As the company that invented the stump cutter more than 50 years ago, Vermeer has long been known for building machines that are tough, durable and deliver superior jobsite production for tree care operators.
However, regular care of important components, such as the stump cutter wheel, is critical for achieving high-level performance. “Failure to properly maintain and service the cutter wheel will not only impact production, but could cause long-term damage and a shorter life span for the machine,” says Tony Merrill, service manager at Vermeer Sales & Service, Findlay, Ohio. “Before any problems occur, take the time to look for signs that indicate trouble.”
He says you should watch for:
- A decline in performance. Typically cutting will not be as good or as fast. The Auto- Sweep® function will likely be impacted, causing the cutting to slow down.
- A machine that begins to vibrate because the teeth are dull, meaning the engine has to work harder.
- A change in the shape of the shavings, which could indicate worn or broken teeth.
Merrill recommends checking the cutter wheel every day or when there is a drop in performance. As soon as you properly shut down the machine, rotate the cutter wheel by hand. You may have to wash it first to get rid of dirt and chips. Look for worn, broken or missing teeth. Check the sharpness of the teeth. Are they rounded off? Once the tip becomes rounded the ability to cut will be diminished. Usually the outer teeth wear faster than the inner ones.
He also suggests that you regularly clean and grease the bearings. Check the engine oil and coolant every day and clean your stump cutter on a regular basis. Potential problems, such as loose bolts and other parts, are easier to discover when the machine is clean.
Consult the equipment manufacturer’s manual for additional operator’s/maintenance information.
Easier, faster service
Vermeer stump cutters have the innovative Yellow Jacket™ cutter system, which makes serviceability easier and faster. You only have to loosen or remove one nut to service the tooth; the pocket does not have to be removed.
Other features of the Yellow Jacket cutter system designed to extend tooth and pocket life include:
- Two cutting edges on each tooth. While one edge is cutting, the other is protected and clear of the primary wear area. When in the cutting position, the second edge provides an almost new cutting surface. That helps extend tooth life.
- Dual carbide tips protect top and front pockets from wear. That helps limit rubbing, which can cause a loss of power and vibration.
The Yellow Jacket cutter system features a universal tooth that can accommodate all cutting positions on the cutter wheel. That allows you to move teeth on the wheel from different positions, depending on wear.
Stump cutters have been engineered to allow tree care workers to tackle difficult jobs efficiently and safely. Taking proper care of the cutter wheel enables operators to get the most out of these machines and maximize the value and performance of the machinery in their fleet.