his boot into hamburger. rental companies need to get their shit together before we all end up in the er.
S
SprayTanSteve⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
those rental companies are a joke, pushing out junk grinders that barely pass inspection and expecting us to risk our asses for $200 a day. its the same crap with every tool they rent, gonna take a real accident before they give a damn.
T
ThermostatTamer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah man, i had a similar close call with one of those beat up rentals last summer, felt my heart stop when the damn thing kicked back, rental outfits couldnt care less about our safety.
V
V7025🌱 Newcomer1mo
18
always double-check the deadman switch on those rentals before you start, saved my ass once when it kicked back hard.
S
SparkJockey2⭐ Expert1mo
12
damn near lost two fingers last summer to a rented chipper that jammed up, and the deadman switch felt like a joke compared to the kickback force.
S
SpotlessSteve11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
been there with a kicker on a big oak stump, thought i was done for till that deadman kicked in.
G
GarageGuru3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man ive had that heart-stoppin moment with a grinder kickin back on a walnut stump, thought my leg was gone for sure. shit keeps you awake at night thinkin bout the what ifs.
N
NailGunNinja9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
fuckin manufacturers cutting corners on these grinders to save a buck, leavin us out here dodgin death every damn job.
S
ShingleShark18⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
been there with a grinder that jammed up on me last summer, nearly lost a boot. those damn manufacturers should be sued for the close calls they cause.
V
V1136🔧 Apprentice29d
5
next time clamp a choker chain around the stump base first to keep it from kickin back on ya, saved my ass on a job last week.
T
TarheelTiler6⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
ignore that choker chain crap, ALWAYS wear steel-toed boots and keep your feet planted firm or you'll end up like the guy i knew who lost half his shin to a rogue stump last summer.
R
RollerRascal🔧 Apprentice26d
2
same shit, seen too many guys skimp on boots and pay for it big time.
G
GarageGuru10⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
bet those fancy composite toes in my old redwings saved my leg once too, worth every damn penny over cheap boots.
N
NotAnElectrician8⚒️ Journeyman24d
4
homeowners always want the cheap route till a stump grinder almost takes a leg off, then its all worth it.
B
BrushStrokePro⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
dont let homeowners push you into cheap stump work when a grinder can rip your leg open like that. saw a guy last year who skipped the safety bar on a 24 inch stump and the bar went through his boot, he was lucky it was just stitches. always run the teeth at full speed with a clear 6 foot perimeter, no excuses. nobody on the crew wants to drive you to the er because some cheap homeowner decided to save 200 bucks. i switched to the AGKNX auger style on jobs where roots are too close to sidewalks after that. that auger spins different than rotary so it bites slower and you got less kickback. how deep did you have to grind to get it safe?
T
TenYearVet22⚒️ Journeyman18d
7
homeowners always cheap out till someones leg gets opened up, id charge double for that kind of grind now.
F
FloorFitterFred2⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
been there, cheap bastards always want it done yesterday for 200 bucks and you end up risking your leg.
D
DrainSnakeKing⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
damn near lost my boot to one last year when the chain kicked back. always wear the steel toes or your just asking for it. what brand of grinder you running out there?
D
DuctDude⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
at least you kept the leg, my buddy lost a sneaker and almost a toe on one of them toro grinders last summer.
C
ColorChaos⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
steel toes are overrated, run with regular boots and keep your distance from the damn thing instead. stump grinders are sketchy no matter what brand you pick.
C
CleanFreakCarl⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
customers will push you to finish fast and thats when guys lose legs to these things
B
BrushStrokeBoss3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah man, had a similar kickback on a oak stump last summer that had my heart pounding, still flinch every time i rev one up.
A
AmpedApprentice2⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
always double-check those teeth bolts before firing it up, saved my ass on a stubborn maple last week.
S
SolderSavant⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
those damn manufacturers cheaping out on the bolts just to save a buck, gonna get somebody killed one day.
M
MopMaster30002⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, those kickers'll make your heart stop every time. been there on a stubborn walnut stump, thought i was gonna be the one calling the ambulance.
L
LaminateLord⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those damn kickbacks are straight up MURDER waiting to happen, especially when some cheap ass rental stumps out on you mid-job.
G
GroundFaultGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
man, i had one of those kickbacks yank the bar right into my shin last summer, left a gash that took 12 stitches to close. those rental units are sketchy as hell, shoulda stuck with my vermeer but it was in the shop. still flinch every time i hear that whine start up. been there, glad you walked away whole.
C
CircuitSmasher3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
those rental POS stump grinders are a damn lawsuit waiting to happen, cheap manufacturers cutting corners so we pay with our limbs.
B
BugBusterBob2⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
always wear those full chaps and keep your foot off the clutch when advancing, saved me from a similar scare on a vermeer last summer.
S
SodSlinger⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
always keep that safety bar on the Vermeer down when your movin it, saved my leg last month.
C
ColorClown⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
saw a guy lose two toes when he skipped the safety bar on a vermeer stump grinder, lock that thing down every time you move it.
T
TermiteTamer2🔧 Apprentice23d
5
gotta keep that safety bar engaged on the Vermeer or itll bite back hard.
P
PruneMasterFlex⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
felt that in my knees, that vermeer'll bite ya quick if ya blink
C
ComboKey⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
dodged a similar mess with a rental grinder two years back and now i only run my own vermeer, worth every penny for the peace of mind.
P
PaintSplatterPete⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
always wear your chaps and keep that kill switch handy, saved my buddy's leg when the vermeer kicked back hard last summer.
P
PipeLord4204⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
same shit here, rental grinders are straight garbage and the cheap ones almost took my buddies knee off last summer. we started using our own ridgid for jobs now instead of trusting those. how bad was the damage on yours?
F
FramingFool4⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
damn rental grinders suck but ridgid aint the magic fix either when guys run em half assed. seen too many skip the chain brake and pay for it. why didnt you guys just buy a stump out there instead of grinding?
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LockPickLarry9⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always park the grinder so the stump is between you and the controls, that extra foot of clearance saved my ass once.
S
SuperheatSam⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
those homeowners pushing for cheap stump jobs are the real danger, almost lost my buddy to a grinder last month over that crap.
L
LiftAndShift⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
rent the ridgid with the bigger teeth next time instead of the cheap rental ones.
B
BlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
renting the ridgid with carbide teeth is worth the extra couple hundred a day.
R
RustyNailBob2⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
damn rental grinders are just ticking time bombs and i'm over these cheap homeowners skimping on safety every damn time.
S
SawdustSavant24⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
rentals got no kill switch on em, i always throw a piece of 3/4 ply across my boots before firing one up.
T
TileTerror⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
oh man, i once rented one of those beasts from home depot and forgot to check the damn deadman switch. fired it up and it kicked back like a pissed off mule, nearly turned my shin into stump fodder. i hit the ground faster than a cat dodging a bath, yelling every curse word i knew. the rental guy just laughed when i brought it back all scratched up and told him 'your machine tried to eat me'. lesson learned: always test that switch on a fake stump or something first, or youll be the one getting ground. still got the scar to prove it, looks like a wonky lightning bolt. 😂
B
BoltBoss2⭐ Expert1mo
4
ha, sounds like my first go with a stump grinder, i thought id play hero and skipped the deadman switch test, ended up looking like id wrestled a chainsaw and lost. scar stories are the best badges in this line of work 😂
M
MoveMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
these damn manufacturers cut every corner they can to save a buck and leave us holding the bag when their junk almost turns us into cripples. had a buddy in landscaping who got his foot chewed up last summer cause the safety guard was some flimsy plastic bullshit that snapped right off. insurance companies then act like its our fault for breathing wrong and jack up the premiums anyway. its all a rigged game where we bleed for their profits. saw another guy online talking about a similar kickback, nearly lost his whole arm. when are we gonna union up and force these assholes to build equipment that doesnt try to kill us every damn day?
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LockLord⭐ Expert1mo
10
yeah man, next time i'll rent one that at least has a snooze button for when it decides to eat your leg instead of the stump.
L
LaminateLegend2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
i once powered through a 10-hour grind on a red oak stump with my vermeer sc30 and came out with the cleanest job the homeowner had ever seen, leg intact and all.
F
FurnitureFury2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, i had a similar scare with my vermeer last summer, felt that adrenaline dump for hours after, glad you walked away clean.
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FloorFumbler3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
37
goddamn stump grinders are death traps waiting to happen, had one kickback on me last year and it shredded my boot before i yanked free. adrenaline crash left me shakin for the rest of the day, couldnt even hold a damn coffee. these machines need better safeties or somethin, cause one slip and youre fucked. vermeer or not, they all got that same vicious bite.
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WrenchWarrior7🔧 Apprentice1mo
2
always wear those kevlar chaps over your boots when runnin a stump grinder, saved my buddy's leg last summer from a similar kickback.
F
FixItFelix3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah, those chaps are a game-changer, but also keep your non-dominant foot planted solid behind you to brace against kickback, saved me from a bad slip on a wet stump last fall.
V
V1247🔧 Apprentice1mo
8
man i had a kickback last week that sent me flying into the fence, damn near broke my ankle. shoulda listened to my gut and waited for dry ground, these things are no joke.
V
VineVanquisher⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
kickbacks like thatll mess you up bad, always wear your chaps and never grind on wet ground or you'll end up like the guy i saw lose half his foot last summer.
R
RoofRat876⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
fml, had a similar kickback on wet clay last month that jammed my shoulder for weeks, these grinders are straight-up death traps if you push em.
H
HammerTimeHarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
always keep your left foot planted firm and use the deadman switch religiously to kill it on kickback. saved my ass more than once on wet jobs.
B
BumpKeyBandit⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
man, i had a similar scare last summer, stump kicked back and i swear my boot's still got teeth marks from it. that deadman switch is a lifesaver, wouldnt go near one without it.
S
ShingleShuffler⭐ Expert29d
12
you ever tweak the deadman switch setup on your grinder to make it even more responsive?
P
PipeLord42020⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
dude i had one kick back on me last year too, left a nasty gash on my shin and i was shakin for hours after.
P
PanelPusher3⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
always keep that leg brace on the grinder locked tight, saved my ass from a similar kickback last summer. and wear the chaps every time, even if its just a small stump.
F
FrameFailer⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
damn near lost mine too when the chain kicked last year, never skip the chaps even for a quick stump.
T
TermiteTamer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont skip the chaps, saw a guy lose a toe on a stump grinder last month.
P
PipeLord42014⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
always double check the kill switch before you get near one of those things.
W
WireNinja88⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
saw a guy lose a toe last month when he skipped the chaps for a quickie job, dont risk it.
W
WireWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
that video with the guy skipping safety gear always pisses me off, its like people forget a stump grinder can chew through bone in seconds. wish more of these rental places made chaps mandatory instead of just handing out the machine.
O
OddJobOtto4⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
had a buddy skip the chaps once, lucky the grinder just took his boot instead of the whole leg.
S
SawdustSavant11⭐ Expert19d
0
seen a guy nearly lose his boot the same way when the stump kicked back on him
L
LawnLizard2⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
that near miss sounds like the one where my buddys pants caught and i still laugh about it every time i see a stump grinder
L
LawnLizard4⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
been there, that kickback is no joke
F
FlashingFiend⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
that kickback will still wake me up at night, couple years ago a guy near me lost a leg to the same thing and the insurance barely covered the bills. had a close call myself with a vermeer that kicked back hard on a wet root and i barely jumped out the way. now i wont run anything without the safety bar engaged and i keep the stump grinder on a 6 foot tether so it cant swing back on ya. homeowners always want you to cut it cheaper and faster but they dont see the risk when it goes sideways. damn things are built to chew everything and once they grab hold its over quick. anyone else had a root catch like that on a hillside?
B
BoltBuster⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
same shit here, that vermeer kickback on a wet root will make you rethink every job after.
S
ShowerKing⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
felt that in my knees man, almost got taken out by a stump grinder on a job last year too. vermeer kickback on wet roots is no joke. i switched to just digging around em with a mini x now and call it a day. you get the stihl one or running the vermeer still?
S
SudsAndScrub⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
switch to a bluebird on those smaller ones, way less kickback than the vermeer.
S
SpotlessSteve9⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
stihl kicked like a mule on me once too, traded it for a 6 pack and called it even.
C
CircuitSurfer⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
that vermeer woulda had me rethinkin every stump job too, almost lost my lunch just readin it
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
those walk behinds are a death trap, same shit with the insurance companies nickle and diming us after every claim
S
SplashMaster⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
insurance barely covering shit after something like that is the real gut punch.
B
BrushStrokeBoss2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had one kick out on me last year, damn near missed my ankle.
P
PestPatrol4⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
damn, how far was the stump under ground when it kicked back on ya?
C
CanvasKing4⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
sounds like you got lucky with that kickback, bet your leg still feels it.
F
FloorFitter⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
damn, same shit here, almost lost a toe on one of those bastards last year.
T
TenYearVet⭐ Expert28d
5
kickbacks are like that ex who shows up unannounced, always aiming for the ankles. next time, blame it on the machine and call it a day with a beer.
N
NotAnElectrician3⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
man these stump grinders are out to get us all, half the guys i know got a horror story just like that one. homeowners want it cheap and fast but dont wanna pay for a proper crew to handle the thing right.
S
SafeCrackerSam⚒️ Journeyman24d
5
damn, i almost lost my boot in one of those things last month too. stump grinders dont care if you got 20 years or 2, they just keep spinnin. how many guys actually rent the big ones versus buyin a 27 hp vermeer?
T
TarpTitan3⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
man those things will eat a boot faster than my wife eats pizza rolls. i rent the 27 hp vermeer for most jobs instead of buyin the big one. saves me alot on insurance and repairs. you ever have one kick back on ya when it hits a rock?
H
HaulHero3⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
damn those things dont play around when they hit a rock, felt that same kick last spring on a job. vermeer rentals keep the insurance guys off your back but man they still scare the hell out of ya. ever try throwin a chain over the stump first?
G
GreenThumbFail⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
that vermeer rental move is smart, i stuck with a 25hp bandit and never looked back.
W
WireWhizKid⭐ Expert22d
0
man that stump grinder story sounds like a real horror show but my milwaukee sawzall has saved my ass more times than i can count. got it for under 200 bucks at supply house and it cuts through roots like butter on jobs where the grinder woulda been overkill. been in the chicago area my whole career and that tool keeps me from turning a simple stump job into a trip to the er. proud to say ive never had a close call like that since i switched over. what kind of grinder are you running out there?
N
NailGunNinja12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
man, had a similar kickback scare on a slick root ball last summer, felt my leg buckle and thought that was it.
V
VentWizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
those damn manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs and leave us dodging death every job, it's bullshit.
L
LockPickLarry2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
yeah man, i once had a stump grinder 'kiss' my shin so close i could smell the regret, now i call it my lucky scar. manufacturers probably test that shit on interns before shipping it out. glad you walked away whole, dont tempt fate twice 😂
F
FlooringFiasco⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
always wear the damn knee guards and chaps on those grinders, saved my ass last summer when the tooth kicked back hard. keep your stance wide, feet planted outside the machine path so you dont trip into the blade. practice on small stumps first if youre new, builds the muscle memory quick.
B
BrushStrokePro9⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
yeah, i always double-check the belt tension on my vermeer sc30 before firing it up, prevents most kickbacks if you keep it at 1/2 inch slack.
P
PipeDreamer6⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
had that same damn near miss last year, the stump guys keep rushing jobs and cutting corners on safety gear.
C
ChillMasterC⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
felt that one in my back for sure, been there with those stump crews cutting corners just to get the job done quicker. i almost had the same scare myself last summer when a guy kicked the safety bar off and kept running. same shit happens all the time with these outfits rushing through yards. you gotta watch your step around those machines or its gonna bite you. did the homeowner even slow down after that or just move on to the next yard?
V
V3714🌱 Newcomer25d
0
bet that dude still brags about finishing early while your back pays for it. typical cheap stump grinder crews skippin safety for the next yard.
W
WireWhisperer2⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
these cheap crews rushing jobs just to snag the next yard is why guys keep getting hurt. saw a dude nearly lose his foot last year pulling a rope on one of those grinder setups and the owner still called it normal. no spotter, no harness, just speed speed speed till someone bleeds. landowners hiring the lowest bid every time without checking who is actually running that thing. that back pain you mentioned hits different when you are dodging the same shortcut every week. its the same story from every trade, homeowners wanting it done yesterday for nothing. what kind of safety gear was even on site when it happened?
L
LeakLocator⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
same shit, those stump grinders dont care if your paying attention.
D
DuctTapeDave2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
seen a guy wrap his shin in duct tape after a close call with one of those things, worked till the job was done. always keep the safety bar right in your way so you cant ignore it. saw a guy lose a leg on one last year up in pennsylvania cause he skipped the pin. what model you running?
B
BreezeBoss⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
same shit here, felt that in my knees too. duct tape fix is straight up crazy, saw one guy do it on a vermeer last summer and it didnt end well. always double check that safety bar or pin before you fire it up, learned it the hard way. what stump grinder you running these days?
C
CleanFreak992🔧 Apprentice24d
0
those damn things can chew right through a boot before you even flinch.
P
PickMaster⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
those grinders eat legs faster than a sharkbite does on a 3/4 pex run.
H
HammerHeadHal⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
same shit, nearly got bit by one on a rental last year.
S
ShingleShark14⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
same shit, those things will grab you before you even blink.
T
TileTerror11⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
ya gotta tie that rope off to a fixed point instead of on the guy, saw a roofer rig a 2x4 block last season to keep everyone clear. stump grinders dont forgive shortcuts on the safety harness either.
D
DirtBagJoe⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
what model grinder was that and did you end up reporting the manufacturer?
G
GutterGoblin🔧 Apprentice28d
6
those manufacturers are a bunch of greedy assholes, cutting corners on guards and kill switches just to boost their margins while we risk life and limb out here. f those suits in their corner offices, they wouldnt last five minutes on a real job site.
H
HardwoodHero⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
yeah those corporate pricks push out junk machines that fail when you need em most, and were the ones paying with our blood while they cash fat checks.
V
V8099🌱 Newcomer26d
2
same shit here, almost lost a finger on a stump grinder cause the kill switch was junk
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those cheap kill switches on grinders are the real problem, seen too many guys get hurt cause owners cheap out on maintenance. theyll blame the operator every time instead of fixing the junk equipment before someone loses more than a finger. same shit keeps happening cause nobody wants to spend on proper safety parts. ever tried the ridgid ones with the better cutoff switch?
V
V5243🔧 Apprentice22d
3
same shit happens with those cheap kill switches, damn things fail right when you need em most. seen a guy almost lose his hand on a grinder last summer cause the safety part was junk.
C
CoatCaptain⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
seen a guy try the cheap kill switch twice and it just hummed at him like it was bored.
R
RidgeRunner2⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
same shit here, those kill switches are garbage right when you need em
S
SewerSurfer2⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
same shit here, cheap switches have burned me out too and almost cost a finger once. ridgid aint perfect but beats the junk most outfits run.
R
RollerRascal🔧 Apprentice25d
2
that kill switch junk is the real villain here, companies cheap out and we pay for it with body parts
W
WattTheHeck23⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
man don't mess with a kill switch that feels off, saw a guy lose his whole boot and almost his leg when the bar kept spinning after he hit it. always test that thing twice before your feet get anywhere near the teeth. what grinder you running anyway?
S
SparkPlugPro2⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
felt that in my knees, man. had a close one on my vermeer last year too.
N
NotAnElectrician13⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
this is why i never rent from home depot, their kill switches are always junk
D
DrainDemon⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
its the manufacturers cheaping out on safety parts like that kill switch to save a buck, same crap that gets people hurt every year
V
V2805🔧 Apprentice19d
0
manufacturers keep cutting corners on those kill switches and its gonna get worse till someone sues the pants off em
V
V9149🌱 Newcomer1mo
4
fuck these machines, one wrong move and youre done, blame the cheap rentals that cut corners on safety. cant believe how many of us get away with near misses like that.
V
V8330🔧 Apprentice1mo
5
yeah those damn rental grinders are a nightmare with their shitty guards, had one kick back on me last week and i thought my arm was gone, pisses me off how they skimp on safety.
S
SparkPlugJunkie⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
man, those stump grinders are straight up death traps when the safety guards are half-assed. had a similar scare last summer, grinding down this monster oak stump and the damn thing kicked back hard enough to rip my boot half off. felt that rush of 'holy shit i'm lucky' right in my gut. cheap rentals like that from home depot never have the good chocks or guards that keep you from getting sucked in. been there too many times, and it pisses me off how we keep pushing through without better gear. makes you wonder how many of us are walking around on borrowed time.
D
DustBunnyHunter10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
never grind without chocks under the machine, saw a guy get his leg mangled when it kicked out on a slope. those home depot rentals are begging for a hospital trip if you skip that step.
T
TenYearVet14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
always chain the back axle to a tree or truck too, keeps the damn thing from rolling even with chocks. had a vermeer rental start sliding on wet grass last summer and it saved my ass from a bad fall. throw in a kill switch on the side just in case.
E
EaveEnforcer2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
yeah, chained mine up once, still managed to chase me halfway across the yard like a pissed off lawnmower with a grudge 😂
H
HammerTimeHank3⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
jesus, that wet grass slide had me sweatin just readin it, had a similar scare with my old rental almost takin my foot off last year.
C
CanvasCowboy3⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
man my buddy almost lost a toe to one of those rental grinders last season, swear the stump won that round
W
WattTheHeck12⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
same shit here man those stump grinders got no chill and will chew you up quick
T
TarheelTiler5⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
was it a rental or did your buddy own the grinder?
B
BoltBuster4⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
dont mess with rentals, saw a guy lose a toe when the safety failed on one
K
KeyMasterKev2⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
rentals are the real villain, that safety fail coulda been anyones leg.
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PanelPusher4🔧 Apprentice29d
5
hell yeah, skip the chocks on a hill and you'll be the next guy with a prosthetic leg, trust me i've seen it happen too many times.
V
V4923🔧 Apprentice29d
3
man i almost lost a chunk of my foot last week cuz i forgot the damn chocks on a hill in some guys backyard. the machine started rollin and i jumped back just in time but it scared the crap outta me. been grindin stumps for like six months now and every time i think ive got it down somethin new tries to bite me. those home depot ones are heavy beasts too, kick like a mule if you aint careful. my boss chewed me out after but he said hed done the same back when he started. sucks how one slip can end your whole career before it even gets goin. wish id seen more vids on safety before divin in. stay safe out there dude.
D
DuctDoctor9⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
always wedge those chocks in deep and double check em before you fire up the grinder, saved my ass more than once on slopes.
K
KeyMaster6⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
man, i skipped the chocks once on a 20 degree slope and the damn grinder started rollin right toward my boot, heart stopped for a sec. shoulda known better after watchin buddies almost eat dirt on em. been there with the close calls, makes you double check everything now. lol, stumps are sneaky bastards.
C
ChillOutTech⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
felt that in my knees man, been there with those rentals kicking out on slopes too. always shove a couple 2x4s under the wheels before you fire it up. rental place never warns you but its the only way to keep from eating hospital food.
E
EaveEnforcer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit man, almost ate it on a slope with one of those rentals last year too.
A
ACWizard⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
dont get on a slope with those rental grinders, seen a guy almost lose a foot when the thing kicked sideways.
R
RollerRogue7⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
stump grinders on slopes are a death trap that rental places should ban already.
L
LawnLad5⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
damn rental stump grinders kick out worse than a bronco and almost ate my leg last year.
T
TrackTormentor⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
man ive had my share of close calls with the vermeer too, that thingll sneak up on you faster than you think and leave you sweatin bullets.
B
BrushStrokePro14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
vermeer stump grinders are a damn lawsuit waiting to happen, half the time i think they design em backwards just to keep lawyers busy.
S
ScrewLoose⭐ Expert1mo
7
had a similar scare last month with that vermeer beast, nearly caught my boot and yanked me right into the blade. those things are a nightmare, wish manufacturers would quit cheaping out on safety features.
W
WattTheHeck10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
been runnin vermeer grinders for 15 years without a scratch, thats what keepin your lanyard tight and eyes on the wheel gets ya. near misses build character, man.
O
OpenerOperator4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
always keep the chipper chute pointed away from your legs, saved my buddy from a bad slice last summer on that vermeer. if youre grinding solo, tie a retractable lanyard to the controls so you cant wander into the danger zone.
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
good call on the lanyard trick, ive used one on my rayco rg55 and it keeps you honest every time. always wear chaps too, those carbide teeth will chew through denim like butter before you blink. position the grinder uphill if the stumps on a slope so you dont slide into the wheel. check your hydraulics daily, low pressure can make the controls lag and thats when shit gets real. saved my ass on a steep yard in ohio last fall.
B
BugBlaster7🔧 Apprentice1mo
10
dont ever skip the ppe on those vermeers, watched a guy get his calf shredded when he leaned in too close without his chaps last year.
S
SlateSlinger6🔧 Apprentice29d
11
those damn rental companies are the worst, handin out vermeers like they're toys without a single word on the real risks. had a buddy lose half his shin last summer cause the chaps they 'provided' were too damn small and ripped right off. its all about cuttin costs while we bleed for it. screw that noise, time to union up or somethin before more of us end up limpin.
C
CoilCooler⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
always keep at least 6 feet back from the cutting wheel on those vermeers, gives you time to react if something kicks. i swear by the husqvarna chaps with the thigh straps tightened down, they saved my ass on a job last summer when a root snagged. test your ppe before every rental too, wouldnt wanna find a tear mid-grind. stay safe out there.
S
SawdustSavant🔧 Apprentice29d
5
my first grind i tripped over a root and the wheel kicked up a chunk of dirt that smacked me right in the nuts, thought i was gonna sing soprano for a week lol
S
SprayMaster⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
yeah those vermeers will chew right through leather if you lean wrong, always run the full chaps and steel toes.
V
VoltVampire2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
those rental joints are straight-up criminal, skimping on maintenance to pocket every damn penny while we dodge death on their rustbuckets.
S
SawdustSavant19⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah those rental outfits are total CROOKS, charging us full price for machines that shoulda been scrapped years ago just to squeeze out one more rental.
F
FrameFreak7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah man, those rental crooks got me last month with a beat to hell grinder that jammed up halfway through the job, nearly took my foot off too.
G
GarageGuru3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
been there with those crappy rentals, damn near lost a finger last summer when the blade kicked back on me. rental places dont give a shit about maintenance, just wanna squeeze every last dollar outta ya. sucks we gotta deal with that crap just to get the job done.
B
BoltTightener⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
those rental outfits are straight up CRIMINAL with their half-assed maintenance, charging us top dollar while putting our lives on the line just to turn a quick buck.
G
GarageGuru7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
dude, those rental outfits are a nightmare, always handing out junk thatll bite you in the ass. been there with a grinder that kicked back and almost got my knee last summer.
R
RodentRider⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
those damn rental grinders are straight up death traps, had one snag on a root last month and it nearly yanked my arm clean off.
S
SolderSavant⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
always wear a kevlar chaps over your legs when runnin a stump grinder, saved my hide more than once on snags like that. they're bulky but worth it for the peace of mind.
F
FlushForce2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
man, that sounds too close for comfort... what kinda stump grinder were you using when it snagged? ever had one of those models that just pulls harder than others?
C
CoatCaptain⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
always keep your footing square and that deadman switch right by your hip, saved my ass more than once when a grinder kicked back on a buried cable. rental units like those vermeer 25hp models dont have the best balances, so i wrap a ratchet strap around the handles for extra grip control. if youre grinding solo, never skip the chaps even on small jobs, theyre a pain to wear but worth it. last thing you want is explaining to the wife why youre missing a chunk of thigh.
S
ScrewLoose2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah man, had a similar snag with a rental last summer that almost ripped my hand off, those things are no joke.
S
SewerSurfer⭐ Expert1mo
23
saw a guy lose his leg to a stump grinder kickback last year, always keep your footing wide and wear chaps or you'll end up in the er.
P
PolishedPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
been there with a close call on a grinder myself, footing slipped on some wet roots and i nearly ate dirt. makes you appreciate those chaps even more after seeing that mess.
C
CanvasCowboy3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
those damn manufacturers cut every corner on safety to keep prices low and now were all dodgin near misses like its normal.
C
CanvasKid⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
those cheap-ass manufacturers deserve a class action for all the close calls us arborists deal with just to cut costs.
B
BugBlaster2⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
almost got my boot chewed up by one of those last month, manufacturers aint puttin nothing extra on em for safety.
G
GarageGuru4⚒️ Journeyman25d
5
manufacturers aint the problem here, the real issue is guys running these things without a damn spotter. most folks would be better off sticking with a hydraulic model like the vermeer instead of the walk behinds that bite ya. had a buddy in rural ohio lose control of one last summer and it cost him weeks off the job. why even mess with a stump grinder when you can just dig it out the old way?
V
V9820🔧 Apprentice23d
3
hydraulic like that vermeer is solid but make sure you got a spotter no matter what.
V
V1201🔧 Apprentice22d
9
same shit here man, walk behinds are just asking for trouble when they snag on a root. i almost lost my boot to one last month after skipping the spotter like a dummy. felt that close call in my knees for sure. vermeer hydraulic would be worth every penny to stay in one piece.
W
WireWhiz⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
spotters or not, walk behinds still bite if the hydraulics get lazy. vermeer aint cheap but neither is a new leg.
V
V6174🔧 Apprentice22d
3
that stump grinder thing scares the crap outta me, every time i see one without a spotter i just think of that guy who lost his leg in pennsylvania last summer. machines like vermeer aint worth the risk if you ask me, id rather dig by hand and not end up in the hospital. my buddy almost got yanked in last year too and he aint gone back to one since. how many guys you know still run em solo anyway?
V
V3356🔧 Apprentice1mo
7
those damn rental places are the worst, always handing out junk thats one bad day from killing ya. i almost lost a finger last week to their POS equipment, fuck em.
H
HueHustler⭐ Expert1mo
20
man, those rental joints are the WORST, always renting out junk that nearly got me last season too.
T
TarPaperTiger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
yeah, those rental stumps grinders are straight up death traps, had one belt snap on me last summer and i damn near lost a finger fumblin to shut it down.
S
SparkFryer🌱 Newcomer1mo
8
man, those damn rental grinders are a joke, i had one kick back on me last month and it ripped my boot half off before i could jump away. shoulda listened to my buddy and bought that used vermeer instead of cheaping out at home depot. still shakes me up thinking about it, fml.
A
ACAvenger4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
yeah those home depot rentals are straight garbage, almost lost a finger to one last summer and now i wont touch em without a backup plan.
N
NotAnElectrician5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
stick to commercial grade grinders like the vermeer sc30tx, those home depot pieces of crap will kickback and ruin your day before you know it. had a buddy last year who didnt clear the root ball good enough and the machine bucked right into his shin, nearly took half his leg. always chock the wheels and keep your feet way back, never grind solo if you can help it. dont be the next story on arborist sites.
L
LiftAndShift3⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
man, i had a similar buck with my old vermeer last season, damn near clipped my boot and sent me flying. been there, and itll make you double-check everything after.
L
LawnLizard⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
renting those home depot grinders is asking for trouble, i keep a old craftsman 22 ton hydraulic splitter in the truck now and it finishes the job way safer. always block off the whole area with cones before you fire one up, had a chunk fly past my head last year from a bad tooth on the wheel. never run one without steel toe boots and gloves either, learned that the hard way when a rock pinged me good. make sure the rental place checks the teeth before they hand it over too, half the ones out there are chewed up. you sticking with rentals or gonna buy your own for next time?
P
PaintPusherPete⚒️ Journeyman26d
11
rentals are fine if you block it off right, buying one is just another truck payment waiting to happen.
N
NotAnElectrician21⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
customers buying their own grinders and trying to save a buck is the real hazard here. guy i know had his foot almost yanked in last summer cause he skipped the barrier setup. now his insurance is fighting the claim tooth and nail while he is laid up. rental places push the cheap ones with no safety interlocks and we all pay for it. south florida, everything rusts and then snaps on you mid job. been hearing the same story on Plumbers United about other tools too. how many more near misses before folks stop cheapin out on safety gear?
V
V4673🌱 Newcomer22d
3
homeowners buying their own grinders is the real shit show here, especially in south florida where everything rusts out in a year. insurance companies always fight the claims while we deal with the busted legs. i seen guys skip the barriers on cheap rentals and almost lose more than a foot. rental places dont even stock the ones with interlocks anymore cause profit. why do they keep letting these things on job sites when we all pay for it later?
P
PipeLord42018⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
tell em to rent the barrett 24 inch model with the safety bar, seen one guy walk away without a scratch cause of it.
W
WattTheHeck5⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
told my old man once that if the homeowner shows up with the grinder keys, im goin home early.
C
CircuitSmasher3⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
homeowners renting those things like they're toys is what gets people hurt, insurance companies are gonna eat this up and jack our rates again.
V
VentVagabond⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
same shit, insurance guys are gonna have a field day with this one.
S
SpraySavant⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
same shit with insurance man, theyll use any excuse to jack rates. felt that one in my knees reading this.
S
ShingleShaman2⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
had a guy almost lose his foot last summer on a vermeer, switched to the husqvarna with the auto reverse and havent had a scare since. that one change saved us from a $4000 claim the next year. insurance still raised us anyway but at least we got the safety on our side now. got any details on what model you were running?
T
TermiteTerror3⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
bought the vermeer 604 at home depot once and it almost ate my boot, never going back to rentals after that scare.
K
KeyMaster2⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
same shit here, vermeer scared the crap outta me too on a rental.
V
V1247🔧 Apprentice24d
8
same shit here with my rental stump grinder, felt that one in the knee.
F
FumeFighter2⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
rentals are a death sentence, id never touch a vermeer again after what happened to that guy in pa last year
C
CircuitSavant3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
how deep did you grind that stump before it kicked back, and what brand grinder you using now?
S
SpotlessSam2⭐ Expert24d
0
those damn rentals are the real hazard out here, stick with your own gear or pay for it later.
P
PipeLord42028⭐ Expert20d
1
rentals are always the scam, get your own damn grinder.
P
PipeDreamer3⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
damn right, i bought the vermeer last year and that thing never scared me like the rentals do.
T
TenYearVet19⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
never run those rental stump grinders without a full ppe kit and someone spotin you, lost a buddy to one that kicked back hard last year.
S
SpraySquad2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
those rental stump grinders are straight up MAN-KILLERS pushed by cheap-ass companies who dont give a damn about safety, had one kick back and nearly took my foot off last month.
G
GrimeFighter⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
always keep your foot at least 3 feet back and use the deadman switch on those rentals to kill the blade if it kicks, saved my ass more than once.
P
PipeDreamer14⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
same shit, almost put my foot in one myself last summer.
L
LawnLizard⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
homeowners expectin you to grind right up to the house then act shocked when the disc grabs something and kicks back.
P
PipeDreamer25⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
always mark the utility lines with paint first, saved my crew once when the disc hit an old cable.
J
JoltJester⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
your crew got lucky, i almost hit a gas line once cause i skipped the paint and just guessed
S
SlateSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman18d
2
same shit here, almost took my foot off cause i skipped the paint once too
W
WattTheHeck12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
dodged a bullet like that two years back with my vermeer sc30, grinding a 20-inch oak stump when the clutch grabbed funny and nearly yanked me into the teeth. kept my cool though, killed the engine in three seconds flat and walked away with just a bruised shin. been running these machines solo for a decade now, and that quick reflex saved my ass more times than i can count. rental junk cant touch the control you get with your own gear, makes you feel damn near invincible out there. still got all my limbs to show for it, and thats what keeps me grinding stumps every summer.
S
SparkPlugDummy2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
fuckin rental stump grinders are death traps, always jerkin around like they got a mind of their own and tryin to take you out. ownin my gear saved me from that crap too many times, screw rentin that junk.
T
TenYearVet7⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
those rental grinders are pure death traps, i had one kick back and take a chunk outta my boot last summer.
B
BugBuster88⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
same story here, a vermeer rental once nearly grabbed me when the clutch locked and i killed it just in time
F
FrameItRight⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that vermeer nearly taking legs off is why i wont rent one again
L
LiftLegend⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
those stump grinders are straight up death machines and i swear insurance companies love when we get stupid with rentals
G
GreenThumbGuru⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
renting those things is a bad idea, saw a guy lose toes doing the same stunt.
B
BrushStrokeBandit🔧 Apprentice1mo
1
those damn rental companies push these cheap-ass death machines on us to save a buck and dont give a shit if we come home in pieces
M
MoveMaster2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
those rental stump grinders are a crapshoot, dont ever skip the safety chute or youll end up like that guy i knew who lost half his foot last summer.
W
WattTheHeck13⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
damn that sounds rough, ive had a couple close calls myself with rentals. what kinda stump grinder was it, one of those vermeer models or just some cheap home depot special? you think the safety chute really makes that big a difference or is it all operator error? i always double check but man those things are finicky. gonna start wearing more ppe after hearing this.
O
OpenerOperator6⚒️ Journeyman25d
6
same shit, but a vermeer with the safety chute still saved my leg once when a root kicked back hard.
H
HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
vermeer aint foolproof tho, had a root kick back on mine and it still grazed my boot. those horizontal wheels are safer than pullers but id still keep a hand on the kill switch.
B
BrushStrokeBoss3⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
what stump was it, the one that kicked or a fresh one?
L
LumberLad⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
stick to a stihl fs 90 r trimmer for grinding if you can, safer than those rental behemoths and you control the bite. if its a big stump, chain it to your truck bumper and yank it instead of risking the blade.
K
KeyMaster2⚒️ Journeyman27d
12
saw a guy go through the same thing on a rental unit, now i always run a quick check on the wheel bolts before i start it up. rental places cut corners and it shows on those cheap machines. been using a DeWalt grinder the last couple years with no issues. what kind of rental company was it anyway?
B
BugBusterBob2⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
rentals are a joke, always go with your own stump grinder or dont touch the damn thing at all. saved my ass more times than i can count, those cheap bastards from home depot aint worth the liability.
C
CircuitSurfer4⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
same shit here, felt that one in my knees.
V
VentMaster99⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
saw a guy lose his leg on one of those grinders last spring, damn things dont care how careful you are
W
WrenchWarrior2⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
damn those things are straight up evil, seen em eat boots and pants like nothing. watched a guy on the crew try dodging one in ohio last year and still limped for months after. cant believe homeowners think its a weekend project when it can rip you up that fast. why anyone still rents those without a full safety cage on em?
M
MoverMayhemMike⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
these damn grinders are a lawsuit waiting to happen and homeowners still push for the cheapest bid every time. saw a guy last year lose his leg to one and it was over in seconds flat. insurance companies love this crap since they just raise rates on the rest of us.
S
SpringSpecialist9⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
you wearing steel toes or boots with the tongue guard when you almost ate it?
D
DoorJammer3🔧 Apprentice21d
1
felt that one in my knees man, steel toes saved me from the same grinder bite last year. switched to the tongue guard ones after seeing too many close calls on job sites. no way im running a stump grinder without em now. had a buddy lose a boot to one last season.
W
WireWizard2⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
same shit, almost lost a toe last year til i added that guard too
S
SawdustSavant20🔧 Apprentice20d
3
steel toes dont really save you when that wheel catches a root and kicks back. did you have the grinder on a stand or just freehanding it? heard from a guy in r/Carpentry that a face shield plus the tongue guard combo saved his shins last year. how close did it actually get?
N
NotAnElectrician19⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
felt that one in my shins, steel toes saved me last year too
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
steel toes saved my buddy when the grinder kicked back hard last summer, he still limped for weeks though. go with the tongue guard if your doing alot of stump work, regular boots aint cutting it on those. mine are from a local supply house and run about $140. what kind of grinder you running?
L
LeakHunter6🔧 Apprentice25d
0
i was grinding a stump last summer and the damn thing kicked back so hard it almost took my leg off too. shoulda had that damn thing on a longer pole setup like the ridgid one i got. homeowners never tell you about the roots that go everywhere and you end up in a real crap-show. lucky we both walked away. what kind of grinder was it, the stump one or a regular angle grinder?
B
BowlBreaker🌱 Newcomer23d
0
been there, those damn roots always come outta nowhere and almost got me too.
T
TenYearVet7⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
stump grinders are safer than pulling stumps any day, fight me.
R
RollerRogue2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
yeah man, those rental stump grinders are straight up death traps, had one almost snag my boot last summer and i aint forgetting that scare anytime soon.
L
LeakHunter8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
fuck those rental stump grinders, the manufacturers just slap a warning sticker on em and call it a day while we risk our damn legs for a quick job.
B
BumpKeyBandit2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
those rental grinders are straight up death traps with a sticker slapped on.
W
WipeOutPro⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
rentals with those weak safety covers should be banned, saw a guy get dragged same way last year
G
GreenThumbGuy2⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
rentals don't give a damn about safety and homeowners still cheap out on it every time.
S
SpraySavant⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always wear the steel toes or those rentals bite hard, seen a guy catch a root and the bar kicked back on his shin. switching to a vermeer 1625 with the auto feed cut that risk way down for me. charge homeowners extra for the safety kit or just pass on the job, not worth it.
B
BroomBandit⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
always double check those rental rentals got some safety bar shutoffs on em.
V
VineyardVanguard⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
been running that vermeer 1625 for two seasons now and it changed the game on kickback risks.
V
V1637🌱 Newcomer1mo
9
dude, i almost got my arm caught in a junky rental grinder last month, those things are straight up death traps. rental places dont even inspect em half the time, makes my skin crawl.
S
SudsAndScrub⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
yeah man, rental stump grinders are like that one ex who promises to change but always leaves you scarred. i once fed a branch in one backwards and it nearly yanked me into the jaws like a bad horror flick. shoulda known better after the first time it jammed on a root. now i treat em like they're plotting my demise... stay safe out there 😂
F
FlushMaster🏆 Master1mo
10
dodged a similar mess on a rental grinder back in '05, but these days i run my own vermeer and grind stumps like it's nothing, leg intact and business booming.
V
VentViking⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
hahaha same here, almost lost a toe to a stump grinder back in 09 and now i swear by the vermeer every time.
P
PipeLord42015⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn, these stump grinders are a real crap-show if you're not paying attention every second.
D
DrainDevil⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners pushing us to skip the safety gear is gonna kill someone one day.
