ShareJérome Bournaud is a leading expert in silviculture and forestry work in France. Recognized for his expertise in poplar silviculture, his farm is home to the largest variety of poplar trees in France, cultivated for the plywood and furniture industries.
Poplar Silviculture Expertise in France
Managing vast poplar plantations comes with unique challenges. One of the biggest is poplar tree stump removal after harvesting. For years, Jérome relied on contractors to handle stump grinding, but after a negative experience in 2024, he chose independence — investing in his own solutions for soil preparation.
The Challenge of Stump Removal on Poplar Plantations
Traditional methods, such as mulching with high-horsepower tractors, are time-consuming, costly, and cause heavy wear on equipment. This sparked Jérome’s interest in more efficient stump removal methods tailored to poplar silviculture.
First Impressions of the Dipperfox Stump Drill
When Jérome learned about the Dipperfox stump drill, French dealer Maxima Sarl organized a demo on his farm. Within hours, dozens of poplar tree stumps were removed.
“My first impression of the Dipperfox is, first, its maneuverability and, second, how fast it works,” says Jérome.
Efficiency on Large Poplar Tree Stumps
Using the Dipperfox SC600 model, the team tackled poplar stumps up to 75 cm in diameter. Despite their size, the tool brought stumps down to ground level quickly and effectively, even with a 9-ton excavator.
Benefits Compared to Traditional Stump Removal
Previously, Jérome used a 230-hp tractor with a mulcher. The process was slower, riskier, and harder on machinery. With Dipperfox, the result is a clean, stump-free plot, saving both time and maintenance costs.
Design Features That Make a Difference
Jérome appreciated two standout features:
Adjustment knobs for easy setup with different excavators.
Reversible blades, allowing continued work even if one edge is damaged.
Comfort, Noise, and Vibration in the Field
Unlike noisy mulchers, the stump drill runs quietly, producing only the sound of wood grinding. Vibrations are minimal, improving operator comfort and machine safety.
Additional Tools for Poplar Tree Management
Jérome expressed interest in testing the Koala shear, a tool for cutting edges and ditches in poplar plantations — a safer and faster alternative to chainsaws for silviculture work.
Final Score and Key Takeaways
When asked to rate the demo, Jérome gave it a 10 out of 10. The promise of removing each poplar stump in about 50 seconds was kept, proving the Dipperfox SC600’s value for poplar silviculture in France.
“Kudos to Maxima! The tool is efficient, reliable, and makes poplar tree stump removal much easier.”
If you’d like to arrange a hands-on demo of the Dipperfox stump drill on your own poplar plots, get in touch with our local partner.
