When working in domestic gardens and areas with restricted access you quickly learn that, when it comes to equipment, size matters.
For Liam Simpson, Director of NOMA, finding the right stump grinder wasn’t about getting the biggest machine – it was about getting the right one, and the FSI B31-980 REMOTE has proven to be a match for every challenge.
Having founded NOMA Property Services several years ago, Liam built the business from property maintenance into waste removal before expanding into tree work five years ago.
Predominately tackling stump clearance in city locations, access is key and, at just 74cm wide, the FSI B31 all-but-eliminates the challenges. “It’s narrow enough to pass through alleyways, garden gates and tight spots – we’ve even, on the odd occasion, tracked the FSI B31 through a customer’s lounge” he explains.
The transportation of the FSI B31 is made even more convenient with the machines full-remote operation which Liam describes as a ‘gamechanger’. “Firstly, this means that the unit only requires one person to move and operate. Secondly, compared to our previous pedestrian machine that required constant manual positioning, the FSI B31 reduces vibration and allows us to stand safely away from the work area, improving comfort and productivity over long working days.”
“Tasks that previously took us four to six hours can now be completed in under an hour” he adds. “We’ve eliminated 17 small stumps in a morning with this machine and, on one occasion, 10 stumps in one session while seated comfortably at a safe distance.”
Safety is not only enhanced for the operator with the FSI B31, Liam notes the machine’s rubber guards which effectively contain debris – a priority when working in close proximity to homes, fences and domestic clients. “We of course still use the safety barriers, but the rubber guards on the FSI do such a fantastic job. We see significantly less in the way of stones and debris ejecting unpredictably.”
“We also like the fact the B31 is hydraulically-driven as opposed to belt-driven which reduces maintenance demands. Even though we’ve put the machine through its paces, touch wood, we’ve had no downtime which is critical for keeping our calendar on track” Liam says.
After nearly a year of ownership, the verdict for Liam is clear. “This stump grinder has transformed how we work in domestic settings. The combination of its compact design, remote-control operation and high productivity gives us the very best of all worlds.”