B
BrushStrokeBoss⭐ Expert29d
2
man, those damn stump grinders have a way of humblin you quick, like theyre waitin for that one slip. been there myself back in the 90s, feedin a thick oak root and the thing kicked back so hard it threw me three feet into the dirt. heart was poundin like id just dodged a freight train, and i aint touched one without full ppe since. rental units especially, they aint tuned right half the time. sucks hearin your story, but glad it was just a close call... stay sharp out there.
P
PlumbDumb⭐ Expert28d
10
always wear those heavy leather chaps when feeding anything into a stump grinder, saved my ass more than once from a nasty kickback.
G
GreenThumbGuru4⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
been there, still got the dent in my shin from when the damn thing kicked back
D
DustBusterDave⭐ Expert26d
5
homeowners think a stump grinder is just some fancy lawn tool til one kicks back and damn near takes a leg off.
S
SpringSlinger⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
thats why i wont touch stump grinders anymore, too many close calls and homeowners acting like its no big deal.
V
V7213⚒️ Journeyman24d
4
damn those things can bite hard when you least expect it, been there too with a rented grinder kickin back right at my boot. had a stump right next to a driveway in jersey so i tried grindin it down slow but the roots were still grabbin the wheel. almost like homeowners think its just like a weedwacker until it aint. my buddy used a vermeer 6030 on a similar job and said the reverse bar saved his leg once. always check the angle on those things twice before you hit the throttle. you get the stump level first or you goin straight in with the wheel? same shit happens to the best of us out here.
V
VentVet⭐ Expert22d
1
exactly why i tell homeowners to call a pro and stay the hell out the way.
B
BoxHaulerBob⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
yeah homeowners always think youtube makes em experts till someone gets hurt.
N
NailGunNinja3⚒️ Journeyman27d
6
bet that grinder still has teeth marks on your chaps. no way i'm feedin one without the full leg armor after seeing that video.
M
MoverMadness⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
damn, that close call shoulda been the last time anyone skips full armor around those teeth.
F
FlushItFred⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
homeowners always pushin to skip the safety gear then act shocked when someone gets hurt.
C
CanvasCowboy3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners are the reason half the guys i know got hurt but nobody wants to hear that till their own legs on the line.
V
VoltageVagabond2⭐ Expert22d
3
homeowners think we're invincible till the grinder bites back. i'm done taking shortcuts for cheap bastards who want the stump gone yesterday.
E
EaveExpert3⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
homeowners should stick to watching stump grinder fails on youtube instead of getting involved.
M
MuscleMoverMike⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
homeowners need to stay the hell off equipment they got no business touching.
B
BrushStrokeBoss9⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
always keep that stump grinder at least 12 inches clear of any fence or line when you are workin it. had a guy lose a toe on a big root because the homeowner said hurry up.
P
PipeLord4205⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
what kinda armor you rockin now after that close call?
T
TenYearVet28⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont skip the chaps or you'll be walking funny for weeks, seen it happen to a guy last month.
V
V7402🔧 Apprentice25d
0
anyone feeding one without full chaps is asking for trouble, fight me.
S
SewerSam⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
seen one guy lose his leg last year, full chaps or its not worth it.
R
RoofRat872⚒️ Journeyman24d
5
saw a guy lose a finger on one of those vermeer grinders so i always use the 6 foot push pole now
H
HammerTimeGuy⭐ Expert23d
1
been there, those vermeer grinders dont give ya a second chance
V
V1127🌱 Newcomer20d
2
damn those things will take a leg quick, felt that in my knees
R
RefrigerantRanger⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
man those stump grinders dont care who owns em, insurance gonna fight the claim anyway.
S
SpringSlinger⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
insurance is the real enemy here, theyll find any excuse to weasel out of paying for equipment claims like that. same shit we dealt with last year when a skid steer rolled on a job and they tried blaming operator error instead. why do we even keep these policies when they fight every damn thing?
G
GreenThumbGuy⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
insurance is straight up the biggest scam we deal with, they fight every claim like its their full time job.
B
BoltBoss2⭐ Expert29d
7
those damn rental yards are a joke, i had a belt snap on me last year and nearly lost a finger 'cause they cant be bothered to check anything.
C
CircuitSnafu⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
same shit here, those rental yards treat equipment like its already totaled.
W
WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert28d
4
those damn rental outfits are a joke, theyll hand out rust buckets with no safety checks and leave us hanging if shit goes south.
D
DrainDevil2⚒️ Journeyman27d
14
same shit here, that rental grinder almost chewed my boot once too
W
WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
stump grinders are a death trap waiting to happen, rental ones especially. fight me if you think safety guards are enough.
W
WattWhizKid🌱 Newcomer26d
2
been there man, that rental grinder chewed right through a boot once
S
SewerSam⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
that grinder rental place in arlington almost took me out too, damn things dont have enough safety stops. i seen guys get real bad cuts just from the kickback alone. why the hell you renting that junk instead of hiring it out?
C
CleanFreak⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
yeah those rental stump grinders are like the devil's own toys, nearly turned my ankle into a pretzel last week. now i just pray before starting the damn thing, haha.
A
AntAnnihilator2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
bet that rental beast tried to make you a one legged legend, reminds me of the time my buddy almost fed his boot to one and we all just laughed it off.
S
ShingleShark4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
yeah those cheap ass rentals are a nightmare, had one snag my glove last month and nearly ripped my arm off, homeowners dont get how one slip turns into a hospital bill they wont pay.
R
RustyNails⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
homeowners think its all fun and games til the insurance denies the claim cuz they pushed us to use that junk rental, and then were stuck with the bill while they sip their margarita.
S
ScrewLooseSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
been runnin my own rayco stump grinder for 15 years now and wouldnt touch a rental with a ten foot pole. saved my ass more times than i can count, especially when these cheapskates try to cut corners on the job.
P
PolishedPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
damn, those close calls make you rethink every damn job. ive had my own scares with the grinder, heart pounding like a drum when the blade nicked too close. stickin with your own gear is smart, saved me from worse than a rental nightmare. been there, man, props for stayin safe.
S
SpotlessSteve8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
yeah man, that heart-pounding rush from a grinder close call sticks with ya, had one nick my boot last summer and i still check my setup twice now.
C
ColorChanger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
mine almost turned me into a pirate with a wooden leg last year, but hey, now i got the best scar story at the bar. still makes me double-check the damn chaps every time.
B
BrushStrokeBoss8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
goddamn stump grinders are a death trap, had one kick back last month and ripped my damn chaps clean off, now i wont touch em without triple-checking the guards.
P
PipeDreamer15⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
dont ever skip the chaps or guards, watched a buddy lose half his calf to one of those bastards kickback and he still limps after two years.
W
WrenchWizard4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
i saw a guy get his foot caught in the wheel last summer and it chewed right through his boot before we yanked him out. dont even think about running one without the full ppe setup, especially on uneven ground where kickback hits hardest. those machines dont forgive sloppy habits, and a split second is all it takes to end your career. keep preaching it, man, too many rookies ignore the basics.
F
FrameItFrank⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
had a buddy who skipped his chaps on a jobsite last year and the grinder yanked him straight into the teeth, damn near amputated his knee, so ALWAYS double check your ppe before firing that beast up.
R
RollerRanger9⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
damn, that sounds like the time i caught my boot in one and nearly lost a toe, ppe aint just optional. been there, still makes my legs shake thinking about it.
B
BowlBreaker🌱 Newcomer29d
2
yeah man, next time im wearin steel-toed boots that coulda doubled as a shield against zombie stumps lol
D
DoorJammer3🔧 Apprentice28d
9
man, been there with the grinder kickback, damn near lost a chunk of my shin last summer... steel toes saved my ass that day.
C
ChillTech⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
same shit here with homeowners expecting you to play demolition without any safety gear.
F
FlangeFanatic⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
gotta love it when homeowners hand you a stump grinder without a clue, glad you walked away from that one in one piece.
V
V6643🌱 Newcomer25d
0
always wear the steel toe boots when you rent one of those grinders man.
S
SprayGunStan⭐ Expert25d
5
dont rent those grinders without a face shield, saw a guy catch a tooth to the eye last year.
R
RootRider2⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
almost caught one myself when a tooth kicked back right past my knee, funniest part was the customer still askin if we could knock 50 bucks off.
K
KeyTwister⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
same shit happened to my buddy last fall, grinder kicked a chunk right at his boot
T
TarHeelRoofer🔧 Apprentice19d
0
bet that stump almost got its revenge on him
H
HeatHustler2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, almost got my ankle caught in one of those grinders a few years back.
M
MulchMan2⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
steel toes saved my buddy last year when a root kicked up hard. always rent the 13 inch vermeer if you can, cuts faster and less kickback. how close did that wheel get to you?
S
ShingleShuffler4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit, homeowners handin over that grinder like its a toy from home depot.
S
SawdustSavant13⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
been there with one of those cheap grinders, felt that one in my knees
B
BoxHauler⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
damn near lost my foot last year on one of those cheap grinders too, that shit aint worth the risk.
W
WattTheHeck29⭐ Expert26d
0
steel toes are fine till you got 30 tooth carbide tips spinnin at 1800 rpm, id rather just leave the stump and charge em double to come back with a mini excavator next time. seen guys lose boots and more with grinders so why risk it. you running a vermeer or a bandit on that job?
A
ACAvenger3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
swear to god these grinders are a damn death trap, that vermeer setup just aint worth risking your leg over.
F
FlangeFanatic⚒️ Journeyman28d
17
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waitin to happen, every job i go on someone's skimped on safety gear and nearly gets turned into mulch.
J
JointJuggler2🔧 Apprentice28d
13
id rather chew up my own foot than trust those rental grinders from home depot
O
OpenerOperator2⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
same shit, had a buddy lose feeling in his foot for months after one of those rental grinders kicked back on him.
B
BoxTosser⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
damn homeowners always want it cheaper so we end up with some rental grinder that kicks back and wrecks you. seen too many guys get hurt trying to save a couple hundred bucks instead of calling a real crew. who else here had one of those things bite back on them?
V
V6655🔧 Apprentice23d
2
saw a guy last year almost lose his foot to one of them rental grinders, dont cheap out on that stuff.
P
PlumbDum⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
almost took my leg off once with a rental grinder too but i still finished the job that day.
C
ColorChanger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, i had a grinder snag my boot once and it yanked me halfway into the damn thing before i could hit the e-stop, pissed me off so bad i havent touched one since. these machines are a lawsuit waiting to happen if the manufacturers dont step up their game.
V
V3676🌱 Newcomer1mo
6
man i was grindin a stump last week and the damn thing jammed up so bad it nearly yanked the whole wheel into my shin, these machines are straight up evil
L
LawnLizardLarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those stump grinders are straight up murder machines from hell, always jamming at the worst damn moment and trying to take you out.
R
RustyNailBob⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
man, i had a similar scare with a stump grinder three years back, damn near lost a chunk of my thigh. makes you swear off skimping on the chaps every single time now.
S
SparkleSteve⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
those damn machines are a nightmare when you're rushing a job, i got a scar on my calf from one that kicked back hard last summer and it still pisses me off.
L
LockLord⭐ Expert29d
6
wear full chaps and a face shield every time, saved my buddy's leg when his grinder kicked back on a job in the burbs.
B
BloomBandit⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
damn near lost my foot last summer when the grinder grabbed a root and yanked it back, hate how these machines turn on you without warning.
S
SpringBreaker2⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
man those things dont play, been there with a root grab that tried to chew my boot too.
F
FlangeFixer⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
yeah, been there with a grinder slip-up that left me limpin for weeks. those things are no joke, makes you double-check your gear every damn time.
C
CircuitSmasher2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
always wear chaps and keep your feet planted firm, saved my buddy from a similar slip with his vermeer sc30 last summer.
J
JoistJockey5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those damn rental shops pushin sketchy stump grinders without proper maintenance is BS, nearly cost me my foot last year and they wouldnt even comp the downtime.
P
PipeLord42013⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
man, rental shops are the WORST for skimping on maintenance, had a similar scare with a beat-up grinder that jammed on me mid-job and nearly yanked my arm off. those bastards wouldnt even inspect the damn thing when i brought it back, just charged me full price for the extra day it sat. been there with the downtime too, lost a whole week of gigs after tweaking my back dodging the kickback. its all about cheaping out to boost their margins, leaves us grunts paying the price in blood and lost cash. you report that shop to anyone? i started sticking to buying used vermeer units instead, at least i control the upkeep. same shit here every season, feels like theyre tryin to get us killed for a buck. fml, but glad you walked away with your foot intact. stay safe out there brother.
B
BreezeBoss⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
those rental shop crooks deserve to get sued into oblivion for pushin junk that nearly kills us just to squeeze out every damn penny, makes my blood boil every time i see one of their signs.
L
LawnLad4🔧 Apprentice1mo
13
yeah those rental outfits push half-assed junk like its brand new and dont give a damn if it flies apart and takes your leg with it, had a similar scare last month and im still pissed.
D
DuctDoctor6⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
same shit with those rental places man, theyll push junk that shoulda been scrapped and you pay for the near miss with your leg. felt that in my knees when i was running a rented ridgid last year, still got the scar to prove it. rental guys dont care till it flies apart do they?
T
TenYearVet19⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
rental shops are straight-up MURDER factories, skimping on maintenance to squeeze every dime outta us, and im sick of it. screw buying their junk, i dropped 8k on a used carlson cstk-16 last year and havent looked back, no more kickbacks trying to kill me. report that place to osha or your local board, they deserve the heat for endangering guys like us. those vermeer units you mentioned? solid choice, but carlson grinds smoother on big stumps imo.
V
V6500🌱 Newcomer1mo
5
man, rental places are a damn nightmare, had one where the clutch slipped and nearly yanked my arm off last month, shoulda sued their asses. im with you on ditching em, but 8k on that carlson? wish i could convince the boss to pony up like that instead of cheaping out. its bullshit how they risk our lives for a buck.
G
GeneralFixIt⭐ Expert26d
2
check your local supply house for a used vermeer stump grinder, mine cost 6500 and it aint gonna kill ya.
D
DustDevil3⭐ Expert1mo
20
always run a quick belt tension check and grease the cutter wheel before firing up a rental stump grinder, saved my hide more than once.
F
FlashingFiend⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
man, ive had my heart skip a beat from a loose belt more times than i can count, those rentals are no joke
M
MoveMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
0
dude ive had that heart in my throat feeling too many times with those damn rental grinders. last job i was feeding a stump and the belt slapped my arm so hard i thought i lost it. been there man, makes you double check every damn thing after. those things are no joke.
B
BugBlasterBeth🔧 Apprentice29d
5
man those rental grinders scare the hell outta me every time. what kinda belt setup you got on yours to avoid that slap?
V
V6050🔧 Apprentice27d
5
those rental grinders are a straight up scam and the shops pushing them dont care if you lose a foot. seen guys get smacked by the belt slap on them cheap ones from home depot and its all because the owners want to save a buck instead of buying a real unit. heard a guy on the contractor fight talking about the same thing last month and yeah it tracks. what kinda setup you running on yours to stop it from happening again?
W
WireWizard4⭐ Expert1mo
3
never trust those rental stump grinders without double-checking the belts first, i saw a guy lose half his foot last year when one snapped loose. always shut it down and inspect before you even start grinding. your heart skip beats are nothing compared to a hospital bill for that kinda mess.
V
V9820🔧 Apprentice29d
5
glad i caught that loose belt on the vermeer before it turned me into a stump myself, feels damn good knowing i saved my own leg this time. now im the one telling the stories without the scars.
C
CanvasChaos⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
dont ever trust a quick look on the belt, saw a guy lose his foot on one of those vermeer rigs when it grabbed him. always shut it down and check twice before you fire it back up.
V
V6946🌱 Newcomer26d
0
those vermeer grinders got a mean kick if you skip the lockout, fight me on that one.
P
PadlockPro⚒️ Journeyman24d
7
all them equipment makers act like we aint got bills to pay when their safety crap fails.
T
TileTerror8⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
had a stump grinder throw a tooth right past my head last year, scared the crap out of me. now i kill the motor and pull the spark plug every single time before touching anything.
L
LiftLegend⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
homeowners are the real danger always rushing us to skip safety steps on these rigs
C
ColorSplashSam⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
same shit here, had one yank the kill switch wire right off cause they were in a rush
J
JoistJockey3⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
always double-check those belts before firing up the grinder, saved my ass more than once when one started slipping mid-cut. i run the vermeer sc30 and swear by their tensioner kit, makes adjustments a breeze without shutting down the whole job. stick to that routine and you'll sleep better after long days.
C
CoilCooler⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
good call on that vermeer tensioner kit, i always check mine after every 10 stumps to keep the belts from throwing a wrench in the job. one time i skipped it and the grinder started vibrating like hell, nearly caught my boot before i shut it down. if you're running long sessions, grease the idler pulley every shift too, it'll save you from unexpected downtime. saved my leg on a few hairy cuts that way.
H
HeatHustler2⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
damn these manufacturers cheaping out on the safety features, had a vermeer belt snap mid-job last summer and it nearly shredded my arm, total BS that we gotta babysit this crap just to stay in one piece.
R
RoofRascal⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
nearly had my own close call with a stump grinder on a big oak last fall, those things dont mess around. always felt the vibration change right before something dumb happens. been there more times than i like to admit, knees still ache thinking about it. what did you switch to after that one?
S
SafeCracker⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit with these homeowners wanting the stump gone yesterday, one wrong move and your whole leg is toast over a $300 job.
C
CleanFreakCindy⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners will keep pushing us to rush these risky jobs for $300 and then act shocked when someones leg nearly gets ripped off.
J
JoistJockey⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
yeah those rental grinders will chew through anything if the belt slips, tie a flag on the kill switch so you can reach it fast.
T
TenYearVet15⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
landlords and rental places should be liable when that crap fails on you.
K
KeyKeeperKate⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, had a stump grinder kick back on me last summer and damn near took my boot off
D
DustBunnyHunter⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
thats the crap that happens when landlords cheap out on maintenance, almost lost a leg to a stump grinder myself last year.
A
AmpedApprentice4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
always keep that guard down tight and wear chaps, man, saved my buddy from a nasty slice last summer when the wheel kicked back. check your tension on the belt before firing it up too, loose ones can grab ya unexpected. stay sharp out there, those grinders dont mess around.
L
LiftMaster3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
man, had a similar scare last fall when the damn thing bucked and i felt the wheel graze my chaps, still gets my heart racing thinkin about it.
S
SparkPlugSue⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
been there with a grinder that kicked back hard, thought my knee was gone for sure. still flinch every time i fire one up now.
T
TarPaperTom3⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah man, i still get that gut punch every time one bucks, knee almost got me last summer on a job in the woods.
F
FramingFool3⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
those damn stump grinders are straight-up death machines waiting for one dumb buck to turn the job into a bloodbath, and the manufacturers act like it's all on us when it happens.
B
BoxHaulerBob2⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
how close was it to actually hitting bone?
R
RollerRage⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
never use a walk behind grinder on anything over 8 inch stumps, those things are death machines.
D
DirtBagDan3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn stump grinders always buck when you least expect it and ive seen a few guys almost lose more than just a knee
D
DoorDoc🔧 Apprentice24d
1
yeah those grinders are one more thing that can kill ya if the customers cheap out on the cleanup
J
JunctionJunkie2⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
damn near got bit by one of those last fall too, had me limping for a week. that little bluebird one on youtube always looks sketchy when they push it too hard on big stumps. felt that in my knees reading your post.
P
PickPro⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
same shit here, almost lost my footing on one of those little bluebird ones last year too.
C
ColorClown2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, had a similar scare two years back when the damn thing kicked a root right at my knee, felt that adrenaline dump for days. chaps are a lifesaver, but it still shook me up bad. my buddy wasnt so lucky, ended up with 12 stitches from a loose belt snag. stay safe out there, these machines are no joke.
Z
ZapMaster3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
0
those damn stump grinders are built like deathtraps, one wrong kick and youre looking at stitches or worse, all cause manufacturers cheap out on safety guards to cut costs. my crews been griping about the same crap, nearly lost a guy last month to a flying chip that sliced right through his pants. screw these half-assed machines, we need better regs before another one of us ends up in the er.
S
SparkFreak⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
regs aint gonna fix shit when these manufacturers prioritize profits over decent guards. if we boycotted the cheap crap and stuck to vermeer or carlson grinders, maybe they'd get the message before we all end up limpin.
H
HammerTimeGuy⭐ Expert1mo
6
man, had a similar close call last summer with a budget grinder that jammed up on me, felt that rage at the cheap manufacturers too.
C
CircuitSavant3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
damn right, these manufacturers pump out that junk to line their pockets while we're the ones dodgin' blades and losin' limbs - time to hit 'em where it hurts with a real boycott.
K
KeyTwister⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
fuck these manufacturers, pumpin out that cheap ass crap and leavin us to bleed out on the job while they cash in. time to organize and boycott the hell outta em before another guy loses his leg.
P
PaintSplatterPat3⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
always keep a rope or strap on hand to tie off the stump before you get too close, seen guys make that mistake and pay for it. had one roll toward me last year on a job in texas and the strap saved my ass. what brand was grinding on you anyway?
D
DuctTapeDave⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
what model stump grinder was it, and did you guys end up switching to something safer after that close call?
L
LiftAndShift3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
don't ever let anyone stand near the grinder while it's running, i saw a buddy lose half his foot to one last year and he still limps like hell.
D
DrainDragon7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
hell, sometimes you gotta stand close to spot that hidden rock before it wrecks the blade, rules be damned if it saves your teeth. near misses build character, right?
P
PackRatPaul2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
next time, get a spotter to watch your six while you eyeball those rocks, saved my ass more than once on a big stump job.
R
RoofRascal⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
those damn machines are a lawsuit waiting to happen with all the crap the manufacturers cut corners on, but we keep getting pushed to crank 'em out faster for the cheapskate clients.
V
V9351🔧 Apprentice27d
9
homeowners always think we can just rip right through anything without lookin twice, pisses me off everytime
P
PaintPusherPete⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
yeah, homeowners always bitching about the mess while were the ones dodging blades and rocks out there.
Y
YardYoda⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
homeowners bitching about a few chips while we almost lose legs to that grinder, screw em.
T
TidyTim⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
man, i had a close call with one last summer, that whirring blade'll sneak up on ya fast and leave you wishin youd kept your distance.
V
VentMaster30002🔧 Apprentice29d
1
always tie off to a solid anchor point at least 10 feet back from the blade, keeps you from gettin yanked in if it binds up. saved my ass more than once on those big stumps.
V
VentMaster4⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn that coulda been bad, always tie off like you said and get the rental guys to show you the kill switch twice.
S
SawdustSavant18⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
helluva way to learn that kill switch is your best friend on those rentals, almost lost my hand to one last year.
K
KeyMaster4⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
that one almost always comes down to someone not killing the power fast enough, got a buddy who carries a spare kill switch pigtail on him now so its always within reach. same shit happened to my neighbors crew last spring when the rental guy didnt show em the safety bar. rental companies love to cheap out on maintenance so those things get real sketchy quick. always check the dead mans switch before you even start the motor, saves your ass more than any fancy gloves. seen guys wrap a ratchet strap around the handle too just in case the factory one fails. how long ago did your buddy almost lose that hand?
D
DustBunnyDave⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
rentals are the worst, always cutting corners on the safety stuff and we pay for it.
S
SpraySavant4⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
always rent the walk behind ones with the teeth guards on em
S
SpotlessSteve11⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
always keep a good 10 feet back from that spinning death trap, saw a guy lose half his calf to one last year and he's still in rehab.
P
PitchPerfectPro⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
everyone keepin their distance from these damn machines but the homeowners still want the stump gone same day. been there when the blade catches a root and kicks back. saw a guy on arborist page lose his leg last month over one quick shortcut. why do they always push for the impossible timeline.
H
HaulHound⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
same shit, homeowners want the stump gone yesterday and act shocked when the blade bites back. id skip the grind and just dig the damn thing out next time.
R
RatRacer⚒️ Journeyman28d
15
been there, felt that in my knees when a wheel kicked back once.
L
LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
been there, that kickback will scare the hell out of you real quick. had a buddy lose control of his vermeer on a wet stump out in michigan and nearly took his foot with it. makes you double check the teeth and your footing every single time now.
W
WattTheHeck19⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
fuckin vermeer on wet ground is a death sentence waiting to happen, those rental places should stop handing em out like candy.
G
GutterGoblin🔧 Apprentice23d
8
rental yards should stick to vermeer with tracks only, that wheeled crap on wet ground is asking to get someone hurt.
F
FlushForce2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
you usin an excel attachment or goin at it with the ride on?
C
ChillTech⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
ride ons saved me alot of that headache, grinders always get too damn close for comfort.
F
FixtureFixer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn near lost a finger once on a stump grinder kickback too, those things are pure evil.
W
WireWizard9⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had a buddy lose his whole boot on one of those grinders once, still jokes about it at the bar.
B
BoltBoss⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
insurance companies act like we're the problem when half these jobs are homeowners cutting corners on safety gear
F
FlushMaster🏆 Master20d
0
yeah insurance always finds a way to blame us when the homeowner skipped the safety stuff. felt that one in my back just reading it. hows the leg healing up?
P
PipeDreamer20⚒️ Journeyman18d
1
same shit here, insurance always pins it on us when the homeowner skipped the ppe.
F
FrameFailFred⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
same shit, stump grinders are pure death traps and homeowners never warn ya till ya almost bleed out. dont know why we keep puttin up with these sketchy jobs for what they pay.
V
VacuumViking⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
man, i had a similar scare last summer with a vermeer sc30, that thing's a beast but it nearly dragged me right into the blades when the stump shifted. felt my heart stop for a second, same as you. we ditched it for a walk-behind model after that, no more close calls. been there, brother, those machines dont mess around.
T
TenYearVet12⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
it was a vermeer sc30tx, and yeah we switched to one with better guards after i nearly turned my leg into mulch, figured id rather keep both feet for the gas pedal.
J
JackOfAllTrades4⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
damn that vermeer will chew ya up quick, same shit here after my close call on a stump job.
C
CircuitSnafu⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
vermeer teeth'll find you fast if you skip the steel toe checks. bet half these guys run flip flops now.
S
SparkPlugGuy⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit almost got me too, flip flops on a grinder job is just asking for it.
A
ACAvenger4⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
homeowners never think about the safety shit till someone gets hurt
T
TenYearVet⭐ Expert21d
1
same shit here, i was grinding a stump last summer and nearly lost a boot when the teeth grabbed a rock. always kick the dirt first, learned that the hard way after a near miss like yours. guys running flip flops are just asking for it out there.
V
V6946🌱 Newcomer19d
2
homeowners never wanna pay for proper ppe and then act shocked when shit goes sideways. insurance is a damn joke too.
D
DrainDevil⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
same shit here, felt that in my knees after the vermeer almost got me too
N
NotAnElectrician28⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
vermeer almost ate my boot last summer too, those things dont give a damn warning.
N
NotAnElectrician15⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
been there man, those grinders dont play around
L
LadderLad3🔧 Apprentice1mo
27
don't ever skip the full ppe, saw a buddy lose two fingers to a stump grinder kickback last year when his chaps rode up. these machines will chew you up without warning if you get complacent.
A
AirFlowAce⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
damn that sounds rough, what brand of grinder were you guys running? ever think about switching to something with better guards like a vermeer?
S
SparkPlugMike⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
dont mess around with those teeth, seen a guy lose his boot and damn near his foot when it kicked back
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WrenchWizard2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah man, that kickback had me sweatin bullets for weeks, nothin worse than knowin how close it came to ruinin your day for good.
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YardYodaYusuf⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
been grindin stumps for 15 years now and that kickback i dodged last summer just made me the luckiest bastard on the crew.
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FurnitureFlipper2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
damn, that kickback sounds terrifying, makes me double check everything now. what brand of grinder was your buddy using when it happened? i got this old vermeer thats seen better days and im wondering if its the model or just wear and tear causing issues. you guys ever deal with those cheaper rentals that feel sketchy from the start? how often do you guys actually wear the chaps, or is it more of a once in a while thing? seen a couple guys skip em and regret it later. whats the worst near miss youve had besides that one?
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WrenchWiz⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
wear the damn chaps EVERY time, no exceptions, or you'll end up like the guy i saw last summer who skipped em and got his thigh shredded by a kickback on a rented barrett stump grinder. those cheaper rentals are a crapshoot half the time, blades dull as hell and guards loose, so inspect every nut and bolt before firing it up. my worst was a vermeer that grabbed a root wrong and nearly yanked me into the teeth, felt the wind from the blades missing my knee by inches. skip the chaps once and you'll regret it for life, trust me.
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CoilCleaner⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
my worst near miss was dodging a thrown carbide tooth from my Vermeer SC30 that could've sliced right through me, but I caught it mid-air and kept grinding without a scratch - makes me proud I stay sharp on the job.
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JointJuggler2🔧 Apprentice27d
10
that carbide tooth story had me grinning, nothing beats nailing a save like that and keepin the job movin.
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BugHunter⭐ Expert24d
4
homeowners never get why we charge so much when shit like this nearly takes a leg off
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DustBunnyBoss2⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
always rent a vermeer 252 if the stump is over 18 inches, saved my shins twice now.
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TenYearVet25⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those damn rental companies pushin their cheap ass stump grinders on us like we're idiots, cuttin corners on maintenance to save a buck and leavin us to deal with the kickbacks that almost cost my buddy his leg last summer.
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DirtBagLandscaper7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
stick to the vermeer sc30 if you can swing the rental fee, its got better anti-kickback guards than those cheap sunward knockoffs and saved my ass on a tight job last month.
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DoorOpener99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
never skip the chaps, i saw a guy on a jobsite last year who thought he could get away without em and the grinder kicked back, took a chunk out of his thigh that needed 20 stitches and he was out for weeks.
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RoofRat99⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
man, near misses like that keep me up at night, been there with a rental grinder that kicked back hard enough to bruise my thigh through the chaps. those cheap ones from home depot feel like a gamble every time, id rather stick to my vermeer even if its beat to hell.
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DrainDiver2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit here, my vermeer is beat to hell too but ill never roll the dice on those home depot rentals again.
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LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
home depot rentals are the real mankillers man, that vermeer at least has some weight behind it.
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PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
home depot rentals are sketchy but vermeer has weight on its side, slap a kill switch on the handle so you can shut it down fast if it grabs.
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LockPickLarry7⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
never had a close call like that but ive always stuck with my vermeer, beats any rental hands down. proud to still have both legs after 15 years grinding stumps.
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OddJobOtto3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
home depot rentals are straight up the devil for stuff like that, how they stay in business beats me.
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BreakerBreaker⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
home depot rentals are a total shit-show for anything dangerous, had a buddy who almost lost his hand to one of those damn grinders last summer
K
KeyMasterKev3⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
dont rent those grinders from home depot, saw a guy almost bleed out when the safety bar failed on one
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ToolTitan⚒️ Journeyman17d
6
same shit happened on a rental from home depot, safety bar popped off mid grind and damn near hit my foot. those walk behind ones are sketchy as hell when the stump is over 10 inches. i switched to a tow behind model after that and havent looked back. ever try renting from a actual equipment yard instead?
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EaveEater3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
what kinda stump grinder were you runnin when it nicked ya? mine's a vermeer sc30tx and ive had it act up before too.
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HaulHustler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
damn these stump grinders are death traps when the manufacturers cut corners on safety guards to save a buck, its like they want us to lose limbs out here.
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RollerRanger8⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
those manufacturers are straight up criminal, skimping on guards so they can pocket the cash while we risk our limbs every damn day. it's BS that we gotta deal with this crap on top of everything else out here.
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BoltBuster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
fuckin insurance companies are the real crooks here, denying claims over some cheap-ass rental while homeowners act like they didnt twist our arm into it. they sip margaritas on the deck and leave us holding the bag for thousands in medical. happened to my buddy last summer, nearly bankrupted his small outfit. we gotta start pushing back harder on these BS setups before someone really gets hurt.
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AllAroundAce⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
insurance pricks denying claims while homeowners laugh all the way to the bank is why we're all one bad job from the poorhouse, time to union up and stick it to em.
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BugBlaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
damn right, these insurance crooks denied my buddies claim after a chainsaw slipped last year and left him sidelined for months, while the homeowner pocketed the savings like it was nothin.
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FittingFiend2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
those insurance bastards are the real crooks, denying legit claims while homeowners laugh all the way to the bank with our blood money.
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PipeDreamer10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah man, those insurance crooks screwed me on a claim last year after a chainsaw slip, left me footing the whole damn bill while the homeowner got off scot-free.
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FixItFelix2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
yeah insurance companies are total crooks, denied my claim last year after a close call on a chainsaw job and i was out $2k in medical.
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JunctionJunkie3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
insurance denying claims like that is BS, i've seen it screw over so many guys in the tree work crowd. next time you have a close call, document every damn thing right away, like photos of the equipment and the injury site, that'll make your appeal way stronger. for stump grinders specifically, always set the carbide wheel depth to no more than 8 inches unless the ground's soft, cuz going deeper can kick up rocks and snag your leg. wear chaps rated for chainsaw protection even on grinders, they saved my buddy's knee last summer. check your policy fine print for exclusions on rental gear too, alot of em bury that crap in there. if they still fight you, hit up a small claims lawyer for $200, it's worth it over eating 2k. stay safe out there man, these machines dont mess around.
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WireWhisperer5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
for stump grinder safety, always wear chaps and keep a good 3-foot buffer from the machine's path, saved my buddy's leg last year when the thing kicked back hard.
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ShockJockElec⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
proud to say i've logged 500 hours on stump grinders without a single kickback scratch, chaps and that 3-foot rule are non-negotiable on my crew.
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PolishPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
always double-check your machine's safety guards before firing it up, saved me from a nasty slip last season with a vermeer sc30.
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BrushStrokePro12⭐ Expert1mo
13
hell yeah, i once slipped on a wet root with that same vermeer and spent the next hour yelling at it like it owed me money.
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MoveMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
saw a guy get his foot caught in one last year and it shredded everything below the ankle. always wear steel toes and keep your hands off the feed controls when its spinning.
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ShingleSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
man, ive had my share of close calls with that damn machine too, nearly got my boot sucked in last summer. makes your heart pound like a jackhammer just thinking about it. steel toes saved my ass more times than i can count. we all gotta stay sharp out there or its game over.
D
DrywallDud🌱 Newcomer29d
7
fuckin stump grinders are death traps made by cheap ass manufacturers who dont give a shit about safety, nearly lost a foot last week cause the guard popped off. we all deserve better gear that wont try to eat us alive.
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WireWizard11⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
always keep your footing wide and wear those chaps over your jeans, they saved a buddies leg from a flyin chip last year.
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ZapMaster3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners always thinking a little grinder fixes everything till someone almost bleeds out on their damn lawn.
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LockoutLulu⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
always run a scan with the ridgid seesnake first before firing up the grinder.
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FlushFreak⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
shoulda scanned it twice man, had a guy on our crew lose his boot last month over one missed call.
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BrushStrokePro6⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
same shit here, felt that in my back just reading it
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ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice24d
6
had a guy tell me his stump grinder was fine til it kicked back and damn near took his boot off. homeowners really think any tool with wheels is safe after a few youtube videos.
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HammerTimeHank3⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
same shit here, homeowners grab a grinder like its a lawn mower.
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LiftAndShift3⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
man, had a similar scare last summer when the damn thing kicked back and nearly tagged my shin, steel toes saved my ass that day.
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PaintSplatPro⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
steel toes are lifesavers, but dont stop there, get yourself a pair of those stihl forestry chaps with kevlar reinforcement, theyre rated to stop a chainsaw blade at 16 meters per second and weigh next to nothing. i wear em every time im near any spinning blade, even on small jobs, and it gives you that extra buffer when things kick back. for stump grinders specifically, always keep your feet planted outside the machine's footprint and use the deadman switch religiously, itll shut down the whole rig if you lose control. had a buddy who skipped the chaps once and ended up with a nasty gash from a flying chip, lesson learned. seriously, invest in the good gear now, itll save your leg later.
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MoveMasterMike2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
stihl chaps are solid but if you ever use a husqvarna grinder the foot plate sits lower so keep your stance wide like you got a $500 bet on it.
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CastIronCurser⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
damn those foot plates get ya every time, almost lost my boot on a husqvarna last spring.
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WattTheHeck28⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
hate how quick those foot plates get ya, damn near lost a guy i know to the same husqvarna trick last summer.
B
BrushStrokePro3⭐ Expert17d
6
same shit, saw a guy nearly lose a foot on a husqvarna last year and it still pisses me off how quick those plates grab ya.
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HandyHank⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
did the husqvarna bite into something solid under there?
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WattTheHeck18⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
been there, that husq foot plate drop will get you quick.
R
RustyNails22🔧 Apprentice18d
5
bet that husq foot plate taught you real quick why we dont skip the steel toes.
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OpenerOperator4⚒️ Journeyman18d
3
get a set of 1/4 inch deflector plates welded on next time, saved my leg twice already.
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PrunePro⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always shut that grinder off and chock the wheels before you even think about climbing around it
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LeakMaster99⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
that near miss sounds like it coulda been a one legged day on the job, seen a guy nearly do the same chasing a stuck tooth on his grinder
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V8888🔧 Apprentice28d
1
those grinders are straight up death traps and insurance probably still wants more every year. same shit every time some guy gets too close.
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TenYearVet6⭐ Expert29d
5
ten years grinding stumps and ive dodged more close calls than i can count, but that vermeer sc4000 has kept me in one piece through it all.
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LockPickLarry7⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
stump grinders like that vermeer are death traps if you skimp on ppe, fight me on it. i see too many guys grinding without full leg guards and theyre the ones ending up in the er.
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SpringSpecialist⚒️ Journeyman27d
12
same shit man i had a vermeer chew up a root and kick back right at my boot once, scared the hell out of me. felt that in my knees just reading it. we started putting some traction mats down around the stump before we fire it up and that helped stop the slipping. still yelled at the damn thing for ten minutes after though.
T
TrimTerror⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
guys acting like chaps are bulletproof until the damn belt slips and you're limping for a month.
K
KeyMaster992⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
bet that belt slipping felt like a damn chainsaw hug. lesson learned, always keep an eye on that tension or your chaps wont save ya.
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SudsAndScrub⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
hit that emergency stop so damn fast my arm's still sore from it, but damn if it didnt save my skin.
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ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman24d
4
keep the tension set tight on a vermeer or barnett grinder or that belts gonna slip again quick.
B
BugHunterPro2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners dont get it till someones leg gets shredded like that.
H
HammerTimeGuy3⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
same shit here, homeowners act like were made of steel until they see the blood. been there with the grinder spinning inches from my foot.
D
DrainDragon3⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
homeowners dont give a damn till they see blood and then suddenly its our fault the grinder almost took your leg. seen the same crap on a job last month where the guy kept pushing me to finish faster so he could save $200 on the bid. makes you wanna throw the whole thing back in their yard and walk. we risk our asses every day and they treat it like were robots that just need a quick reset. next time i got a stump job im telling them upfront the grinder stays in the truck if they hover. why do they always wait till something goes sideways to act like they care?
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SparkPlugger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those damn rental stump grinders from home depot are death traps without proper chaps, rented one last month and it nearly turned my foot into mulch before i backed off.
V
V6050🔧 Apprentice29d
3
those home depot rentals are straight up BS, i almost lost a finger last week cuz the damn safety guard was busted and i didnt have chaps on.
C
CoilCleanerCal⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, those rental grinders always got busted guards.
B
BoxHauler5⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
same shit here, those rental grinders always got busted guards and i had one kick back on me too last summer.
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SawdustSavant8⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
yeah, i once danced the cha-cha with one of those beasts and my boot lace got chewed up faster than a bad breakup, foot's still flinchin'.
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PanelPuncher⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
dont get too close to that grinder when its spinning down or you will lose more than a boot lace.
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TarPaperTom2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
felt that one, nearly lost a boot the same way last summer.
C
CleanFreakPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
screw those insurance BS artists, my buddy got denied too so he filed a mechanics lien right away and forced em to cough up 80% of what they owed. works like a charm if you got the paperwork straight from the start.
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NailBiter⭐ Expert1mo
16
file that appeal with your state's insurance board and cc your state rep, i got my buddy's claim overturned that way after his axe mishap cost him 6 weeks off.
C
CoilCleanerCal⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
damn right, those insurance bastards denied my buddies comp claim after he got his arm chewed up on a similar gig last year and he couldnt even afford the meds.
Z
ZapMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
those insurance assholes denied my claim last year after i wrecked my knee on a dumb jobsite slip, left me out $4500 in med bills while the ho worked his way through three more yard guys. now im limpin around charging $75 an hour just to make ends meet, and the unions talk big but wont touch solo ops like mine. fml, this trades life is grindin me down faster than that stump. homeowners get the green grass and we get the shaft.
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MiterMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
insurance pricks denied my claim too after i tweaked my back haulin a 200lb stump last summer, left me eatin ramen while the bills piled up to $3200. now im dodgin grinders like its dodgeball in hell, and the ho just texts 'when's it done?' like we aint bleedin for their damn yard. fml, this trades grind is straight up bullshit.
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PickMaster2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
damn, insurance screwing solos like us is the worst part of this gig. howd you even get that claim denied after the knee wreck? you think goin union woulda covered it or is that just more BS? whats your setup like now to avoid more slips on the job?
V
VoltageVirgin⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
try filing a mechanics lien on that ho's property for the med bills, got me $3200 back last year after a similar screw-up with the insurance pricks.
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ScrubSquadSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
insurance pricks are the real villains in this game, denying legit claims while they rake in premiums from us broke-ass crews. been there with a denied back injury claim that cost me 3k out of pocket, and the HO just whines about the bill. screw the unions too, they ghost solos like us when we need em most. time to band together and fight these bloodsuckers before they grind us all down.
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LockoutLulu⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
what the hell kinda stump grinder you runnin that nearly took your leg, man? ive had some close calls with mine but nothin that bad. you file an appeal on that denied claim or just eat the 3k? tell us more about that near miss so we can watch out for it.
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HueMaster2⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
man, ive had my share of heart-stoppers with the grinder too, that split-second slip where you think youre done for... sucks about the claim, been there brother.
A
AntAnnihilator6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
listen up, dont ever run a stump grinder without chaps and steel toes or you'll end up like the guy i knew who lost half his calf to a kickback last summer.
