A spirit of innovation runs deep at Vermeer — beginning with founder Gary Vermeer’s simple perspective, “Find a need. Fill that need with a product built to last, and simply build the best.”
In the late 1950s, Gary needed to clear trees from his fields to utilize for crop production. The challenge? Tree stumps. At that time, tree stump removal was an arduous task — often done with an axe and spade. It was a labor-intensive process that required too many man-hours.
Gary Vermeer was committed to finding a better way. The desire to remove tree stumps faster and with less manual labor led to the first ever stump cutter developed by Gary Vermeer.
History of innovation by Vermeer in tree stump removal
In 1957, Vermeer created the industry-leading design for a stump cutter using a horizontal cutting motion that is still used today. When testing the initial model, the operator accidentally hit a lever causing the wheel to move horizontally – not vertically as planned. They found that this motion cut the stump more efficiently and decided to further develop this design.
After Vermeer brought the first commercial stump cutter to market, they continued to develop new features and models to better equip customers in their daily work.
Find a need: Developing the Vermeer tracked stump cutter
In the late 1990s, Vermeer had a well-established offering of tow-behind stump cutters. These machines worked well for tree stump removal but proved to be a challenge when navigating tight jobsites. Solving this challenge is where the self-propelled models found success. The only problem? They were low horsepower and weren’t equipped to tackle bigger stumps.
The Vermeer team was confident they could solve this problem. The idea was to develop a machine with minimal ground pressure to minimize turf disturbance and a compact design, while having enough horsepower for robust tree stump removal.
With a goal in mind, they set out to find a solution.
Fill that need: A better stump cutter
The first tracked stump cutter model by Vermeer was the SC505. It had the horsepower and mobility needed by operators but could more easily fit into tight jobsites. The swing-out control station was unlike anything competitors had to offer and did not impact overall machine width. Operators could have a better view of the stump while working and have protection from debris being produced due to the unique control station.
The SC505 made a splash in the stump grinder market with two innovations — a patented direct drive cutter wheel system and a track-mounted design. The track mounting gave it a larger sweep of the cutter wheel, meaning operators could do less repositioning of the machine at the stump and spend more time grinding. Another consideration was to reduce machine noise, which is especially important when working on residential jobsites.
Shortly after the launch of the SC505 came the SC50TX in April of 2001. This stump grinder had the new TX nomenclature — signifying the machine’s tracks — that is still used today. It also boasted higher horsepower and several component improvements. The most notable improvements for the SC50TX were around component longevity and ease of maintenance.
A few years later, the SC60TX was launched for tree care and landscaping professionals. This machine had more horsepower than previous tracked models and met new engine emission requirements. Although they may appear as small improvements, they can make a big difference to the operator’s experience and productivity.
In 2007, the SC60TX was the first tracked unit featuring the Yellow Jacket™ cutter system. This system is designed to make maintenance more convenient and help extend the life of wear parts like pockets and teeth. The SC60TX was a smash hit in the market – selling over 2,200 units in its lifespan. Still today, the SC60TX is regarded as a turning point in stump cutter technology and helped lay the groundwork for today’s machines.
And simply build the best
The current stump cutter models offered by Vermeer embody many of the updates and improvements seen in previous models. The jobsite and productivity requirements have changed significantly since the first tracked stump cutter was brought to market in 1999 – which is why these machines have been developed to meet the needs of the modern-day operator.
In 2013, the SC30TX was created specifically for entry level or rental operators. With an intentionally simplified control system, the SC30TX featured a single handle for operation, rather than multiple levers. This design made it easier for operators to use the machine effectively.
This compact unit also boasted an EFI engine, which enabled greater versatility to start in cold climates and high altitudes. Another intentional decision by the engineering team was removing all the belts and using hydraulics to power the SC30TX instead. By removing belts altogether, operators would no longer need to complete tedious belt replacement and maintenance.
The SC40TX was launched in February of 2015, not long after the SC30TX hit the market — but this machine had a big change: a ride-on design. This new concept for stump grinders was largely influenced by the legacy of Vermeer ride-on mini skid steers.
Another change to this machine was the track system. No longer utilizing retractable tracks, there was less time spent setting the machine up on the jobsite. The goal of the SC40TX was to be highly maneuverable and quick to move around the jobsite.
After the SC40TX launched, Vermeer gathered customer feedback. A common finding in the feedback that was received was that operators valued grinding speed over the machine tracking speed around the jobsite. Due to that feedback and a desire to continue improving equipment for customers, Vermeer decided to retire the SC40TX.
Building on the success of the SC60TX, the SC70TX was released in 2018. The development of this higher-horsepower unit was driven by engine emission regulations. This machine featured an increase in horsepower. Later in 2020, the SC70TX was the first tracked model introduced with the Vermeer cutting system (VCS).
While developing this model, customers shared that they wanted a machine that would have smoother tracking on jobsites and turf-friendly tracks. Engineers took that feedback and got to work on a new and improved track design and track profile. These improvements enabled the SC70TX to float over manicured lawns and climb grade with minimal turf damage.
The most recent addition to the Vermeer tracked lineup is the SC48TX. The driving force behind this model was built upon customer feedback. Many customers were looking for a mid-40 horsepower unit with high productivity.
The SC48TX was the first tracked model to feature a backfill blade. The backfill blade was developed to make jobsite cleanup faster and easier for operators. Prior to the backfill blade, most tree care professionals were moving chips by hand with a shovel or had to haul an additional piece of equipment to the jobsite.
Another innovation for this model was the chip containment system. The SC48TX did not require deck extensions that manually needed pulled out, which helped to reduce jobsite setup time.
With each model released, the team at Vermeer listened to feedback and incorporated improvements into the next model — always aiming at exceeding customer expectations and striving to be the leading stump grinder manufacturer in the industry.
Since Gary Vermeer invented the first-ever stump grinder in the 1950s, commercial tree care operations have counted on Vermeer for innovative tree care, rental and landscape equipment. Today, team members at Vermeer still have that same passion for innovation — to find better ways to help you care for and maintain trees in your community. For more information on tree care equipment, contact your local Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in product engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing or distribution at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.
Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Yellow Jacket are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries.
© 2024 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
