When to use a standalone stump cutter vs. the Vermeer stump cutter attachment

A Vermeer stump cutter attachment on a mini skid steer in a residential yard

Many landscape contractors stumble across a question while quoting and completing projects — what should I do with stumps that need removed when my business doesn’t operate a stump cutter?

Traditionally, there were two possible solutions to this problem: rent a stump cutter or utilize a sub-contractor to remove the stump. Unfortunately, these solutions move revenue outside of your business and leave you with higher project expenses.

Read on to learn more about the Vermeer stump cutter attachment and when to use a stump cutter attachment or a standalone stump cutter on your jobsite.

About the Vermeer stump cutter attachment

To support landscape contractors, Vermeer is manufacturing a stump cutter attachment. This attachment provides landscapers with an opportunity to bid competitively on stump removal jobs without purchasing a traditional standalone stump cutter.

The stump cutter attachment attaches to a Vermeer mini skid steer which serves as the attachment power unit. Engineered from established Vermeer machinery, the attachment was developed from the SC30TX boom and is equipped with the Yellow Jacket™ cutter system.

What machines can I use the attachment on?

The Vermeer stump cutter attachment is designed to attach to mini skid steers with adequate hydraulic flow that have a universal mini skid steer plate. This attachment is approved to operate on a S925TX, CTX100 or CTX160.

How do I attach and transport the attachment?

The Vermeer stump cutter attachment attaches to your mini skid steer just like any other authorized Vermeer attachment. Always refer to your operator’s manual for safety information and further instructions when attaching any attachment to your machine. Additionally, ensure that your machine has a universal mini skid steer plate, hydraulic hook-ups and a power source.

A stump cutter attachment sports a smaller footprint than a traditional stump cutter which brings an advantage for hauling the attachment from jobsite to jobsite. Just like any other attachment, this unit can be transported on a trailer where it takes up less space than a standalone machine.

Why should I buy a Vermeer over another stump cutter attachment?

There are many reasons a contractor may choose to purchase the Vermeer stump cutter attachment.

One, Vermeer has a strong legacy in the stump cutting industry. After bringing the first modern stump cutter to market, Vermeer has continued to innovate to provide contractors with cutting solutions.

Two, Vermeer didn’t reinvent the wheel when developing the USCA30. Built from the SC30TX, Vermeer took one of its established machines to design the attachment.

Three, purchasing Vermeer equipment gives you access to an extensive and knowledgeable dealer network. Your local Vermeer dealer can help you determine attachment compatibility, provide you with after-purchase support, and more.

A stump cutter attachment removing  a stump

When to use a stump cutter attachment

If your landscaping business frequently leaves small stumps out of quotes, adding the Vermeer stump cutter attachment to your equipment fleet may allow you to tackle small removals without taking the plunge to invest in a stump cutter.

Stump cutter attachments are ideal for jobsites where stump removal is not the primary task. For example, if you are on a jobsite building a retaining wall, you may need to remove a few stumps and roots from small, cleared trees and brush. In this situation, using an attachment can help you efficiently remove stumps that are in the way so you can focus on your larger landscaping project.

Additionally, by utilizing a stump cutter attachment you can remove stumps without having to wait on a rental stump cutter or another contractor to get the job done.

Due to their smaller footprint, stump cutter attachments are useful at congested jobsites or when contractors need to travel longer distances to a jobsite and have limited trailer space to haul machines.  

“The Vermeer stump cutter attachment brings value to contractors on smaller jobs or if they need to knockout a few quick stump removals,” said Payton Stadtlander, Vermeer product specialist. “This is a great attachment contractors can use to get the job done and move onto the next job.”

When to use a standalone stump cutter

For contractors who remove large quantities of stumps or remove large diameter stumps frequently, a traditional stump cutter, over an attachment, may bring the most benefit to your business.

For businesses that have continued stump removal requests, choosing a stump cutter may be the most efficient choice for your business. Additionally, if your business operates in areas with very large mature trees, opting for a standalone stump cutter may streamline stump removals.

While contractors with high volumes of stump removal jobs may find a traditional stump cutter the best fit for their operation, there may be opportunity in running both a stump cutter and a stump cutter attachment. Having a stump cutter attachment on hand for small jobs or jobs that require travel with limited trailer space can boost your overall productivity advantage.

“If you are consistently grinding stumps throughout the day or are removing large stumps, you should consider purchasing a designated stump cutter to help you tackle this work.” Stadtlander said. “Stump cutters bring value to jobsites where there are frequent time-intensive removals.”

Vermeer offers an extensive line-up of stump cutters that bring tough agility to jobsites all over the world. With the addition of the stump cutter attachment, Vermeer continues to be a brand that professional landscapers and tree care contractors can rely on.

For more information on the Vermeer stump cutter attachment or the Vermeer stump cutter lineup, contact your local Vermeer dealer.

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing 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.

A man on a mini skid steer puts trees into a brush chipper

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