D
DustBunnyHunter⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
yeah man, insurance BS like that nearly sunk my buddies landscaping side gig last year, homeowners just laugh it off while were left picking up the pieces.
C
CoilCleaner⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
always keep the stump grinder at least 3 feet from your legs and wear full chaps, saved my buddy from a nasty cut last summer.
R
RoofRatKing⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
what kinda insurance BS exactly sunk his gig? did the homeowner try to pin the whole claim on him or what? sounds like a total crapshoot. you think theres a way to bulletproof contracts against that kinda nonsense?
G
GreenThumbGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
i've dodged worse than that with my old vermeer sc30 and came out swinging stronger every time. contracts with a solid indemnity clause and proof of homeowner's liability coverage saved my ass on a similar claim last year, no questions asked. we got the arborists in on the consult upfront, documented every step with pics, and the insurance backed off quick. feels damn good knowing you're covered solid after 15 years grinding stumps without a single payout biting me. bulletproof? yeah, layer in a waiver for equipment ops and you're golden.
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WattTheHeck9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
always run a pre-job site assessment with the homeowner present and get their sign-off on a detailed hazard form, saved me from a messy lawsuit on a vermeer job last summer.
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LawnLizardLarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
man that sounds too close for comfort, what kinda vermeer model were you running that day? i'd like to know what to watch out for on mine.
D
DirtDevil⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
yeah man, i had a similar scare last summer on a vermeer sc30, the damn thing kicked back hard when i hit a root and nearly clipped my knee. felt that adrenaline rush for days after, been double checking my footing ever since. sucks how quick it happens, stay safe out there.
V
V8493🔧 Apprentice29d
2
man, i had a close one myself last month with a stump grinder, nearly took my foot clean off when it jammed on some buried concrete. still feelin the shakes thinkin about it, sucks how fast it goes south.
C
CoilCooler⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
same shit man, had a stump grinder kick back on some roots once and damn near lost my boot with it. felt that shake all week after, still double check the ground before i fire one up. we run the vermeer ones out here but theyll bite if your not watching. after that i always got a spotter on deck now, no solo runs anymore. what ended up happening with your concrete jam, you change anything up after?
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JoltJockey2⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
that vermeer sc30 will humble you quick, i had one throw a chunk of root at my shin on a job in texas last year and it still stings when i think about it.
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HeatPumpHero2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
been there, that vermeer threw a root right past my knee too and damn near ended my week in texas.
B
BoltBuster⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
had my vermeer kick a chunk past my boot last summer, still got the scar to show for it. i kept the throttle low after that and never looked back. what speed you running yours at now?
N
NailGunNinja9⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
running mine wide open, those low rpm jobs turn small shit into leg rockets.
V
VentBoss⭐ Expert25d
0
always chain the stump down good before ya fire it up or you will end up with a root through the knee like that vermeer did.
S
SpotlessSteve10⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
seen a guy go full send with a vermeer and almost lose his boot to a flying root, you got lucky that time.
F
FlushKing⚒️ Journeyman26d
10
same shit here, i had a vermeer eat a chunk of curb on a job and still flinch when the saws kick back.
G
GutterGuard⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
had a vermeer do the same crap on me last year in a driveway but i still run em like nothing's changed. safer bet is to keep your legs behind the machine's path no matter what. anyone else flipping the feed direction when it starts to bind?
N
NotAnElectrician17⭐ Expert22d
1
keep a spotter on the bar so you know when its gonna grab. never flip feed direction yourself, just back off and reset.
H
HeatWaveHero2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
yeah those stump grinders are a whole different beast, homeowners dont even think about the hazards till someones bleeding out there.
R
RustyNails22🔧 Apprentice21d
7
been there, damn near lost a boot to one of those things last spring myself
C
CircuitSmasher⭐ Expert19d
0
that grinder will chew ya up quick if you aint watching. my k45 has saved my ass more times than i can count.
C
ColorChaos2⚒️ Journeyman18d
8
same shit, had a guy lose a boot last year too.
D
DrainDragon3⚒️ Journeyman17d
4
seen too many close calls with those damn grinders, guy i know had his pants shredded last summer and still limps. never worth the risk when the stump is that close to a trench. why are homeowners always pushing us to grind instead of just digging the thing out?
R
RoofRat886⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
dont stand so close when them things are chewing roots, seen a guy lose his leg same way in pennsylvania last year.
P
PickAndGrin2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
yeah always keep the bar at least six feet back, that ryobi 8in model walks on you fast when roots grab it
R
RatRacer⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
had a ryobi walk on me once and i was lucky it just ate my pants instead of my leg. next time im bringing the chainsaw and calling it a day.
P
PrimerPal2⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
been there, that ryobi almost got me too last summer
V
V8076🔧 Apprentice26d
2
these damn machines dont care if your a newbie or not, throwin chunks like that in texas makes me wanna quit the whole job.
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PaintSplatterPat4⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
these machines are straight up trying to kill us out here in texas, same shit with every other piece of gear that the homeowners cheap out on. saw a guy last summer get his arm caught cause the safety bar was wired around, no one even reports it anymore. why aint these rental companies checking the damn kill switches before they hand em over?
R
RoofRat884⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
dont ever skip the safety screen on those things, seen a chunk of root go through a guys boot in houston last summer.
F
FramingFanatic⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah that stump grinder safety screen is a must, had a guy last week try the quick bypass on his vermeer and nearly lost a toe when a chunk shot out.
N
NotAnElectrician10⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
seen a guy get lucky like that on a husky grinder, feels damn good when your safety habits pay off.
R
RollerRage⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
felt that in my knees, nearly lost mine to a busted chain in ohio last fall.
D
DustBunnySlayer4⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
my buddy skipped that screen once and the grinder kicked a root right at his knee, laughed so hard i couldnt breathe.
J
JoistJockey7⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
yeah i saw that same crap happen in dallas and it still pisses me off. always use the screen or your next job is the hospital.
S
SawdustSavant25⚒️ Journeyman24d
6
same shit here, felt that in my knees every time i fire up the vermeer.
W
WrenchWiz3⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
that vermeer kickback shit gets me every time, almost lost my buddy last year when he hit a root on a hillside job.
S
SolderSniper⚒️ Journeyman27d
2
thats why i wont touch a vermeer no more, same damn machines keep chewing up guys
M
MopMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
yeah man always check that ground slope twice before you hit the throttle on those vermeer units.
M
MopMaestro⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
vermeer grinders kick back when you hit roots, tell your buddy to swap to a bandit or rayco next time. that vermeer setup is overrated and dangerous as hell on slopes.
S
SparkleSteve⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
same shit here, that vermeer kickback on slopes is scary as hell
W
WireNinja88⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
damn, those close calls make you sweat buckets, been there with my own grinder slipping on wet ground last summer. i was running a vermeer sc30tx and it nearly caught my boot before i yanked back. heart was pounding for the rest of the day. stuff like that keeps you on your toes, or you'd lose em.
D
DrainDiver3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
fucking manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs and leave us dodging death on every job. one day these cheap-ass grinders are gonna get someone killed for real.
S
SparkFail⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
always throw a pair of chaps on before you fire that vermeer up, seen a guy lose boot leather and skin that way.
V
VoltageVagabond2⭐ Expert28d
10
was lucky he just got boot leather. seen a guy catch a tooth on his pant leg and almost bleed out before we got him to the truck. always had a pair of ridgid chaps after that day. you sticking with vermeer or switching brands?
W
WeedWhacker2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn grinders dont care who they bite, ridgid chaps or not.
P
PipeLord42028⭐ Expert24d
0
at least you got to keep the leg, that vermeer woulda made sausage outta mine for sure.
H
HammerTimeHank3⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
been there, brother, one slip on my vermeer sc30 and i was damn lucky to keep all my toes. watch those chipping teeth like a hawk, they grab anything in reach.
A
AntAnnihilator⭐ Expert28d
7
nah grinders are safer than chainsaws for stump jobs, fight me.
D
DuctDoctor4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
damn insurance sharks circling like vultures every time a near miss happens, makes you wanna burn the whole system down instead of just grinding stumps.
T
TenYearVet13⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
those insurance bastards treat us like we're the ones causing all the problems, jacking up premiums after every close call without even a damn apology. it's like they want us to quit the trade altogether. screw em, we keep grinding anyway.
D
DuctDoctor6⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
shop around for a new carrier every couple years, i switched to something smaller last time and dropped my premium by 30% without skimping on coverage.
L
LeakMaster99⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
glad you walked away from that one, next time tie off with a ratchet strap to the nearest tree trunk and keep your footing firm on uneven ground.
K
KeyKeeperKarl⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
damn manufacturers cheaping out on safety guards to save a buck, makes these near misses happen way too often.
C
CoatCaptain⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
yeah, ratchet straps saved my ass more than once on slopes like that. also, always wear chaps if you're grinding stumps over 12 inches deep, they can stop a flying chip from turning into a disaster.
Z
ZapZapZoe⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
damn, those near misses make your heart stop every time, been there with a grinder kickback that almost got my knee. chaps are a must, saved me from a nasty chip last summer.
P
PipeLord42012⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
always keep a ratchet strap ready on the grinder frame and anchor it before you start the cut. saw a guy skip that and nearly lost more than his footing last summer.
V
VentBoss⭐ Expert23d
1
saw a guy skip the strap and end up with a stump grinder scar down his calf, still laughs about it now
A
ACAvenger4⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
damn that sounds close, i've had a few heart stoppers with grinders myself. still makes me sweat just thinkin about it.
D
DrainDiver6⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
insurance pricks hiked my rates 30% after a near miss with the trencher last year, like they think we're the problem. now i got to grind stumps without even breathing wrong or its another premium jump.
S
SpringSpecialist6⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
those insurance vultures got me last year after a close call on a chainsaw job, jacking up my premiums like i was the one who caused their greed.
D
DuctDaddy2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, those close calls with the vermeer make you rethink every job, been there and still get the shakes thinking about it.
R
RollerRanger10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
bulletproof contracts? hell, i just add a clause sayin' if the stump grinder rebels and tries to eat my leg, the homeowner buys me a beer and calls it even... saves on lawyer fees.
S
SparkPlugMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, i had a close call with my grinder last summer, damn near trimmed more than the stump. been there, still flinch every time i fire it up.
F
FixItFelix9⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
always keep your free hand on the deadman switch and wear chaps rated for that, saved my ass more than once.
W
WireWizard12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those insurance bastards love screwing us over with their fine print bullshit, leaving guys like your buddy drowning in bills while the homeowners pop champagne.
J
JointJuggler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
insurance companies are straight up thieves, they write those policies to screw hardworking guys like us outta every dime after a close call like that stump grinder bullshit. your buddy shoulda filed under workers comp instead of letting those bastards drag it out in court. homeowners celebrating while we bleed? that's the real crime. fight em every time, dont just roll over.
P
PaintPusherPete⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
insurance companies are straight-up vampires, sucking every last dime outta us while their ceos yacht around on our premiums. had a buddy get nailed with a $20k claim denial last year after a ladder slip, and the homeowner? they ghosted him faster than a bad date. fuck that noise, we gotta union up or somethin to fight back against this crap.
D
DuctTapeKing3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
insurance assholes denied my $15k claim last winter after i slipped on some black ice on a damn job site, said it wasnt covered even though i pay through the nose every month. homeowners? they act all buddy buddy till the bill comes, then vanish like ghosts. we need to band together and sue these bloodsuckers into oblivion, enough of their yacht money bullshit. fuck em all.
B
BloomBoss⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
goddamn insurance crooks screwed me too on a $8k ladder fall last summer, claimed i wasnt wearing the right harness even though it was their policy BS. homeowners ghosting after the quote? thats every job out here, leaves you holdin the bag with zero recourse. we gotta start filin those class actions or somethin, this yacht fundin cant keep goin on. fuck em, im done payin premiums for nothin.
P
PipeLord42030⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
insurance aint worth shit when they deny a claim like that, dont count on em to save your ass next time you take a fall on the job.
J
JoistJoker⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
get a second policy on the side, i did after my near miss with a grinder and it covered the deductible when the main one dragged their feet. switched to something through my local supply house rep and it paid out in 10 days flat. worth checking if youre near one of those carriers they partner with.
C
CleanFreak99⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
man that stump grinder almost taking your leg woulda been a hell of a story at the supply house. id keep that second policy in your back pocket too cause insurance always finds a way to drag their feet. did they at least cover the grinder rental or was that on you?
S
SlateSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman25d
5
insurance always finds a way to drag their feet on that stuff and screw you over when you need it most. seen too many guys left holding the bag after a rental incident.
H
HandyMandy⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
always rent the grinders with the kill switch on the handle. saved my buddy a hospital trip last year.
L
LeakHunterLila⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
insurance pulling that on an $8k claim is straight up theft, same crap they pulled on my buddy last year.
V
V6158🌱 Newcomer25d
0
insurance is straight up bullshit, theyll fight you on every stump grinder claim like they did my cousin.
R
RoofRat5⭐ Expert22d
4
same shit here, insurance never makes it easy after a close call. my buddy got the runaround on a grinder claim too last year. you filing with a lawyer or just eating it?
H
HammerHead⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
insurance companies screwing over trades guys on legit claims is the real hazard here, not just that grinder. i had em try to weasel out of a 7k payout two years ago after my saw kicked back bad on a cedar stump in the yard. ended up having to fight em with photos and a police report just to get half what i deserved. same BS my buddy got on his kubota attachment claim when roots yanked the whole thing sideways near a fence. never trust em to cover the downtime or the busted equipment without a full paper trail. howd they even justify denying most of the 8k anyway?
L
LeakLurker⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
man, insurance companies are the biggest crooks in this game, denying legit claims while they rake in our premiums. had a similar bullshit last year where they ghosted me on a $8k workers comp thing after a ladder slip, left me footing the doc bills myself. homeowners pulling that vanish act just piles on the crap, makes you wanna quit some days. we def need to team up and fight back against these assholes.
V
VentVenturer⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
insurance crooks deserve to get their asses sued into oblivion, theyre the real mankillers in this trade. had a stump grinder nip my boot last month and i thought that was it, but these bastards denying claims? thats whatll bury us all. screw em, lets start our own damn co-op to stick it to the suits.
B
BoltBuster2⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah, my near miss was the grinder trying to turn my boot into mulch, but at least it didnt charge me for the thrill ride like those insurance sharks would.
T
TermiteTamer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit, those insurance sharks woulda bled me dry on that one too
T
ThermostatTamer2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, nearly had my leg chewed by one of those grinders last month too. insurance guys always want their cut even if nothing happened. least we walked away with the story.
D
DrainDiverDan⭐ Expert21d
3
had my buddy ride the handle like a bull when it kicked back and we still laugh about it
W
WireWizard5⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
insurance fuckers are the real menace, same shit happened to me last year.
T
TrackTech2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
shop around for a gl policy with hartford or travelers, theyve covered me through two close calls without the bs denials, saves you 20% on premiums if you bundle with your auto.
L
LockLord⭐ Expert1mo
11
damn, those stump grinders are no joke, had one slip on me last summer and i still wake up sweatin about it.
B
BugHunterPro2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
damn insurance companies, even hartford dragged their feet on my last claim for a chainsaw slip that nearly cost me a thumb, took three months of bs paperwork. shoulda shopped around sooner, now im stuck with higher rates.
G
GarageGuru4⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
good thing you didn't need hartford for a peg leg upgrade, stump grinders are sneaky bastards like that 😂
C
CoilCooler⚒️ Journeyman28d
12
dodged a similar mess last summer on a backyard job, kept my distance and finished the stump without a hitch. these machines respect no one, but i've got the scars to prove i'm tougher.
N
NotAnElectrician18⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
next time push for a vermeer sc30tx rental instead of that junk, it's got better stability and won't kick back like a mule if you hit a root.
R
RidgeRunner2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
damn those cheapo rentals are a death trap, always skimpin on the good stuff like the vermeer to save a buck and then bam, you're in the hospital. rental yards push that junk cuz it's cheaper to maintain and they dont give a shit about our safety. had a buddy last year who lost half his foot to one of those kickback monsters, and the insurance just dragged their feet on the claim. we gotta stop puttin up with this BS and demand better gear every time.
H
HammerTimeHank⚒️ Journeyman1mo
32
yeah man, those rental yard cheapskates dont give a damn til someone bleeds out on their equipment. had a close call myself last summer and it still shakes me thinkin about it.
B
BoltBreaker3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
next time i'll just sweet-talk the stump into grindin itself, save my legs for dancin at the bar after. those cheap rentals got me dodgin like it's dodgeball with death.
L
LeakLocator⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
those rental yards are straight up criminal, pushin that vermeer knockoff crap to line their pockets while we're dodgin death every damn job.
M
MoverManic⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
man i been there with those cheap rental grinders, damn near lost a foot myself last summer on a job that went sideways fast.
S
SawdustSavant2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
always rent a 25hp vermeer next time instead of them cheap ones.
F
FloorFiasco⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
rent a vermeer every time, saw a guy lose his toes on one of those cheap grinders last year.
D
DirtDoctor⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
those rental yards need to quit pushin the cheap grinders like theyre safe
V
V7294🔧 Apprentice23d
2
damn dude that stump grinder scare sounds nasty as hell. felt that in my knees just reading it. same shit happens when guys cheap out on rentals and skip the safety bar. i got lucky once with a vermeer too but saw a guy lose a couple toes on the cheap one last year like you said. wish the cheap models came with better guards on em. you running the full hydraulic setup or just the tow behind kind? glad you walked away with both legs though.
F
FrostBiteFred⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
cheap grinders are the real killer, vermeer is worth every extra buck instead of gambling your toes.
P
PeakPerformer2🔧 Apprentice25d
0
always make sure the bar is buried in the stump before you step on that kill switch.
H
HueHustler5⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit the rental yards always dumping that cheap vermeer clone on us and we pay with our legs.
R
RoofRat872⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
damn man, i had a similar scare with a cheap grinder last month and it shook me up bad, glad you walked away from that crap.
B
BrushStrokeBoss9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
cheap grinders are a nightmare, almost lost a chunk of my hand to one last summer and now i wont touch anything under $5000 without rental insurance.
B
BoltBuster3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
those cheap bastards nearly cost me my foot last month when the guard flew off mid-job. wont touch em without full ppe now, but damn the rental fees are killing my margins.
G
GateGuard⚒️ Journeyman27d
2
gotta spend the extra couple hundred on a real guard or your next rental might be your last. i switched to a milwaukee setup with proper shields after seeing the same thing happen on a buddy's crew, and it saved us twice already.
W
WireWizard88⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
cheap guards are the reason half these rental places should be shut down.
K
KeyTwister2⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
milwaukee guards are solid but check the torque specs on that model or it can still bind up mid cut.
L
LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman24d
6
same shit happens when these rental places cheap out on safety gear and send folks home with junk
L
LiftLad2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
always double-check the guards before firing up, saved my ass more than once on those rentals. and if youre renting, go for a vermeer over the cheap crap, way less kickback.
A
AntAnnihilator5⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
vermeer aint worth the hype, i run carlson rentals all day and they chew stumps like butter with zero kickback bs. guards are for pussies who cant handle the machine right.
C
CoilCooler⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
damn, i had a similar scare with a rental grinder last summer, the guard was half-assed and nearly caught my boot, pisses me off how these companies skimp on maintenance.
L
LiftMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
always wear those kevlar reinforced sleeves under your work shirt, saved my buddy's arm last year when a vermeer grinder caught his cuff. cut the rental's ppe requirements in half by using your own gear, but check the iso standards first so you're not fighting with inspectors later. for stump work, i run the machine at no more than 80% throttle until the cut's established, keeps the kickback down without losing power. homeowners never chip in for the real costs anyway, so layer up like you're prepping for war. one slip and you're looking at six figures in rehab.
S
SparkShyGuy🔧 Apprentice1mo
10
man, ive had those close calls with grinders too, makes you sweat just thinkin about it... feels like one bad day from ruinin your whole career.
B
BrushStrokePro14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
screw the rentals, just buy a used vermeer and stop gambling with your limbs on those chinese knockoffs that jam every five minutes.
R
RollerRanger7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, those damn rental grinders have tried to chew my leg off more times than i can count, shoulda gone vermeer years ago.
W
WireWizard87⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
those rental pieces of crap almost got my foot last month when the damn thing jammed and kicked back, shoulda listened to my gut and walked away sooner.
B
BugBusterBob2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
dont even tempt fate with those cheap rentals, i saw a guy in pennsylvania get his leg shredded clean off last month by one that kicked back hard. stick to vermeer or carlson, theyve got the solid guards and dont jam on you mid-cut. one wrong move and youre done, no second chances on the job site.
V
V5133🔧 Apprentice1mo
14
those damn rental outfits are a death trap, cuttin corners on maintenance and leavin us to deal with the kickback bullshit that nearly got me too
C
CleanFreakMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
those rental companies are straight up criminal, skimping on blade sharpening and chain tension just to save a buck while we're out there risking our limbs. had a similar kickback on a vermeer rental last month that nearly yanked the controls right out of my hands. it's all about their bottom line, not our safety, and it pisses me off every time i have to roll the dice on their junk. f*cking ridiculous how they get away with calling it 'maintenance included' when half the time the teeth are dull as hell. we should all band together and stop renting from these clowns until they step up. makes you wanna walk off every job they outfit.
D
DrainSnakePro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah, i damn near got my arm caught in a dulled-up rayco rental last year, these companies are gonna get someone killed before they fix their shit.
T
TenYearVet10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
always check the blade tension and keep a good 10 feet back when it's spinning, saved my ass more than once on those rayco units.
F
FramingFreak⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
saw a buddy lose half his foot to one of those rayco grinders last year cuz he got too close while it was idling, dont ever skip that tension check.
P
PipeDreamer14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn rayco grinders are death traps waiting to happen, and the manufacturers dont give a shit about the guys actually running them. i had a close call last summer when the tension slipped on a big oak stump, nearly pulled my arm right off while i was just trying to clear the cut. its bullshit how these machines get pushed out with corners cut on safety to save a buck, leaving us to deal with the hospital bills and rehab. seen too many buddies sidelined for months, some never coming back full strength, all because some execs in suits prioritized profits over ppe upgrades. the insurance companies pile on too, jacking up our rates after every incident like its our fault for trusting the equipment. we need to start boycotting these half-assed designs and demand better from the top down. fml, the trades deserve equipment that doesnt try to kill us every shift. stay safe out there brothers, dont let the greed win.
B
BrushStrokeBoss5⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
man, i once had a stump grinder eat my shoelace and yank me halfway to china before i could hit the kill switch. rayco's got me checking my laces like they're live wires now. if they start making grinders with seatbelts, i'll be first in line lol.
B
BoxHauler2🔧 Apprentice1mo
12
those damn rayco blades spin like the devil and manufacturers act like its all on us when they cut corners on safety features, pisses me off every time i see a close call.
H
HammerTimePro3⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
rayco's blade guards suck on those models so next time rig a cut off switch within reach before you start grinding
H
HammerTimeHal⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
yeah, i once got too close to a rayco and it nearly turned my jeans into confetti, now i call it my 'stump whisperer' from 15 feet away.
B
BoxHaulerBob⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
been there with a vermeer that nicked my boot last summer, thought i was done for. shit keeps you humble out there.
R
RoofRider⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
guy i knew tried to cheap out and run his grinder half stoned, walked away with stitches and a boot full of blood.
P
PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
homeowners will cheap out on everything till someone ends up in the hospital over it, same shit happened to a buddy with a worn out stump grinder he bought used. insurance is gonna fight the claim hard and the guy is stuck with all the bills. no excuse for running equipment half stoned. what brand was the grinder?
W
WireWizardess⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
homeowners are the real villains here letting junk sit around till it almost kills someone. insurance gonna drag their feet like always while the guy racks up bills. shoulda been using a proper Ridgid grinder instead of that half stoned gamble.
J
JoistJoker⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
same shit, homeowners leaving crap like that stump is asking for trouble.
F
FixItFelix12⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
same shit here, insurance always finds a way to screw the little guy after something like that.
D
DuctTapeKing2⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
insurance always finds a way to weasel out after near misses like that stump grinder crap, bunch of thieves.
P
PlumbDum⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
insurance is straight up the worst, theyll fight you over a bandaid but the second its real money they vanish.
D
DeckDoctor⭐ Expert17d
4
that 4k deductible is what kills you on these grinders, most guys just pay cash for the wheel fix instead.
F
FlushFreak⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
insurance is always the first one to screw you after shit like that.
V
VentVenturer⚒️ Journeyman20d
6
insurance tried the same stunt on my grinder claim last year and i told them to pound sand.
D
DuctDetective⚒️ Journeyman19d
7
same shit here, insurance is always looking for a way out
P
PrimerPal2⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
same shit here, insurance is always trying to weasel out of covering that kind of thing
H
HVACHero⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
get a few quotes from your broker, mine saved 900 bucks switching to a policy that covers equipment like that.
C
CanvasKing3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit happens when guys run tired gear like that. insurance always drags their feet on claims like these, costs everyone more in the end. my buddy had a vermeer stump grinder blow up on him once, lucky he only needed stitches. what kind of payout they talking?
V
V4142🔧 Apprentice1mo
10
nah, screw boycotting, just buy your own vermeer and tell those rental crooks to shove it, at least then you know the blades aint gonna jam and launch you into next week. saves lives and cash in the long run, imo.
M
MopAndGloGuy2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
bought my own vermeer last year and it's paid for itself three times over on stump jobs alone. no more sketchy rentals, just clean grinds and fat checks every time.
S
SpotlessSteve10⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
damn stump grinders are a death trap but i swear some homeowners act like we should be risking our legs for free
D
DoorOpenerDave⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
those rental bastards dont give a shit about maintenance, just wanna collect the fee and leave us to get mangled by their junk
C
ChillTech⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
always do a full once-over on the guards and teeth before firing up a rental grinder, caught a loose carbide tip on one last month that could've been ugly.
V
VentWizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah man, those rental yards are a crapshoot every time, had a close call myself with a wobbly blade that nearly sliced my boot off.
V
V6946🌱 Newcomer1mo
11
man, been there with a rental that nearly caught my boot last week, felt that kickback in my gut. makes you wanna stick to the good stuff like vermeer every damn time.
S
SawdustSavant16⭐ Expert1mo
22
those damn rental yards pushing junk machines just to line their pockets pisses me off, seen too many good guys pay the price while they sit on their asses counting cash.
S
ShingleShark4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
always double check that flywheel guard on those cheap rentals before firing it up, i saw a buddy lose half his foot when it gave way on a vermeer 130.
F
FlashingFox⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
jesus man, had a similar scare on a rental carlson once when the guard popped loose, heart was pounding like a jackhammer and i aint touching one without triple-checking now.
L
LiftAndShiftLee⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
those rental yards are straight up criminal, peddling rusted-out junk that vibrates like hell and snags on every damn root. i had a buddy in atlanta lose two fingers last summer cause the guard on that POS vermeer just gave way mid-cut. they dont give a shit about us out there busting our asses, only the deposit money. time we all boycotted their greedy asses and stuck to owning our gear.
S
SparkJockey88🌱 Newcomer1mo
8
yeah man, i almost fed my leg to one of those rental beasts last week, but the stump hit back and i ended up just buyin beers for the crew instead. 😆
G
GutterGuru4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
next time wear them chaps and keep your feet planted outside the danger zone, saved my buddy's leg on a similar rental mishap.
B
BoltBuster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
damn rental companies are the WORST, cheaping out on safety features and leaving us to dodge these death machines every job.
S
ShingleShark9⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
those rental outfits really dont give a damn until someones missing a limb
D
DustDevil2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those rental places are the worst, they'd rather save 50 bucks on maintenance than have some guy end up like that story out of pennsylvania
W
WattTheHeck16⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
always rent the vermeer model with the auto stop bar, saved my ass twice already.
V
V2780🌱 Newcomer25d
0
always double check the bar is set right before you fire it up.
B
BoxBoss⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
chaps are for pussies who rent their gear instead of owning a decent vermeer that doesnt try to eat your leg, fight me.
G
GreenThumbGuru2⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
you sure that vermeer aint got a loose chain or something? what model you runnin?
S
ScrubLord2⚒️ Journeyman26d
11
that vermeer is a beast but we switched to the bandit for better control. still have the scar from when it kicked back on me in northern virginia last year. used to run the 2460 and it paid for itself quick with those stump jobs. you sticking with yours or looking to upgrade?
T
TileTerrorist⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
bandit beats vermeer on control every time, had a kickback last month that coulda been ugly too. try keeping the bar at a lower angle on those big stumps and always work from the far side first. my buddy in the DC area just switched his 2460 for a 2650 and says the extra torque pays quick. you running any sort of safety bar on yours or just the stock setup?
V
V1637🌱 Newcomer25d
0
always grind toward the center of the stump on the bandit 2650 or itll throw bark right at ya
S
ScrewLoose2⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
that kickback almost took my leg too on a vermeer last year.
W
WattTheHeck2⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
same shit with those vermeer kickbacks, too many guys get lazy with the safety bar and pay for it.
W
WattTheHeck28⚒️ Journeyman24d
3
same shit here, that vermeer kickback had me limping for weeks too.
D
DustBunnyHunter2⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
that vermeer almost had me too, funniest part was trying to explain a limp to my wife at dinner when all i had was a stump grinder story. got smart after that and started renting the little bluebird unit when the stumps are under three foot wide, cuts down the kick risk alot. still ended up with a busted boot from one of the teeth flying off though. we all laugh about it now but man those things dont forgive a wrong angle. whats the worst close call you had with a grinder that size?
N
NotAnElectrician24⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees, almost lost a leg myself with that vermeer last year.
W
WattTheHeck12⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
same shit, nearly took my buddies arm off with a vermeer back in ohio.
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FridgeFixer⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
bet that vermeer had you both rethinking life choices real quick
V
V1062🌱 Newcomer28d
6
yeah man, i learned the hard way last week on a rental job, always tie off that swing arm with some 550 paracord so it dont kick back on ya. keeps your legs way outta the spin zone, trust me.
N
NotAnElectrician26⭐ Expert28d
10
next time i'll just let the stump win and call it a day, my leg's already got enough stories.
D
DoorOpenerPro⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
saw a guy switch to a hydraulic grinder after that same scare, makes it way safer around the roots. what size stump you workin on?
V
V5243🔧 Apprentice21d
4
hydraulic ones let you grind right up against roots without the kickback risk.
L
LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
homeowners will watch you almost lose a leg then still try to talk you down on price like it didnt happen.
R
RoofRat2⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
felt that in my knees, damn near lost my balance on a grinder once too.
M
MopMasterMax⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
haha that 550 paracord trick just saved your leg, reminds me of the time my stump grinder kicked like a mule and i almost lost a boot.
D
DustBunnyHunter11⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
folks out here acting like these grinders are toys until someone gets a leg took off, same damn story every time.
V
V1547🌱 Newcomer24d
0
same shit every time homeowners treat that grinder like a toy till it damn near takes a leg
P
PipeLord42022⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
damn, those things will chew through a boot like nothin. felt that close call in my chest when i read it.
W
WireWizard3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
man, that kickback crap is no joke, i damn near lost a chunk of my calf on a vermeer last summer when it snagged on some buried rebar. had the guard in place but still felt the vibration shoot up my leg like a freight train. been grinding stumps for 15 years now and every time i fire one up, i double-check the chute alignment, wouldnt wanna be that guy in pennsylvania. the cheap rentals from home depot? forget it, they vibrate like hell and the teeth wear out after two jobs. my buddy took a stump to the knee on one of those and was sidelined for months. stick with carlson if you can get em, their controls are way smoother and less likely to buck. been there with the close calls, makes you hug your ppe a little tighter each time. sucks how one slip turns a quick gig into a nightmare.
J
JoltJockey⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
yeah, next time that thing grabs your boot, just tell it you're a marathon runner and it'll let go out of embarrassment 😂
G
GateGuard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
damn, i've had my share of those close calls and it pisses me off how quick these machines can turn on you. shoulda just stuck to the chainsaw that day, would've saved me a nightmare.
N
NotAnElectrician20⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
fml, i got tangled in a stump grinder rope last month and it yanked me right into the damn thing, nearly lost my foot before the boss killed the engine.
A
AmpedApprentice6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
man, stump grinders scare the crap outta me too. what kinda machine were you running that day? any tips on safer ways to handle 'em without the chainsaw fallback?
D
DrainDiver⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those damn manufacturers push these stump grinders like theyre foolproof but cut every corner on safety features, leavin us out here dodgin death just to get the job done.
S
SpotlessSteve3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
man, had a close call myself last summer, damn near nicked my knee with that flyin carbide wheel. those manufacturers couldnt care less if we come home in one piece.
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PanelPusher6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
next time, clamp that sucker down with a ratchet strap to keep it from kickin back on ya. saved my ass on a 24 inch oak stump last month.
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PlankPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
man, i had a similar scare with a 20 inch stump last summer, the damn thing kicked back and i jumped just in time. knees still shake thinkin about it. good call on the ratchet strap, wish id thought of that sooner. been there, brother, these machines dont mess around.
F
FlushMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
these damn stump grinders are death traps waiting to happen, and the manufacturers know it but wont fix the kickback issues. i got a client last year who almost sued me after one of these beasts nearly took his foot off on his own property, all because the rental place didnt warn him proper. bunch of BS how we take the risk while they sit in offices counting the profits.
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LeakHunterPro2⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
man, those stump grinders have me on edge every time too, nearly got my boot shredded on a job last month... BS how they aint safer yet
P
PipeLord4203⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always kill the power and lock out the machine before you even think about clearing a jam, saw a guy lose toes doing it live.
F
FlushKing⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
same shit, homeowners always wanna watch and rush you while the damn thing is still spinning
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WrenchWally2⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
lockout tagout every single time, even on a quick jam clear. seen too many guys get sloppy and pay for it.
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ShingleSlinger🔧 Apprentice1mo
18
yeah those manufacturers are a bunch of cheap bastards, skimping on guards and shit just to boost their bottom line while we risk our limbs every damn day. one slip and youre fucked, all for their quarterly profits.
D
DustBunnyHunter10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, ive had a few of those close calls with the grinder, makes you hate those skimpy guards even more every time you fire it up.
C
CleanFreakCarl⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
yeah, those guards are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. next time i almost lose a leg, im blaming the manufacturer and cashing in on a lawsuit.
F
FixItFred🔧 Apprentice28d
2
those cheap guards aint saving nobody, damn near lost my fingers on a vermeer last month because the reset kept hanging up.
B
BoltBandit⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
damn cheap guards been hanging up on me too, just about lost my fingers last week on a vermeer.
N
NotAnElectrician11⭐ Expert1mo
9
yeah, those damn guards are a joke, had one snag my boot last week and nearly yanked me into the teeth. makes you double check everything before hittin start every time.
P
PlungeMaster🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
always tie your bootlaces double knotted before firing up the grinder, itll keep em from snaggin the guard. saved my ass last month when i felt that tug and just yanked back in time.
T
TenYearVet20⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
damn, had a similar snag on my pant leg last year with a rented vermeer, felt my heart stop when it yanked... good you got that double knot habit down.
W
WrenchWally2⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
homeowners got no clue how close we come to losin limbs on that crap daily.
D
DustBunnyHunter8⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
homeowners got zero clue how close we come to losin limbs daily on that crap.
V
V8484🌱 Newcomer23d
2
never skip the steel toe boots even on quick jobs like that stump grinder, saved my buddy once when the wheel threw a rock at him. got mine at home depot for 120 bucks and they held up fine. always check the kill switch before starting it up too, seen guys get lazy and pay for it. what brand grinder was it?
B
BreakerBoxBen⚒️ Journeyman27d
13
did you tie em with that milwaukee knot trick or just the basic double?
N
NotAnHVACTech🌱 Newcomer1mo
5
man i had the same close call last month, nearly lost a finger to that snaggin guard, makes you sweat just lookin at the damn thing now.
V
VentBoss⭐ Expert28d
5
yeah man, been there with the stump grinder sweatin bullets after it nearly snagged my boot, makes you double check every damn safety guard now.
O
OddJobOtto4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
33
man, had a similar close call with a grinder last summer, thought my foot was gone for sure, those cheap guards are a joke.
O
OpenerOperator⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
damn those flimsy guards never hold up when you need em most, almost lost my toes on a vermeer last month cause the damn thing just bent right out of the way.
O
OpenerOperator4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
yeah those vermeer guards are like the ex that promises to stick around but bolts at the first sign of trouble, damn near turned me into a one-legged pirate last summer.
P
PolishPirate⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
damn, those guards are straight up worthless, had one snag my boot last year and i thought that was it. been there, feels like your heart stops for a minute.
R
RootRanger⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
those damn manufacturers push out these half-assed guards to check a box and screw us on the job site. every time i see a close call like yours, it pisses me off how they're skimping on safety to save a buck. we gotta start boycotting this crap before someone actually loses a limb.
F
FloorFumbler⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
man, i know that feeling all too well, had a similar scare with a faulty guard on my old grinder that nearly got my foot. those manufacturers are full of BS, cutting corners while we risk our asses every day. we need to band together and call this crap out before it gets worse.
D
DoorJammer4⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
damn, been there myself with a grinder guard that just gave way, makes you question if these manufacturers even test their crap on real jobsites.
S
SlateSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
always double-check that guard bolts with a torque wrench set to 50 ft-lbs before firing up, saved my ass more than once on those vermeer rentals.
D
DustDevil⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
yeah man, same damn thing happened to me on a job last summer, that guard snapped right off and i was inches from losing a boot and a foot, manufacturers gotta get their shit together before someone gets seriously hurt.
N
NotAnElectrician10⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
hell yeah, next time i'll just hire a beaver to do the job, way cheaper on workers comp. manufacturers probably tested those guards with a toothpick or somethin.
P
PestPatrolPaul⭐ Expert26d
9
man those guards are junk, had one let go on me in texas and damn near ate my boot.
T
TermiteTamer⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
saw a guy lose a finger when the guard slipped just like that, always lock the thing out before you mess with it.
R
RollerRanger4⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
same shit with these cheap stump grinders from home depot, almost took my arm off last month too.
D
DripStopper🔧 Apprentice29d
3
screw the guards, i run my stump grinder without em half the time and aint lost a leg yet, them manufacturers just coverin their asses.
Y
YardYodaYusuf⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
dude i ran one without guards two months ago and nearly lost my damn foot, those things are no joke. manufacturers aint just coverin asses, theyre savin lives you dumbass.
C
ChillMaster9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man, i had a similar scare last summer with a grinder that didnt have proper guards, felt that fear in my gut for weeks.
R
RustyNails⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
damn, had a similar close call last summer when the guard slipped off my grinder, makes you realize how thin the line is between working and the hospital.
B
BugBlaster⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
always double-check that guard before firing up the grinder, i use a quick zip-tie trick to secure it extra tight and it saved my ass on a rushed job last week.
F
FloorKingpin⚒️ Journeyman26d
10
yeah man that guard'll bite back if you rush it. i saw a guy lose two toes when it kicked loose on a stump job over in orleans. double check it and walk away if its even a little loose.
B
BoltBuster4⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those things are way safer than people say but that orleans stump job was probably the operator rushing it
D
DoorJammer4⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
dont ever tie yourself to those damn things, guy i knew in ohio lost his leg same way last year
N
NotAnElectrician5⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
that orleans job sounds like it was already a mess before the grinder started, what kinda stump size were you going up against?
S
SodSlinger4⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
felt that one in my knees, stump grinders will bite if you rush it.
K
KeyMasterKate⚒️ Journeyman18d
1
same shit, almost lost my boot to one last summer
W
WireWizard9⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
get yourself a ridgid see snake camera before you dig around stumps like that.
V
V4195🔧 Apprentice1mo
22
man, i almost lost a finger last week on that same crap machine, the guard just popped off mid-grind and i yanked back just in time. these manufacturers dont give a damn about us out here busting our asses for peanuts. shoulda sued the bastards but whos got time for that bs. fml, gonna double check everything next job.
C
CanvasCowboy3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
man, same shit here, had a guard fly off on my stump grinder last month and it nearly got my knee. these manufacturers are full of bs, cheaping out on safety for our sake. been double checking mine every time now, cant afford to lose a limb over their crap.
T
TenYearVet2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
yeah man, had a similar scare with a rayco grinder last year, those damn guards snapping like twigs... makes you question every startup from then on.
H
HammerTimeHank⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
man, those rayco guards are a joke, snapped on me mid-job last summer and i about lost a boot. been double-checking every startup since, makes you sweat just firing it up. same shit here, cant afford a real close call with these beasts. stay safe out there.
W
WireWizard882⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
been there with the guards flying off, damn near shit myself too
W
WattTheHeck28⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those stump grinders are way safer than pulling roots with a chain on a truck like some idiots still do
W
WattTheHeck5⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
always keep a clear 6 foot perimeter, the bar on my vermeer threw a root chunk right past my knee last year. you running any kind of tether or just the stock guards?
P
PipeDreamer2⭐ Expert22d
2
damn that grinder coulda took more than your leg off, same shit happened to my buddy last month
T
TarpTitan3⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
homeowners never wanna pay for proper safety shit and we pay for it with our legs.
R
RollerRage⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
damn manufacturers couldnt care less about us out here bustin our asses. had a flywheel pin shear on my grinder two years back and it almost ended my career, now i rebuild em myself every season.
M
MopMaster30003🔧 Apprentice1mo
20
next time rebuild with a set of aftermarket shear pins from vermeer, they've held up solid on my grinder for three seasons now without a single failure.
C
ChillChampion⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
dont mess around with factory shear pins on those vermeer grinders, they snap at the worst moments and leave you exposed to a flying blade. i saw a buddy last summer get his leg gashed open because his pin gave out mid-grind, took 20 stitches and he was out of work for a month. aftermarket ones like you mentioned are a game-changer, but even then check em every few hours for wear. one weak spot and youre looking at a hospital visit or worse. stick to rebuilding with quality parts, and always keep a spare set in the truck. ive had close calls myself, and its the little oversights that bite you hard. stay safe out there, man.
W
WattTheHeck8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
damn those factory pins are a joke, snapped on me last week and i nearly lost a finger to the damn blade. hate how vermeer cuts corners on the cheap crap just to save a buck.
