Daily use provides insights no factory test can replicate. Earlier this year, members of the StumpBusters network visited FSI Stump Cutters in Denmark to share feedback from the field and gain a closer look at the people and processes behind the machines.
Rob Baker has spent almost 20 years in arboriculture, the last eight of them specialising in stump grinding as owner of the StumpBusters South Yorkshire and Midlands franchise. So when FSI Stump Cutters invited members of the StumpBusters network to visit its factory in Denmark, Rob was among those keen to go, and to bring feedback from the field with him.
“I’ve used FSI machines for a good few years now, starting off with an FSI D30 tracked and a FSI B20 before more recently adding a new FSI B21 and D60 tracked to the fleet to keep up with the increasing workload”, Rob explains. “The different machines give us the versatility we need for jobs with different access, but all give us incredibly reliable performance.”
“Our stump grinders are the beating heart of operations and when they’re worked hard every day, inevitably components wear out and this is where the support available becomes paramount to keeping business up and running.”
Feedback from the Field
For Rob and colleagues from across the StumpBusters network, the visit to the FSI Stump Cutters facility in Denmark offered much more than a standard tour.
“It delivered real value for both parties” he says. “We got to see how the machines are made and received tips and training that help us to get the most out of our equipment. At the same time, we were able to give feedback directly to the people designing and building the machines which can only go to make these machines even better!”
“We found FSI to be incredibly open. We met people in all areas of the business who were always happy to answer our questions. We really felt like our feedback was appreciated, and their willingness to be so transparent demonstrates a real confidence in their processes and their output.”
Zeb Inker, StumpBusters Managing Director, puts the value of that feedback in context, “Where tree surgeons may be using a stump grinder once a fortnight, our team are challenging these machines day-in, day-out and, for us, the backup support and parts availability from the manufacturer are as important as the performance of the machine itself. The trip to FSI was brilliant, informative for both parties, and after seeing the knowledge and culture of the FSI team and sharing our feedback from the field, I have no doubts that more of our franchisees will be turning to FSI grinders in the future.”
Learning from Professionals
By creating opportunities for open discussion, encouraging honest feedback and sharing knowledge directly with end users, FSI is proud to strengthen the partnerships that help drive continuous improvement across its product range and customer support network.
“Listening, learning and collaborating remains the most effective way for us to ensure we are aware of what’s happening in the market and can continue to meet the needs of professionals who are relying on our equipment everyday” adds FSI Managing Director Kim Schmidt. “We’d like to thank the StumpBusters team for their time, and Dan at DJB Machinery for coordinating this opportunity.”
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