Stump Grinding Business? Should I?

[bontai_Joe]

I was thinking buying a stump grinder .To do some side jobs for some extra money . should I get some insurance to protect myself.And if I do is it cosly Thank You if anyone can answer my QUESTION.

In today's lawyer happy society, I'd ABSOLUTELY get insurance. As to cost, you'll have to check with a broker in your location. Back in the 1980s I went to an independant insurance broker for insurance on my lawn maintenance and garden tilling business just to protect me from anyone getting injured or property damage. At that time it was less than $200 a year for a $1,000,000 injury, $25,000 property damage policy for my business in which I was the sole employee. Add employees and the costs go up a LOT! Luckily I never needed it, but knowing I was covered if the mower kicked a stone thru a window or if a stone hit a person let me sleep easier at night. At that time, garden tilling was a low liability job, because I was digging less than 10" deep in the ground, considered to be shallow enough to miss any underground utilities. Stump grinding may qualify like that too, but only an insurance agent can verify that. The one draw back to stump grinding I see is the initial cost of equipment. Those machines are expensive! Cutting grass and tilling gardens paid well in my neck of the woods and the equipment is a lot cheaper to buy and maintain.

 

[OKnewguy]

Hey gang, just saw this thread pop up again. I ended up not pursuing the stump thing. I instead am doing handyman work. It was a little slow for a few months, but has been very consistent for the last 8 or so. I am currently looking into a cargo van, as my dakota and sometimes 5x8 enclosed trailer do not cut it.
It amazes me how many girly men can not even hang a towel bar! It seems that alot of the house wifes are more handy then the men.
Thanks for the the replies, I always appreciate the feed back from this site.
Thanks, Dave