B
BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
saw a guy lose his boot and almost the whole foot last year on one of them stump grinders. factory pins are junk but people keep chewin on em till something snaps. that vermeer setup needs a upgraded bolt or safety stop welded on before you even fire it up. dont run em without checkin the teeth for cracks every time you pull the start cord. heard about a crew in the midwest that had the whole wheel come off and it bounced into the truck. i switched over to a hydraulic lock kit on my machine and it changed how safe it feels. any chance you got pics of the pin that broke on you.
G
GutterGuru2⚒️ Journeyman24d
3
same shit here, those factory pins are just waiting to let go and take a leg with em.
S
SpotlessSteve3⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
same shit here man, felt that close call right in my gut.
L
LeakHunterLila⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
same shit here, almost got clipped by a vermeer blade when the factory pin snapped on me last year.
D
DirtBagLandscaper4⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
felt that in my knees, damn near lost my foot to a vermeer once too
C
ColorBlindPainter⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
vermeer grinders dont leave much room for a mistake, seen a guy lose toes on one of those things.
R
RollinRoller⚒️ Journeyman27d
3
thats the kinda crap that makes ya wonder why we even bother with these machines, seen too many guys limpin around from bad pins.
S
SparkFreak⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
almost got me too last summer with a stump grinder that slipped on a root. those machines dont forgive a bad pin for even a second. i seen guys with metal plates from that exact thing and still gotta work. what kinda grinder ya runnin?
G
GutterGuru3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
these cheap homeowners think a rented grinder is some kinda toy until some guy ends up with a plate in his leg.
V
V2776🔧 Apprentice23d
4
same shit here, felt that in my knees when i watched one of those rental grinders buck like crazy.
G
GrimeFighter⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
those rental grinders are a damn joke waiting to happen.
V
V5243🔧 Apprentice24d
0
seriously these damn machines need a total redesign, half the time you wonder if its worth the hospital bill.
T
TarheelTiler6⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
nah those grinders are fine if you treat em like a saw not a hammer, half these guys blame the machine when they skip the damn safety bar.
G
GarageGuru11⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
that bar saved a leg for sure, seen one guy kick the stump instead and caught the chain right in the boot. always check the bar before firing it up or you end up in the er with a stump in your lap. bluebird grinders got real sharp teeth but they bind bad if the roots are wet. throw a tarp down first so the mulch dont fly everywhere on the customers lawn. heard on the Contractor Fight group they charge 450 for a big one in texas and the grinder pays for itself after 6 jobs. safety bar is non negotiable, treat it like the saw it is. kept mine at half throttle on roots so it dont jump. how deep you plan on going with it?
B
BugBuster88⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
how many stumps can you knock out in a day with those vermeer pins before they start wearin down? i've been thinkin about switchin from the stock ones cuz mine snapped twice last month on some gnarly roots. sounds like a solid upgrade if they last three seasons like you said. what size grinder you runnin em on? ever had issues with em in wet ground?
V
V1201🔧 Apprentice29d
1
man, i tried one of those vermeer pins on a 25hp grinder last week and it held up fine til i hit some wet clay soil, then it was like the damn thing was butterin toast with gnarly roots. snapped it clean off and i nearly lost a boot instead of my leg, lmao. been thinkin i shoulda stuck with the stock ones like a smart newbie. you got any tricks for wet ground or am i just doomed? 😂
T
TurfTamer⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
man those vermeer pins are like trying to cut butter with a spoon in wet clay, next time just rent a bigger grinder and keep both legs.
D
DuctDude⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always lock the safety bar on those grinders before you even think about getting close, learned that one the hard way last year in jersey. vermeer pins suck but a little duct tape on the handle gives you better grip when things get muddy. never worth skipping steps for a quick stump job, seen too many guys in the er over it. you using a 6000 series or something bigger now?
B
BugBusterJoe2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
man ive seen a vermeer chew through jeans like they aint even there. duct tape on the handle sounds way safer than a trip to the er.
V
V2766🌱 Newcomer23d
2
yea that vermeer bar can slip right when the mud builds up and almost took my leg off too. duct tape on the handle is a nice hack but i switched to a 6000 series with the foot pedal lock and it feels way safer now. best decision i made was slowing down on those stump jobs.
V
V1878🌱 Newcomer24d
0
rent a vermeer 630i next time, those pins aint worth the leg.
V
VoltageVirgin⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
that pin aint worth it on any grinder, saw a guy lose two toes on wet clay with the exact same setup. check your rpm before you bury it next time.
P
PipeLord42021⭐ Expert26d
3
been there, those grinders dont forgive when the clay grabs em.
F
FlashingFiend⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
damn grinders turn into meat eaters when the dirt grabs em. homeowners keep hiring the cheap guys and we all pay for it.
S
ShingleShark6⚒️ Journeyman25d
4
dirt kicks those teeth sideways faster than you think, always hit it with a jet of water first to keep the mess down. dont grind past 4 inches below grade or you'll be back fixing the yard later. seen a guy lose control same way, homeowner called the cheap outfit that started it.
V
VoltageVirgin⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
seen a guy lose his foot last year when dirt kicked back on a cheap grinder, lockout every time you walk off or itll grab ya too.
R
RustyWrench⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
always use the deadman switch on a ridgid grinder or that thingll drag you right in like that florida case.
S
SawdustSavant20🔧 Apprentice21d
3
deadman switches are for chumps, seen guys use a bungee on the trigger and it worked fine till it didnt.
V
V8076🔧 Apprentice18d
4
bungee on the trigger is how you lose a leg, that deadman switch saved my buddies foot last summer.
L
LeakHunter_X🔧 Apprentice24d
2
been there, a cheap grinder almost got my foot too when the stump kicked back hard on me. always lockout now and wear those steel toes like theyre made of gold.
D
DoorJammer4⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
same shit here, felt that in my knees when one kicked back. steel toes saved my buddy once too. always lock that thing down now.
J
JoistJester2⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
cheap grinders are fine till the dirt kicks back and your leg almost ends up mulch.
P
PipeLord4208⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
same shit here, dirt kicked back on my vermeer and damn near ate my boot last summer
S
ScrewLooseSam⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
dont ever stand that close when the teeth hit a rock, saw a guy on a vermeer lose two toes that way. always keep the chute pointed away and wear the damn chaps. i run mine at half throttle in hard dirt now, cuts way cleaner. had a stump grinder kickback hit my shin last fall too, still got the scar. whats your model year on that machine?
D
DustBunnyHunter10⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
same crap, those grinders turn lethal the second you stop watching your feet around the tree roots.
B
BeamBoss3⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
good call on those vermeer shear pins, i swapped mine out last year and they've saved my ass from a few jams without bending the shaft.
B
BugBusterJoe⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
man, those shear pins have kept me from a hospital trip more times than i can count. been there with a grinder binding up and praying it doesn't turn into a real mess.
S
SparkPlugStan⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
been there brother, had a grinder kick back on me last summer and i swear it missed my shin by an inch. those shear pins are a lifesaver, wouldnt work without em.
L
LaminateLegend2⚒️ Journeyman28d
16
those vermeer 6030s with the hydraulic foot on em are the only reason i still got both legs after that root ball shifted.
W
WireWizardWalt⭐ Expert25d
0
those vermeer units are solid but i'd rather deal with a chainsaw and come back with a backhoe than trust hydraulics near my damn legs.
B
BoltBuster4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
saw a guy on a vermeer almost lose a boot last year, that hydraulics scare is real funny till it aint
B
BugBusterJoe⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
felt that one in the knees man, hydraulics dont give a damn till its too late.
C
CoolCatCraig⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
every time hydraulics do that slow creep shit it pisses me off, had a bar pull on me last spring and still feel it.
H
HaulHound⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
hydraulic creep on those stump grinders is no joke, had the same issue till i switched to the barlock on my vermeer.
B
BoardBenderBob⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah i had a vermeer 653 that kicked back on a hidden root last month and damn near broke my ankle.
S
ShingleShark9⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
half the time those stump grinders are way overkill anyway, id rather dig em out by hand than play russian roulette with a shear pin.
B
BrushStrokeBoss12⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
did you try stump grinding with a ridgid see snake camera first so you can see what your hitting underground?
D
DustDevil2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
nah, those ridgid see snakes are for pipes not stumps, grinding blind is how you lose a leg.
T
TileTamer4⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
never grind blind near utilities, saw a guy lose toes that way.
S
SolderSavant2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners think every job is a damn cakewalk till you almost lose a leg to a hidden root.
B
BloomBoss2⭐ Expert24d
0
same shit here, almost lost toes to a hidden root on a 5 year old toro last month
F
FixItFelix7⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit, id rather hand dig too than gamble with a stump grinder on my legs.
G
GarageGuru7⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, nearly lost a boot to one last year out in the suburbs. those things are just mean when they hit a rock or old root. been there way too many times. you stickin with hand tools now or what?
W
WeedWhackerWarrior⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
dont skip the safety bar check, saw a guy lose toes on one of those things last summer.
S
SlateSlinger4⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, those vermeer pins saved me from a bent shaft last month when the stump kicked back hard.
P
PipeDreamer5⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
damn those vermeer pins are lifesavers but dont skip the chain brake check or youll end up with a missing foot like my buddy last year on a rental unit. guy thought he was safe till the kickback hit and sliced his boot open. always lock that safety pin twice before you fire it up again or youre rolling the dice. what model you running out there?
L
LockLord⭐ Expert22d
5
felt that one in my gut, my old man had a close call on a vermeer too back in the day. always made me triple check that brake before swinging the wheel around. seen guys skip it for speed and pay the price quick. those rental units with the loose pins are the worst. you get back on em now or still nursing it?
P
PipeDreamer13⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
always put the wheel in the dirt before you swing it, seen a guy lose his boot that way.
C
CanvasChaos⚒️ Journeyman18d
1
always lock that brake and check the pins before you swing it, seen too many rental units with loose ones on em.
S
SpringSpecialist8⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
don't ignore those pins man, saw a guy lose his leg last month from a kickback just like that.
N
NotAnElectrician27⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
always use a spotter when yer grinding near roots or its gonna kick like that ridgid one did on me.
A
AirFlowAce⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
same shit, just watched a guy on my crew get stitches last month because he skipped the pin check on a vermeer.
V
V3563🔧 Apprentice28d
4
shit man i had a close one last month with my grinder the flywheel almost caught my boot and i was sweatin bullets thinkin bout all the times manufacturers skimp on those damn pins.
P
PipeLord42012⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
manufacturers cheaping out on that safety pin is some real bullshit, bet theyd rather pay out later than fix it now.
O
OpenerOperator4⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
that pin failure's no joke. use a milwaukee torque wrench at 180 lb-ft when you put the new one in so it dont walk loose again. you checking the keyway for wear while you got it apart?
T
TenYearVet26🔧 Apprentice24d
0
damn near lost my knee the same way on a rental grinder. always torque them bolts twice now just to be safe.
P
PipeDreamer6⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
damn right, these manufacturers couldnt care less if we end up in the ER, i nearly lost a finger last year to some faulty guard on my grinder and now i wont touch the job without triple-checking everything.
G
GarageGateGuy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those damn manufacturers cut every corner to boost their profits while we're out here risking life and limb for scraps, it's total BS.
R
RollerRogue5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
yeah those manufacturers are full of crap, they shove us out here with half-assed stump grinders that barely pass osha standards just to line their pockets while we dodge getting mulched.
P
PrunePro3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
hell yeah, i once had my stump grinder slip and nearly turned my boot into confetti, but at least i got a hell of a story for the crew barbecue.
W
WireWhisperer87🌱 Newcomer28d
9
damn these stump grinders are straight up death traps, built by some corporate assholes who dont give a crap about us ground pounders out here. i was helping my boss on a job last week and the damn thing kicked back so hard it almost yanked my arm clean off, all because the safety guard was some flimsy piece of junk that wouldnt stay put. and get this, the rental yard charged us an extra 200 bucks for 'wear and tear' after we barely used it, like its our fault their equipment is falling apart. insurance companies are even worse, they drag their feet on claims and leave guys like us high and dry when shit hits the fan. its bullshit how they skimp on quality to squeeze every penny, putting our lives on the line for a quick buck. we gotta start pushing back harder against these cheap outfits before someone really gets killed.
S
SawdustSavant🔧 Apprentice1mo
8
next time clip the kill switch to your belt loop with a carabiner so you can shut it down fast if somethin goes sideways.
V
V8866🌱 Newcomer1mo
4
dont ever run that grinder without the full ppe setup, i saw a guy last summer get his ankle chewed up bad when he skipped the chaps and it wasnt even a close call.
P
PestPatrolPete⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
man, those grinders don't mess around, had a buddy last year who got too close without chaps and ended up with 12 stitches on his thigh. still gives me chills thinking about it. yeah, full ppe every damn time or you're just asking for trouble.
W
WattTheHeck11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
damn, i had a close call myself last summer with one of those beasts kickin back on me, nearly took a chunk outta my knee. still flinch every time i fire one up now. your buddies story hits too close to home, man.
S
SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
always keep your stance wide and that left hand locked on the wheel, it'll save your ass from kickback every time. i learned that the hard way after my first scare, and havent had a close call since.
P
PipeLord42014⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
goddamn stump grinders are death traps waiting to happen, and dont get me started on how the manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs while we bleed out on the job. i had a buddy lose half his foot last summer cause some cheap-ass guard wasnt bolted right, and the company? they just sent a fruit basket like that fixes anything. its bullshit that we gotta buy our own ppe upgrades just to not get mangled, while these corps rake in the dough. insurance jacks up our rates after every near miss too, like we're the ones at fault for using their garbage equipment. we need to band together and sue these bastards into oblivion before another leg gets fed to the machine.
V
VentVictor⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
had one fly up and catch my boot last year on a job in ohio but the ridgid guard saved my leg that time. grab a bolt on shield from supply house and torque em down tight before you start grinding. anyone else swap to a different model after a scare like that?
G
GeneralGuru⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
had a guy try the little bluebird on a big stump and the wheel kicked back like it had a grudge. mine still has the bolt on guard after that ohio scare you mentioned, better than finding out the hard way again. you ever try torqueing the shield with a milwaukee torque wrench instead of guessing?
A
ACAvenger4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that torque wrench trick sounds good but i still get pissed thinking about how close that stump grinder came to taking my leg.
N
NotAnElectrician4⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
these damn rental companies never warn you till after the fact. my buddy in rural ohio swapped his out for a vermeer model with bigger shields and hasnt had a close call since. what brand you running now?
F
FrameForge⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
dont ever grind right after rain, the wheel grabs roots way worse and almost took my finger last year
N
NailBiter⭐ Expert25d
2
stump grinders dont care about rain or dry ground, that wheel will grab anything.
V
V3714🌱 Newcomer23d
1
these damn homeowners think we can grind stumps in the rain with zero safety gear and then act shocked when someone almost loses a leg
D
DeckDoctor⭐ Expert23d
5
homeowners watching from the porch with zero clue how close that blade came to your leg, typical
F
FramingFool4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that grinder grabbing roots after rain is pure hell, had a barney wheel grab on me last fall and it damn near yanked my arm into the stump. saw a guy in the contractor fight group lose two knuckles on wet ground like that last year. best bet is to let it dry a full day then go at it with a 14 inch blade instead of pushing the 18 inch one. i switched to the vermeer last spring and its been alot smoother on the grabby days. never worth risking a finger or leg for a same day grind. what size wheel you running out there?
F
FurnitureFlipper⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
same shit with wet roots, i switched to a 12 inch blade on my vermeer and it still grabs if you dont let it dry first.
P
PrimerPal2⚒️ Journeyman28d
17
man, those things scare the hell outta me too, had a buddy who lost half his foot to one last year. still makes my gut twist just thinkin about it.
W
WireWizard11⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
call me crazy but id still rather use one of those than dig it out by hand any day of the week
F
FramingFool⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
guy i knew showed up to a job in flip flops, stump grinder damn near took his toes and now he keeps spare boots in every truck
T
TermiteTamer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
next time i'll just hire a beaver, cheaper and less likely to mulch my leg.
L
LockoutLulu⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
man, been there with a close call on a stump job last summer, heart pounding like a jackhammer when the blade nicked my boot. damn things are beasts, one slip and youre done. glad you walked away from it, makes you rethink every cutoff. those beavers sound pretty good right about now.
P
PickPro⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
guess its time to get a beavers if that stump almost turned you into a pirate
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
saw a guy on r/smallbusiness last week fill those holes with stump killer and it was gone in 3 weeks.
C
CircuitSurfer3⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
dont go near that thing while its running, seen a guy almost lose his foot same way.
S
SolderSensei⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
bet a few beers and a bandaid woulda fixed it faster than buying a beavers. grinders are overrated anyway for most jobs.
E
EaveEnforcer2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
dont be that guy who ends up with a hydraulic hose exploding in your face, seen it happen twice already.
S
SpotlessSteve10⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
always check hydraulic lines before firing up a grinder, seen too many cheap hoses blow.
V
VentVet2⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
jesus, i've been there with a chainsaw that kicked back and nearly tagged my thigh. those stump grinders are no joke, one slip and you're lookin at a hospital bill you dont need. glad you walked away from it, man. beavers sound like the smart play next time.
K
KeyTwister3⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
man, i had a chainsaw kickback last summer that had me sweatin bullets, thought my leg was gone for sure.
B
BrushStrokePro11⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
always grind em down to 8 inches below grade so the roots stay out the way next time.
H
HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
been there, that stump grinder caught me once too and i still got the scar
R
RoofRat882⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
same shit here, had a guy pull on the rope once and that thing grabbed his boot. never letting anyone near the damn thing again.
P
PeakPerformer⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit here, that thing scares the hell out of me every time. never letting anyone touch the rope again.
B
BroomBandit⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
guy i knew tried to kick one clear and it tried to take his whole damn foot off instead
V
V9149🌱 Newcomer21d
8
had a buddy lose a boot toe to a stump grinder, still jokes about it at the bar.
J
JoistJockey8⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
stump grinders are for pussies who cant swing an axe right, i ditched that crap years ago and never looked back. beavers are lazy too, just hire a real man with a mattock and get it done without the near-death drama. yall rely on machines too much these days.
A
AntAnnihilator7⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
damn near lost my foot to one of those things back in the day, felt that shit in my knees
F
FloorFitter⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that shit in my knees too, those grinders got no mercy when your foot slips
S
SawdustSavant14⚒️ Journeyman21d
3
always keep both hands on the damn bars or one slip and youre down a leg like that.
C
CircuitSmasher2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
keep that sawtooth blade at 3k rpm and walk the grinder like you're herding it, saves knees every time.
D
DeadboltDave⭐ Expert23d
3
dont walk behind a 3k rpm blade like that or you'll be missing a foot like the guy i saw last summer.
L
LockoutLou⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit happened to a buddy last summer, mattocks and grinders both wanna take a chunk out of ya.
T
ThermostatTyrant⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
stump grinders are fine if ya keep your distance but most of em are built cheap and fly apart when ya hit a rock. mattocks though, those things will take your whole leg if you slip. fight me, id rather deal with a grinder any day than swing one of those all day.
L
LockPickLarry3⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
what kinda stump grinder you usin, the vermeer with the 25hp or that toro rental? bet the rental ones got softer clutches that save legs. how deep you gettin it now?
C
CleanFreak⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
dont ever run that stump grinder without the deadman switch locked in or you'll end up like the guy i saw last month who lost half his foot to a kickback.
V
V8613🔧 Apprentice28d
9
that deadman switch is the only thing between you and a bad day, seen guys get too comfy and skip it then boom.
V
VentBoss⭐ Expert26d
1
homeowners always want you to skip the deadman switch so they can save a few bucks then act shocked when something goes wrong.
C
CleanFreakCarl2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
been there, always tie in that safety lanyard first thing before firing up any grinder.
B
BrushStrokeBoss5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah those manufacturers are a bunch of greedy bastards, pushing out junk machines that fail when you need em most just to line their pockets. we're out here busting our asses for peanuts while they laugh all the way to the bank.
P
PipeLord4208⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
last week i rented a piece of crap stump grinder that jammed up on a root and nearly yanked my arm off, these manufacturers dont give a damn about our safety just the quick buck.
V
V6730🌱 Newcomer29d
6
damn that sounds sketchy, what kinda piece of crap machine was it, some cheap rental from home depot? you got any tips on how to not get yanked around like that next time?
C
ColorCraze3⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
never run a stump grinder without full ppe and a spotter, i saw a guy get dragged under one last year and it cost him his foot. cheap rentals like from home depot are a crapshoot, always inspect the damn thing for loose belts first.
C
CanvasCowboy⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, almost lost my boot to a loose belt on one of those home depot rentals.
D
DeckBuilderDan⭐ Expert28d
3
i always go with my vermeer sc30 over any rental junk, keeps me in one piece after 15 years of grinding stumps without a hitch.
W
WrenchWizard🔧 Apprentice27d
12
vermeer sc30's still got that exposed belt setup that could grab a boot lace if you aint watching every damn second.
T
TileTamer4⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
same shit with those belt drives, had one catch my shoelace once and i was lucky it didnt chew up my ankle. felt that near miss in my gut for days after, still get nervous around em. always tell the guys to stand off to the side like its a damn chainsaw kickback waiting to happen. seen a few videos on youtube where guys barely dodge the same thing. not worth losing a leg over a stump for some customer who barely tips. we switched to a vermeer with better guards after that scare, made all the difference. what size stump was it anyway?
P
PipeDreamer7⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those vermeer guards are bullshit for real jobs, they catch on everything and slow you down so bad. i seen guys with a regular stihl grinder take the same hit and walk away just fine when they keep the belt tight and the boot on. same shit happened to me years ago with a stump in jersey and i just hopped over the cable after that. dont let some youtube video scare ya into wasting money on fancy guards. what happened to the customer after you showed em the damage?
B
BoxHaulerBen2🔧 Apprentice23d
9
same shit here in jersey, that stihl belt trick saved my leg too.
R
RidgeRunner2⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
that vermeer switch was the right call, i had a belt drive nearly take my boot once and still get pissed thinking about it.
S
SpotlessSam2⭐ Expert20d
2
what model belt drive was on that vermeer?
G
GutterGoblin2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn that one sounds rough, felt it in my knees just reading it. glad you stuck with the vermeer over those sketchy rentals.
S
ShingleShark19⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
vermeer bar none, rentals always feel sketchy when theyre half the weight.
N
NailGunNinja4⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
did you switch to a vermeer after that mess? how many hours a day you run that thing now before you switch crews?
N
NotAnElectrician28⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
ever tried a rental with hydraulic lift or you just stick with vermeer
V
VoltVampire⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
hydraulic lift rentals are a joke, the stump grinder on mine kicked back so hard it damn near took my toes off last month
W
WattTheHeck9⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
been there, those rental grinders kick like a mule and the hydraulics never hold right
B
BoltBuster3⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
never trust a rented stump grinder without checking the blade guards first, i saw a guy lose three fingers last summer because the damn thing wasnt secured right.
P
PestPatrol3⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
fml, had a close call myself last month when the guard on that vermeer rental popped loose mid-job and nearly got my foot, these damn things need better failsafes.
R
RodentRidder⭐ Expert28d
6
yeah those vermeer guards are a joke, had one fly off on me last summer and i was damn lucky it didnt shred my boot, these rentals are half-assed garbage.
M
MowAndGo⭐ Expert28d
6
man those guards shoulda been welded on with concrete, saw a buddy get his boot turned into spaghetti last year, rental shops are straight up gambling with our legs, you switching to a different brand or just buying your own now?
H
HeatHustler3⚒️ Journeyman28d
17
had a rental grind my boot heel once and felt that shit in my knees
P
PipeLord4209⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
felt that one in my boots too, almost lost a toe to a rental once
P
PipeLord42024⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn man that rental damn near gave you a free amputation
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
always grind slow and keep that bar low, saved my butt on a vermeer last year. what kinda rental was it?
M
MoveMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
felt that in my knees same shit here with those rental grinders theyre sketchy as hell
O
OpenerOracle⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
always lock the grinders travel bar before walkin around it, saved my leg twice now.
S
SawdustSavant19⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
that rental grinder kicked back hard on me once too but my milwaukee boots saved my toes.
P
PanelPusher4🔧 Apprentice23d
2
same shit here, that kickback is no joke and it can take your leg in a second. milwaukee boots helped me out once too when a stump root caught the wheel. what kinda rental was it anyways?
T
TarheelTiler4⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
those damn homeowners never wanna pay for proper equipment and then act shocked when someone almost loses a leg.
H
HammerTimeHank3⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
goddamn rental outfits are the WORST, i rented a cheap ass grinder last summer and it kicked back so hard it almost crushed my foot against the fence. manufacturers cut corners to save a buck and leave us swinging for the fences with their junk. had to shell out $200 just to get the damn thing towed after it seized up on a big oak root. pissed me off so bad i bought my own carlson 250 now and never look back.
V
VacuumViking⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
man, i once had a stump grinder kick back so hard it sent me flying into a bush, came out looking like i lost a fight with a porcupine.
C
CleanFreakPro⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
bet that bush wished it stayed outta the fight. bet your gear looked worse than your leg.
R
RustyNailBob⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
thats why i aint messin with no stump grinders, homeowners dont care till someones bleedin
S
SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
seen a guy use a ridgid 30 on one once and it saved his leg from a close call like that.
L
LiftLad⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that stump grinder stuff scares the hell out of me too. i switched to a vermeer sc252 last year and it has a better kill switch setup than most of the rigid ones ive seen. still almost lost a boot last month when a root kicked back. had a guy on my crew tell me he uses the 30 inch wheel only when the stump is fully exposed first. anybody else running a dedicated machine instead of that handheld rig?
R
RoofRat884⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners only care when theyre bleeding or sueing someone over it
S
SawdustSoul⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
felt that in my knees, damn near thing took a buddy out last year.
C
ChillMasterC⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
these damn machines got no respect for how quick a guy can lose a leg, seen too many near misses lately.
G
GrimeFighter2⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
always keep that stump grinder at least 6 feet away from your legs, that barne's model i use has a dead man switch that saved me once. steel toe boots plus a pair of chaps makes a huge difference when things kick back. never stand downhill from the thing either.
S
SparkleSquad2⚒️ Journeyman24d
4
at least the bush didnt get the last laugh, id have shown up with a ridgid grinder next time
N
NailGunNinja10⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
damn near lost my foot on a stump grinder last year too, felt that in my knees. now i dont even look at one without checking the kill switch twice. bush got lucky this time.
F
FloorFumbler3⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
stump grinders are safer than people say, half the guys who get hurt ignore the safety bar on purpose.
P
PolishPro⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
had a buddy lose a toe to one of those things, the stump aint worth it. ridgid grinders got better guards than whatever you were using i bet. next time bring a helper to spot you, ive seen enough close calls to last a lifetime. keep a first aid kit in the truck too, not some little band aid box. why were you even grinding it that close anyway? funny how one slip turns into a story we all laugh about later.
F
FrameFreak3⭐ Expert21d
4
damn, that stump grinder story got me thinking about my own close calls with equipment. swear id be safer with a ridgid k45 next time instead.
S
SparkPlugGuy2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always hit the kill switch first even on a quick spin, keeps your leg attached. saw a guy on r/electricians do the same thing last summer.
F
FurnitureFumbler⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
damn that ones close, felt that in my knees.
F
FlushKing2⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
same shit, these stump grinder jobs always got some homeowner breathing down your neck to finish fast.
L
LockPickLarry7⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
homeowners watchin you like that is why guys get hurt on stump jobs.
S
SawdustSavant23🔧 Apprentice28d
6
manufacturers are screwball but maybe slow down on the grinder next time instead of blaming them for your near miss.
V
VentMaster30002🔧 Apprentice29d
10
always double-check that clutch guard before firing it up, coulda saved you the scare. if youre renting, stick with the vermeer sc30tx over the cheapo ones, way less kickback.
T
TileTerror10⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
always double-check the kill switch on your grinder before firing it up, saved my ass more than once on those budget vermeer rentals.
H
HueHero⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
those damn stump grinders are a nightmare, i was running a vermeer and it kicked back so hard it nearly took my foot off last summer. shoulda stuck to the chainsaw, but nope, had to play hero and now im paranoid every time.
F
FrameItRight⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
always keep your free hand on the wheel and never let go of the controls, saved my ass more than once on those vermeer beasts.
G
GutterGuru4⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
what kinda vermeer model were you runnin', and how deep you grind those stumps usually?
M
MuscleMoverMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those damn manufacturers build these stump grinders like they're invincible, but one kickback and you're fucked for life. should've sued vermeer's ass for making us deal with this crap.
T
TileTamer2⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
stump grinders will eat you alive if you let them and vermeer's insurance aint gonna save your ass. might as well stick a warning sticker on the damn thing and call it good.
W
WireWizard882⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
been there with a rented vermeer on a rooty job, still twitchy around em.
R
RoofRider2🔧 Apprentice26d
1
almost got taken out by one of them vermeer rentals myself last year, owners always pushin ya to skip the safety gear.
D
DustDevil⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
damn that musta been too close for comfort, what kinda stump you were going after when it kicked back?
P
PaintSplatterPat🔧 Apprentice25d
1
homeowners always want that cheap stump grinding and we pay for it in blood. same shit with these rental grinders that kick back harder than a mule. makes you wonder how many more guys gotta get mangled before they just pay real money for it.
B
BugBusterBob3⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
been there with those rental grinders kicking back like crazy, homeowners wanting cheap work but its us who pay in the end.
T
TileTerror9⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
stump grinders are just waiting to take a leg off if you aint careful with em
K
KeyMasterKev⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
throw a chain or cable over the stump next time, slows the kickback down alot.
W
WattTheHeck🌱 Newcomer24d
0
been there myself, still get twitchy around vermeer stump grinders after that close call.
E
EaveExpert2⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
id rather pay a guy with a vermeer than risk my leg on that bluebird attachment. anybody who thinks a stump planer is safer hasnt seen one kick back yet.
A
ACBandit⚒️ Journeyman18d
6
had a bluebird do the same thing last year, felt that kick straight in the nuts.
V
V8119🌱 Newcomer20d
1
that stump grinder accident in pennsylvania last summer was nasty, they saved the guy after his leg came off. always double check the kill switch on those vermeer units before you walk away. my buddy did that once and almost lost his boot in the dirt. did you ever swap to the ridgid hydraulic model after that scare?
P
PolishPro⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
never trust a kill switch till you yank the plug, saw a guy almost lose a foot when it fired back up.
S
SodSoldier⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
just a heads up, keep your leg planted and grind from the side not head on.
S
SweepSquad3⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
never grind head on like that, always keep your weight on the back foot so the machine cant yank you in. saw a guy use a stump grinder from vermeer last year and same thing nearly happened.
A
AmpedUpAndy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
stump grinders are like exes: one wrong move and youre missing a limb. i stick to the chainsaw now, less drama and no near-death therapy bills.
R
RustyNailBob3⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
man, what exactly went wrong with your stump grinder? i had a close call last month and wanna know what to watch for.
T
TenYearVet18⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
man, i had one where the damn thing kicked back and nicked my boot, felt that heartbeat skip for a second. been there with the close calls, keeps you on your toes.
F
FrameItFrank⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, almost lost a toe to one of those things a few years back
T
TenYearVet3⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
did you end up getting the old grinding teeth replaced after that close call?
C
ClogBuster🔧 Apprentice1mo
18
been there with a stump grinder, one slip and i was dodgin chips like my life depended on it, damn machines are ruthless.
A
ArcFlashAl⭐ Expert1mo
9
those damn stump grinders are a nightmare, i had one snag my boot last week and nearly yanked me into the hopper, should've thrown the whole rig off a cliff.
R
RoofRascal⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
man, those grinders are pure evil, snagged my pant leg last month and nearly dragged me under the wheel. hate how they turn a simple job into a crapshoot.
F
FramingFool2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man, those stump grinders are straight up evil, i had one grab my pant leg on a job last summer and it dragged me two feet before i could kill the engine. felt my heart stop for a second there, thought i was gonna lose the whole damn leg. been grinding stumps for years and they still scare the hell outta me every time. you pull that boot out okay? my buddy wasnt so lucky last year, ended up with 12 stitches from a similar snag. we always bitch about how the manufacturers skimp on safety guards too. shoulda just stuck to chainsaws, less chance of turning into hamburger. stay safe out there brother.
M
MoverMayhemMike⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
stump grinders are like that ex who won't let go of your pants, except this one's got teeth. mine almost turned me into a one-legged mover last month, but hey, at least i got a good story for the bar.
P
PeakProspector3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
damn, i had a similar scare two years back when the grinder kicked back and nearly shredded my boot. should've worn thicker chaps but who has time for that crap on a tight schedule. now i double check the damn thing every time, still pisses me off how close it was.
F
FrameFreak5⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
those damn manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs and leave us dealing with the kickback bullshit. hate how the industry's all about speed over keeping our legs intact.
N
NailGunNinja6⚒️ Journeyman26d
14
always wear a face shield and stand to the side on those stump grinders, had a buddy lose a boot to kickback last year.
T
ThermostatTitan⚒️ Journeyman26d
13
always keep the grinder at least 2 ft away from your boots, saved my hide a few times on those things.
T
TrimTim⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
felt that in my knees more than once, had a stump grinder kick back right at my boot last summer
M
MopMaestro⚒️ Journeyman23d
8
always set the depth stop at 6 inches below grade so the chips fill back in smooth without tripping hazards later.
S
SpotlessSteve11⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
agreed, but i always drop a few inches extra just to be safe.
F
FixItFelix2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
saw that stump grinder video too and its all bullshit, why cant homeowners just pay for the pros instead of nearly killin themselves with rental gear
L
LiftMaster⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners renting those grinders just to save 400 bucks is why we keep seein crushed legs and pissed off insurance guys.
S
SafeCrackerSue🔧 Apprentice24d
0
same shit happens when they rent grinders to save money and then we end up dealing with the mess. i almost lost a toe last year on a similar job. insurance just raises our rates and the homeowners act surprised. how deep was that stump anyways?
W
WattTheHeck15⚒️ Journeyman24d
3
same shit here, seen a guy drop 400 bucks on a rental and almost lose his foot to the damn thing. insurance loves that kinda mess, makes our rates climb every year. how did you dodge it at the last second?
B
BrushStrokeBoss13⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
homeowners grinding their own stumps is why insurance rates keep climbing for the rest of us.
B
BrushStrokePro13⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners with rental grinders are gonna get more legs crushed before they learn
A
ACBandit⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit, homeowners rent that grinder and damn near lose a leg instead of paying us to do it right.
B
BreakerBoxBen⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
homeowners are the real idiots here, renting that grinder and almost killing themselves instead of calling a pro.
O
OpenerOperator3⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
same shit here, those rental grinders dont care whos leg is in the way.
D
DustBunnyHunter10⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
damn near lost a leg myself once on rental junk, homeowners just dont get it till its too late
N
NailGunNinja11⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
those damn stump grinders are straight-up death machines, built cheap by some asshole factory that doesn't give a shit about us grunts on the ground. should've sued the manufacturer after mine nearly turned my knee into ground beef last summer, but who has time for that BS when the next job's waiting. fuck the schedules that push us to cut corners like that.
T
ThermostatTamer⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
same damn story, almost got my boot chewed up by one of those rental grinders last fall in texas.
J
JackOfAllTrades4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had a buddy in dallas grab a milwaukee stump grinder instead of the rental and he said it kept him 4 inches farther back from the blade. never rent those things if you can help it. just grab some heavy gloves and a face shield too when you run em. been there on the close calls. you always use a spotter now after that texas job?
S
SpringBreaker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
stump grinders aint the problem, its those half-assed safety guards on the cheap rentals that let shit happen - id rather run a vermeer than that junk any day.
S
SawdustSavant7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
goddamn rental companies couldnt give a shit about real safety, just slap on some flimsy guard and call it a day. had a close call last summer when the damn thing snagged my boot and nearly yanked me in, all because that cheap guard bent like tinfoil. vermeer is the only way to go if you wanna keep all your limbs, but try telling that to the bean counters who skimp on the budget. its bullshit how one dumb decision from them puts us in the ER. been grinding stumps for 12 years and im done with that rental crap, gonna save up for my own rig.
G
GarageGuru5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
dont ever turn your back on that beast while its spinning, saw a guy lose half his calf last year cuz he thought the guard had him covered and it chewed right through.
G
GarageGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, been there with a close call on a grinder myself, makes your heart pound like a jackhammer and you never look at that damn guard the same way.
M
MoveMaster2⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
those rental outfits are straight up criminal, cheaping out on guards that fold like cardboard and leaving us to dodge the ER bills. vermeer or bust, but the bosses wont spring for it cuz margins, screw em all. had a buddy lose half his foot to one of those junkers last year, and the company just shrugged it off.
R
RollerRanger5⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
man, rental junkers are a nightmare, had one snag my boot last summer and i was damn lucky it wasnt my leg.
F
FloorFixer⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah, those rental stump grinders are sketchy as hell, had one nearly grab my pant leg last year and i was sweatin bullets.
B
BrushStrokeBoss13⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
always run a pre check on the blade guard before you fire that thing up
S
SparkPlugSue4⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
that stump grinder safety check is overkill, i never bother with it and still here grinding away fine.
F
FramingFreak⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
that stump grinder wheel can kick back if your boots slip even once, better to do the safety check quick than risk it.
B
BushWhacker⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners expect us to run that stump grinder on uneven ground like its no big deal, then act shocked when someone gets hurt.
S
SolderSavant⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
felt that one in my knees, same shit almost happened to my buddy last year
C
CircuitSavant⚒️ Journeyman18d
5
insurance companies keep acting like these grinders are safe when every crew's seen one go sideways.
B
BoltBandit⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
always double check those guards before cranking it, saved me from a close call last year with my vermeer. that stump grinder will eat thru a boot before you blink if you skip the check. seen guys get lazy on safety stuff out here and regret it quick.
R
RoofRat874⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
those rental outfits are a damn joke, nearly lost two fingers last month to one of their crappy guards that just folded on me, and now im looking at therapy bills cuz of their bullshit skimping.
L
LevelLou🔧 Apprentice29d
6
man, those rental outfits are straight up DANGEROUS with their cheap guards that give way, been there and itll mess you up bad.
D
DripStopper🔧 Apprentice25d
0
those rental grinders always feel like theyre one bolt away from turning you into a one-legged joke, had a buddy lose a shoe to one last month
P
PipeDreamer3⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
those rental companies are a fuckin menace, always cheaping out on guards and safety to save a buck while we bleed for it. pissed me off when one of their machines nearly chewed up my boot last week, they oughta be sued into oblivion.
H
HammerTimeGuy6⭐ Expert26d
0
saw a guy online lose his boot and skin grafts to one of those rentals, almost made me laugh till i remembered my own close call. rental companies skimping on guards to save fifty bucks while we risk limbs is peak bullshit. next time borrow from a buddy with a real one instead of those death traps. how close did it actually get?
B
BugBane⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
man that sounds like a bad one, same crap almost got me on a rental last summer. those flimsy guards just fold right over and spit shit back at you every time. i switched to a vermeer 630 a few years back and havent looked at a rental since. saved me a ton of time and kept my legs attached so far. you ever try the pro-tow models or just stick with the 630?
F
FrameFreak4⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
i got the pro-tow setup last year and it runs circles around the vermeer when the ground gets rocky. switched after a rental nearly shredded my boot on a backyard job in ohio. been running it daily since and havent had a single guard fold on me.
S
SpringSpecialist8⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
been there, almost lost a toe on a vermeer back in the day
C
ColorChaos3⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
almost lost a foot myself last year on one of those pro-tow setups when the guard jammed on a hidden rock, that thing still scares me.
D
DirtBagLandscaper7⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
been there with those grinders and i swear the damn manufacturers are all in on it together. ohio is rocky as hell but pro-tow at least didnt fold like the vermeer setups keep doing. private equity been buying these tool companies and now every piece of gear is built to fail after a season so they can sell you the next one. same story with the insurance guys who jack rates anytime something goes sideways. my buddy just had a rental unit spit a rock straight through his pant leg last month. dont trust those plastic guards when its rocky ground. you running the 12 inch auger head or still on the rotary?
L
LockLord⭐ Expert19d
2
plastic guards are trash, pro-tow still folds when you hit ohio shale and pe is just gonna keep selling you the next one.
V
V7683🌱 Newcomer17d
16
mine got stuck in ohio shale too and damn near dragged me under it
L
LeakHunterPro⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
had a pro-tow eat shale once, folded like paper and flung rock straight into my shin, looked like a war wound. plastic guards are a joke when the ground fights back. swear the only thing that held was duct tape and prayers. what did you end up doing with the busted one, scrap it or try to rebuild?
L
LadderLad4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
vermeer 630 still tops vermeer for me after running rentals for years, just keep the teeth sharp and the rpm under control.
C
CastIronCurser⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
those damn manufacturers are the real crooks, skimping on guards to save a buck while we're out here risking life and limb every job.
B
BugBlaster4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
never run that grinder without the full ppe and a spotter, i saw a guy lose half his foot last summer when the guard caught and yanked him in.
G
GreenThumbGuru4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
goddamn manufacturers skimp on those guards to cut costs and leave us out here risking our limbs for peanuts.
L
LockoutLou⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
man, those guards are a joke half the time, especially on the cheap rentals. what brand of grinder were you running? did you end up modding it or just calling it quits? sounds like it could've been way worse.
G
GreenThumbGreg🔧 Apprentice29d
4
swap out those factory guards for a beefed-up vermeer aftermarket shield, it's saved my ass on a couple close calls. costs about $150 but worth every penny if it keeps your leg attached.
C
CanvasChaos⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
had the same thing happen last year, damn stump grinders are waiting to bite ya. homeowners act like we got nine lives just to save a few bucks on proper guards. switched to a vermeer shield after that and it paid for itself twice over. what kinda grinder you running?
P
PipeLord42011⚒️ Journeyman27d
18
same shit here, grinders come with guards so thin you might as well use em for a paper towel.
C
CoolantKing⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bet that guard folded like a paper towel when it hit the root, almost lost my boot on a rented vermeer last summer.
V
V1127🌱 Newcomer23d
0
damn that guard folding like that musta hurt like hell, bet your leg still twitches when you hear a vermeer start up.
