In Italy, Dipperfox is used for precise stump removal work in urban areas, parks, gardens, roadsides, and other sites where the surrounding ground cannot be damaged.
Marco Ceccoli from RAMMIT SpA first started using Dipperfox in 2023, and now, after about three years of use, he and his team have removed around 3,000-3,500 stumps. Before implementing Dipperfox SC600 in their workflow, the team could remove 1-3 stumps per day by digging them out with a traditional bucket. Thanks to Dipperfox, they can now do 40-50 stumps per day, depending on the stumps' location.
We had a chance to interview Marco during the SaMoTer fair in Italy, where he explained in detail how their work has changed with Dipperfox.
How Dipperfox works
The Dipperfox stump drill uses an automatic dual-speed system, in which gears are shifted based on the stump's resistance and the soil it is in. At the start, the tool rotates faster. This helps the conical screw at the end of the tool enter the stump and pull the cutting blades into it. Once the resistance increases, the system shifts gears and reduces speed.
While the speed is slower, there's more force at work. This is important for the lifespan of the tool and its consumables. Slower speeds also make the tool safer to be around, as the crew can operate without needing to set up a large safety area. The work happens through torque and controlled cutting.
In Marco's experience, some stumps are easier to process than others. Maritime pine, a common tree in their area near the Rimini coast, is easier to work on. Oak and holm oak produce smaller chips and require more effort, making them harder to work with.
While not every stump behaves the same, the SC600 can tackle different tree stumps without needing to change its approach.
New daily workflow of 40-50 stumps
In Marco's opinion, the biggest impact has been the changes to the daily workflow. Before using Dipperfox, Marco's team removed stumps with a traditional excavator bucket. This method worked just fine for removing the stump, but it also left a large crater that required filling. The stump also had to be transported and disposed of, usually at a landfill, which added extra costs.
With this old method, they could remove one to three stumps per day. After introducing the Dipperfox SC600, they can now remove around 40-50 stumps per day. While this number can vary based on where the stumps are located, the daily volume has increased greatly.
The difference doesn't come only from the drilling speed, but from removing several extra steps from the process:
- No digging out the entire stump.
- Less restoration work, like filling in the crater.
- Less material to haul away.
- Less landfill costs.
- Fewer cleanup stages.
Now the stump is processed in place, and the removed material can often be used to close the hole left behind.
Marco points out that the stump material is natural. With Dipperfox, they can grind the stump, go deep enough for the job, clean the area, and fill the hole with the material removed. They rarely need to take material away for disposal.
For city work, that is a major advantage. Instead of focusing on removing the stump, the operator can now concentrate on leaving a site that can be used without unnecessary cleanup or ground repair. If the site requires replanting, preparation work can also be done more precisely.
A quick coupler makes the workflow even faster
Because stump removal is only part of the tree and landscaping work, you most likely use a variety of other tools and attachments. Switching between them can be a hassle.
To make this go smoother, Marco's team uses an OilQuick quick coupler system to switch from Dipperfox's stump grinder to a bucket or any other attachment quickly and safely. The mechanical connection is operated hydraulically, and the hydraulic hoses are connected simultaneously.
On a typical job, the operator may need to cut or handle material, remove the stump, move debris, level the ground, and clean the area. Without a quick coupler, every attachment change adds time and extra handling.
Sometimes, Marco's crew arrives after the tree has already been felled, with only the stump left. Other times, they are asked to remove the entire tree.
For that, they use a Westtech attachment to fell and section trees up to 12-15 meters tall, depending on the logs' weight. Once the tree has been taken care of, they switch to the Dipperfox SC600 attachment to remove the stump. After that, they can switch to a cleanup bucket.
In Marco's experience, the full process, from a standing tree to a clean site, usually takes only 20 minutes. But this depends on the tree's size and location, as larger trees and tighter spots require more time.
Maintenance after three years of use
After three years of use, Marco says the Dipperfox SC600 has been reliable and has not caused any problems for them. Their main maintenance routine is periodic oil changes and knife sharpening.
The sharper the blades, the better they cut. That also means less strain on the attachment and less oil heating during work.
They have replaced some blades over the first three years, but overall maintenance has remained simple. Marco says the oil change is quick and involves just over one liter of oil, so the cost impact is low.
Why Dipperfox fits Italian urban work
Italy has plenty of environments where stump removal requires control.
Historic towns, paved streets, landscaped gardens, municipal roadsides, private properties, parks, and coastal areas all deal with stump removal work. While the stump has to go, the surrounding area needs to stay intact.
The SC600 gives operators a way to drill into the stump, remove the material in place, reduce the need for transport, and avoid turning every stump into a larger excavation site.
When combined with a quick coupler system like OilQuick, it also fits into a broader attachment workflow. The same carrier can handle the tree, remove the stump, clean the site, and move on.
In Marco's daily work, Dipperfox hasn't only made stump removal easier but also changed the way the team approaches it. For urban work, that is the real benefit.
RAMMIT SpA is also the official Dipperfox dealer in Italy. If you're looking for a similar tool in Italy, get in touch with Marco to learn more.