Custom Wood Grinding
What is custom grinding, (contract grinding) in relation to the composting, wood recycling, mulch and bio-fuel industries? Custom grinding companies will work on a “contract” basis to grind material for you. A custom grinding company may bring their tub grinder or horizontal grinder to your location. They may also bring adequate support equipment to load their grinders and trucks/trailers.
Why would I want to use a custom grinding company? You may consider contracting out your grinding work for a number of legitimate reasons. Consideration of budget, material size, volume, time, expert experience and convenienc are all good reasons to use a customer grinding company.
You may not have the desire to be in the grinding business or to own a grinder. Grinders can be high maintenance and take up space. Hiring an operator or buying the support equipment to keep up with a grinder can be cost prohibitive.
What are the advantages when using a custom grinding company? The biggest advantage is that you can use them on an “as needed” basis. You don’t have to make a payment every month. You may take advantage of many years of grinding experience when you hire a contract grinder. (Most contractors will supply an operator with the grinder.) Your contractor should be able to grind your material efficiently because they are familiar with the material and the desired end-product. Even if you own a small grinder, a contractor may be able to grind your larger logs or accommodate you at peak production times. Most contractors operate the larger grinders to fulfill a number of different customer applications. The fact that they can grind a year’s worth of material in a few weeks is convenient. Some will offer mulch coloring services.
What should I consider in a grinding contractor? Insurance is important. Should anything go wrong, you want to make sure your contractor has adequate coverage. Discuss and detail any safety concerns. Proximity to people, buildings, vehicles and the material to be ground should be considered. Know who will be responsible for loading the grinder. The biggest mistake you can make is not getting the details in writing.
Make sure you have an estimated start and stop time and who is paying for fuel. With high fuel consumption, you want to be sure who is responsible to have fuel on-site. If you don’t have the right fuel available or enough of it, a contractor may expect to be paid for their “down time.” (Tier IV engines require the latest fuels to operate.)
Be clear on repairs and wear part replacement. It should be understood that these machines may break down or require wear parts while they are grinding your product. Typically you should not pay “extra” for these items or pay for the grinding time while under repair or maintenance unless you agree to assume responsibility. Try to schedule your grinding to allow a few weeks of down time so you don’t run out of time during your peak season(s).
What type of payment structures can I expect? Most contractors require a deposit prior to moving their equipment. Heavy equipment my require road permits or large trucks in order to make the move to your location. Some companies may charge a setup fee to cover the move to your location. It is fair to pay a deposit or to pay this separate fee. In some cases the deposit is non-refundable, should you cancel at the last minute. Hourly or daily rates are typical. (Weekly or monthly rates may be more appropriate.) You may also pay based on volume or weight. Be sure your contract specifies the details and that you have a way to measure it.
How much should I expect to pay? $100 per hour up to several hundred dollars per hour is typical. Some of the biggest grinders can be $3000 – $4000 per day. Longer contracts may be cheaper.
Contact us with any questions concerning contract grinding. We’ll be glad to help.
Wood Grinding Services in Ohio & Surrounding States
Disclaimer: Please note that this information is not considered to be all inclusive nor a safety guideline for legal opinion or concern. Safety is extremely important and we take it seriously. GrinderTrader.com and Equipment Scout, LLC are not offering legal advice and you should NOT consider it to be legal advice NOR legal opinion. Be sure to consult with experienced operators, your insurance provider or company, your attorney and safety boards and organizations like OSHA for the latest rules and laws. Environmental laws and regulations associated with grinding bio products and composting may limit or forbid your ability to operate. Check with local and state authorities like Health Departments and the EPA. Emissions from petroleum based fuels may forbid or severely limit the hours of run time in your area. Consult appropriate government authorities, laws and regulations. Often permits are necessary to operate mulch, compost, recycling and similar facilities. There may be more than one governing body or organization with jurisdiction over your operation, yard or company. Consult appropriate government authorities, laws and regulations.