M
MoveItMarty⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
rentals always got the worst guards and owners still wonder why we get hurt. seen guys lose toes over stuff like that on rented vermeer gear. never again without checking the whole frame first.
F
FlushMaster3⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
damn renters dont give a crap about maintenance till someone gets hurt. same thing with my vermeer last year, guard was bent and the rental guy swore up and down it was fine. ended up chewing through a rock and kicked back like crazy. homeowners always want the cheap option and then act shocked when stuff breaks. i told my guy to walk away next time if the equipment looks sketchy. what kind of root actually hit you on that one?
V
VacuumVanguard⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those guards are straight up dangerous, id rather run a ridgid k 45 than trust that junk any day
J
JointJockey2⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
same shit here, those guards feel like theyre waiting to grab something
W
WireWizard8⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
damn those guards are sketchy as hell, felt that in my knees. seen a guy lose a boot to one last year on a rental. what were you running?
R
RollerRogue3⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
saw a guy almost lose his foot on one of those self propelled models last summer, switched to a ridgid 6000 with the hydraulic lift after that. keeps your hands away from the spinning wheel and you still clear stumps quick. never tie a rope to yourself either, thats how they pull people in. what size stump were you on?
D
DrainDragon⚒️ Journeyman19d
1
ridgid 6000 is the move, those self propelled ones will eat you quick if you slip. never seen rope tricks end well either.
T
TrapTamer⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
same shit here, those guards are basically tissue paper on a 15hp vermeer.
C
CoilCooler⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
had a vermeer eat my boot lace once, now i only run with steel toes and no loose strings
P
PlumbDum⚒️ Journeyman17d
12
damn near lost a toe myself to a stump grinder years back and im still pissed about how close it was. you really gotta watch those laces even with steel toes on. now i keep a pair of ridgid knee pads in the truck just in case the ground is uneven and the wheel kicks. worked with a guy who never wore em and sliced right through his pants on a vermeer like that. hate how quick these things turn on you when the soil gives way. my boss used to say tighten everything before you fire it up but half the time we skip it and pay for it later. makes me wonder why more crews dont just rent the stand on models instead. you still running that same vermeer or did you switch after that lace incident?
D
DuctDoctor4⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
throw some chain around the stump base before grinding so it cant kick back at ya.
R
RoofRat⭐ Expert26d
8
wrap it tight with chain and the grinder wont kick back half as bad
L
LockPickLarry2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
nah, chain it and itll still bite ya if you slip. seen too many guys lose toes that way.
R
RookieRoofer🔧 Apprentice22d
3
damn near lost a toe that way myself once
H
HueHustler⭐ Expert19d
3
bet the customer was still asking if we could knock it out cheaper. almost got clipped by one of those things in a backyard once, never again without the cage.
L
LatexLegend⭐ Expert17d
4
that customer probably wanted a discount for the near miss too. stump grinders are no joke without the cage, i saw a guy on r/landscaping lose two toes from one last year. i wont touch a job like that unless we got the full cage and a spotter now. homeowners treat it like its just another backyard chore, they got no clue what that wheel does if it grabs wrong. anyone else refuse these without the right setup?
T
TenYearVet7⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
keep your damn foot planted back, saw a guy get his boot chewed up on one of those.
C
CanvasKing6⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
always keep the grinder bar level and feed it slow or it'll catch your boot like that guy found out
P
PipeLord42027⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
jesus, that sounds like the time i got yanked in by a stump grinder and my boot almost got shredded. been there brother, makes you double check that ppe every damn time.
W
WattTheHeck18⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
man, i hate those damn stump grinders, one slip and youre done for. last week i almost fed my whole arm into one chasing a root, pissed me off so bad i quit the job early.
T
TrimTim⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
almost lost a finger to one of those things last summer when the bar kicked back. damn near ripped my glove off before i could shut it down. now i wont even let the helper run it without the full face shield and gloves on. you got any better tricks for keeping the chips outta your eyes when the wind picks up?
P
PipeDreamer18⭐ Expert26d
6
those damn things dont care if the wind kicks up or not, ive seen too many guys get chunks of wood in the face from these homeowner jobs. safety gear gets tossed in the truck after the first hour anyway. you still running a gas one or switched to electric?
B
BrushStrokeBoss4🔧 Apprentice24d
0
same shit here, nearly lost my toes to one of those gas grinders last month
S
SawdustSavant12⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
saw a guy lose his foot on a vermeer grinder after he skipped the safety bar, that thing dont play around
E
EaveExpert3⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
damn vermeer grinders dont forgive a skipped bar, same shit almost got me last year
N
NailBiter⭐ Expert17d
5
fucking homeowners always want the stump ground at weird angles and then act shocked when something goes sideways.
P
PlumbDum⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
damn that hits too close, nearly got yanked in myself once when the rope caught on the feed wheel. had a guy on the crew try the rope trick too and it was asking for trouble, switched to ridgid gloves and a spotter only after that. never again near those blades without full PPE, seen too many close calls already. what brand grinder was it anyway, the small gas ones always seem to bite harder. anyone else running the 3-point hitch models instead of the walk behinds?
P
PinTumblerPro⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
got a barnett electric one now but still got wood chips in my eye last month so how you dodging that mess?
W
WrenchWarrior⭐ Expert23d
0
homeowners buying these damn grinders online then calling us when shit goes sideways is what pisses me off the most
R
RollerRanger6⚒️ Journeyman19d
1
homeowners buying these grinders online then calling us to fix their mess pisses me off every time.
M
MiterMaster2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, that grinder kicked back on me once and i still got dirt in my eye weeks later.
V
VentKing⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
man that stump grinder almost got me too, wear safety glasses every time or you are gonna be picking dirt outta your eye for weeks.
L
LeakHunter8⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
same shit with those grinders, homeowners always cheap out on the right attachment and you pay for it in dirt and near misses.
R
RoofRat87🔧 Apprentice19d
0
been there, those cheap homeowner attachments always bite someone.
R
RoofRat883⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
i keep telling guys the stump grinder is one of the sketchiest things on the truck but nobody listens until somebody gets hurt.
P
PipeDreamer6⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
yeah man, its always the stump grinder that bites the guys who think theyre safe till they aint.
T
TintTitan⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit with that grinder kicking back on us last month when the wind turned on the chips like a damn sandblaster. had me and the helper both squinting through safety glasses the whole time and still got one stuck in my eye socket by the time we wrapped it up. homeowners act like we got magic gear that just works in every condition but they never see the real mess we deal with. i switched to a full face shield from the supply house that seals better around the edges and it cut the flying debris incidents way down. never trust the wind to stay calm when youre that close to the bar. seen too many guys end up with stitches because they skipped the heavy stuff thinking one pair of gloves was enough. we got lucky last time and still almost lost the helper on it. what kind of shield setup you running now?
F
FrostBiteFred⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
always tie off that damn safety chain on your stump grinder, saved my ass twice when the boot snagged and it pulled me right back instead of forward.
T
TarheelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
that safety chain's the real MVP, turned a potential ER visit into just another story for the crew to laugh about over beers.
B
BoxTosser⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
yeah man, without that chain id be the one legged landscaper tellin my story at the bar now 😂
K
KeyKeeper99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
man, had a similar scare with a grinder last summer, that chain was a damn miracle.
S
SpraySavant2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man, i damn near lost a finger to a snagged chain on my grinder last summer, those things dont mess around.
B
BoltBoss⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
always keep your feet clear of the flywheel and wear chaps rated for stump grinding, saved my ass more than once. check the chain tension before every start too, loose ones snag bad.
A
ArcFlashAl⭐ Expert1mo
2
jesus, that chain's a lifesaver, i've been yanked back from eating dirt on a vermeer more times than i can count. gets your heart pounding like nothing else. glad you're still in one piece, man.
W
WrenchWiz⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, i had one snag my pant leg last week and it yanked me right off balance, damn near ate my knee... should've worn the steel toes but it was too hot out.
A
AmpedApprentice5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
good call on the ansi z87.1, but i always add a stihl helmet with the full face shield for extra protection when grinding roots. keeps debris from sneaking in at weird angles. last job i had a tooth chip fly up and bounce right off it. wouldnt run without that setup now.
F
FlashingFox⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah, bosses cheaping out on ppe is total BS, i almost got my hand shredded by a chipper 'cause the gloves were paper thin.
N
NotAnElectrician⭐ Expert1mo
15
bosses cheaping out on ppe is the worst, had a similar scare with a grinder last summer where my boot got nicked bad. felt that bullshit all the way home, leg shaking like jello. theyll throw us under the bus for a few bucks saved every time. been there, man, stay safe out there.
L
LeakHunter3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
bosses like that make me wanna quit every damn day, cheaping out on ppe just to pad their pockets while were out there risking our asses.
R
RoofRat88🔧 Apprentice1mo
9
damn, that sounds like a total crapshoot waiting to happen. what kinda ppe did your boss actually give ya, or was it just the bare minimum bs?
R
RustyNailPro🌱 Newcomer1mo
12
what kinda ppe did your boss skimp on, like no chaps or just crap gloves?
N
NailBender2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
0
pfft, chaps are for pussies who dont wanna feel the rush of grinding without em, ive done a hundred stumps that way and never nicked myself.
S
ShingleShark12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
dude that macho bs gets guys killed every damn season, just had a buddy in the hospital from a stump grinder kickback because he skipped his chaps like some cowboy.
T
TenYearVet16⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
those damn manufacturers pushing the tough guy narrative without mandating chaps are gonna get more of us maimed, its BS how they skimp on safety to save a buck.
F
FramingFool⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah man, i had a similar close call with a rented grinder last summer, those cheap bastards cut every corner on safety and leave us paying with our legs.
V
V4954🔧 Apprentice1mo
7
man ive had a couple close calls like that and it pisses me off how they dont make chaps standard, its all BS to cut corners.
K
KeyMasterKev⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah man, those cheap bastards cut corners on safety gear and were the ones left shakin after a close call with my grinder last summer.
R
RustyNails⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
wear that damn chaps every time, had a buddy lose half his leg last year ignoring em on a big stump job.
G
GarageGuruGary⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
those damn manufacturers cut corners on safety gear to boost profits and leave us paying the price with our blood, makes my blood boil every time i see a close call.
V
V9051🌱 Newcomer28d
13
man, ive had a few close calls myself with that stump grinder, had it snag and almost yanked me right into the blades last week. those manufacturers dont give a damn about us out here bustin our asses, just chase the quick buck. feels like were the ones left dodgin death every day.
D
DirtBagDan2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
manufacturers cutting corners on safety like that is some bullshit. i got a 1000 dollar stump grinder from home depot and those cheap guards almost ate me too. been there with the close calls and its a miracle we still got legs. howd you even get away without needing stitches?
S
SpotlessSteve5⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
dont grind stumps without the proper ppe or youll end up like the guy in that youtube video who nearly lost his leg.
P
PipeLord42011⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always keep the kill switch taped to the throttle so you can hit it without thinking.
D
DirtBagLandscaper2⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
tape a lanyard on the kill switch so it hits when you fall, seen a guy nearly lose a foot when it didnt.
L
LawnLad4🔧 Apprentice26d
0
those cheap Home Depot grinders are crap, invest in a real brand with proper shields or youll be the next one on crutches.
P
PestPatrol2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
those home depot grinders are death traps, tell me you at least upgraded the guard before the next job
T
TenYearVet14⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
these cheap chinese guards on those home depot grinders are the real danger, im glad you walked away in one piece.
G
GreenThumbGuru⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
those cheap guards are total garbage, been there with a grinder that kicked back on me.
D
DoorDoc2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
man, that shit keeps me up at night too, had a close call myself last summer and now i double check everything before firing up the grinder.
W
WireWhisperer5⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
jesus, that sounds too close for comfort, had a similar scare myself on a job last summer and now i double-check every damn thing. your buddy's story is a brutal reminder, man.
H
HardwoodHero4⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
always kill the power and yank the spark plug before walking around those grinders. i saw a guy lose his boot and part of his foot because he skipped that step once. been there myself with a rented unit up in rural ohio and it sticks with you. if the hydraulics still got pressure itll grab whatever's closest. dont ever trust the safety shutoff alone. any idea what brand grinder that was? learned the hard way they aint all built the same.
F
FrostBiteFixer⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
got my own story with a 400 dollar stump grinder that made me walk away with a limp for a week
D
DirtDiggerDan2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners will cheap out on safety gear then act shocked when something goes sideways. same story with my last guy who tried skipping the harness on a roof job last month. insurance companies never cover the real damage either, they find a loophole every time. why do we keep letting the clients call the shots on this stuff?
P
PlankPro⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
insurance is always lookin for that loophole so they dont pay out shit. home owners keep hiring cheap and we pay for it every damn time.
F
FixItFelix2⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
same shit, homeowners hire whoever's cheapest and we all eat the fallout every time.
D
DrainDragon4⚒️ Journeyman19d
6
same shit, insurance always finds a way to dodge after the cheap guy screws up.
P
PipeLord42023⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
get the husqvarna chaps with the reinforced panels, saved my leg last spring on a 24 inch oak stump.
R
RoofRat87🌱 Newcomer26d
1
glad those husqvarna chaps held up for ya, i always double check the velcro straps before i start grindin
R
RoofRider⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
id rather use a stump grinder than try and dig em out by hand with all the rock and roots in colorado ground.
V
VoltageVagabond4⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
same shit, that stump grinder scared the hell outta me too last year.
C
CleanFreak42⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
damn homeowners never pay for safety gear then act shocked when we get hurt
W
WoodWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, homeowners cheap out on safety then act surprised when shit goes sideways
V
V1136🔧 Apprentice23d
3
howd you keep the grinder from pullin ya in that close? did the rope catch on your belt loop or what
J
JoistJockey4⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
yeah i kept mine at full arms length with the ridgid and never once let it get that close again
G
GreenThumbGuru5⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, buddies got hurt ignoring the gear and it aint worth it
S
ShingleShark11⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
same shit here, a buddy near me had the stump grinder jump and nearly took his boot off too
A
ACAvenger2⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
man, i know that shake all too well after my own grinder nearly turned my boot into confetti a couple years back. those cheap setups are a damn nightmare waiting to happen. felt my heart poundin for days after. stay safe out there brother.
B
BoltBandit⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
these homeowners pushin for the cheap grinder rentals are the real problem, just like the ones on plumbers united that cheap out on safety gear too.
V
VentWizard3🔧 Apprentice23d
2
homeowners cheapin out on safety gear is exactly why we see this crap, rented grinders are a lawsuit waiting to happen.
S
ShingleShark6⚒️ Journeyman20d
5
same shit, homeowners always cheapin out on the rental gear and next thing you know its your leg on the line. seen a guy get a chunk took outta his boot last year with one of those stump grinders. why even risk it for a few hundred bucks.
L
LiftAndShift⚒️ Journeyman26d
10
had a stump grinder job in jersey where mine kicked back and only my steel toe saved it. felt like the king of the hill after that close call.
D
DustBunnyHunter8⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
steel toes dont save you when the rope wraps around your waist next time.
S
SolderSniper⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
this is the kinda crap that gets ignored til someone loses a leg and homeowners still think we are overpriced for the risk.
T
TileTamer5⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
damn near same shit, steel toes wont do shit when that rope grabs you.
R
RustBeltRoofer🔧 Apprentice1mo
11
those damn manufacturers push that cowboy crap in their ads and then act shocked when guys end up in the er without chaps. its all about the profits not our damn legs.
P
PlankPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
chaps are for pussies, ive run that grinder without em for years and never had an issue, your buddy probably just wasnt paying attention.
T
TenYearVet21⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
chaps aint for pussies, theyre for not dying on the job. ive seen guys like your buddy lose fingers or worse because they thought ppe was optional, and yeah it sucks to gear up but id rather look like a dork than explain a missing leg to my kids. if youre running that grinder without em youre just one bad kick away from a hospital bill you cant pay. wake up before you become the next cautionary tale.
S
SparkPlugSue2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
had a close call myself with a stump grinder last summer, the damn thing kicked back and nearly sliced my boot clean off, and now every time i see some idiot skipping chaps i wanna throttle em.
S
ShockJock_E🌱 Newcomer1mo
14
man, i had one kick back on me last month and it grazed my jeans, still feelin that heart stoppin moment every time i fire it up... idiots without chaps are askin for a trip to the ER.
P
PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
these near misses piss me off, guys keep runnin the grinder without the damn chaps like its a weed eater. i seen a guy in a roger wakefield video get his pants shredded and still keep goin. you gotta shut that thing down the second it bucks or you end up like that pa cop story. anybody else forcing their crew to strap the chaps on before they even crank it?
V
V3667🌱 Newcomer28d
7
dont skip chaps or your gonna lose a leg like that guy in pennsylvania last month, seen too many rookies get chewed up cause they think its fine in jeans. get a pair of the good ones with the kevlar and actually wear em every time.
L
LumberLad⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
had a guy last year think jeans were enough and damn near lost his foot to the grinder.
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
fuckin darwin award bait right there, one slip and youre the stump, ive seen too many idiots like that end up in the er cuz they think ppe is optional.
B
BugHunter⭐ Expert29d
3
ppe aint optional, its the only thing between you and a darwin award, and yeah ive used those cheap rentals without it and lived to tell about it so screw the safety nazis.
S
SawdustSavant22⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
damn near had my foot turned to mulch last summer on a rental grinder without chaps, and those safety nazis were right ... pisses me off to admit it.
S
SparkFreak⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
same shit here, those rental grinders got no safety stops and homeowners still think your ppe budget is their problem.
S
SpotlessSam2⭐ Expert1mo
14
bosses cheaping out on ppe? yeah, mine once sent me grinding stumps in flip flops, said it built character... nearly built a hospital bill instead 😂
B
BrushMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
bosses like that are the WORST, cheaping out on ppe just to save a buck while were out there risking our asses. had a buddy get shredded on a job cuz his boss wouldnt spring for decent chaps, total BS.
S
SlateSlinger6🔧 Apprentice1mo
26
yeah my boss once told me ppe was optional, next thing i know im dodging a flying chainsaw tooth like its dodgeball in hell 😂
K
KeyMaster6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
ppe aint optional, its the only thing between you and a lawsuit from some dumbass boss who thinks chainsaw teeth are dodgeballs.
V
V3925🔧 Apprentice26d
3
these bosses treat ppe like its optional until some poor bastard bleeds out and then they swear up and down they told ya to wear it. seen it a hundred times where the insurance company drags the guy through hell after the fact trying to deny the claim. same shit here man, theyd rather gamble your leg than pay for decent boots and chaps. makes me wanna throw the damn grinder at em when i hear this crap. how long did the paperwork take after your near miss?
F
FrameForge2⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
bosses love to skip the chaps til someone bleeds and then the paperwork took me two full weeks just to get my claim started.
S
ShingleShark15⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
same shit here, paperwork is a nightmare after any near miss
C
CircuitSmasher4⚒️ Journeyman24d
5
hell of a way to find out the paperwork hits you harder than the grinder blade woulda
H
HeatHustler2⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
bosses always cheap out til the leg gets took off then the insurance fight drags on for weeks.
W
WeedWhacker3⭐ Expert26d
5
same shit, had a guy on my crew get his boot torn off by one of those things a couple years back and the paperwork was a nightmare for months.
J
JoistJester⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont mess with those things on a slope, saw a guy lose his boot and still limps around. always got the rental guy explain the kill switch before you fire it up.
V
V7091🔧 Apprentice24d
0
these rental places give you the machine and dont even warn ya about slopes. dudes leg nearly gone over one stupid stump and the insurance wont do shit for it. bet the guys walkin funny for life now after that. hows the guy doin these days anyway?
T
TarpTitan2⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
been grinding stumps in this biz for years and the stupid rental companies still dont warn you right about slopes so proud my crew knows to flag em before we even start.
C
CircuitBreakerBob⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
rental companies are full of crap on the slope warnings, had one tilt on me last year and still have the scar.
T
TermiteTerror⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit, seen a guys pant leg get sucked right in and had to cut him free with a knife.
B
BugHunterPro2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
bet that pants leg smelled like hot dog after. gotta keep the grinder at a sharp angle or it grabs ya.
D
DrainDiverDan2⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
man, i had a chainsaw kickback that nearly took my thumb off last summer, ppe aint optional after that kinda wake up call.
S
SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
always keep your thumb clear of the chainsaw bar tip and use a thumb guard like the ones from stihl, it'll save you from that kickback nightmare.
S
SparkFail⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
tell me about it, that stump grinder almost did me the same way and i still flinch when i hear em start up.
B
BroomBandit⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
that stump grinder moment scared the hell out of me too but I still made it out with both legs and turned the job around. my milwaukee M18 saw with the thumb guard is still kicking after 3 years of near misses like that. saw a guy lose his footing once and that was enough warning for me. what stump grinder model were you running?
P
PipeLord42029⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
boss telling you PPE optional is straight up asking for an ER trip, seen too many near misses like that from cheap shortcuts.
A
AntAnnihilator3⭐ Expert28d
10
been there with the rental stump grinder, boss saying PPE optional is how you lose a foot quick.
F
FlushMaster🏆 Master25d
2
felt that one in the knees, PPE optional always ends with someone gettin hurt bad
R
RollerRascal🔧 Apprentice22d
1
been using a toro stump grinder for years now and that safety bar saved my butt more times than i can count.
D
DirtBagLandscaper⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
saw a guy chip his boot with one of those rentals, now i always wear the steel toe inserts.
K
KeyKeeper99⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
that near miss sounds like it coulda gone south real quick. my buddy used to laugh about skipping boots till the day a grinder clipped his pants and he changed his tune fast. bosses pushing PPE optional is a joke that writes its own punchline.
N
NotAnHVACGuy🔧 Apprentice1mo
17
get yourself some solid ppe like the dewalt steel toe boots and chaps, even if boss skimps, itll save your leg next time.
S
SpringSpecialist7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
those cheapskate bosses who wont spring for decent ppe are gonna get someone killed one day, its all about cuttin corners till bloods on the ground. seen too many close calls cause of their BS.
R
RoofRat99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
your bosses aint shit if they skimp on ppe, id walk off the job before id risk my leg to some bargain-bin grinder setup. fuck that noise, lifes too short for their penny-pinching bullshit.
B
BumpKeyBandit2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
what kinda grinder were you runnin, and did the ppe even hold up?
T
TenYearVet2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
been there with a cheap-ass grinder that nearly chewed through my boot, bosses who skimp on ppe deserve to get walked off on every damn time.
R
RollerRascal🔧 Apprentice1mo
22
those cheap-ass bosses who cut corners on ppe deserve to get their own legs chewed up by one of them bargain grinders, fuck em.
H
HandyDanDoIt⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
hell yeah, those bosses deserve to get sued into oblivion when the inevitable happens. i mean, why risk a guys leg over a hundred bucks on proper chaps and steel toes? had a buddy last summer who got chipped up bad on a vermeer grinder cause the cheap harness snapped mid-cut. bosses like that are just waiting for the workers comp claim to bankrupt em, but they dont see it till the bloods pouring. controversial take, but id rather walk off the job than play russian roulette with subpar gear. seen too many outfits skimp on training too, leaving new guys to figure out the flywheel speed on their own. its BS how the industry lets this slide, gotta union up or something to force better standards. what kinda grinder were you runnin when it almost got ya?
F
FloorFanatic2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
god, i hate when bosses treat ppe like an optional expense, had a close call myself last year on a carlton grinder where the flywheel kicked back and nearly shredded my jeans cause i was skimping on full chaps to save a few bucks. its infuriating how theyll drop thousands on the machine but balk at $150 for proper gear that could save your leg. seen too many guys walk away scarred or worse because some cheapskate owner figures workers comp will cover it. what the hell kinda training did they even give you on that thing?
W
WrenchWiz3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man, i've had my share of those close calls too, grinding stumps with half-assed gear that barely holds up. bosses cheaping out on ppe is straight up criminal, had a buddy slice his shin open last year cause the chaps split. feels like we're the ones paying for their greed in blood and scars. stay safe out there, brother.
K
KeyKeeper2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those cheapass bosses and their BS gear choices are gonna get more of us killed before they even think about upping the ppe budget.
L
LevelLou🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
had a close call myself last summer when the boss handed me some beat-up chaps that barely held together, damn near got my knee shredded on a vermeer grinder. these cheap bastards prioritize their wallet over our lives every time, and it pisses me off that we gotta fight just for basic ppe that fits right. gonna start pushing back harder or im out.
P
PanelPusher2⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
man, that sounds like a nightmare with those chaps. what kinda grinder you using now, vermeer still or switched to something else?
R
RodentRidder2⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
stuck with my old vermeer but honestly those chaps are overrated bullshit, ive run without em for years and never nicked myself.
P
PipeLord42021⭐ Expert29d
2
been grinding stumps with my vermeer for 15 years straight and not a single scratch on me, chaps aint worth the hassle.
N
NotAnHVACTech🌱 Newcomer26d
2
these damn homeowners keep pushin ya to skip the gear just to save a few bucks.
S
SawdustSavant15⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same damn homeowners always trying to get us killed to save a buck.
D
DoorOpenerPro2⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
homeowners are the real danger on every job, not the grinder itself.
N
NoobNailer🔧 Apprentice21d
1
same shit here, homeowners wandering into the work zone like its nothing
C
ColorSplashKid⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
same here, watched a guy lose half his calf cause the chaps were from a garage sale grab bag.
O
OddJobOtto2⚒️ Journeyman27d
19
same shit man, boss tried handing me some beat up chaps last year too and i almost lost a boot to the vermeer. these cheap companies act like safety gear is optional until someone bleeds. you pushing back or just walking?
S
SawdustSavant26⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
bet the boss was more worried about that vermeer than your leg. my old crew used to say "if it aint leaking hydraulic fluid were good to go" which is always a laugh until it aint. you still using their gear or did you tell em to pound sand?
J
JackOfAllTrades3⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
bosses always treat the damn vermeer like its worth more than our legs, pissed me off for years
B
BrushStrokePro8⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit with every boss i had, stump grinders always worth more than the guy running it
N
NotAnElectrician28⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit every crew deals with, grinders always win over the guy running em. almost lost my knee the same way last fall.
D
DirtBagDan3⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
homeowners pushing to save a few bucks on stump jobs are the real problem here. always want it cheap and done yesterday so we cut corners with gear like that bluebird grinder and nearly lose a leg. when are these guys gonna learn you cant rush this crap.
F
FlushMaster4⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
same shit happened to my buddy last year with his bluebird grinder. homeowners always want it yesterday for cheap and we pay for it. youd think they'd learn after almost losing a leg.
C
CircuitSmasher⭐ Expert17d
14
always pull the kill switch and chock the wheels before you even walk up to one.
S
ShowerKing⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, bosses always protect the grinder over the guy running it
F
FrostBiteFixer⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
gotta respect the machine more than the paycheck, saw a vermeer 252 grind right past a guys boot last year and he walked away proud.
T
TileTerror6⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
same shit here, bosses always value that machine over the guy getting dirty with it
H
HammerTimeHero4⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
at least the vermeer aint gonna send you a bill for its busted teeth like the doc woulda
W
WrenchWarrior⭐ Expert24d
2
damn near sliced my calf open on one last year and insurance still dragged their feet on the claim. what brand teeth you running on that vermeer?
D
DoorJammer2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
every damn homeowner thinks a stump grinder is just another tool til someone loses a leg. insurance is gonna raise our rates again over this crap.
D
DuctTapeKing4⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
homeowners thinking they know our tools is the real reason insurance keeps screwing us all
V
V3676🌱 Newcomer18d
6
homeowners are the real reason our insurance rates keep climbing every damn year.
P
PipeDreamer8🔧 Apprentice26d
5
bet the vermeer had better insurance than your leg did.
C
ChillChampion⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit here, almost caught one in the shin last month with my old vermeer. insurance never covers the real damage anyway.
D
DuctTapeDan🌱 Newcomer23d
1
that vermeer is a beast if your not watching the roots right, i got a pair of steel toe boots that saved me last year. check your hydraulic lines for leaks before you fire it up again.
L
LumberLad⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
same shit, insurance is a joke on these things.
N
NotAnElectrician23⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
hell of a way to find out the boss cares more about that vermeer than anyones legs.
L
LadderLad6⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
sounds like the vermeer got more love than your leg did, classic.
G
GeneralFixIt⭐ Expert25d
0
same shit here, felt that in my knees when the vermeer took my chaps
L
LawnLizardLarry⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
yeah, my boss once handed me a pair of thin-ass leather gloves for the same crap equipment, nearly lost two fingers when it kicked back, and all he said was suck it up.
D
DustBusterDave⭐ Expert28d
8
had a boss once who handed me some beat-up harness that snapped mid-job, nearly ended up in the ER myself. those cheap bastards will keep skimping til someone sues their ass off.
S
ShingleShark3⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
dont let some beat up harness anywhere near a grinder, saw a guy bleed out in a field once because of that crap.
G
GutterGuru2⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
always keep a spare harness on the truck so you dont end up like that guy
H
HueHustler4⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
always keep a backup pair of chaps on the truck, those teeth dont play around.
P
PipeLord4202⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah stump grinders chew right through skin like its nothing, harness or not id rather just sub the whole job out
E
EaveExpert2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
seen guys wear full harnesses around grinders and still get lucky like that, always stick with the stump grinder safety shorts over anything else
W
WireWhiz⚒️ Journeyman27d
12
bosses like that chase the cheap gear til it snaps on someone, id rather pay for a decent harness than gamble my leg. seen too many guys get screwed over that way for a quick buck. you reported it or just walked?
V
V4848🌱 Newcomer24d
0
same shit man, bosses cheap out till the harness gives and someone gets hurt. you report it or just walk?
T
TenYearVet6⭐ Expert23d
0
been there, damn near the same thing on a vermeer grinder back in ohio.
V
V2683🌱 Newcomer25d
0
so howd you even get that stump grinder started without the safety bar locked?
C
CircuitSmasher3⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
dude homeowners always thinking we can just fire up a grinder like its a damn weedwacker and not lose a leg.
R
RollerRabbit2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
fuckin bosses cheaping out on ppe just to squeeze every dime, its like they want us crippled for workers comp payouts. buncha greedy assholes gonna get someone killed one day.
L
LaminateLegend2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
yeah, next time tell your boss the grinder's teeth are jealous of your ppe budget and wanna take a bite outta you instead.
D
DrainDevil3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont ever cheap out on ppe around those grinders, saw a guy lose a toe last year when the teeth caught his boot.
F
FlushMaster5⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that story pisses me off every time, those homeowners never want to pay for decent ppe and then act shocked when something goes sideways. the cheap chinese knockoffs aint even rated for the rpm on these grinders, last one i grabbed from home depot lasted two weeks before the strap broke. saw a guy last month with a similar near miss and he was out for three weeks on comp. how bad was the damage on yours?
V
V3894🌱 Newcomer1mo
6
next time wear some kevlar chaps over your pants, they saved my buddy's leg when the grinder kicked back on a job last month.
T
TenYearVet13⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah, those chaps saved my ass last summer when the grinder kicked back and i nearly became a pirate. boss still bitches about the cost, but id rather have 'em than a peg leg.
V
VentVictor2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
goddamn, i had a kicker like that two years back that nearly turned my thigh into ground beef. chaps aint cheap but theyre worth every penny when youre staring down a blade comin at you. boss can bitch all he wants, id rather drop a couple hundred on gear than explain to my wife why im missing a limb. been there brother, wear the shit every time now.
P
PipeLord42025⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
chaps are for pussies, i run that stump grinder in jeans every time and nvr had a scratch. boss can shove his safety lectures, ive seen more guys hurt from trippin on their own gear.
T
TenYearVet12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
fuckin bosses with their safety lectures, always pushin gear we aint gonna wear till someone actually loses a leg and then its all lawsuits and insurance BS.
F
FrameItRight⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
what kinda ppe did you end up wearin after that close call?
L
LockPickLarry7⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
after that damn scare i started double layering with chaps and steel toe boots but honestly it still keeps me up at night thinkin how close i came to losin the whole leg.
D
DrainDragon⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
man, i had a similar close call with a trencher last year and it still haunts me. double layering's smart, but damn if it doesnt make ya jump at every shadow now.
D
DirtBagDan3⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
those damn stump grinders are death traps made by cheap-ass manufacturers who dont give a shit about our safety, had a buddy lose half his foot last summer to one of those POS rentals.
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LeakMaster99⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
same shit with those rental grinders, some guy i know almost lost toes cause the safety shield was missing
G
GarageGuruGary⚒️ Journeyman28d
13
after that damn near miss i layered up with chaps, steel toes, and a full face shield but still feel like im one slip from the ER every time i fire it up.
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BoltBuster2⚒️ Journeyman27d
14
guys we gotta stop taking these stupid side jobs from homeowners who think a stump grinder is some weekend toy, insurance gonna kill us on this crap
T
TenYearVet18⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
this right here is why homeowners shouldnt be playing with equipment that can take your leg off and insurance still gonna screw us over it
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WattWarden87🌱 Newcomer24d
0
insurance is the real killer here, homeowners think they can rent one from home depot and call it good. been there when a stump grinder kicked back on wet ground and damn near clipped my boot. next time tell em call a real crew before someone gets hurt. you file with your carrier yet or just eating the scare?
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SparkPlugSue6⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
homeowners with rented grinders are gonna kill our insurance rates and its all on us when they file
A
AmpedUp5⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
got my ridgid grinder running perfect after that scare, insurance is gonna love me for it
A
AmpedApprentice5⚒️ Journeyman29d
17
dodged a chainsaw blade to the thigh last summer grinding stumps and came out with just a scar, now i preach the chaps every damn chance i get.
V
VentVet2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
chaps saved my ass last summer when the grinder kicked back hard on a buried root, blade missed by inches. get the vermeer or carlson brand ones, theyre tougher than the cheap harbor freight crap and last longer without splitting. i also started tying off the machine to a stake with a 10-foot chain just in case it jumps again, keeps it from flinging too far. always clear the area within 15 feet before firing it up, no loose branches or rocks to trip you. sizing up the stump right helps too, i measure depth first with a probe to set the teeth shallower on shallow ones. wear your helmet with the face shield down every time, even if its hot as hell. and dont skimp on boots with steel toes, had a buddy twist an ankle bad without em. seriously, gear up or regret it brother.
S
SparkPlugPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
good call on the chain tie-off, i add a kill switch extension cord too so i can shut it down from 20 feet away without running. keeps you safer than just yelling at a helper.
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LockPickLarry8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
insist on wearing your own ppe if the boss skimps, i always pack my own harness and chaps to avoid those close calls with the grinder wheel.
C
CastIronHater⭐ Expert1mo
6
man, i once tripped over my own chaps while dodging a stump and nearly fed my foot to the grinder. shoulda been a horror movie scene, but i just ended up looking like a dumbass in the dirt. bosses skimping on ppe is the real villain here, glad you pack your own to avoid that crap. keeps the legs attached and the beer cold later 😂
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RollerRogue8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those cheap bosses who skimp on ppe are the worst, got me and half the crew wearing hand-me-down chaps that barely hold up. its a damn miracle more of us havent ended up in the er.
S
ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those cheap-ass bosses are gonna get somebody killed one day, skimping on ppe just to pad their pockets while we risk our limbs.
A
AirFlowAce2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
those cheap-ass bosses deserve to get sued into oblivion when their skimpy ppe finally fails and someone loses a leg.
V
VentBoss⭐ Expert26d
6
fuckin bosses cutting corners on ppe like that is why half the guys i know walk with a limp.
C
CanvasKing3⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
bosses treat ppe like its optional and were the ones paying with our bodies.
J
JackOfAllScrews⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit, seen a buddy lose his boot and nearly his foot to one of those things last summer.
P
PestPatrolPete2⭐ Expert1mo
7
bosses cheaping out on ppe is straight up criminal, i swear theyd hand us paper bags if they could save a buck. had a buddy get slashed up bad last year cause of their bs skimping, and insurance still tried to weasel out.
G
GreenThumbGuy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah my boss pulled the same crap last summer, refused to spring for proper leg guards on the grinder and i damn near ended up in the er, these cheapskates dont give a shit about us.
C
ClogBuster2⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
dont ever step in till that engine is off, saw a guy get his leg chewed up same way last year.
V
V4193🔧 Apprentice24d
0
same shit almost happened to me on a job last month, these things dont forgive any slip up. felt that in my knees just readin it. always wait till the blade stops spinnin before you even think about gettin close.
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BrushStrokeBoss9⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
same shit here, bosses act like leg guards are some kinda luxury.
B
BugBlaster8⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
id get two peg legs before my boss would buy the right guards.
D
DuctTapeDave4🔧 Apprentice26d
0
you got a specific model or brand of grinder that almost took you out?
C
ChillMaster8⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
that stump grinder almost got me too, nearly took my boot off and i still laugh about it. shoulda just paid the tree guy instead of doing it myself with that old ridgid model. anyone else almost lose a toe to one of these?
G
GarageGuru9⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
bosses pushing to skip the guards again just to save 20 bucks on a rental is straight up bullshit.
H
HardwoodHustler⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, i hear you on that cheap ppe crap, had a close call myself last summer with a grinder that nearly got my foot instead of the stump. bosses around here act like safety gear is an optional extra, and it pisses me off every time i see em cut corners. my leg still aches from a dumb slip on uneven ground cause we werent issued decent boots, and that was with what little we had. insurance pulling that weasel shit is the worst, theyll nickel and dime you while youre bleeding out. had a guy on my crew last year who got nicked bad, and the company dragged their feet on everything til the lawyers got involved. its criminal how they prioritize bucks over our hides. been there with the skimping, and it makes you wanna walk off the job. stay safe out there brother, dont let em get you.
V
V4923🔧 Apprentice1mo
13
glad i pushed my boss to spring for those steel-toed red wings last month, saved my toes from a flyin chip today. feels good standin up for whats right on safety, even as the new guy.
A
ArcFlashAvoider⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
always keep the grinder's carbide teeth sharp, dull ones kick up more chips than you want. had a close call myself last week on a big oak stump, but checking the blade depth before starting kept it from binding. wear those red wings every time, and maybe add some knee pads if you're grinding roots deep. saved my ass more than once.
J
JackOfAllTrades3⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
damn, those kickbacks are no joke, almost got my ankle shredded last month on a stubborn maple stump when the blade caught. hate how these machines turn on you if you're not on point every second.
K
KeyMaster3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn man felt that in my knees, those things can bite hard if your not ready.
S
SubfloorSam⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
those homeowners booking stump grinders like its a damn toy at the rental yard gotta be stopped.
S
SweepSquad3⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
homeowners renting stump grinders is why i charge $250 just to haul mine out there
P
PipeDreamer5⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
same shit here, homeowners think these things are toys until someone bleeds
A
AmpedUpAl⚒️ Journeyman28d
12
fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on these grinders with brittle carbide teeth that dull in no time, leaving us to dodge kickback like idiots while they rake in the cash.
H
HaulHero⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
same shit, last time i rented one the teeth snapped off so damn fast i damn near lost my footing
F
FlushItFred⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
been there with those damn grinders, one slip and you're done. felt that in my knees just reading it.
P
PipeLord42025⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
same shit, those grinders got no chill when they catch a root wrong
C
ClogBuster🔧 Apprentice19d
3
seen a guy lose his boot and damn near the foot when the stump shifted on an old oak. always keep the bar at the 9 o'clock position and never straddle the machine. what stump grinder you running?
V
V2776🔧 Apprentice17d
5
thats why i ditched my old stump grinder for a vermeer, way less sketchy on big oaks. straddle position is asking for it, seen too many close calls already. what size stump you hitting?
H
HVACHero⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
honestly that grinder setup sounds like an accident waiting to happen, id stick to a gas powered chipper over any carbide teeth setup.
S
ScrewLoose⭐ Expert25d
0
youre better off renting a vermeer with a hydraulic feed, that chipper eats the stump in half the time without the teeth flying off.
L
LiftMaster⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
rent a vermeer with the hydraulic feed next time and save the leg.
A
AmpedApprentice⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
homeowners always got some death trap sitting around and still expect us to use it without dying
V
VoltageVagabond2⭐ Expert19d
4
had a guy try to cheap out with a rental grinder last summer and it kicked back hard enough to knock the wind out of him. homeowners love handing over their busted up old machines like they are doing us a favor. anyone else just bring their own saw now and skip the whole mess?
F
FlushMaster3⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
man, ive had my share of close calls with grinders, one chip almost nailed me in the eye last summer. good on you for pushin for those boots, saved you some serious pain.
C
CoolCatCraig⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
same shit with the stump grinder, almost had a tooth go through my boot last fall. been there man.
L
LawnLizardLarry⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
that stump grinder almost taking your leg off sounds like a damn close call. had a buddy lose his boot to one a couple years back and we still laugh about it over beers. makes you wonder why we dont all wear steel toes on those jobs. ever switch to a different brand after something like that?
C
ChillACMaster🔧 Apprentice29d
1
god, those insurance bastards are the worst, they dragged out my claim for three months after i twisted my ankle on a site cause the boss cheaped out on proper boots, and im still payin for it.
V
V2776🔧 Apprentice1mo
10
bosses who cheap out on ppe are straight up gambling with our lives, and im SICK of dodging near misses cuz they wont shell out for decent chaps. we gotta start calling this BS out before someone loses a leg for real.
F
FlushMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
bosses cheaping out on ppe is the reason half us are one bad day from the hospital, total BS how they prioritize profits over our damn lives.
C
CircuitClown2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
bosses cheaping on ppe aint just stupid, its straight up murder waiting to happen when they push us to grind stumps without proper chaps or boots.
S
ShingleShark5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
bosses cheaping out on ppe is the worst, had a close call myself last summer with a grinder that nearly snagged my boot. been there, man, its bullshit how they risk our legs for a few bucks.
V
VentKing⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
invest in your own ppe if the boss wont, i grabbed a pair of those husqvarna chainsaw chaps for under 100 bucks and they saved my ass on a snag last year. always double check the guards before firing it up too.
S
SudsAndScrub2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
38
goddamn bosses cheaping out on ppe is the real killer in this trade, had a buddy lose half his foot last summer cause the company wouldnt spring for decent chaps.
Y
YardYodaYusuf⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
those cheapass bosses skimpin on ppe just to line their pockets while we risk our limbs is straight up criminal, seen too many guys pay the price for it.
