Vermeer launched the SC552 high-horsepower stump cutter at TCI EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky. The SC552 has a 23-inch (58.4 cm) cutter wheel diameter and a 56 hp (41.7 kW) Kohler diesel Tier 4 Final engine for a maximum cutter wheel speed of 1,124 rpm.
The SC552 is equipped with an operator presence system. Control handles for the boom swing and boom raise/lower are equipped with an operator presence handle design that provides capacitance-sensing capability. This user-friendly operator presence system is intended to help protect the operator and enhance operator safety.
The machine features the Vermeer SmartSweep™ control system, which monitors engine load and provides continuous feedback to automatically adjust the cutter wheel speed. This helps increase productivity and efficiency at the stump, while decreasing wear and tear on the machine.
The SC552 also has a cutter wheel equipped with the Vermeer-exclusive Yellow Jacket™ cutter system. It features universal and reversible carbide-tipped teeth with two cutting edges on each tooth and more side pocket clearance, which limits the pocket rubbing that can cause power loss and premature pocket wear. As an added benefit, maintenance is more efficient because the operator simply loosens one nut and rotates the tooth for an almost new cutting surface. With two cutting edges on each tooth, the tooth and pocket are designed so the second edge is protected and clear of the primary wear area while cutting with the first edge.
For increased accessibility, the SC552 has outside dual wheels that can be removed to pass through a 36-inch (91.4 cm) gate for backyard, and other hard-to-reach, stump grinding projects.
An auxiliary control station is located at the front of the machine, allowing the operator to stand in-line with — instead of beside — the stump cutter for traveling in narrow areas. To further increase efficiency, the SC552 has a four-bar linkage system that runs from the machine to the stump cutter wheel to help keep the cutter shield parallel to the ground during operation.
The SC552 stump cutter is available through the Vermeer global dealer network. For more information on Vermeer products and services, visit www.vermeer.com or email salesinfo@vermeer.com.