August 8 2025

Review of the Predator 38 RX EFI Stump Grinder – Five Years and 1700 Hours Later

Today, we are looking at the review of the Predator 38 RX EFI tree stump grinder. After five years of ownership and over 1700 hours of operation, it’s time to take a look into how the Predator 38 RX EFI stump grinder has held up under professional use. I’ve been the sole operator of this machine since it was brand new, so everything in this review is based on personal hands-on experience.

General Overview

Overall, the Predator 38 RX EFI has been a solid and reliable machine. It hasn’t had the easiest of lives — being used regularly for stump grinding jobs and exposed to harsh weather conditions. Yet, it has continued to perform well and deliver reliable power and efficiency.

Cutter Head and Bearings

I’ve had one set of bearings replaced on the cutter head. I can’t remember exactly how many hours they lasted — possibly around 1000 hours. The current set has been going for roughly 700 hours. Bearing longevity seems to depend heavily on what debris gets caught around the seals, but routine greasing has helped.

Belts and Pulley Maintenance

The drive belts and pulleys have been another area of interest. I’ve found that the belts running from the pulley to the cutter head typically last around 500 hours. Regular tensioning seems to extend their lifespan. Surprisingly, the original belts inside the main compartment are still in use after 1700 hours.

Recent Bearing Replacement

Just recently, four bearings located along the main shaft needed replacing. They lasted the full 1700 hours, which is impressive. The cost was approximately £61 per bearing, totalling around £244 plus labour. Replacing them was a fairly straightforward task.

Greasing Schedule

The front bearings are greased daily — just a couple of pumps before heading out each morning. I’ve been advised not to over-grease as this can push the seals out. The bearings underneath are supposed to be greased every 1000 hours, which I find a bit surprising, but so far, this routine has worked.

Engine Reliability

The engine has required minimal attention. I change the oil and oil filter every 100 hours, which I think is well worth doing to extend the life of the machine. Apart from that, the engine still sounds great and delivers consistent power.

Fuel Pump and Charging System

I had to replace the lift pump around the 1500-hour mark. It was a quick fix, handled by my local engine specialist. I also had to replace the charging unit due to dirt building up and causing wear. It was no longer charging at full capacity, dropping from 30 amps to just 3 amps. Again, the repair was straightforward, and the machine was back up and running quickly.

Paintwork and Corrosion

If I had one major gripe with the Predator 38 RX EFI, it would be the paintwork. Despite being stored in the dry, it travels on an open trailer, and winter salt exposure has taken its toll. Paint has peeled off in several areas, and rust is now visible. It appears the machine is powder coated, which hasn’t held up well against road salt. The rear door — which sees less salt — still looks almost new.

Final Thoughts

Despite minor issues, I can confidently say that the Predator 38 RX EFI stump grinder has served me extremely well. It still runs smoothly, the engine is strong, and all components function as they should. If you’re in the market for a professional-grade stump grinder, this machine is definitely worth considering.

I’ve covered the Predator 38 RX EFI before. You may find these earlier reviews helpful if you want to see how the machine has performed over time:

If you have any questions or would like to share your own experience with the Predator range, feel free to leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading,
Roy Bretton