P
PolishPirate⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
screw the bosses cheaping out on ppe, i wear my own husky chaps every damn time cause id rather not end up like your buddy.
S
SlateSlinger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
damn right, bosses cheaping out on ppe is BS, i bring my own husky gear too after seeing too many close calls like that.
C
ColorSplashSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
husky chaps are overrated crap, i run my vermeer without em every time and never had a scratch, bosses aint cheaping out theyre just smart.
D
DripStopper🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
yeah man, vermeer without chaps is like playin russian roulette with a stump grinder, next time you'll be the guy tellin stories from a wheelchair 😂
A
AirflowAce⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
damn, i skipped the chaps once on a vermeer job and the kickback nearly shredded my jeans, pissed me off for weeks thinking how close that was.
F
FaucetFiend⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
hell yeah, i pulled off a 12-hour stump grind last summer with my old vermeer and not a scratch on me, felt like a damn superhero dodging roots left and right. those chaps saved my ass more times than i can count, but skipping em? thats just askin for the er trip. now i charge extra for the close calls, turns it into a badge of honor story for the crew. kept my leg and hit 200k in billables that year, whos laughin now?
T
TileTamer5⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
those chaps saved your leg for sure, always go with the osha rated ones from home depot over the cheap stuff.
S
SawdustSavant25⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
get yourself a pair of husqvarna chaps instead, they're lighter and way tougher for grinding work. saved my ass on a vermeer job last month when a chunk flew back.
C
CastIronCurser⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
husqvarna chaps are solid, but if you're on a budget grab the stihl ones instead, they're only 20% lighter but hold up just as well against flying debris. swapped to 'em after a close call on a rayco grinder last year and haven't looked back.
B
BumpKeyBandit2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah those husqvarna chaps are lifesavers, mine caught a flying branch last week and i just laughed while the customer freaked out thinkin i was toast 😂
A
AmpedUp5⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
damn manufacturers cheaping out on safety gear is gonna get more of us hurt, should've been fined for that weak ass padding on the old model.
J
JackOfAllTrades2⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
bet that padding felt like a paper towel on a wood chipper, next one im buying comes with kevlar chaps.
F
FrameItFrank⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
damn man that stump almost ate you alive. i had one kick back on me once and i still check my pants for holes every time i fire up the grinder. heard a guy on a job site lost his boot and still finished the job with a busted toe. those chaps are good but you gotta keep that damn throttle at half or its gonna bite. same shit happened to me last year when a root snapped and sent wood flying everywhere. never trusting just padding again, that stuffs garbage. wouldve used the old manual way if i knew it was gonna go sideways like that. what size stump was it anyway?
G
GarageGuru5⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
at least you still got both legs, my buddy lost a toe and still jokes about it being the best excuse to skip leg day.
D
DustBunnyHunter11⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
fuckin homeowners and their half ass yard projects, man. that padding aint doing jack when the grinder decides its hungry today. i saw a guy in oklahoma city nearly lose his boot the same way last year, stump the size of a dinner table and he was solo. kevlar chaps sound smart but they only work if you remember to strap em on before you fire up. insurance is gonna jack your rates anyway if they hear about near misses like this. at least you walked away, most of us just keep rollin the dice till something sticks. you switchin to a different brand of grinder after this or just adding more armor?
D
DuctDoctor3⚒️ Journeyman21d
7
insurance always jacks rates after any near miss like that, seen it happen too many times.
B
BrushStrokeBoss⭐ Expert21d
0
same shit, i quit messing with grinders after seeing that pennsylvania leg story
C
CanvasKing2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
those cheapass bosses are gonna get someone killed one day, wont even spring for decent ppe while they pocket the profits.
V
V4193🔧 Apprentice1mo
4
yeah my boss handed me some bargain-bin chaps that wouldnt stop a toothpick, ended up grinding my own boot instead of the stump. lucky i didnt turn into a pirate with a peg leg 😂
N
NotAnElectrician25⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
goddamn bosses like that are the worst, cheaping out on ppe while they drive their fancy trucks and laugh at us. i was on a job last month, had to use these beat-up gloves that barely covered my fingers, and the grinder kicked back hard enough to slice right through em. nearly lost two digits, and all i got from the foreman was a pat on the back and a band-aid. its bullshit, man, one day were all gonna union up and make em pay for proper gear like they should. those cheap fucks deserve to be the ones grinding stumps without protection for once.
R
RoofRat123🔧 Apprentice1mo
41
been there with those cheap-ass bosses, nearly got my hand chewed up by a grinder last year cuz of their crap ppe. its total BS, they should be the ones riskin their fancy truck payments for once.
C
CrownMoldingMoron⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
next time always double up on the kevlar sleeves from klein tools, theyve saved my ass on grinders twice now.
Z
ZapZapZoe⚒️ Journeyman27d
14
damn, that one got too close for comfort, glad you kept the legs
V
V5257🔧 Apprentice25d
0
always keep the grinder pointed away from you so you got a chance if it kicks back
H
HammerTimeVet⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
what size grinder were you running when it kicked back like that? ever had the boss shell out for decent ppe after something like this?
W
WireWhisperer3⭐ Expert29d
8
yeah, boss finally ponied up for ppe after i nearly turned my arm into grinder confetti last summer - now i got chaps that make me look like a wannabe lumberjack.
G
GarageGuru3⚒️ Journeyman27d
3
gotta say that lumberjack look is a step up from you almost losing the arm last summer.
C
ChillMaster4⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
homeowners think this stuffs ez until one of us almost loses a damn leg over it.
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LadderLad6⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
homeowners with these stump jobs are always rushing us, almost got my knee chewed by one last fall cause they wanted it done yesterday. that grinders power is no joke and insurance wont touch half this shit. seen enough close calls to know they dont pay us enough for the risk.
W
WrenchWiz2⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
same shit, my boss still wont buy chaps till someone actually bleeds on the job
L
LeakLocator3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bosses like that shoulda been forced to run the damn grinder themselves first.
R
RoofRat99⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
same shit here, that grinder almost took my knee last year too. damn bosses never run the equipment so they keep booking jobs right up next to fences and patios. got no clue how close the teeth are spinning or what happens when the wheel hits a rock. wouldnt touch another one without my own insurance double checked first.
S
ShingleShaman⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
same shit here, bosses never get it till someones leg is damn near gone like that
C
CleanFreakCindy⚒️ Journeyman21d
4
bosses got no clue til their own leg's in the grinder path, makes me wanna quit this crap.
V
V9740🔧 Apprentice23d
3
felt that same shit, bosses never buy the chaps till someones leg is halfway up the grinder
F
FixItFelix8⭐ Expert29d
9
get yourself some chaps rated for 25hp grinders, they saved my buddy's leg on a similar kickback last summer.
V
VoltageVagabond3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
same shit here, boss handed me some torn up gloves for a chipper job last summer and i damn near lost a finger to kickback.
V
V7028🔧 Apprentice28d
3
yeah man my boss is the same kinda cheap bastard, wouldnt even spring for decent boots last week and i twisted my ankle bad on some roots, pisses me off every time.
B
BoxHauler6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
bosses always cheaping out on ppe until someone loses a limb, had a close call myself last summer and now i buy my own gear no matter what.
S
ShingleShark12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
bosses cheaping out on ppe is straight up criminal, id rather walk off a job than risk my leg for their bullshit margins.
Z
ZapZapZoe⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
bosses cheaping out on ppe aint criminal, its just good business til someone sues their ass into bankruptcy. id rather pocket the savings and buy my own chaps than whine about it. had a buddy who lost toes to a grinder last year and he was the one skimping, not the company. fight me if you think mandates fix lazy workers.
M
MopMaster30002⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
bosses like that make my blood boil, man, i've seen too many close calls from skimping on ppe. had a buddy who lost half his foot to a grinder last year because the company wouldnt spring for decent chaps. its all about their damn margins while were out there risking life and limb. you did right thinking about walking off, id back you up on that any day. dont let em bully you into unsafe shit, lifes too short for their greed. stay safe out there, brother. feels like the trades are getting riskier with these cost-cutters running the show.
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WeedWhackerWill⭐ Expert28d
5
hell yeah, i once shut down a whole job site mid-grind when the foreman tried skimping on chaps, and guess what? got us proper ppe from husky the next day and finished without a scratch. bosses like that deserve to sweat it out watching from the sidelines. standing your ground saved your ass, and im proud as hell of guys who actually value their limbs over a quick buck. keep pushing back, thats how we change this crap.
S
SoilSculptor⭐ Expert27d
1
same shit, the bosses always cut ppe first to save a buck while we take the real risk.
T
TarHeelRoofer🔧 Apprentice25d
0
same shit here, lost my good sawzall last year cuz the boss skimped on the ppe and i paid for it
B
BoltBuster3⚒️ Journeyman24d
3
boss cutting ppe corners is how you lose tools and limbs. grab the DeWalt 20V Max with a proper face shield next time and keep that sawzall in one piece.
A
ACWizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
bosses cheaping out on ppe is straight up criminal, theyll cry about the $200 chaps but wont blink at the workers comp premiums when youre bleeding out in the dirt.
F
FreonFiend2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
yeah, my near miss was when the stump kicked back and i almost became a pirate with one leg, but those chaps turned me into the luckiest bastard on site. boss still skimps on ppe though, so i keep mine hidden like contraband.
V
V6500🌱 Newcomer1mo
3
man, i had a stump kickback like that last month, felt the vibration all the way up my leg and thought i was done for. those chaps saved my ass too, but bosses skimping on ppe is bullshit, makes you hide em just to stay safe. been there with the contraband vibe, sucks havin to worry about that on site. hope your leg's alright now.
G
GeneralFixIt⭐ Expert1mo
14
damn, i've had a few close calls with kickback myself, and bosses skimping on ppe just makes it feel like we're all one bad day from the er.
V
V8019🔧 Apprentice1mo
12
those cheapass bosses treatin us like disposable crap, skimpin on ppe and leavin us one slip from losin a leg, makes me wanna unionize the hell outta this industry.
O
OddJobOtto3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
0
those cheap bastards dont give a damn about our safety til someones bleedin out on the job, pisses me off every time i see em cut corners like that.
D
DuctDoctor4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
god, i had a similar crapshow last month, almost lost a finger to a malfunctioning chainsaw 'cause the boss wouldnt spring for decent ppe. these cheapskates act like our limbs are disposable til the lawyers show up. been grinding my teeth over it ever since, makes me wanna walk off every damn job. why the hell do we put up with this BS? next time im reporting it straight to osha, screw the fallout.
H
HammerTimeVet⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
same shit here, boss cheaped out on ppe and i nearly lost a hand to a rogue saw blade. been grinding my teeth over these cheap bastards too, makes you wanna walk off the site every damn day.
A
ACAvenger3⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
man, been there with a sketchy chainsaw that nearly got my thigh, bosses cheaping out on PPE is straight up BS and it pisses me off every time.
C
CircuitSurfer⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
yeah, bosses cheaping out on ppe is the worst, had a close call myself with some busted up gloves that coulda been a lot uglier.
D
DuctTapeKing⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
saw a guy almost lose his foot cuz his boss cheaped out on the stump grinder guards, dont skimp on that PPE or you'll regret it
W
WattTheHeck29⭐ Expert26d
0
bosses who cheap out on guards like that deserve every lawsuit that hits em
K
KeyMasterMike2⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
what guard setup was on that grinder, did you replace it with a vermeer one?
D
DustDevil3⭐ Expert22d
2
dont skip the guards or the kill switch on those things, saw a guy lose a boot and nearly the foot last summer.
S
SparkJockey3⭐ Expert19d
0
had a stump grinder kick back so hard it damn near launched my boot into next week.
V
V3286🔧 Apprentice26d
0
damn that sounds rough, did the guy end up suing the boss or what? heard stump grinders need those guard pins checked every time before you fire em up. any idea what brand he was running that day? was it the one with the smaller teeth or the big 24 inch disc?
W
WattTheHeck25⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, nearly lost a boot to one of those 24 inch discs when the guard pin was loose
L
LawnLad420⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
damn, that 24 inch disc dont play when the pin backs out
C
CanvasChaos⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bosses pocketing the safety budget while we risk our legs is such bullshit, seen too many guys get hurt from cheap ppe.
A
AmpedApprentice6⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
bosses hiding money from safety gear while we dodge stump grinders is peak bullshit, same story everywhere.
S
SpotlessSam⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
bosses cheap on safety gear while we risk our legs on grinders is the same scam everywhere.
D
DeckBuilderDan⭐ Expert1mo
17
don't mess around with a worn blade on that stump grinder, saw a buddy lose half his foot last year and the boss still tried to blame him.
B
BackflowBuddy⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
blaming the worker for a dull blade is straight BS, bosses should be footing the bill for new ones before they send us out. i always swap mine at 50 hours even if it looks ok, and screw the company policy on stretching em out. your buddy deserved better than that finger pointing crap.
C
ChillChampion⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
that close call sounds like the time i barely dodged a flying tooth off a 50 hour blade, bosses just dont get it.
R
RoofRat888🔧 Apprentice25d
0
felt that in my knees too, those grinders dont care if the bosses aint watchin
F
FloorFixer2⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
bosses cheap out on safety gear and then act shocked when someone gets hurt
T
TermiteTamer2🔧 Apprentice22d
2
had one of those vermeer grinders kick back on me once and sent shavings flyin right at my leg. always run the safety bar like the manual says and keep your stance wide, saved my butt more than once. if your boss keeps slacking on ppe just grab a pair of chainsaw chaps from supply house yourself. seen too many guys ignore it till its too late. what kind of grinder setup you runnin? glad you walked away from that one.
P
PruneMasterFlex⚒️ Journeyman21d
1
seen a guy almost lose his boot to one of those grinders last month, they kick back like a mule with a grudge. that little auger style one on youtube aint any safer when the stump fights back. i always make sure the boys keep their legs clear and the chain tight, no excuses. hey did the stump win or did you get the last laugh?
V
V2717🔧 Apprentice18d
2
dont trust those little auger ones on youtube, saw a guy near lose his hand to kickback last summer.
C
CanvasKing3⚒️ Journeyman17d
9
had one of those auger kickbacks take a chunk outta my boot last year, still got the scar.
O
OpenerOperator3⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
always keep a spare carbide blade on the truck, costs about $90 at grainger and saves you from that exact mess.
W
WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
been there, almost lost a toe on one of those damn grinders last summer.
J
JackOfAllTrades⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
those bosses are straight up criminals, cheaping out on ppe til someone bleeds out and then theyre all apologies. osha oughta raid every one of em before we all end up limpin around.
N
NotAnElectrician29⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
been there, had my boot sole shaved off by one of them grinders and laughed it off like an idiot. bosses figure a couple bandaids cover the liability til someone actually gets maimed.
T
TenYearVet9⭐ Expert25d
0
bosses treatin this crap like bandaids fix everything until someone loses a leg. insurance companies are the real crooks pushin liability on us guys in the dirt. they should be forced to cover proper gear before these grinders chew through another boot.
P
PolishedPro⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
insurance bastards always skimp on the safety stuff and blame us when it goes sideways. seen a guy almost lose toes last year cause the grinder kicked back on a hidden root. we gotta push back on these policies before someone gets hurt bad.
W
WireWizard882⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
insurance is the real bs they push liability on us but wont cover the proper gear until a leg is gone.
V
V3286🔧 Apprentice24d
0
same shit, had one of those grinders eat right through my glove and just kept going. bosses always act like nothing happened til it actually takes a leg.
F
FloorFanatic2⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
you actually report that osha stuff yet? howd the boss react when you pushed back on the ppe crap?
P
PackRatPaul⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
boss just laughed it off like it was no big deal, said 'wear the ppe next time' and that was that. i pushed back hard but he wouldnt budge, keeps skimping on the good gear to save a buck. osha? yeah i filed the report but theyre slower than molasses in january. pisses me off how they treat us like disposable crap out here.
B
BenderBreaker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
fuckin bosses cheaping out on ppe is gonna get someone killed one day, treatin us like we're just cogs in their money machine. time to band together and make em pay for the right gear before another close call turns deadly.
P
PipeLord4209⚒️ Journeyman1mo
28
man, that cheap-ass ppe bullshit is straight up criminal, been there with bosses who wouldnt spring for decent chaps on the chainsaw jobs. had a close call myself last summer, grinder kicked back and nearly tagged my knee cause the guards were some bargain bin crap. its like they think were disposable until the lawyers get involved. same shit in plumbing too, skimping on fall protection for trench work and wonder why guys end up in the hospital. felt that rage building up every time they hand out that flimsy gear and act like its fine. we gotta start pushing back harder, maybe union up or just walk off the sketchy sites. bosses only care when it hits their wallet. stay safe out there brother, dont let em turn you into a statistic.
C
CircuitSnafu2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah, bosses skimping on ppe is like handing you a chainsaw and saying 'just dont cut yourself' while they sip coffee from the truck.
A
AmpedUpApprentice⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
yeah man, been in that same spot with bosses skimping on ppe, damn near lost a finger on a grinder last summer and they just shrugged it off.
W
WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
bosses skimping on ppe is straight up criminal, had a buddy lose half his hand last year cause the cheap bastard wouldn't spring for decent chaps and now we're all paying for it with these insane workers comp hikes.
P
PruneMasterFlex⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
damn, that sounds like a close call with the grinder. what kinda chaps are you guys using now to keep the bosses from skimping again?
W
WeedWhackerWill2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
those cheapass bosses wouldnt know good chaps from a paper towel, always skimping on gear til someone gets fucked up and theyre scrambling to cover their asses.
H
HammerTimeHero2⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
fuckin bosses like that deserve to be the ones in the chaps, skimping on safety gear til someone bleeds out and they cry about liability. it's the same crap everywhere, chasing cheap bids while we risk our limbs.
T
TrimTerror⚒️ Journeyman26d
9
same shit, bosses always cheapin out til we pay for it in blood.
M
MoveItMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman25d
5
how deep you been running that grinder when it kicked? seen guys go past 8 inches and hit roots hard.
T
TenYearVet19⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, felt that kick right in my back when we hit a root at 6 inches.
P
PrimerPal⚒️ Journeyman22d
2
my crew switched to a ridgid k45 on the next job and never looked back after that scare.
D
DirtBagLand⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
felt that one in the knee too, bosses got no clue till it goes sideways
C
ChillOutTech⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
bosses always act surprised when the saw catches something and kicks back, like they dont set up the job to begin with.
P
PestPatrolPaul⭐ Expert19d
1
that grinder kicking back is why i always park the truck so the tailgate blocks the spray line.
F
FloorFumbler⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
bet the boss woulda sprung for the chaps if it was his leg, what brand of grinder was it?
A
AmpedUpAndy⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
same shit man, my buddy took a chunk out his shin on a husqvarna grinder and the boss still made him finish the job.
P
PaintSplatterPat🔧 Apprentice20d
1
same shit, heard about those guys losing legs to grinders and the boss still wants the job done.
V
V6174🔧 Apprentice29d
10
glad i pushed for those husky chaps last month, boss bitched about the $150 but i aint takin no chances like that. feels damn good havin gear that actually works.
F
FrostBiteFred⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
dont ever skip the chaps, i saw a buddy lose half his calf to a grinder kickback last summer and it wasnt pretty.
V
V6529🔧 Apprentice25d
2
same shit here, buddy lost his pants and boot from one kickback last year
B
BumpKeyBandit⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
now i wear chaps that could stop a chainsaw attack, 'cause after my leg almost turned into mulch, the boss learned skimping aint funny no more 😂
R
RustyNails⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
i went with kevlar chaps from husqvarna after mine shredded on a rock, saved me more than a few times. they run around 80 bucks but worth every cent when the boss tries to cut corners again. always check the length before you crank it up too. what ones you got on now?
P
PaintSplatterPat4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
huskys chaps saved my ass once but those damn rental grinders got no safety stops like they should.
C
CastIronCurser⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
got a pair of the husqvarna kevlar ones too and theyve saved my leg more than once on rocky jobs.
C
CoilCleanerCal⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
same shit happened to my buddy last year, almost lost his leg on a stump grinder too. kevlar chaps are the way to go even if the boss complains about the cost. i just picked up a new pair from the supply house that fits better than my old ones. you still runnin those husqvarna ones?
H
HammerTimeVet2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
good call on the husqvarna chaps, i always add a leather apron over mine for extra protection when grinding near the edge.
G
GarageGuru8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
damn, that cheap ppe bullshit nearly got me with a chainsaw snag last fall too. bosses wont spend a dime unless they see blood first.
F
FrostFighter⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
bosses cheaping out on ppe is straight up criminal, always pushin us to the edge to save a buck while they sit pretty. screw that, we gotta start callin em out before someone really gets hurt.
W
WireWizardWill⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, been there with a boss who thought ppe was optional, nearly lost a finger to a grinder kickback. those cheap bastards dont give a damn til someone bleeds out on the job.
D
DuctDoctor⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
yeah man, i had a boss like that who skimped on ppe too, almost took my hand off with a chainsaw kickback, still have the scar to prove it.
W
WireWizard7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
those cheap bosses got us all scarred up chasing their damn profits, shoulda walked off the job sooner.
D
DeckDoctor⭐ Expert1mo
8
ha, scars are just free tattoos from bosses who think ppe stands for 'pretty poor equipment'.
P
PanelPusher⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
damn, bosses cheaping out on ppe is the real hazard, had a close call myself last summer when the harness snapped mid-climb.
W
WattTheHeck17⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
next time, spring for the $150/day stump grinder rental from home depot instead of that beat up one your boss skimped on, it'll have better guards to keep your legs intact.
D
DrainDragon3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
nah, boss skimping on that junk rental saved me $150 and i got the stump done in 10 minutes anyway, guards are overrated if you know how to handle the damn thing.
L
LeakLocator2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
next time slap on some ppe chaps over your jeans, they're only $60 at home depot and saved my buddy from a nasty grind last summer.
S
SparkChaser⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
yeah, those ppe chaps are worth every penny, but i also swear by keeping the grinder's anti-kickback bar locked in tight. saved me from a wild swing on a tough oak stump last month.
S
ShingleShark18⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
man, i once let a stump grinder kiss my knee a little too close, turned it into a bloody valentine. shoulda listened to my gut and skipped that third beer before firing it up.
R
RoofRider⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah, those cheap-ass bosses always cutting corners on gear, had a harness fail on me once too and it was pure luck i didnt end up in the ER.
S
ShingleShark7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
goddamn bosses cutting corners on ppe to save a buck while they sit in their air conditioned offices pisses me off every time. ive seen guys get chewed up by grinders because the cheap harnesses snap or the chaps tear right through. its all about their profit margins, not our hides. had a buddy lose half his foot last summer cause the owner wouldnt spring for decent steel toed boots. these cheapskates treat us like disposable tools, and the insurance companies just jack up rates after the fact. we gotta start pushing back harder or more legs are gonna get ground into mulch.
T
ThermostatTech⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
man, same shit in hvac, bosses pinch pennies on ppe till someones burned or crushed, makes my blood boil every time.
V
V5257🔧 Apprentice29d
3
yeah, same shit here in hvac, bosses skimp on ppe till youre bleedin or worse. makes me wanna quit every damn day.
V
V1634🔧 Apprentice28d
6
bosses are the worst, cheaping out on ppe just to save a buck until someone gets fucked up bad. its bullshit how they prioritize profits over our damn lives.
C
CircuitSurfer5⚒️ Journeyman28d
9
bosses cutting corners on ppe is how guys end up with a stump grinder taking their leg, fight me on it.
J
JoltJockey2⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
bosses like that shoulda bought the little bluebird stump grinder instead of cheaping out on ppe.
L
LaminateLord⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
glad you dodged that one, saw a guy on a sawstop table lose his finger to a kickback and it wasnt pretty. always use a face shield when the grinder spits debris back at you. helps more than gloves ever will.
R
RatRacer⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
these damn grinders are one bad move from ending it all and the bosses still push the guys to hurry up.
C
CoolantKing⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
face shields are overrated for grinders, just keep your body out of the throw line and you'll be fine. gloves actually saved my wrist once when a root kicked back hard. seen too many guys sweating in the mask fogging up their vision for no reason.
B
BowlBreaker🌱 Newcomer23d
4
stump grinder nearly took my leg last week too, face shield saved my ass for sure.
L
LiftLad⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
how close was that wheel to ya when it kicked back?
R
RollinRoller⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
dont skip the face shield, i saw a guy get a chunk of stump in his eye that way.
D
DrainDiver7⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
man, same shit here with bosses cheaping out on gear and leaving us to dodge the blades. had a close call myself last month and it makes you wanna walk off the job for good.
S
ShingleShark2⚒️ Journeyman25d
5
saw a guy lose a toe on one of those cheap grinders so dont skip the safety stuff
D
DoorDoc🔧 Apprentice24d
2
same shit here, almost caught my boot on one of those cheap ones last month. always gotta check the guards twice before you fire it up. guys been telling me to just rent the bigger models from home depot instead of buying those no name grinders. what kind was the near miss on anyway?
N
NailGunNinja12⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
damn bosses cutting corners on ppe is gonna get someone killed one day, had a close call myself last summer when the harness snapped on a lift. shoulda sued the cheap bastards but ended up just patching it up and getting back to work. now i double check every damn thing before i start.
V
V1878🌱 Newcomer1mo
8
man that sounds like a nightmare, had a similar scare last week when the blade kicked back on the stump grinder and nearly got my shin. bosses never learn, do they?
G
GateGuard⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
glad you kept that shin intact, brother. bosses are the worst for skipping the basics, so here's my go-to: always wedge a 4x4 behind the stump to keep it from kicking your way, cuts the surprise factor by half. wear chaps too, even if you're sweating like a pig in the heat; saved my buddy's knee last summer when his grinder jumped. and double-check that flywheel guard every time you fire it up, loose ones are death traps. never had a close call since i started treating it like a pissed-off bear.
S
SprayAndPray⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
man, i once had a stump grinder throw a rock that pinged off my helmet like a damn slingshot, thought id get a third eye for a second. chaps are lifesavers though, even if they make you waddle like a penguin on a hot day. my go-to is always yelling timber before cutting, just in case it decides to boomerang back at ya. glad you're still legging it out there, brother.
C
CoilCleaner⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
man, those close calls stick with you forever, had one myself where the grinder bucked and nearly got my thigh. bosses pushing for speed without the basics is straight up bullshit.
T
TileTerror9⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
bosses are the WORST, always skimping on training just to save a buck while we're out there risking our asses. last week i almost lost a finger because the idiot cut corners on ppe. we gotta union up or something before more of us end up in the ER.
S
SparkPlugDummy2⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
yeah man, bosses pushing us to rush those jobs is gonna get someone killed one day, been there with a kickback that left me sweatin bullets.
D
DoorOpenerDan⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
damn right, bosses always chasin that deadline like it aint gonna bite em back. had a similar kickback last month that had me checkin my leg for blood, total BS.
V
V2776🔧 Apprentice26d
8
bosses and homeowners both pushin for speed like it wont ever bite back, damn near got my leg chewed by one of them stump grinders too. they never factor in the real cost when a guy goes down and the insurance gets involved. seen it happen enough times now that im callin bullshit on the whole push push push thing.
N
NailGunnerNed⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
same shit here, felt that in my knees when the boss was yellin about speed on a job last month
R
RoofRat4⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
stump grinders got no business near legs when the boss is yelling about speed.
R
RoofRider2🔧 Apprentice19d
6
damn man i hate how the bosses push speed over safety, almost lost my leg on a grinder before too. did the thing kick back on you or just the ground give way? ive been runnin a vermeer lately but that thing still scares me when the teeth hit roots hard. what brand of grinder was that? and hows the leg feelin now after the scare? heard some guys switch to renting bigger units just to keep better control. did you have the ppe on when it happened or was that the issue? you got lucky that time for sure.
C
CleanFreakFred⚒️ Journeyman18d
0
bosses dont care till your leg is gone, same crap last month when mine tried to rush a demo job. almost got clipped by a spinning blade on a rented unit cause he wouldnt slow down. you put that footage on the group yet?
C
CircuitSavant⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
what kinda grinder was it, the ride on or walk behind?
T
TenYearVet23⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
damn stump grinders are no joke, had a walk behind bite back on me once too
B
BrushStrokeBoss⭐ Expert23d
1
damn stump grinders always find a way to bite back, rental companies need to stop cheaping out on the safety gear
T
TenYearVet⭐ Expert19d
10
always keep the bar guard on till your ready to cut, saved my leg twice now.
G
GreenthumbGreg⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
man those things will eat a boot and call it lunch.
F
FlashingFiend⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
fuckin homeowners never want to pay for a real excavator so we all end up dancing with these mankillers.
F
FittingFiend3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, that walk behind almost had me too when the wheel caught
S
SparkleSquad⚒️ Journeyman22d
7
walk behind grinders are the worst man, homeowners always want the cheap route and we pay for it with near misses like that.
P
PipeLord42023⚒️ Journeyman21d
5
ride ons are a whole different beast when you cant see your feet. was it a bluebird like in that youtube video or something bigger? walk behinds at least let you step back quick if it kicks. how close did it actually get?
R
RidgeRunner2⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
damn, been there with a grinder kickback that had me dodgin for my life. bosses rushin us is straight up dangerous, gonna get someone hurt bad one day.
B
BeamBoss3⚒️ Journeyman28d
22
always keep your stance wide and grip loose on the handles, it'll give you a split second to react if that thing kicks back again.
D
DuctDaddy2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bosses rushing these jobs are gonna get someone hurt, saw a guy nearly lose his hand last year from a grinder kickback. started wearing the chainsaw chaps every time now instead of skipping em. how bad was the near miss for you?
T
TarHeelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
bosses out here in North Carolina treat us like we're replaceable and keep pushing these short cuts. had a stump grinder kick back on me two winters ago and shredded my boot before i could jump back. same shit if you skip the chaps or let em rush the next job.
F
FurnitureFlipper2⚒️ Journeyman20d
4
what brand grinder was it? did the boss cover any time off after?
S
SplashMaster2⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
yeah man, had a similar scare with a grinder last fall when the guard caught and nearly yanked my foot in, bosses cheaping out on gear is total BS.
V
VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman29d
5
next time tie a 12' rope around your waist to a solid tree so the machine can't pull you all the way in if it catches.
D
DeckBuilderDan⭐ Expert28d
3
bosses cheaping out on that safety gear is straight up criminal, had a close call last year when the stump grinder kicked back and shredded my boot before i could jump clear. these guys act like ppe is an optional expense, but one hospital bill and theyll be crying. ive seen too many buddies end up sidelined over this crap, and it pisses me off every time. seriously, if your boss wont spring for decent guards, find a new crew before you lose more than a boot.
D
DirtBagJoe⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
yep a good pair of kevlar chaps like husqvarna makes will save your leg when that grinder kicks back on ya.
B
BoxHauler4⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
damn right, that kickback hits different when your leg's in the way.
V
V4195🔧 Apprentice22d
0
these damn machines dont care who they grab next, seen too many guys get wrecked for cheap jobs. homeowners pushing for faster work dont give a shit about safety gear. bet that rope trick was someones bright idea that backfired hard. hows the leg healing now?
N
NotAnElectrician8⚒️ Journeyman28d
0
shut the guard down proper before you back up, had a guy get his boot stuck because he skipped that step. Milwaukee makes a decent replacement guard for 60 bucks, way safer than whatever your boss has on there. check the kill switch twice every morning and dont cheap out on steel toes either. i seen a guy lose toes from the same thing last year in rural ohio. what size grinder was it anyway?
T
ToolTinker⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those milwaukee guards are overpriced junk, steel toes saved my ass last time not some 60 dollar add on. what idiot runs one without the kill switch taped down anyway?
C
CanvasKid⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
bosses cheaping out on the guards is the real reason half these near misses happen, its all profit over safety.
P
PipeLord42016⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
my near miss was with a stump grinder that decided to taste my bootlaces instead of the stump, now i call it my lucky rabbit's foot.
F
FloorFumbler3⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
those things dont mess around, glad your boot held up better than the stump. one of the guys i work with still walks with a limp from something like that.
C
CleanFreakCarl⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
always hit the safety on that grinder with your foot before you grab the handles, learned that one the hard way out in the sticks.
P
PackRatPro2⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
man i switched to a DeWalt stump grinder last year and never looked back after hearing stories like that
W
WattTheHeck5⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont skip the foot safety even on quick jobs. saw a guy nearly lose toes doing the same thing.
M
MoverMadness⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
felt that one in my knees, man. near miss like that always sticks with you.
V
V2958🌱 Newcomer22d
4
what kind of grinder was it, the auger style or rotary?
A
AmpedUpJoe⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
damn near every stump grinder i've seen is one bad move from taking a leg.
F
FramingFool4⚒️ Journeyman18d
2
stump grinders are safer than most think if you just respect the kill switch instead of treating it like a toy.
S
SodSoldier⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn homeowners pushin ya to rush these jobs like its no big deal, that grinder almost took my buddies knee too last summer.
J
JoltJester3⚒️ Journeyman27d
4
bosses cheapin out on ppe always put us in the shit, damn near got my leg took off with a grinder too last year.
T
TarPaperTom3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, boss cheapin out on ppe got me too, damn near lost a toe last winter.
S
ScrewLooseSue⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
always wear chaps with your stump grinder, saved my buddy's leg last year when the carbide teeth kicked back at 10k rpm.
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SodSlinger4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
get yourself some stihl forestry chaps if your boss wont spring for em, they saved my ass on a bad kickback last summer.
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SolderSensei⚒️ Journeyman1mo
32
bosses are the WORST for cheaping out on safety gear, had a buddy damn near bleed out last year cause his wouldnt buy proper chaps. its bullshit how they prioritize profits over our legs.
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LawnLizard⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
stihl forestry chaps are solid, but dont forget to check the tension on those straps every time before you fire up the grinder, keeps em from shifting mid-cut.
V
V8330🔧 Apprentice1mo
21
yeah my boss wouldnt buy chaps so i wore em anyway, now im the guy who grinds stumps and trees at the same time lol
L
LeakHunter_X🔧 Apprentice1mo
6
stihl chaps are overrated bs, i run without em and aint lost a leg yet. bosses shouldnt waste cash on that crap when real training would fix the problem.
L
LiftLad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
bosses cheaping out on ppe is bullshit, had a close call myself last summer when my leg got nicked without those damn chaps. gonna start bringing my own gear from now on, screw their excuses.
A
AntAnnihilator4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
29
your bosses a cheap bastard if hes skimping on ppe, but honestly ive run stump grinders without half that crap and survived just fine, fight me on it.
B
BoxHaulerBob2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah man, ive had a few of those close calls with the grinder, makes you realize cheap ppe aint worth the risk even if you survived without it.
D
DrainDiver3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
hell yeah, i once tripped over my own bootlace while feeding the grinder and nearly turned my foot into mulch. cheap ppe? more like cheap excuse to play hero. now i suit up like im robbing a bank, cant afford to be the guy they name the safety video after.
T
TarpTitan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
yeah, my close call was when i forgot my chaps and the grinder kicked back like a pissed off mule, turned out the real cheap ppe was my dignity after explaining that to the boss.
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PipeDreamer3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
fuckin stump grinders are death traps waiting to happen, and dont get me started on the cheap ass manufacturers skimping on safety features to save a buck. bosses just laugh it off til someone loses a leg for real.
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HandyHank⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
always keep your hands at least 3 feet from the grinding wheel and wear full chaps, saved my ass more than once on those vermeer rentals.
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BrushStrokeBoss7⚒️ Journeyman26d
11
fckin homeowners with these rental stump grinders from vermeer act like its a damn toy and put us all at risk.
C
CircuitSnake2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
that vermeer grinder probably didnt even know which end was up. seen a guy last year try the same rental stunt and end up with stitches instead of a beer. homeowners really think its like a weed eater until it bites back. how deep was the cut anyway?
V
VentMaster⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
homeowners let this crap happen every damn time, like its just another toy in the shed
H
HammerTimeHero⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
same shit here, homeowners treat those things like lawnmowers till someone bleeds
V
V7402🔧 Apprentice21d
2
same shit here, customers act like those grinders are just fancy weed eaters. felt that in my knees reading it. i usually back way off when raking starts now.
V
VentVictor⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
homeowners think a stump grinder is just a bigger weed eater till it turns their yard into an ER visit.
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RoofRat⭐ Expert20d
0
homeowners really think that thing is just a fancy edger till it grabs a boot lace. me and the boys was laughin at a roger wakefield vid on stump grinders last week and it was the same story.
H
HammerTimeHank2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man, i had a grinder kickback last summer that nearly sent me to the er, those things dont mess around even with half decent ppe.
V
V6050🔧 Apprentice1mo
21
those damn stump grinders are straight up death machines waiting for a slip up. had one buck on me last week and i swear the manufacturers dont give a crap about safety til someone sues. ppe aint enough when the thing kicks like a pissed off mule. we need better regs on this crap before more guys end up short a limb.
A
ArcFlashAl⭐ Expert28d
15
man, had one kick back on me last year and i felt that adrenaline dump for days, these things are no joke.
R
RoofRat882⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit man, felt that kick in my chest just reading it
D
DirtBagLandscaper2⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
that stump grinder video had me laughin when the guy almost lost his leg, you been there too with the AGKNX planer?
V
VentMaster⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
swap those chains every 20 hours on a vermeer sc30 to keep kickback from turning it into a leg chopper, trust me itll save your ass.
K
KeyMasterMike2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
man, i had a similar scare on my first stump job, thought my leg was gone when it kicked back hard, glad you made it out ok.
W
WrenchWizard3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
damn, those kickbacks are no joke, nearly got me with a rental last summer and i was sweatin bullets the whole time. should've worn better chaps or somethin, but i was too cocky thinkin i knew it all. now im pissed every time i see a stump job come up, hate how these machines can turn on you in a split second. wish the rentals came with better warnings, but nah, its all on you to not screw up. been checkin out that tony sg-13 but who knows if it'd be any safer.
T
TarheelTiler4⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
rentals never give a shit about safety gear and we pay for it.
B
BeamBender⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
always keep your feet planted outside the machine's swing radius and use a winch line to hold that stump steady, saved my ass more than once on those kickbacks.
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LiftLegend⚒️ Journeyman27d
2
those stump grinders will launch you into next week if you slip once, had one throw the bar right at my face last month.
V
V3286🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
always keep your feet planted wide outside the machine's swing zone, at least 3 feet back minimum. i learned that the hard way after renting a vermeer sc30tx and almost eatin dirt when it snagged a root. wear ppe like chaps and boots with good grip, dont skimp on that. start slow with shallow passes, build up as you get the feel. glad youre both ok, saves a trip to the er.
E
EaveEnforcer⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
those damn stump grinders are built like they're tryin to kill us, skimped on safety for the sake of bein compact and now every jobsite's a potential bloodbath.
P
PipeLord42024⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
dude, those kickbacks are no joke, had one nearly rip my boot off last summer and i was shakin for hours. been there, sucks big time.
T
TarPaperTitan2⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
felt that in my knees, stump kickback almost took my boot off last year and i was sweatin bullets for an hour after. shoulda just rented a bigger grinder instead of fighting that little one from harbor freight. ever switch to a hydraulic model after a scare like that?
W
WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
swear that harbor freight grinder tried to claim my foot for dinner.
O
OddJobOtto4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
damn rental companies pushing these vermeer sc30s with worn out chains to cut corners and save a buck, nearly got me too last summer. its bullshit how they dont give a shit about our safety til somethin goes wrong.
C
ColorCraze⚒️ Journeyman29d
0
had a similar scare on a jobsite last week when the chain was dull as hell, nearly yanked the whole machine right into me. those vermeer warnings aint just for show, theyll save your damn leg if you listen.
W
WireWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah my foreman always cuts corners on safety gear and last week i almost got my hand caught in a trencher cause the gloves were worn out as hell.
K
KeyMasterMike3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
man, i feel that - my boss skimps on gear too and i nearly lost a finger to a worn-out chainsaw chain last month, its bullshit.
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
foremen like yours are the real hazard, always skimping on gear to save a buck and leaving us exposed. i've run stump grinders for 15 years and TBH, the cheap carbide wheels they buy wear out faster than proper safety gloves, turning a quick job into a potential amputation fest. if bosses dont step up, we're all just waiting for the next idiot move to bite us. fight me if you think corner-cutting builds character.
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LockPickLarry⚒️ Journeyman1mo
22
never run a stump grinder without chaps and a full face shield, i saw a guy in our crew lose half his foot last year from skimping on ppe.
S
SparkPlugger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
always double-check your stump grinder's carbide teeth before firing it up, dull ones kick back way harder and could've turned that near miss into a real mess. i run a vermeer sc30tx on most jobs and it chews through anything smooth if you keep em sharp. wear those chaps every time, even on small stumps, cuz one slip and you're done. saved my ass last summer when a root snag almost yanked the wheel into my shin.
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BowlBreaker🌱 Newcomer1mo
12
fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on those carbide teeth anymore, makin us apprentices dodge kickback like its a damn game while they rake in the cash
C
ChillMaster5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
damn, those cheap teeth turnin every job into a dodgeball game with your legs, been there and it sucks.
N
NotAnElectrician9⭐ Expert1mo
14
yeah man, been there with a busted tooth flyin everywhere, thought i was gonna lose a chunk of leg for sure.
B
BugHunter⭐ Expert1mo
5
dodged a bullet like that myself back in '98, now i run a bigger grinder with better guards and haven't had a close call since. keeps the legs intact and the jobs flowing smooth.
T
TileTamer5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, those close calls stick with you forever, make you double check every damn guard before firing it up. i had a similar scare with a rayco 1625 a few years back, nicked my boot and nearly took a chunk out of my calf. now i wont touch one without the full ppe kit and a second pair of eyes on the job. keeps the what-ifs at bay, brother.
P
PipeLord42024⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
dodged a rayco blade to the thigh back in '18 but walked away with just a scar and a new respect for ppe, makes me prouder of every safe job since.
J
JoistJockey2⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
man, that rayco blade almost got me too back in '15, damn near lost a chunk of my calf cause i skipped the chaps that one time. pisses me off how fast it all goes south without full ppe.
C
CircuitSmasher2⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
yeah man, i skipped the gloves once on a chipper job and nearly lost two fingers, that shit keeps me up at night.
P
PaintSplat⭐ Expert29d
8
pushed a stump grinder job last summer without my steel toes and the damn flywheel kicked back, ripped my boot to shreds. wear the right ppe every time or you'll end up like the guy i knew who lost half his foot to a chipper guard failure. skipping gloves or boots aint worth it, keeps you from walking off the site in one piece. stay safe out there.
B
BugHunterX⚒️ Journeyman28d
16
those damn manufacturers cut corners on ppe regs to save a buck and leave us paying with our blood, its bullshit.
F
FlushMaster4⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
manufacturers push those cheap grinders and expect us to gamble our legs every time we fire one up
F
FurnitureFlipper3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn near lost a guy to one of those cheap grinders last year, manufacturers should be ashamed
K
KeyMasterKim⚒️ Journeyman24d
6
had a grinder throw a chunk back at me last year and damn near took my ear off too, those cheap ones are asking for it.
C
CleanFreak42⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
been there, those stump grinders dont play around.
G
GarageGuruGary2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit, manufacturers are always lookin out for their bottom line instead of our safety.
G
GarageGuru⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
steel toes saved my toes on a grinder kickback once, get the ones with the metatarsal guard.
F
FloorFanatic⭐ Expert21d
0
steel toes with metatarsal guards are solid but the auger style attachments like that AGKNX planer are worth a look if you got stump work near fences or utilities.
P
PaintSplatPro⚒️ Journeyman18d
4
bet that grinder had more bite than my last date.
P
PipeDreamer25⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
what kinda chipper were you runnin' when that happened, man?
W
WattWarden87🌱 Newcomer26d
5
gloves or not i always keep the kill switch cable clipped on my belt, saved my ass once on a job in ohio.
B
BrushStrokeBoss14⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
hell yeah, i once let a stump grinder 'kiss' my boot and it ate half the sole before i jumped back. now i treat ppe like my damn girlfriend, wouldnt trade it for anything.
R
RustyNails⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
i got a guy who lost three toes to one of those grinders out here in virginia and it still pisses me off that ppe never gets taken serious till after the fact.
L
LaminateLord⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
shit like that keeps happening cause homeowners always think ppe is a joke till someones missing a leg
M
MopAndGlo⭐ Expert23d
4
had a guy lose two toes to one of those things up in ohio last season and it still gets me. we keep the full face shield and steel toes on now no matter how quick the job looks. stupidest thing is guys skip the ppe till something happens then everyone scrambles. heard the insurance adjuster on a job like that turns into your worst enemy quick. same shit everywhere, they never take it serious till its too late. you still running the same grinder or switched brands after that close call?
K
KeyMasterKev4⚒️ Journeyman28d
4
damn near lost my foot to a vermeer grinder last year when the damn thing kicked back, and the boss just said 'shake it off' like it was no big deal.
F
FlashingFox⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
bosses like that treat us like we are disposable, same shit all over.
T
TileTamer3⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
heard of guys losing toes on those grinders, toss a pair of chain saw chaps over your legs before you fire it up.
R
RootRotRider⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
damn near lost a boot myself last month on one of those grinders. chaps are a must if you ask me.
R
RatRanger⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
what brand of grinder was it? mine kicked back hard last year too.
D
DoorOpenerPro2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
your bosses sound like theyd rather save the grinder than you. same crap happened to a guy i worked with on a job in rural ohio and now hes got a limp for life. nobody talks about the real cost when they push guys into risky stuff just to finish fast. i started wearing better knee and shin guards after seeing that mess. some of these owners got insurance that covers the equipment better than the men running it. what finally made you walk or you still dealing with that crew?
T
TileTerror6⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
that grinder almost had your name on it, dont trust the boss when he says go faster.
M
MoverMayhemMike⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
felt that one in the knees, those rayco blades dont play
S
SawdustSavant18⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
damn, those stump grinders are no joke, had a close one myself that left me sweatin bullets for days. been there, brother, makes you way more cautious on every job now.
D
DirtBagLandscaper4⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
same shit with those stump grinders, homeowners always want it done yesterday and cheap so you rush and almost lose a limb. i seen a guy get his boot shredded last year cause the rental place gave him a beat up barenbrug attachment without telling him. dont ever skip the safety pins or the shield even if it adds ten minutes. insurance is who really wins when this crap happens, they jack rates right after one claim. been running from jobsite to jobsite trying to stay ahead of payouts and now my backs shot too. whats your go to rental spot these days?
W
WattTheHeck29⭐ Expert26d
2
gotta say that safety shield saved my ass more than once on those rental grinders. always check the barenbrug bits myself now before i fire it up. insurance is still the real winner like you said, they raised my rate after one claim last year. what rental spot keeps their attachments in shape out your way?
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BugBusterJoe3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
insurance sucks, raised mine too after some dumb claim and now every rental shop in the area looks sketchy as hell.
V
V6158🌱 Newcomer23d
3
bet that stump almost won the fight, insurance always jacks prices after anything sketchy like that.
V
V9855🌱 Newcomer23d
6
bet that shield got more action than my ex did last year.
G
GutterGuru⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
switch to vermeer teeth if you can, they hold up way better without that kickback BS. had a similar scare last month and havent looked back.
Z
ZapZapZoe⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, i once had a stump grinder bite back so hard it sent me dancing like a drunk ballerina across the yard, nearly moonwalking into the client's rose bushes. 😂 thought i was safe holding the bar steady, but nope, that cheap carbide tooth decided to play dodgeball with my shin. shoulda known better than to trust factory junk thats barely sharper than my ex's wit. next time youre dodging kickback, just imagine youre in a bad action movie and roll with it. keeps the adrenaline pumping without the hospital bill. my buddy lost half his pants to one last summer, walked around like hed joined a lumberjack fashion show. manufacturers probably laughing all the way to the bank while we patch up our dignity. stay safe out there, or at least stay funny about it.
W
WireWizard6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
dont ever trust those factory teeth on a stump grinder, i saw a guy lose two fingers last year when one snapped off and kicked back hard, so upgrade to aftermarket carbide before you end up in the er.
B
BenderBuddy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
damn, been there with a kickback that nearly clipped my knee last summer, those factory teeth are straight up garbage.
T
TarheelTiler5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those damn factory teeth on stump grinders are a joke from the manufacturers, they kick back harder than a pissed off mule and leave us dodging death every job.
L
LeafBlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
been there, brother, those factory teeth kick back like a sonofabitch and nearly took my foot last summer. makes you wonder if the manufacturers even use this crap themselves.
A
AmpedUpAl⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
yeah man, had one kick back on me last fall and i still check my laces twice before firing it up.
H
HammerTime22⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
damn near lost two fingers to one of those kickbacks on a big oak stump last month, and the damn thing's teeth weren't even sharp anymore.
W
WrenchWarrior7🔧 Apprentice1mo
5
man i tried to grind a stump last week and the damn thing grabbed my boot like it had a grudge, nearly yanked me into the blades for a free pedicure. shoulda listened to my old boss about wearin double boots but nah, im too cheap. next time ill be dancin around that kickback like its a two-step gone wrong 😂
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PipeLord42026⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
swap those factory teeth for carbide ones from vermeer, they grip better and cut the kickback by at least half on my last few jobs.
P
PestPatrol5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
0
been there myself, kickback like that had me sweatin bullets and checkin my leg for a week after.
S
SafeCrackerSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
27
been runnin stump grinders for 15 years and ive never had a close call cause i always gear up like its a war zone, chaps and shield every damn time.
C
ColorCraze2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
those damn rental companies skimp on safety gear to save a buck and leave us hanging when shit hits the fan, pissed me off last week on a job.
S
SparkPlugger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
those rental assholes skimp on EVERYTHING to line their pockets, almost got chewed up myself last month on a stump job because their guard was held together with zip ties.
T
TenYearVet20⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those rental places are a damn joke, cut corners on every piece of crap they rent out and expect us to risk our asses. had a similar scare last year, nearly lost a finger 'cause the belt was half-worn and they wouldn't budge on the fee.
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NailGunNinja13🔧 Apprentice1mo
6
screw the rentals, just drop $5k on a used vermeer sc30 and quit playin russian roulette with those half-assed machines.
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PestPatrolPete2⭐ Expert1mo
16
man, i had a close call on a jobsite with a sketchy rental grinder too, felt my heart stop when it jerked. rentals are a damn nightmare, glad you made it out alright.
C
ColorCraze4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
always check the belt tension before firing up a stump grinder, takes 2 minutes and could save your leg.
W
WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
damn manufacturers cheaping out on those belts, forcing us to play mechanic just to not get mangled.
D
DuctDaddy⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
those damn belts snapping mid-grind is some straight BS, had one give out on me last week and nearly dragged my arm into the blades. manufacturers need to quit cheaping out before someone actually loses a limb.
B
BoltBoss⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
always inspect those belts before firing up, i swap em out every 50 hours on my vermeer and it saved my ass more than once.
S
SawdustSavant17⚒️ Journeyman29d
13
man, i had a belt snap on my old case 570 last summer and the whole damn thing lurched like it was possessed, nearly yanked my arm clean off. been there with the close calls, makes you double check every nut and bolt before hittin start. i started carryin extra belts in the truck after that mess, no way im gettin caught short again. felt that adrenaline dump in my gut, same as you probably did. swap em out sooner than later, 50 hours sounds smart but i push mine at 40 now. these machines dont mess around, glad youre still walkin straight.
D
DoorOpenerDan⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
got a spare belt in the truck and keep a 40 hour swap rule now after my own scare with a stump grinder.
S
SafeCrackerSam⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
always keep that spare belt handy, saved my buddy after a stump grinder ate through his too.
F
FrameFreak7⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
keep a pair of bolt cutters on the machine, one quick snip on the belt and it shuts the whole thing down.
B
BugBlasterBen⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
damn, had a similar scare last summer when a belt snapped on my old carlson and nearly yanked my boot into the teeth, glad you're keeping that vermeer in check.
T
TarpTitan3⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
man ive had my share of belt snaps on the old grinder that nearly got me too, those close calls keep ya sharp.
V
V6331🔧 Apprentice26d
12
damn those grinders dont give a damn if your leg is in the way or not, had one kick back on me last month too
V
V7025🌱 Newcomer26d
2
those damn grinders will chew through anything that gets too close man. i almost lost a boot on one last spring when it kicked and i still walk with a limp some days. rental places dont check the teeth or the safety bars like they should either. almost had to get stitches when it slung a rock into my leg too. makes me wonder why we even bother with them when hand digging takes way less time and risk. what model was yours? my buddy says the vermeer ones are worse than the toro for kickback.
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FixItFred🔧 Apprentice26d
4
felt that limp for months after my kickback scare too. those rental guys never check the teeth right and the safety bars are always half busted. i switched to a vermeer for less kick but still almost lost a boot on one last year. you sticking with hand digging now or what?
F
FloorFumbler2⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
went straight to a vermeer myself after a rental scare and havent looked back since.
L
LeakLocator3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dude that vermeer saved your leg for sure, i almost lost a toe on a rental once and switched fast.
V
V2453🔧 Apprentice21d
4
that rental crap never locks the wheel right and one slip can mess you up bad.
L
LeakHunter5⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
bet that rental almost had you calling for an ambulance, seen enough close calls to know vermeer aint worth the risk.
D
DustBunnySlayer3⚒️ Journeyman20d
3
same shit here, that vermeer nearly got me too last summer
F
FixItFelix6⚒️ Journeyman17d
10
stump grinders dont get enough respect on jobs, seen two guys almost lose a foot this year already. always shut it down when youre not right on it, not worth the risk. did the vermeer have a dead mans switch or nah?
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GarageGateGuy⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
vermeer is what i run now too and the teeth need checking every time or itll kick bad. i got a safety bar upgrade from grainger last year for 180 bucks and it kept me out the er. you still hand dig most jobs or switched over to a mini skid?
S
SudsAndScrub⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
those rental outfits dont give a damn, they just hand you busted gear and send you on your way.
C
CoilCleanerCal⚒️ Journeyman19d
4
don't rent those grinders without checkin every guard first, saw a guy lose his leg last year.
P
PipeLord42018⚒️ Journeyman19d
3
rentals are a crap shoot for sure. always hit the teeth with a file before you fire it up, saves you from the blade grabbing. what size stump was it?
S
SawdustSavant7⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
same shit here with those rental grinders, always half busted teeth ready to kick back. switched to a vermeer too and still watch my boots like a hawk.
T
TileTitan2⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
those rental vermeer grinders kick harder than toro and that rock fling thing happens every time the teeth are dull.
O
OpenerOperator⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, that kickback got me in the shin once and i was limpin for weeks.
B
BrushStrokePro3⭐ Expert24d
4
that stump grinder will flip on you in a heartbeat. my buddy in the same situation ended up with a bolt through his boot from a thrown tooth. homeowners always want the cheapest way but dont tell you about the risk until your bleeding. did you have to file any paperwork on it?
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BrushStrokePro10⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
homeowners will push for the cheap route then act shocked when something flies off and nearly takes a leg. seen it too many times where they hide the real risks till your bleeding on the job. insurance always the one that ends up making a meal out of it.
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WeedWhackerWiz2⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
felt that in my knees, had a stump grinder kick back on me once too.
S
SparkFryer🌱 Newcomer19d
3
damn man that kickback sound is the worst. had my buddy lose a boot the same way last year. stump grinders dont forgive when you get lazy on the throttle. always back up first thing now even if it looks clear. heard about that youtube guy who almost got crippled doing the same move. how close was it to actually clipping you?
C
ChillACMaster🔧 Apprentice17d
6
guess my boots got lucky that day, now i just picture my leg in a bag every time i hear that grind sound
J
JointJuggler2🔧 Apprentice24d
0
always pull the spark plug first on rentals man, those vermeer kick way harder than toro when the teeth are dull. saw a guy lose his boot to one last year too.
B
BrushStrokePro⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, damn near lost a finger to a dull vermeer teeth last spring
R
RollerRogue9⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
same shit here, almost lost a toe on a vermeer last year when it kicked a rock my way.
V
VinylVirtuoso⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
that grinders got no respect for anyones leg, seen one guy lose a foot on a job last summer.
S
ShingleShaman2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
that grinder dont play around, i been there and walked away with my leg still attached after settin the bar high on safety.
B
BeamBender⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
those grinders chew up a leg faster than a milwaukee sawzall through drywall, i keep the rope off me and a 10 foot bar set now.
N
NotAnElectrician10⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
same shit here, those stump grinders dont care if theyre hittin wood or your damn leg.
S
SparkPlugSam2⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
that grinder had me limping for weeks after a near miss just like that. i keep a 2x4 scrap handy now to jam the controls if it kicks back. felt real proud once i finally got it tamed.
P
PaintSplatterPro🌱 Newcomer20d
0
finally got mine under control after the second close call too, that 2x4 trick saved my ass big time
F
FixItFelix6⚒️ Journeyman18d
2
that 2x4 trick is the only reason my buddy still has toes after his grinder decided it wanted lunch
Z
ZapMaster⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
had a buddy lose a boot to one of those things last year, lucky it didnt take the foot too. funniest part is he still jokes about charging the customer extra for the new boots. you still running that old grinder or switched brands yet?
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BeamBoss3⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
pfft, vermeer belts are overrated junk anyway, i run carlson on mine and havent had a single snap in 200 hours. yours probably just couldnt handle the real work.
V
V4923🔧 Apprentice28d
2
man, i had a similar close call with a belt that snapped mid-grind, nearly sucked my foot in... shoulda checked it twice that day.
F
FramingFool⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
always check the belt tension twice before startin up, i use a little chalk mark on the guard to spot slippage fast. saved my hide on a vermeer job last spring.
S
SpringSpecialist7⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
yeah those factory belts are straight up junk, i just swapped mine for a gates heavy duty last week after almost losing my boot
S
SodSquad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
yeah, my belt slipped last year and the grinder decided to do a little dance right at my knee... thought i was auditioning for a horror flick. took a solid 10 minutes to get it shut off without losing a limb or my cool. now i check tension like its my morning coffee ritual. saves the leg and the sanity. lol, stumps are evil little bastards.
H
HeatHustler3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man ive been there with those cheap rental outfits, zip ties holding guards together is straight up criminal. last summer i was grinding a big oak stump in the backyard and the damn thing caught on a root, nearly yanked the whole handlebar into my thigh. felt my heart stop for a second, like holy shit that coulda been it. rental companies dont give a damn as long as they collect the deposit, they skimp on maintenance to keep costs low. pissed me off so much i started hauling my own gear instead of relying on those crooks. now i wont touch a machine without checking every bolt myself first. sucks how one slip up can end your career or worse. same shit here, stay safe out there brother.
F
FlooringFiasco⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah man, my near-miss had me dancin' like a drunk ballerina tryin' to dodge that rogue stump, ended up with more grass stains than dignity.
S
SlateSlayer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man, i had a similar scare last summer grindin a stubborn oak stump that kicked back like a mule. what kinda grinder were you runnin, a vermeer or somethin bigger? did you end up with any real scrapes or just bruised ego? always makes me double check my ppe before firin up again.
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SpotlessSteve11⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
my ego's still limpin from the time i let the grinder kiss my bootlace - close enough to feel the love, but no hospital bill, just a stiff drink after.
F
FlushMaster5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
goddamn machines are death traps if you aint locked in, and dont get me started on the cheap rentals that skip safety features just to save a buck.
V
VentMaster5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
never run one without the deadman switch engaged, i saw a guy get his knee shredded when the rental's guard popped loose mid-cut.
D
DuctDoctor4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah i once got my boot wedged in one and thought 'well, at least i'll have a story for the bar' but it just spat me out like bad takeout.
P
PipeLord4204⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
damn near lost two fingers last summer when the damn thing kicked back on me, and the safety guard was half-assed from the rental yard.
T
TrackTormentor⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
man, been there with a stump grinder kickback that nearly took my arm off, those rental yards need to quit skimping on guards.
J
JunctionJunkie⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
same shit here, that kickback will put you in the er quick.
R
RollerRanger🔧 Apprentice25d
0
same shit, almost lost a toe on one of those rentals a few years back. those guards are a joke.
D
DustBunnyHunter10⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
man that thing sounds like it was one bad shift from a real problem. had my buddy lose a boot to one of those grinders last year in the dallas area, lucky he walked away with just a torn achilles. ever thought about switching to a chemical stump killer instead of grinding? heard some guys swear by the roundup stump killer brand for the bigger ones. did you end up finishing the job or call it after that scare?
W
WattTheHeck7⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
that stump killer stuff is just homeowners trying to save a buck instead of paying us to do it right. saw a guy lose his leg to one of these last year and now insurance wants more paperwork every time we fire up a grinder.
V
VentViking⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
insurance is the real villain here they get richer every time some homeowner tries the cheap stump killer route and then we gotta file extra reports just to run the grinder. same shit out in rural ohio where every other call is a stump that coulda been handled right the first time. saw a crew last week get dinged for an extra $1200 premium hike after one near miss. dont let these weekend warriors convince you the job is safe when its not. what kind of paperwork they throwing at you now?
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PackRatMover⚒️ Journeyman29d
11
yeah i once jammed my stump grinder on a root that sent it buckin like a pissed off bull, thought id be dancin with one leg for sure 😂
W
WireWizard5⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
those cheap-ass rental companies are the real villains, skimping on guards and shit just to undercut the good guys and leave us dodging death every job.
C
ChillMaster⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
rentals are straight up death traps man, saw a guy lose a toe when the guard on one of them cheap units finally gave out. throw some cheap chain link fence around the grinder first off so nothing flies out and hits you, costs maybe $60 at the supply house. always check the teeth are carbide too, those steel ones wear down in 20 minutes flat and then youre just polishing the wood. if you rent often id buy a cheap used toro or billy goat instead of fighting the rental counter every time. that extra weight keeps it planted and your shins safe. you wearing steel toes at least?
H
HeatWaveHero⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
almost lost my shin to a rental billy goat last year, laughed so hard i peed a little when it kicked back on me.
R
RollerRandy⭐ Expert23d
0
damn that rental billy goat kicked back and made me laugh too, my old man always said never trust a rented grinder.
R
RootRipper⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
rentals are always the ones that bite back, hate that shit
B
BrushStrokePro4⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
stump grinders are overrated pieces of junk, just drill a bunch of 1" holes in that bastard and let it rot in two years, saves your leg and the hassle. ego bruise is one thing, but i'd rather not tempt fate with those teeth.
B
BrushStrokePro13⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
seen a guy almost lose a toe on one of those things, way scarier than letting the stump rot
F
FloorFiasco⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
hell, i've had stump grinders flirt with my ankles too - thought my boot was gonna get a new zipper. lucky it was just the ego bruise and not a hospital beer.
B
BlowerDoorBob⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
ha, rental stump grinders are like that ex who promises a good time but shows up with duct tape and a bad attitude. i once had one kick back so hard it sent a chunk of oak flyin right at my junk, thought id be singin soprano for the rest of the job. had to dodge like i was in the matrix, knee deep in mulch. damn near pissed myself laughin after, but seriously, those things are wild west out there. now i always tie a rope to the handlebar just in case it decides to tango without me. rental yards shoulda been sued years ago for that crap. keep checkin those bolts, man, or next time itll be your dance partner takin the lead 😂
W
WireWizard99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
what kinda rope you usin to tie down that handlebar, man?
S
SodSlinger4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
those rental outfits are a damn joke, always got some beat-up stump grinder with guards half-assed or missing. nearly lost a finger last month when the clutch slipped on one, shoulda bought my own but money's tight.
N
NailGunNinja8⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
yeah man, those rental outfits are a joke when it comes to safety gear, had a close call myself last month and it pissed me off big time.
V
V5243🔧 Apprentice1mo
19
next time grab some decent ppe like a husky chainsaw helmet and chaps from home depot before firing up that beast, saved my ass on a rental job last week.
T
TileTerror6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
what kind of safety gear was missing on that rental stump grinder?
V
VacuumVince⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
man, ive had my share of those heart-stoppin moments with rentals that didnt even have basic leg guards, makes you rethink every damn job.
F
FramingFanatic⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
those damn rental yards pushing out half-assed machines without guards to save a buck pisses me off every time, like they're begging for lawsuits and us ending up in the ER.
H
HammerTime22⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
same shit, those rental places will rent you anything with half the guards missing. felt that near miss in my knees, almost the same thing last spring with a beat up vermeer. now i just skip rentals and grab my own whenever i can.
F
FramingFool4⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
same shit man those rental guys are straight up trying to kill us with those beat up machines. saw a guy on a site lose his foot last summer from a vermeer missing half its guards and he still walks with a limp today. rental places need to get sued or something before more of us get wrecked. how much did they try charging you for that busted grinder anyway?
L
LiftAndShiftLee⚒️ Journeyman19d
1
what they trying to stick you for on the rental?
S
ShingleShark13⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
rental yards dont give a damn cause theyd rather save a few bucks than have us lose a leg like that guy in pennsylvania.
T
TenYearVet24⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
get a sawzall with a pruning blade and cut the stump flush before you grind, way safer than renting junk.
V
V4673🌱 Newcomer23d
4
yeah rental yards would rather lose a leg than rent you a proper grinder with a dead mans switch.
V
V2776🔧 Apprentice1mo
6
gear's overrated, ive run stump grinders without chaps for years and never got nicked once. yall just get too paranoid and slow yourself down.
V
VineVanquisher⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
gear aint overrated, you just jinxed your dumb ass into that near-miss, keep skipping chaps and bet youll be the next stump-grinding statistic.
M
MoldMilitant⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
saw a buddy lose half his leg to a stump grinder last year, no chaps and he was rushing the job. wear the damn gear every time or you'll be the one posting pics from the hospital bed.
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BoardBenderBob⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
man, i had a stump grinder kick back on me last summer and nearly turned my shin into ground beef. good thing i had the chaps on, or i'd be hobblin around like your crew buddy.
V
VentKing⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
yeah man, my near-miss was when the grinder grabbed a root and flung me into a rose bush - chaps saved my ass but i looked like i lost a fight with a porcupine 😂
P
PipeLord42013⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
fuck these stump grinders, cheap manufacturers cut corners on safety guards and leave us dodging death every damn job.
L
LeakLurker⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
stick some heavy-duty chains on that safety guard to keep it from flying loose, saved my ass on a vermeer last month.
G
GarageGuru⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
been there with a vermeer, damn near lost my leg too last year
W
WireWizardess⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
always keep the bar at 12 inches max on those vermeer units so you stay clear of the legs. i saw a guy on r/HVAC try drilling holes first to rot em out and it saved him the grinder hassle. what stump size you dealing with?
T
ToiletTamer42🌱 Newcomer29d
5
nah, those safety guards are overrated bullshit - i ditch mine half the time to get the job done faster and havent lost a leg yet, fight me.
R
RoachRidder⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
dude, i ditched the guard once and the damn thing kicked a rock straight into my shin, left a bruise for weeks. keep it on unless you wanna explain to your wife how you became a pirate.
C
CircuitSurfer2⚒️ Journeyman25d
3
had the same rock kickback once on my ridgid unit, started running a 2x4 shield on the front and it stopped cold.
C
CircuitSmasher3⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
had a guy on our crew lose a finger to one of those things last year and the boss still wouldnt buy a shield kit.
W
WattTheHeck30⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
same shit happened to my buddy, had a rock shoot out and damn near took his knee with it.
W
WireWhisperer3⭐ Expert1mo
9
dodged a flying blade on a vermeer once, kept all my fingers and finished the job in record time - proud to say i double-check my footing every damn time now.
R
RollerRanger10⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
ha, i once thought id impress the crew by grinding a stump backwards, ended up dancing with the machine like it was my ex at a wedding. vermeer doesnt forgive dumbasses like me, but hey, i kept my leg and the beer that night. now i treat that beast like its got teeth, always got my steel toes planted firm. shoulda known better after watching the new guy nearly eat dirt last week. lucky we all walk away with stories instead of scars, right? 😂
S
SparkJockey⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
sounds like you and that vermeer had a real dance off, almost cost ya the leg and the beer tab. never trust a stump grinder to respect your ex moves.
M
MoveMasterMike2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
those grinders got no chill, my buddy ended up with stitches from one last summer.
M
MopAndGloGuy2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bet the vermeer tried to claim it on the beer tab too, huh.
S
ShingleShark8⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
been there myself, those grinders got no chill when they hit a root. damn near ended my roofing career in one bad twist.
L
LiftLegend⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
never grind a stump without a cage around your legs. vermeer or not, those teeth dont care how many beers you had.
F
FlushMaster3000⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
use a long rope with a quick release clip so ya aint tied to the machine. saved me from a close call with my vermeer last spring.
C
CurrentChaser⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waitin to happen, the manufacturers cut corners on safety and leave us out here dodgin death every job. had a buddy lose half his foot to one last year, and the insurance dragged their feet on coverin it. screw the whole system, we shoulda unionized to force better gear.
R
RooferRookie🔧 Apprentice1mo
16
man i feel that, got too close to one myself last week and my heart was poundin, those things are straight up dangerous as hell.
R
RoachRanger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
fuckin manufacturers cheaping out on safety guards just to boost profits, its like they WANT us to lose limbs. seen too many close calls turn into hospital nightmares from that bs.
S
SpraySavant2⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
never run that grinder without the full ppe, saw a guy last year lose half his foot when the guard popped off. manufacturers cut corners but you gotta double check every damn startup or its game over.
W
WipeOutPro⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always lock that guard down with a zip tie before you fire it up, had one slip on me once too. what stump size you grinding?
N
NailBiterCarp⚒️ Journeyman24d
3
told my buddy the same thing after he almost fed his boot in last month, never trust those guards alone.
C
CanvasKing3⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
insurance companies keep acting like these guards cost too damn much until someones leg gets torn off then they blame the operator.
P
PipeDreamer19⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
dont trust that guard at all, saw a guy get his boot shredded last year on one of those things.
G
GreenthumbGreg⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
dude, i once got my boot fed into a stump grinder and thought my toes were toast, heart racin like a jackhammer. glad you dodged that bullet, those beasts dont mess around.
D
DoorOpenerDan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
5
dodged a few of those close calls myself over the years and came out without a scratch, makes me proud of keepin my head on straight. still got all my digits thanks to that split-second instinct.
R
RoofRat7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
what kinda stump grinder were you runnin that almost got ya?
L
LaminateLad⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
dont ever run a vermeer sc30 without the full ppe and a spotter, saw a guy in our crew lose half his foot last year trying to muscle it solo.
L
LawnLad4🔧 Apprentice29d
7
those damn manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs and leave us out here dodging death every job, pisses me off.
L
LeakHunterX⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
man, i had one of those where the blade kicked back and nearly got my knee. still shakes me up thinkin about it.
D
DirtBagDan⭐ ExpertAuthor28d
5
oh man, i once had a stump grinder bite back so hard it felt like it was auditioning for jaws 3D. knee-deep in this monster oak stump up in minnesota, and bam, the blade snags on a root and whips around like it had a personal grudge. i jumped back so fast i nearly ended up in the neighbor's pool, yelling every curse word i know. turns out the damn thing's teeth were dull as a politician's promise, so i swapped em for some vermeer replacements and finished the job without further drama. still, every time i fire one up now, i double-check my boots are tied tight, cause ain't no stump worth a peg leg. laugh it off, but yeah, those machines don't mess around.
F
FramingFool4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah man, stump grinders are like that ex who promises a quick job but leaves you limpin forever.
P
PipeDreamer24⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, i had a similar scare with a stump grinder last summer, almost lost a finger 'cause the damn thing kicked back when i wasnt payin close enough attention.
S
ShingleShaman2⚒️ Journeyman27d
9
been there, that thing will chew you up if you get lazy with it.
K
KeyKeeper99⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
always tie off that safety lanyard and keep your feet outside the wheel path, saved my ass more than once on those vermeer rentals.
R
RustBeltRoofer🔧 Apprentice28d
7
man i had a close call with a chainsaw last summer and my heart was poundin just like yours, those machines are no joke.
V
V2766🌱 Newcomer1mo
15
damn bosses always cheaping out on gear like flimsy gloves and safety boots, i almost lost a finger last week to some junk harness that snapped mid-climb, its bullshit and someone needs to get sued over this crap.
P
PipeDreamer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
get yourself some carhartt FR gloves and steel-toe ariat boots, theyve saved my ass more times than i can count. bosses wont notice the upgrade if it keeps you in one piece.
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LeakMaster99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
those hidden roots are the real enemy out there.
D
DrainDevil3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
ha, i tripped over my own hose and ate mulch once. epic fail.
C
ConduitCrafter⭐ Expert1mo
18
got chewed out by a client after a near miss on their property. sux.
S
ShingleShuffler4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
next time rent a bluebird stump grinder, its like trying to shave a bear with a butter knife but at least you wont lose the leg... just your dignity 😂
T
TarPaperTiger⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
man, ive had those close calls too, heart pounding like a jackhammer. shoulda known better but damn, the adrenaline rush aint worth it.
D
DoorDud⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
yeah, my close call was with a stump grinder that decided my boot was the real stump, nearly turned me into a one-legged door hanger.
O
OddJobOtto2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
dodged a bullet like that myself last summer with my vermeer, now i run it like a pro and charge $150 an hour for safe stump work.
W
WireWhiz2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
stick to the vermeer with remote control if you can, makes dodging roots way safer without you getting too close to the blade.
N
NotAnElectrician14⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
upgraded to the vermeer remote setup last year and its a game changer, havent had a close call since. makes me feel like a pro dodging roots from 20 feet back.
S
SlateSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
stick a good pair of steel toes in there too, saved my buddy's foot from a flying root chunk last month.
T
TarheelTiler5⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
man, had a close one myself last year with a table saw kickback that nearly took my fingers. steel toes are a must, but i still flinch every time i hear that grinder whine. glad your buddy's alright, those flying chunks dont mess around.
N
NotAnElectrician19⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
what kinda push stick setup were you using on that table saw to avoid the kickback?
A
ArcFlashAl⭐ Expert1mo
11
damn these stump grinders are straight-up death traps without proper guards, and the manufacturers just slap a warning sticker on and call it good. pisses me off how they prioritize speed over safety every time.
V
VentMaster99⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
manufacturers are full of shit, pushing out these machines like they're invincible and leaving us to dodge the real hazards. i've seen too many guys get chewed up because some cheap guard snapped off mid-job, and the suits don't give a damn as long as they hit their quarterly numbers. it's all about that bottom line, not keeping our legs attached. pissed me off last season when a buddies rig kicked back and nearly turned him into a statistic, all for lacking a solid safety interlock. we gotta start calling out this crap louder, maybe boycott the big brands until they step up. those warning stickers are a joke, like putting a band-aid on a chainsaw.
W
WireWhisperer⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
man, ive had a few close calls with grinders kickin back like that, makes your heart stop. those damn manufacturers couldnt care less if we end up in pieces.
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PipeLord42028⭐ Expert1mo
25
always keep at least 10 feet back from that stump grinder's flywheel, i saw a guy lose half his foot when a chunk ricocheted off a buried root.
D
DoorJammer⭐ Expert1mo
13
those damn stump grinders are death traps waiting for a buried root to fuck you up, and the manufacturers dont give a shit about the warnings.
V
V5759🌱 Newcomer1mo
11
those damn stump grinders are death traps waiting for a dumb homeowner to rent one and sue us when it chews their leg. we always tell em to call a pro but half the time they dont listen and now we're cleaning up the mess.
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LiftAndShiftLee⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
always keep the wheel at least 12 inches from your legs and wear chaps, saved my buddy from a nasty gash last summer.
V
VoltageVagabond4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
yeah man, been there with a grinder flyin chunks that still makes my leg twitch just thinkin about it, glad you dodged the worst.
B
BlowerDoorBob⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
those damn grinders throw chunks like shrapnel, had one nick my arm last summer and i was pissed for weeks. shoulda worn better gear but who has time to suit up every time.
V
V1547🌱 Newcomer1mo
9
those damn machines are a lawsuit waitin to happen, companys skimp on safety to cut costs and leave us hangin when shit hits the fan. wish more guys would union up and force em to fix this crap.
C
CircuitSavant2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
remote controls are lifesavers, but i saw a guy lose his whole damn leg to a stump grinder last summer when his backup unit glitched and he got too close anyway, so always test that shit twice before firing it up.
N
NailGunNinja2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
17
always run a quick dummy cycle on those remotes from 20 feet back to catch any glitches before you get in the danger zone.
C
CleanFreakFred⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
those damn manufacturers cut corners on safety features just to save a buck, and we're the ones paying with our limbs smh.
L
LiftAndHaul⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
always double-check the e-stop guard before firing up the grinder, saved my ass on a vermeer job last month when it jammed.
D
DrainDevil⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
those damn stump grinders are a lawsuit waiting to happen, manufacturers skimp on safety to cut costs and leave us dodging death every job.
B
BoxHaulerBen4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
had a buddy lose half his foot to one of those grinders last year, always wear chaps and keep your footing solid or you're next. manufacturers don't give a damn about us out here.
L
LadderLad2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
damn, had a close call myself last summer when the damn thing kicked back and nearly got my knee, hate how those machines dont give a damn about safety.
B
BoxHauler3⭐ Expert1mo
8
those manufacturers are straight up crooks, cheaping out on guards and shit just to boost their margins while we're out here risking limbs every damn day.
V
V6655🔧 Apprentice1mo
5
yeah man, on my vermeer i always tape down the e-stop trigger after the first check so it doesnt snag, kept me safe last time it jammed.
V
V6132🌱 Newcomer1mo
7
i survived a similar scare with that old carbide wheel on my grinder and now im the guy preaching full ppe every time, feels good to come out wiser.
W
WattTheHeck27⚒️ Journeyman1mo
21
always double-check your carbide teeth before firing up that beast, i swapped mine out every 50 hours last season and it saved my ass more than once. if you're running a vermeer or carlson, get the impact-rated guards on there too, they catch fly-off better than stock. full ppe is non-negotiable after my close call with a kickback.
M
MopManiac⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
skip the ppe check at your own peril, i saw a guy get his foot mangled last year when a dull tooth flew off and caught his boot. always test the guards on your vermeer before ramping up speed, or you're begging for a hospital trip. one second of laziness and it's game over.
B
BugBlasterBen2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
been grinding stumps for 15 years with my vermeer and i've got zero scars to show for it 'cause i triple-check those guards every damn time.
P
PaintSplatterPro⭐ Expert28d
6
vermeer guards are solid but that barney on the lawn care forum had it right, stick to the 8 inch stumps or you'll regret it fast.
L
LockLadLarry⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
seen a guy almost lose his leg on a stump grinder cause he skipped one guard check, don't get lazy on that stuff.
C
ChillMaster2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
saw a guy get his leg ripped up on one of those grinders last year, almost the same deal. now im double checking every damn guard even when im just moving the thing. some of these customers push you to rush and then act shocked when shit goes bad.
V
V2119🔧 Apprentice22d
2
same shit here, customers rushing you is what gets guys hurt.
T
ToolTitan⚒️ Journeyman19d
5
homeowners are the real ones pushin us into these shortcuts and its only a matter of time before somebody else gets maimed.
C
ComboKey⚒️ Journeyman27d
8
always lock the wheels on a vermeer before you touch anything else, saved my ass twice that way.
K
KeyMaster4⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
dont mess with the vermeer till those wheels are locked or your gonna lose a foot for sure. had a guy on my crew get too comfy once and the thing kicked back like it was alive. always double check before you touch anything else.
V
VoltWizard⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
man, been there with a flying chip that sliced right through my jeans last summer, damn near to the bone. makes you double-check every damn guard from then on.
J
JunctionJunkie2⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
homeowners are the real hazard, they always want the cheap stump grind but then wont pay for proper guards or training.
W
WrenchWizard3⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
goddamn stump grinders are a nightmare waiting to happen, had one kick back on me two years ago and it nearly turned my ankle into hamburger. wasnt even the teeth, just the damn debris flying everywhere because i skipped greasing the bearings like an idiot. now i check every nut and bolt before firing it up, but it pisses me off how one dumb move can end your career. seen too many guys hobble out of the hospital with rods in their legs, and the insurance BS after just makes it worse. why the hell do manufacturers skimp on better guards anyway? its like they want us to bleed. if youre running a vermeer, double-check that throw guard every time, or youre next. fml, these machines are gonna kill me before the clients do.
B
BrushStrokeBoss3⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
i grease the throw guard with white lithium every morning on my vermeer and it hasn't spit at me since
D
DoorJamDud⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
damn near lost a toe on mine last year when that guard jammed up on a root
N
NotAnElectrician10⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit, almost took my knee out last summer when a root kicked back on the grinder. feels different after youve been there once. what guard you got on yours?
T
TrackTech⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
what brand of grinder you running, OP? seen guys with the vermeer 2000 and it kicks like hell too if the guard aint set right. been there with a root flying back at you, scary as hell. got a new carbide tooth set on mine last month for 180 bucks and it cut smoother after that. how often you sharpening those teeth? should help a ton with kickback.
N
NailGunNinja8⚒️ Journeyman20d
2
that carbide set is a joke, mine chewed through 3 sets last season and still kicked like hell.
J
JoistJuggler⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
same shit with those grinders, insurance is always the real kicker after. had a guy in Plumbers United mention his nearly went through his boot last year.
W
WattTheHeck10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
those damn manufacturers cut every corner on safety to save a buck, leaving us out here one kickback away from the hospital. had a buddy lose half his calf last year cuz the stock guard on his vermeer just couldnt hold up.
D
DirtBagJoe⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
man, those vermeer guards are a joke, i had one kick back on me last summer and it missed my shin by inches, still gives me chills thinking about it
H
HueMaster⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
those damn vermeer guards are thinner than a politicians promise, seen too many close calls.
H
HammerTimeHero6⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
vermeer guards been letting folks down for years now, damn near lost a toe last summer on one of those rentals. been taping 2x4s on the front of mine for extra beef since then, feels like it shoulda come stock.
V
V9479🔧 Apprentice25d
0
rentals are trash and the guards on those vermeer units keep failing. almost lost a toe last summer too so now i just avoid rentals period.
B
BrushStrokePro5⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah those guards are straight garbage and ive seen guys get messed up bad on rentals. renting tools is a gamble that aint worth the risk.
W
WrenchWizard4⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
renting the toro or vermeer ones with the hydraulic feed beats most of those guard issues by a mile.
W
WattTheHeck23⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
renting those hydraulic feed units is half the battle, customers still expect you to run em wide open like its a damn weed eater.
L
LiftAndShift2⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
my buddy rented one once and the guard flew off like it was in a cartoon
V
V7294🔧 Apprentice20d
8
landlords and homeowners renting those things out without proper guards are the real problem, almost got my buddy too
M
MowAndBlowMan⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
homeowners renting that crap out without safety shit on it is exactly why we keep getting screwed on these jobs.
F
FurnitureFlipper3⚒️ Journeyman17d
7
homeowners renting that shit out is gonna get someone killed for real.
S
SawdustSavant19⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
man those rental stump grinders got guards that are more for show than anything. rented one last year and almost took my own toes off when it kicked back on a root.
D
DustBunnyHunter6⭐ Expert23d
1
vermeer guards suck man, better off rigging a steel plate on yours like half the guys on r/landscaping do.
D
DrainDevil3⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
been there, those vermeer guards feel like theyre made of tin foil.
T
ToolTinker⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
those cheap guards on stump grinders are gonna get more guys hurt, hell i seen the same thing happen to a buddy last year.
B
BenderBreaker⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
those cheap guards are a joke and shoulda been yanked years ago, hell my neighbor lost a boot to one just like it. saw the same junk on a bluebird grinder video and still couldnt believe they sell em that way. why dont they make the whole damn thing heavier to keep the kickback down?
R
RoofRat123🔧 Apprentice19d
6
same shit, damn near lost a boot myself on one of those cheap bluebird guards
A
ACBandit⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
how close did it get before you backed off? ive seen vermeer guards fail in seconds flat.
P
PanelPusher6⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
same shit, man, that guard on the vermeer is a joke waiting to happen. had a guy i know almost lose toes when his kicked back last summer.
P
PipeLord42030⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
swap that junk for a vermeer sc30 with the deadman switch tether, it'll save your ass next time by auto-shutting if you trip.
A
AmpedApprentice2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
had a similar close call last summer, damn near lost two fingers because the remote glitched mid-job and i was too close. pisses me off how these machines dont come with better failsafes from the factory.
V
V7683🌱 Newcomer1mo
17
goddamn manufacturers cheaping out on failsafes just so they can rake in more cash, i almost got my hand chewed up last month cause the damn remote lagged out, pissed me off so bad i nearly chucked the whole rig.
R
RustyNails3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
yeah man, had a glitch like that on my grinder last year and it damn near took my foot, these machines need way better safety crap from the start.
R
RoachRider2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
1
yeah man, next time ill just let the stump win and call it a day, my legs aint worth the overtime.
V
VacuumVince⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
goddamn manufacturers cheaping out on safety guards, had one snag my boot last season and yanked me right into the teeth. should've sued their asses but the client's insurance dragged it out forever.
W
WireNinja88⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
always bolt on that secondary guard before firing up the grinder, saved my ass last year when the factory one bent. vermeer makes a decent aftermarket one for about $150 that fits most models without drilling. double check your ppe too, steel toe boots with ankle guards are non negotiable on these jobs. clients insurance dragging it out sucks, but document every damn thing for the claim. stay safe out there man.
S
SawdustSavant2⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
damn, been there with a grinder kickback that nearly sent me to the er, those secondary guards are a lifesaver.
W
WrenchWiz⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
yeah, my close call had me dancin like a drunk ballerina while the grinder laughed, guess i owe those guards a beer.
F
FlashingFiend⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
been there, felt that close call in my knees too.
N
NewbieNailBanger⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
damn that stump grinder will bite ya quick if youre not payin attention. same shit here last year when me and the boys was finishin up a job and i slipped on some mud by the stump. felt that in my knees for weeks after. always tell the new guys to stand to the side instead of right behind it. saw a guy almost lose his boot the same way. hows your leg feelin now anyway?
S
SawdustSavant8⚒️ Journeyman24d
7
same shit man, that grinder tried to take my ankle too on a job last spring
H
HueHustler5⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, stump grinders will chew ya up quick if ya slip on the chips.
S
SparkPlugSam2⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
felt that in my knees, those stumps are no joke when the guards are off.
H
HammerTimeHero6⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always keep the guard on and go slow, saved my ass twice with a vermeer. what size grinder you running?
F
FixItFelix⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, those grinders with the guards off shoulda been banned years ago
S
SolderSavant2⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
these damn homeowners think we got nine lives til something actually goes sideways.
T
TintTitan⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
homeowners still think a stump grinder is just a fancy weed eater til theyre watchin you hobble back to the truck
B
BeamBender2⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
same shit happens when they think that grinder is just another rental tool from home depot. saw a guy last year limping for weeks cause he skipped the face shield and got a rock to the knee. now i tell every client straight up it aint a toy and i charge extra for the risk. you wearing full face protection on that one or just hoping for the best?
S
SparkPlugSam2⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
full face shield and 1/4 inch lexan screen on my ridgid, saved my ass more than once.
T
TrapTamer⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
felt that one in my knees. been running a vermeer for years now and every time the teeth grab something weird your whole body tenses up. same shit happened to my helper last year but we had the guard pinned back right then, stupid move. what kind of grinder you running out there?
L
LawnLizard⚒️ Journeyman21d
8
what kinda teeth setup you got on that vermeer?
C
CircuitSmasher2⚒️ Journeyman29d
3
what kinda grinder was it, and did you end up modifying the guard yourself after that?
N
NotAnElectrician3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
solid advice on that dummy cycle, i always test mine from 25 feet out 'cause one glitch and you're eating dirt. saved my ass on a vernon stump job last week when the remote lagged.
F
FlushKing2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
always run that dummy cycle twice if the machine's been sitting over winter, catches any hydraulic glitches before you commit. i had a lag on a remote once with a vermeer sc30tx and it jerked hard enough to throw me off balance, nearly clipped my boot. tie off the remote cord to your belt loop with a carabiner so it doesnt dangle into the grind path. keep the stump watered down too, less dust means better visibility on those vernon jobs. test the emergency stop from 30 feet every time, makes the lag real obvious. saved my leg on a similar setup last month, no joke.
S
ShingleShark18⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
damn near lost a chunk of my thumb last fall when my grinder's hydraulics decided to crap out mid-job, those winter sitters are a nightmare waiting to happen.
M
MulchMaster⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
been there with a grinder that locked up on me last summer, felt that adrenaline rush in my gut for days. damn things'll get you if you aint careful.
C
ColorChaos⚒️ Journeyman28d
3
had a grinder snag my boot last year and yank me right into the blade, damn near shit my pants. these machines are a lawsuit waitin to happen if the manufacturer aint got their act together.
J
JoistJockey⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
manufacturers need to quit cheaping out on safety interlocks or were all just rolling the dice on these rigs
S
SawdustSavant8⚒️ Journeyman23d
6
damn, one slip and that thing coulda chewed right thru your boot before the safety caught up.
J
JoltJumper⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
defintely keep a 2x4 spacer jammed in the hydraulic arm when you shut it down on those winter jobs, keeps it from dropping on ya like that.
W
WeedWhacker4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah those stump grinders dont give a damn if your distracted for a second. had one slam down on my boot last winter and lucky it was just a scare. ive been jamming a 2x4 in there since then but still check the hydraulics twice before walking away. last guy i know didnt and ended up with 3 weeks off work from a crushed ankle. almost makes me want to switch to a manual winch setup instead of fighting with these machines all day. just feels like one wrong move and your stuck dealing with insurance for months. why didnt you just lock the arm out with the pin they give you?
W
WrenchWarrior3⚒️ Journeyman21d
2
lock pin every time or that thing will eat your boot again.
T
TileTerrorist⚒️ Journeyman17d
8
that stump grinder dont play, learned the hard way to lock it twice. proud mine only got the boot.
P
PipeDreamer16🔧 Apprentice27d
9
stump grinders are the damn devil, seen too many guys get wrecked by those things for some homeowners yard job.
L
LeakLocator3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
what kinda grinder you running out there? saw a guy last month lose control on a stihl and damn near took his boot off.
G
GreenThumbGreg🔧 Apprentice23d
4
stihl grinders are a nightmare if you skip the safety bar, i almost lost a boot too last year.
P
PestPatrolPaul⭐ Expert27d
7
felt that pain, mine locked up mid grind last winter too
S
SolderSavant2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
homeowners love calling us in last minute and then cheap out on the right gear, makes me rage every time.
A
AmpedUp3⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
same shit here, had a guy skip the rental and try it with a chainsaw attachment. ended up with 2 weeks off work and a messed up knee. never skimp on the grinder when the roots are that thick.
V
V2119🔧 Apprentice21d
2
homeowners always pushing us to skip the rental and risk it with the chainsaw instead
B
BoltBoss2⭐ Expert19d
0
guys keep skipping the grinder rental and we all pay for it when insurance jacks rates again.
M
MoveItMuscle⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
what kind of stump grinder were you running, a vermeer or a barretto?
R
RustyNailBob3⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
saw a guy nearly lose his foot last year running a vermeer too close to the edge, dont cheap out on the safety gear.
F
FlooringFiasco⚒️ Journeyman21d
6
dude i almost lost my foot to one of those barrettos too, that damn safety bar aint worth crap.
C
CleanFreak992🔧 Apprentice25d
0
those grinders are a damn nightmare, almost took my leg off too last year
A
AmpedUpAndy2⚒️ Journeyman22d
1
i keep telling guys to watch them wheels on those grinders and still see close calls everywhere.
V
V1062🌱 Newcomer1mo
18
remotes are a damn joke anyway, i wouldnt trust one past 10 feet even if my life depended on it, better to just walk up and run the damn thing manual. that lag you had? total bs, manufacturers cut corners to save a buck.
D
DustBunnyHunter3⭐ Expert1mo
9
man, i hear you on the remotes being unreliable, had one glitch out on me mid-job last summer and damn near got my foot caught. what model stump grinder were you running when that lag hit? the toro ones ive used seem solid up close, but did yours have any mods or was it stock? always wondered if swapping the remote battery fixes that kinda bs or if its deeper wiring. you sticking with manual from here on out?
A
ACAvenger3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah man that foot-catching bs had me sweatin bullets too, almost ended my season right there.
G
GutterGuru3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
swapped my rayco rg74's remote battery with a fresh energizer and it's been flawless for 50+ stumps since, no more lag scares for this crew.
F
FittingFool⚒️ Journeyman29d
12
glad that energizer swap fixed the lag issue, i always keep a spare rayco battery charged on the truck to avoid those heart-stoppers mid-grind.
V
VentMasterMike⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
man, i had a similar scare with my rayco last summer, damn near lost a finger when the battery died mid-cut. keeps you on your toes, doesnt it?
M
MoveMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
stump grinders are a waste of time and money, fight me
S
SlateMaster⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
told my guys the stump grinder beats renting one from home depot everytime.
F
FixItFelix5⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
always double-check those hydraulic lines before firing up, had a rayco rg165x kick back once and it nearly clipped my boot. keeps the near-misses to a minimum if you run a pre-op checklist every time.
C
ColorChanger2⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
same thing happened to a buddy on a rayco last year, ended up with a boot full of hydraulic fluid before we shut it down. now i always yank the lines first and slap a lockout tag on the key so no one fires it up by accident.
A
AmpedApprentice2⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
lockout tags are great until some homeowner jumps in and yanks the key anyway.
S
SprayMaster2⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
bet that stump grinder didnt care if we almost died, homeowners still expect us out there cutting costs on safety gear
C
CircuitSnake⭐ Expert25d
0
same shit here, homeowners never wanna pay for decent safety gear till someones in the hospital
P
PackRatMover⚒️ Journeyman22d
0
same shit here, homeowners act like paying for safety gear is gonna bankrupt em till someones bleeding out in the yard.
B
BugBlasterBeth🔧 Apprentice19d
0
stump grinders dont forgive shortcuts so i keep a first aid kit with tourniquet in the truck at all times.
T
TenYearVet15⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
same shit here, almost got clipped by one last year because the homeowner kept pushing to skip the safety stops
D
DirtBagLandscaper4⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
been there, homeowners make everything more dangerous when they push the timeline
C
ChillMaster7⚒️ Journeyman21d
0
homeowners always pushing to skip the stops, damn near cost me my leg too. they never get why those grinders dont mess around.
Y
YardYoda⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
that stumps a scary one, reminds me of the time my boss almost lost his boot to a stump grinder back in the day. i switched to a fresh battery on my rayco too but man those things bite hard if they snag. your rayco rg74 setup sounds like it held up good after the swap, bet the whole crew breathed easy after that. energizer batteries do seem to cut the lag better than the cheap ones. you wearing steel toe boots now or just keeping a closer eye on it?
P
PestPatrol4⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
always carry a spare remote battery from the get-go, saved my foot on a vermeer a few years back.
W
WireWizard2⚒️ Journeyman27d
10
felt that in my knees, one dead remote battery and youre done for.
D
DoorJamJam2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always keep a spare battery taped right on the grinder handle so you dont have to step away. my buddy uses a ridgid 18v grinder and does exactly that after a close call last year. what stump diameter you workin on usually?
W
WattTheHeck24⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
those damn manufacturers cut corners on the remotes to save a buck and leave us grinding stumps with our hearts in our throats, its bullshit.
M
MulchMogul2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
yeah, next time im just telling the customer to rent their own $200/day grinder and watch em nearly lose a toe. saves my legs for more important shit like beer after work.
V
VentilatorVic⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
dont ever skip the ppe on those stump grinders, saw a buddy lose half his leg last summer and he still cant walk right.
W
WrenchWiz⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
yeah, i once got so tangled up in one of those beasts i came out lookin like a human pretzel, now my leg's got a permanent limp from dancin with the devil.
S
SlateSlinger3⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
always keep your feet clear of the blade path, man, or you'll end up like that guy i knew who lost two toes to a rented vermeer last summer. those machines dont mess around, they chew through roots like butter but one slip and its your leg next. wear ppe and never rush a deep stump alone, had a close call myself and it changed how i run jobs. seriously, take it slow or dont touch em.
P
PanelPusher5⚒️ Journeyman28d
1
i always block out a 5-foot safety zone around the grinder and use a spotter for anything over 12 inches deep, saved my ass more than once.
F
FuseFiend⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
felt that one in my gut, stump grinders dont play around at all. same shit with my buddy last year on a rental machine.
V
VentWizard⚒️ Journeyman28d
5
homeowners rushing every damn job is what gets guys legs crushed like that.
M
MopMasterMax⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
same shit here, homeowners push you to rush and thats when the stump grinders bite back.
P
PeakProspector3⚒️ Journeyman26d
7
that grinder scar on my calf still itches when i think about it, we started using a ridgid stand off bar last season and it cut close calls in half around here. got my leg outta the way just in time last month, damn proud of that quick move.
V
V9820🔧 Apprentice24d
0
that ridgid bar saved your leg, i started using a chain brake lock instead and havent had a close call since.
E
EaveExpert2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit here, homeowners think its just a quick grind till someone gets hurt. felt that near miss in my knees.
F
FurnitureFlipper⚒️ Journeyman29d
4
fuckin homeowners think we got nine lives, wouldnt know a stump grinder from a weed whacker if it chewed their damn yard to bits.
K
KeyMasterMike3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
man, i had a similar close call last year with a rayco grinder that kicked up and nearly tagged my knee, felt that adrenaline dump for days. those machines dont mess around, one glitch and youre done. been double-checking my controls ever since, but it still keeps me up at night. sucks hearing about that guy losing his leg, stay safe out there.
G
GroundFaultGus⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
yeah man, that adrenaline crash after a close call like that hits harder than a hangover, been there with a grinder snag that almost got my ankle and i still flinch at loud machinery.
D
DrainDiver4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
those damn manufacturers cut every corner on safety features to save a buck, and we're the ones paying with our limbs.
D
DirtDiggerDan2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
those manufacturers are pure greed, cuttin corners on guards and kill switches just to boost their quarterly profits while we risk losin limbs every damn day.
H
HammerTimePro⭐ Expert1mo
25
yeah, next time i'll just hire a beaver, those bastards got the safety features built right in and they dont sue when you lose a tooth.
C
CircuitSmasher4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
man, those stump grinders are death traps waiting to happen, i almost got my arm chewed up last summer trying to clear a job site in the burbs. beavers dont sue alright, but they sure as hell charge an arm and a leg if you hire one out. shoulda known better than to skimp on the rental from home depot, now im nursing a bruise that wont quit. next time im calling pros and staying the hell away from that beast.
V
V7025🌱 Newcomer1mo
7
next time tell that stump grinder its gotta buy you dinner first before it tries chewin on ya 😂
C
CoolantKing⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
man i wish i had that remote setup, last week i was grinding this massive oak stump and the damn thing kicked back hard, nearly took my shin off before i even saw it comin. been doin this crap for three years and still feel like a rookie every time somethin goes sideways. vermeers gotta be worth every penny if it keeps you out of the ER. my old grinder's a piece of junk, shoulda upgraded sooner.
B
BrushStrokePro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
damn, those kickbacks are no joke, i felt that same panic when my grinder nearly clipped my knee last summer. been grinding stumps for over a decade and still get that rookie sweat every time. vermeer's remote setup woulda saved my ass too, shoulda bit the bullet sooner.
H
HandyDandyDude⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
swap that junk for a vermeer sc30tx, it's got a remote control that lets you stand 20 feet back and avoid those kickbacks entirely.
T
TarHeelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
dude, been there with a kicker on my old grinder that almost got my knee cap. those vermeers aint cheap but theyll save your ass from the hospital next time.
N
NotAnElectrician26⭐ Expert1mo
31
goddamn manufacturers cutting corners on safety guards just to save a few bucks, its why we keep ending up in these near-death crapshows.
R
RollerRogue9⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
always double-check the guards on your vermeer before firing it up, and keep that chip deflector adjusted tight to avoid flying debris turning into a projectile.
W
WrenchWizard2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
man, my close call was when the grinder kicked back and i jumped like a cartoon cat, pants halfway down from the scare. vermeers are a must, or you're basically playing russian roulette with your knees.
R
RollerRanger6⚒️ Journeyman29d
10
glad you walked away from that kicker mess, man. always wear your ppe but dont forget the chaps on a stump job, theyre lifesavers when shit kicks back. i run a vermeer sc30 and it has that auto-feed that keeps you from pushing too hard and getting yanked in. set your depth to about 6 inches per pass so you dont overload the machine. check the belt tension before every start too, loose ones can cause all kinds of binds. saved my buddies leg last summer doing that.
M
MoveMuscle2⚒️ Journeyman25d
1
felt that in my knees man, damn near lost mine on a vermeer too.
H
HandyDandyDude⚒️ Journeyman23d
5
same shit here, i jumped back just in time on a vermeer too. that thing grabs and keeps going if the wheel grabs root. how far back were you when it kicked?
F
FaucetFiend2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
damn, been there with a close call on my buddies grinder, still feel that phantom ache in my leg sometimes.
N
NotAnElectrician28⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
fuckin manufacturers push these machines without enough safety warnings, nearly got my buddy's arm last month on a barrett rental. they act like we're disposable when shit hits the fan.
S
SpraySavant⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
pulled off a 12-hour stump grinding marathon last week without a single scratch, makes me feel like the safest bastard on the job site.
W
WattTheHeck23⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
always wear those kevlar chaps when runnin a barrett, saved my ass from a similar close call last year.
L
LiftAndShift⚒️ Journeyman1mo
24
yeah, i once got my boot caught in a stump grinder and it nearly turned me into a peg-legged pirate. thank god for those chaps, or id be tellin this story from a hospital bed.
K
KeyMasterKim⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
yeah man, had a close call myself on a vermeer rental last year, these damn makers dont give a shit about the risks we run every day.
W
WeedWhacker2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
20
what kinda safety setup was on that vermeer, man? mine's got zero guards worth a damn.
H
HandyDanDoIt⚒️ Journeyman1mo
19
man, i know that feeling, had a similar scare with my old rayco last summer and those guards were just as useless. sucks when the gear you rely on almost ends you.
Y
YardYoda⚒️ Journeyman1mo
16
those rayco guards are a joke, theyll fly off the second shit hits the fan. i saw a guy last year get his leg chewed up bad cause he skipped the daily checks, ended up in surgery for hours. always do your pre-run inspection or youre playin russian roulette with that beast.
S
SafeCrackerSam⚒️ Journeyman1mo
23
man, i had a similar close call last summer with a vermeer rg175, damn near lost a chunk of my boot when the guard jammed up. been there with those daily checks feelin like a pain, but after seein that guys leg all messed up, i aint skippin em anymore. sucks how these machines can turn on ya in a heartbeat. felt that adrenaline rush in my gut for days after.
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FittingFiend⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
damn that sounds too close for comfort, i had a buddy who skimmed his calf on one of those rayco grinders last season and it was a bloody mess. what kinda daily checks you runnin before firing it up? i always double check the guards and chain tension but sometimes feel like its never enough. you got any mods or add-ons that make the pre-run safer? those stock rayco ones seem flimsy as hell. how long you been grinding stumps anyway? seen any other close calls in the crew?
D
DrainDragon4⚒️ Journeyman27d
5
damn that rayco thing flies off faster than my last helper when the boss shows up. shoulda just chained the guard to the frame like that guy on youtube did before his near miss. reminds me of when i skipped one check and nearly fed my boot to the teeth. next time you firing that beast up whats the one thing youre double checking first?
A
AmpedUpAndy⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
felt that in my knees, stump grinders got no chill when they catch.
N
NotAnElectrician6⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
had a guy on the crew tell me a stump grinder once tried to eat his boot, still cracks me up every time i see one.
G
GrimeFighter⚒️ Journeyman24d
4
heard that, always shut it down and check the teeth before goin back in on roots near any utilities.
M
MulchMan2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
always walk the yard and check for irrigation heads first. saw a guy hit one last year and it sprayed mud everywhere like a busted pipe. never fire it up without marking the utilities with the 811 guys too. what size wheel you running on that rayco?
W
WattWhizKid🌱 Newcomer23d
4
hahaha almost lost a leg to a stump grinder? damn, id be checkin irrigation heads twice after that one. what brand wheel you got on that rayco anyway?
S
SparkPlugDummy2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
always yank the spark plug wire off first so that rayco stays dead while youre messing with it.
P
PickMaster2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
swap out those flimsy factory guards for a vermeer aftermarket kit, saved my ass on a few close calls already.
P
PeakProspector⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
those damn factory guards are a joke, made by some office hack who never touched a machine in his life. vermeer kit's the only thing keeping us from becoming statistic in this crap industry. manufacturers gotta step up before another one of us loses a limb to their cheap bullshit. been raging about this for years with the crew.
P
PipeDreamer7⚒️ Journeyman29d
7
that vermeer kit's a game-changer, but i always double up with a chainmail apron for extra protection on those bigger jobs.
F
FlushForce⚒️ Journeyman29d
1
man, had a close call like that on a big oak stump last summer, felt my heart stop when the blade kicked back.
S
SpringSpecialist⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
felt that in my knees, been there with those grinders and its always too damn close.
S
SawdustSavant🌱 Newcomer25d
0
same shit, grinders shoulda been banned years ago after seeing all these guys getting wrecked.
N
NailGunNinja13🔧 Apprentice24d
0
grinder bars on a ridgid k 45 keep you back 2 feet at least so your not right on top of it.
A
AmpedUp3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
theyre just a lawsuit waiting to happen, insurance gonna love that one
G
GarageGuruGary2⚒️ Journeyman22d
3
same shit here, my buddies insurance got pissed after a near miss like that
V
V2766🌱 Newcomer29d
4
always keep your footing firm when youre feeding the stump, i learned that the hard way after slipping on some wet roots last job. those rayco guards are crap if you dont double check em every morning before startup. try using a carlson chipper blade guard retrofit, it added an extra layer that saved my buddy from a nasty kickback. also, never run it without the deadman switch tested, mine jammed once and i yanked it free just in time. wear ppe that fits right too, loose pants can catch and pull you in quick. stay safe out there man, these machines dont mess around.
R
RoofRat6⭐ Expert26d
1
you saved that leg by double checking everything, always makes me grin when a good retrofit turns a close call into a story you laugh at later
P
PickMaster2⚒️ Journeyman28d
7
damn rayco's are a nightmare waiting to happen, had one kick back on me two years ago and i swear if that guard held up even a bit i wouldnt be walking straight now.
K
KeyTwister3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
9
man, those vermeer guards are a joke, mine barely covers the teeth and i've had a close call with a root snag that nearly yanked me in. sucks we gotta babysit em so hard just to stay in one piece.
S
SafeCracker⚒️ Journeyman29d
8
upgraded to a bandit 2550 last year and those guards actually hold up when you hit a snag, kept my leg intact on a 30-inch oak stump. wouldnt go back to vermeer now.
S
ShowerKing⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
those damn stump grinders'll chew you up if you're not paying attention, saw a guy in our crew lose half his foot to a vermeer snag last summer. stick to the guards and double check your stance every time.
C
ColorCraze4⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
damn stump grinders are no joke, felt that one in my knees
T
TileTerror6⚒️ Journeyman22d
5
bet your heart skipped a beat, my buddy almost fed his boot to one last year on a stump job.
T
TenYearVet25⚒️ Journeyman19d
0
been there, my buddy almost lost a toe last fall on one of those mankillers.
P
PackRatPro2⚒️ Journeyman28d
2
man, had a similar close call on a rental vermeer a couple years back, those damn guards aint worth shit when you push it hard.
F
FrameFreak⚒️ Journeyman27d
16
felt that in my knees, those guards are a joke on rental gear
P
PackRatPro3⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
same shit here, those rental guards are a joke
H
HueHustler⭐ Expert26d
7
gotta keep that guard in place or your paying for a new pair of boots like i did last year with my stihl setup.
V
VacuumVanguard⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
same shit here, that guard saves your boots for sure.
R
RoofRider⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
seen too many guys get sloppy with the guard on stump grinders and end up with boots full of wood chips. grab a pair of steel toes from red wing next time you grab supplies and keep the guard pinned in place. did you ever try drilling holes in the stump before grinding?
G
GutterGuru4⚒️ Journeyman20d
16
my buddy drilled first then the grinder threw a rock at his knee instead.
T
TarheelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman23d
0
damn near lost mine to a stump grinder too when the guard slipped, ended up with a busted boot and a hell of a scare.
L
LaminateLegend2⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
mine woulda went straight through the boot if i didnt jump like a damn rabbit.
S
SawdustSavant12⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
same shit here, felt that in my knees on rental grinders too.
V
V6187🌱 Newcomer22d
6
always check the rental place for a vermeer with the hydraulic bar, those torque bad on stumps near your feet.
P
PackRatPro2⚒️ Journeyman26d
3
damn those rental guards are like using a screen door on a sub. i rented one in texas once and it kicked a chunk of root right past my knee. got a used stumper from the supply house after that close call.
V
V9820🔧 Apprentice22d
5
those rental guards suck so bad id rather buy a used one from supply house like op did
G
GutterGuru3⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
always keep that kill switch taped to your thigh so you can slap it fast if things go sideways.
N
NotAnElectrician21⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
man that kill switch taped to your thigh is smart but damn near lost a leg myself on one of those things last year when the kill switch failed.
C
ChillMasterC⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
been there when that kill switch saved a guys butt on a stump job.
S
SparkPlugMike⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
those rental guards are always garbage, nearly got my foot chewed up the same way last spring
B
BrushStrokeBoss8⚒️ Journeyman22d
4
those rental guards are always junk but rental yards shoulda checked it before sending it out
D
DrainDiver⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
same shit happened on a rental last year, those guards barely cover half the wheel and rental companies dont give a damn
R
RodentRider2⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
rental places skimping on guards again, same crap.
T
TileTamer4⚒️ Journeyman26d
2
damn those rental guards always feel like they are there for the insurance company not you. seen guys run em wide open on wet ground and the teeth still catch. never trust that little flap to save your leg when the stump fights back. had a buddy in the chicago area who ended up with 18 stitches from one of those things.
F
FlushKing⚒️ Journeyman25d
2
insurance companies got these things rigged to cover their ass not ours, saw a guy almost lose his foot out in the chicago area last year over that same crap.
C
CanvasCrusader⭐ Expert25d
0
same shit here, insurance always screws the guys on the ground.
C
ColorSplashSam⚒️ Journeyman23d
1
got my buddy using the AGKNX planer attachment now and its been a total game changer for stumps near fences. insurance still finds a way to nickle and dime us though.
C
CleanFreakJoe⚒️ Journeyman22d
6
what brand of stump grinder was that? seen too many close calls with those things lately.
K
KeyMaster8⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
insurance companies got zero clue what its like when that stump kicks back hard.
D
DuctDoctor4⚒️ Journeyman23d
2
insurance aint never gonna cover how fast a stump can throw a kickback at ya. had a guy in the plumbers united group tell me about his ridgid grinder catching a root and launching like a rocket. how big was that thing anyway?
L
LockPickLarry4⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
saw a guy almost lose his toes on one of those, dont trust the guard.
N
NotAnElectrician⭐ Expert22d
3
dont trust them guards, seen guys get wrecked when they skip the lockout on those things.
N
NailGunNed⚒️ Journeyman28d
10
damn near lost a boot to one myself once, those bandit guards are solid.
S
SlateSlinger2⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
bandit guards are tough but id keep a 6ft distance next time and never run the clutch till your feet clear.
F
FilterFanatic⚒️ Journeyman26d
5
man that bandit saved my ass on a big walnut stump last season too
H
HammerTimeGuy4⚒️ Journeyman29d
2
those damn manufacturers cut corners on safety to save a buck and leave us risking our limbs every damn day.
F
FlooringFiasco2⚒️ Journeyman28d
8
those greedy bastards at the factories know damn well they're pushing us to the edge with their cheap-ass guards, and the regulators just sit on their hands.
V
V8076🔧 Apprentice27d
4
exactly, these factories keep skimping on guards so guys like us pay for it
W
WattTheHeck10⚒️ Journeyman27d
11
still runnin my 25 year old vermeer with the factory guard and havent had a close call like that.
L
LeakHunter3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
one time my old vermeer kicked a chunk straight into my shin and i walked funny for a week
W
WireWizard882⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
new guard kit on a vermeer is 800 bucks but beats a trip to the er. had mine on order the day after a branch caught my boot same as you. hows your stump grinder running now?
S
SweepKing2⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
damn stump grinders always got one too many safety corners cut. what brand was yours and how close did it really get?
M
MoveItMuscle⚒️ Journeyman1mo
26
remote control stump grinders are lifesavers, man, cause without em i'd be down a leg and the boss would just say 'walk it off.' dodged more roots than a gopher on caffeine with that vermeer setup.
B
BoxTosser⚒️ Journeyman1mo
18
stick to grinding stumps down to 8 inches below grade and always keep that remote at least 20 feet away so you can bail if the machine kicks back.
B
BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
man i had a kicker like that last month on a big oak stump and it nearly sent me to the er, these machines are a damn nightmare if you aint careful.
R
RollerRanger10⚒️ Journeyman1mo
4
always keep that choke lever within arm's reach when you're feeding the stump, saved my buddy from a runaway spin last year. and yeah, $150/hr is fair for not turning it into a chainsaw massacre.
P
PeakProspector2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, been there with a grinder kickback that nearly shredded my boot, makes you hug that choke lever like a lifeline.
V
V1637🌱 Newcomer1mo
5
how far did you get the stump ground down before that choke saved the day?
W
WrenchWizard🔧 Apprentice1mo
3
man, i only got about 6 inches down on that bastard before the choke kicked in and yanked the machine back, heart pounding like a jackhammer. been there, that split second where you think youre done for and your leg tingles from the near miss. sucks how these grinders can turn on you quick if youre not careful. same shit here, glad you walked away whole.
A
AntAnnihilator⭐ Expert1mo
12
bluebird's a joke for anything over 12 inches, stick with a vermeer and quit pretending rentals dont suck.
R
RoachRidder⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
bluebirds are for pussies who cant handle a real machine like a vermeer, dignity be damned if it means gettin the job done twice as fast.
S
SparkJockey3⭐ Expert1mo
16
fuckin vermeers are beasts but the damn manufacturers skimp on safety features to cut costs, leavin us grunts to dodge disaster every shift. had a buddy lose half his foot last year cuz of some bullshit guard that popped off mid-job.
N
NailGunNinja6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah vermeers are monsters, but i swear mine tried to audition for jaws last week when it grabbed my bootlace and yanked me into a hug with the blade... dodged that shit by sheer dumb luck.
W
WeedWhackerWiz⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
man, those vermeers dont mess around, had one snag my glove last month and nearly turned my hand into mulch. still feelin the adrenaline every time i fire it up.
T
TenYearVet⭐ Expert1mo
4
always double-check those boot laces before firing up the vermeer, man, had one snag my pant leg last summer and it pulled me right toward the teeth. i started wearing these carhartt steel-toe boots with quick-release laces after that, cuts down on the drag. another thing, keep the machine at least 3 feet from your stance when grinding, gives you that split second to react. i rig a cheap retractable lanyard from harbor freight to my belt loop too, clips off fast if it yanks. never skimp on the ppe either, get the full chaps that cover to the knee. had a buddy ignore that and ended up with stitches from a chip fly. slow and steady on the controls helps too, vermeers got power but they dont forgive rushed moves. stay safe out there, these things are no joke.
D
DrainDevil⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
yeah, i yanked my own bootlace into the grinder once and spent the afternoon explaining to the client why i was hopping around like a one-legged pirate.
F
FrostBiteFred⚒️ Journeyman1mo
7
damn, hopping around like a pirate sounds rough. how deep did that bootlace get sucked in before you yanked it free? ever add extra guards after that mess?
S
SparkFreak⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
man, i got my sleeve caught in a chainsaw last summer and spent the rest of the day cussin like a sailor while patchin myself up.
B
BugBusterBob2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
10
ha, my close call was a stump grinder nipping at my boot like it was dinner time, but chainsaw sleeves? thats some next level dance moves. shoulda got a video, woulda gone viral on the jobsite group.
P
PipeDreamer3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
damn, been there with a grinder kickback last year that had me dodgin splinters and cursin the whole afternoon.
B
BushWhacker2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
those damn stump grinders are straight up death traps waiting to chew up some poor bastard's leg, and the manufacturers just laugh all the way to the bank. should've been banned after the first lawsuit, SMH.
H
HammerTimeHero⚒️ Journeyman1mo
3
dodged a similar kickback last month and powered through to finish the job in record time. feels damn good to walk away without a scratch and get paid.
V
V7357🔧 Apprentice1mo
5
always double check that guard before startup, i learned the hard way last week when mine was loose and coulda jammed the belt... saved my ass with a quick wrench tighten.
E
EaveEater2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
8
yeah, my guard slipped once and i nearly turned my leg into mulch, now i treat that wrench like it's my ex-wife's favorite bat.
N
NailBiter3⚒️ Journeyman1mo
13
man, i had a similar scare last summer when the guard popped off mid-grind and i jumped back just in time. havent touched one without double-checking the setup since, that shit keeps me up at night. felt that wrench fear all the way in my bones.
F
FramingFool4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
jesus man, had a similar jam with my grinder guard last year, damn near sent me to the er... glad you walked away ok
N
NotAnElectrician20⚒️ Journeyman1mo
6
those damn grinders are a nightmare waiting to happen, one slip and youre done. had a close call myself last summer and it pissed me off how no safety gear saved my ass from a bad angle.
V
V2776🔧 Apprentice1mo
4
man i had a similar scare last month with that beast of a grinder, nearly took my boot off when it kicked back. shoulda been more careful but those things are sketchy as hell no matter what gear youre in. sucks feeling that close to disaster, been there.
F
FixItFelix7⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah man, been there with a grinder kickback that had me sweatin bullets, makes you rethink every damn move after.
J
JoistJockey4⚒️ Journeyman1mo
15
dodged a chainsaw bounce off a root last summer and walked away with just a scratch, makes me feel like a damn pro now.
F
FurnitureFury2⚒️ Journeyman29d
9
never skimp on ppe with that grinder, saw a guy lose half his foot last year to a kickback. wear the chaps every damn time or you're askin for it.
H
HammerTimeHank⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
man, i had a stump grinder kick back on me last fall and damn near took off my foot, still flinch every time i fire one up.
S
SparkPlugJunkie⚒️ Journeyman27d
7
always keep that bar in the dirt till it stops spinning, saw a guy almost lose his hand doing the same thing.
H
HaulHound⚒️ Journeyman26d
6
that stump grinder rule is solid but most guys still skip it after a long day. fight me, safety nazis, the bar stays down till it quits spinning.
B
BoxHauler4⚒️ Journeyman26d
4
felt that in my knees, saw a guy almost lose his foot the same way last summer
M
MoverManic⚒️ Journeyman25d
4
had a stump grinder kick back on me once in ohio, now i always clear a ten foot radius first before firing it up. never hurts to have a second guy spotting too. what kinda grinder you running?
B
BlowerBandit⚒️ Journeyman24d
1
these grinders are a total crap-show, saw one chew through a root and kick back right at the operator last month.
B
BugBane⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
howd you keep it from kicking back on ya?
O
OpenerOperator3⚒️ Journeyman23d
3
ground the stump down a full 12 inches first time around and it didnt kick back near as hard
F
FloorFitterFred2⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
same shit, saw a guy grind right into a hidden root and the bar kicked up bad
V
V2119🔧 Apprentice20d
0
wear a chaps from the brand husqvarna, saved a buddy of mine from the same kickback
B
BoltBreaker⚒️ Journeyman17d
5
these cheap homeowners always want it done yesterday and cheap then act shocked when shit goes sideways
D
DirtBagLandscaper5⚒️ Journeyman20d
1
always hit the root with the grinder at an angle, seen that kickback on a vermeer before
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DirtBagLand⚒️ Journeyman26d
1
rent the self-propelled ones from home depot instead of those walk behinds, way less kickback.
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HeatPumpHero2⚒️ Journeyman1mo
25
man, those grinders don't mess around, had one snag my boot last summer and i was sweatin bullets. glad we're both still walkin around to tell the tale.
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WipeOutPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo
14
yeah, those damn machines are a nightmare waiting to happen, nearly lost a finger to one last month when it kicked back on me.
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GutterGuard⚒️ Journeyman29d
6
walk behind grinders are for pussies who wont rent a real self-propelled beast, but yeah that kickbackll nearly got me too. if youre grinding anything over 12 inches, just hire out the damn thing and save your limbs.
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TarHeelRoofer🔧 Apprentice28d
6
at least it wasnt a vermeer 252 with the 25 inch wheel, that one kicks back so hard your grandkids feel it
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TarpTitan4⚒️ Journeyman28d
6
yeah man, had a similar snag with my boot on a vermeer last year and my heart was poundin like a jackhammer, glad you dodged the worst of it.
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V9866🔧 Apprentice26d
3
same shit here, almost got tangled on a vermeer myself last summer and my boot got stuck bad.
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SpotlessSteve⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn right, had my own close call with a vermeer last year too, those things will chew right through ya if you let em.
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SpotlessSteve6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, i had a similar scare last summer when my grinder's guard popped loose mid-job and nearly yanked my boot in there. been there with that heart-stoppin moment, and it sucks how one loose bolt can turn a good day sideways. always makes me triple-check everything now, even if i'm runnin late. you get that wrench tightened quick, or was it a full stop?
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ChillChamp⚒️ Journeyman1mo
2
get yourself a torque wrench set to 50 ft-lbs on those guard bolts every startup and you wont have that crap happen again.
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GreenThumbGuru6⚒️ Journeyman1mo
12
man, that near miss still gives me chills thinking about my own close call with a grinder last summer. been there, and yeah, torque wrench is the way to go now.
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SpraySinner⚒️ Journeyman1mo
11
damn, those grinders are no joke. what kinda torque wrench you usin now to keep things safe?
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JoltJockey2⚒️ Journeyman27d
16
switched to the 1/2 inch milwaukee torque wrench last year and been feelin alot more confident ever since.
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SparkPlugGuy2⚒️ Journeyman26d
8
that stump grinder scare is why i keep the milwaukee 1/2 inch out of the mix on dirty jobs now. almost lost a leg myself couple years back when a root kicked back and smashed the socket right into my knee. felt like the whole day was cursed after that, nothing went smooth and i still favor the left leg some mornings. seems like homeowners always want it yesterday and dont care what corners you cut to finish fast. been there when the last guy left a stump too high and the grinder grabs whatever it can. my rule is no torque wrench near moving dirt unless its strapped down hard. ever try putting a bigger bit in the stump first like that one guy on youtube showed?
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SawdustSavant29⚒️ Journeyman25d
0
damn that root kickback hits different when it catches you off guard. same shit here after a similar scare on a rental property last spring. now i strap everything down and keep the milwaukee half inch on cleaner jobs only. homeowners push for yesterday but they sure dont stick around if something goes wrong. my trick was dropping the stump an extra 2 inches first so the grinder has less to grab at. you ever switch to a carbide tipped wheel after that close call?
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TileTerror9⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
that grinders a sneaky one, almost lost a toe on mine couple years back
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JoltJester⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
what kinda blade setup you running on that grinder?
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PackRatMover⚒️ Journeyman23d
4
been there, got the scar to prove it when my grinder kicked back on a root.
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EaveExpert⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
always keep that grinder at waist height or itll climb right up your leg. i switched to a vermeer 252 after seeing one kick like that on a pine root and havent had the same scare. rubber boots with steel toes plus chain pants cut the risk way down on jobs like these. had a buddy lose his footing same way and ended up in the er for 8 stitches. if the stump is dry dont push the teeth so hard or it throws chips straight back. make sure your throttle lock works every time before you even start the motor. you running a gas unit or electric drive on that one?
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GroundFaultGus⚒️ Journeyman19d
1
shit gets real when those roots grab it, same thing happened to me last fall. felt that kick in my gut for weeks after.
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RustyNailBob⚒️ Journeyman19d
10
those things scare the hell out of me, homeowners think its just another rental at home depot.
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WireWhizKid⭐ Expert22d
5
honestly those homeowners who book a stump guy and then disappear are the real hazard here. they expect you to just grind away while dodging their damn landscaping and kids toys. ive seen too many close calls lately cause nobody thinks about safety setups on those grinders.
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BugBusterJoe3⚒️ Journeyman19d
2
i had a stump grinder chew right into some buried chain link once and the thing kicked back like it was alive. homeowners think were just out there mowing grass til something flies. always cone off the whole zone first, no exceptions.
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ShingleShuffler3⚒️ Journeyman24d
2
same shit here, been fighting those rental grinders and the damn things kick back hard when you hit a root wrong.
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GarageGuru8⚒️ Journeyman26d
0
felt that one in my knees too when i swapped to milwaukee torque wrenches.
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SodSlinger⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
always hit the kill switch twice before walking around a grinder, saved my ass last month when the blade kept spinning.
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DoorDoc3🔧 Apprentice25d
0
that milwaukee torque wrench is a lifesaver for keeping the chain sharp enough to avoid kickback like that.
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PanelPusher3⚒️ Journeyman24d
0
yeah those stump grinders can chew right thru a leg if the chain aint sharp. dont skimp on torque checks or youll be the next guy limping home.
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TenYearVet9⭐ Expert23d
2
homeowners think they can rent one of these things for a weekend and not lose a leg, what a joke.
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LawnLad420⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
dont rent one if you aint done it before, saw a guy lose toes last year.
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FlangeFixer⚒️ Journeyman20d
0
homeowners never pay for the damn safety gear till someones already bleeding
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V9102🔧 Apprentice23d
1
damn near lost a leg to one of those things once myself, never again without proper boots and leg guards on. stump grinders kick back like crazy when they hit a rock or root and i saw a guy get sliced bad on a job in ohio. dont rely on just the torque wrench feeling safe, add a face shield too while youre at it. milwaukee makes good stuff but that dont replace safety gear every single time. one of my buddies switched over to the ridgid model and still got banged up bad last summer. always double check the area for hidden concrete or pipes before firing it up. did you change anything on your setup after that scare?
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V6500🌱 Newcomer1mo
9
man, that sounds like a close one, ive had my heart skip a beat with equipment like that before. had a buddy who wasnt so lucky, ended up in the hospital for weeks after a similar scare. makes you double check everything twice now. still get the shakes thinkin about it.
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CastIronHater⭐ Expert1mo
23
dodged a bullet on a stump job myself last summer, kept my leg and the client shut up after i showed em the rental agreement's safety clause.
