Stump Grinders

[TreeJunkie]

sure the 252 could tend to roll over. however if you put on the double drive wheels i think it would be near impossible. The 352 is even more prone to rolling if the double wheels are removed.

In regard to getting the double front wheel setup like on the 352 or the rayco models. You can get it on the 252 w/ hyd. steer. I think it's about a 900 option. Which still keeps the price a little lower than the rayco 1625...

At my uncles co. we put about 1000 hours on the old 252 and never had any issues w/ the belts. Just routine maintenance occasional tightening..I think once or twice in 4 years....

 

[John464]

At my uncles co. we put about 1000 hours on the old 252 and never had any issues w/ the belts. Just routine maintenance occasional tightening..I think once or twice in 4 years....

take a look at the underside of the belts. there is little grabbers on there. they wear off in under 10 hrs. I can gaurantee your uncle has none left. this slows production once they smooth over/break off. you may not consciously realize it since its a gradual process.

 

[dogdad]

I have a New 352 and have no problems. Seems to do what I want. I looked into the Carlton. No service except using a local tree company"s mechanic...no thanks. Rayco has no dealers close by either. The 352 is paying itself off rather quickly.

 

[stumpy66]

The Vermeer 352 is a good desiel machine, i do not get it when folks cuss it for being unstable, use it as it was designed....with all its wheels on...no prob.....lets have less of the unstable machine rubbish...... it is good for a slope....with the wheels on....:bang:

 

[dshackle3]

I had 1 got rid of it for a carlton 7015. No comparision.

 

[stumpy66]

am i right in thinking that you are comparing a 34 hp machine with a 60 hp machine......don't do ...you are right there is no comparision.....different machines for different markets.....

 

[Pollock777]

Vermeer Service in South New Jersey

Tree Junkie I'm glad you get good service from your Vermeer dealer. Maybe you should have them call N.J. and teach them fair dealings .I was going to leave a few examples but I"m not going to put other peoples stories out there. It's not my place.:censored:

 

[nutsintree]

This weekend I am going to a Vermeer dealer to check out some used stumpers. I think they are 252s'. I was wondering what I should look for or should be cautious about. I guess the good and bad.

Thanks Dan

Don't engines are to week only good for small stumps.

 

[flyinmechanic]

I have a 222, converted to 4 wheels with a 25HP Eng. And Chain drive instead of that poly belt, very stable, makes $$$ doing "super rototilling" palmetto removal jobs, but you can't do it with 3 wheels! Would not run a 3 wheeled grinder
If you get a 252, get one with the 4 wheel setup now available, very stable.
My 352 Diesel will outgrind the modified 222 on stumps at least 4X faster.
But the 2465 Diesel.... WOW
Just keep the teeth sharp!!!

 

[dannups]

sure the 252 could tend to roll over. however if you put on the double drive wheels i think it would be near impossible. The 352 is even more prone to rolling if the double wheels are removed.

In regard to getting the double front wheel setup like on the 352 or the rayco models. You can get it on the 252 w/ hyd. steer. I think it's about a 900 option. Which still keeps the price a little lower than the rayco 1625...

At my uncles co. we put about 1000 hours on the old 252 and never had any issues w/ the belts. Just routine maintenance occasional tightening..I think once or twice in 4 years....

Don't engines are to week only good for small stumps.

Don't engines are to week only good for small stumps.

Stay away from the Veremmer 352 diesel complete junk engine is a boat anchor nothing but problems

 

[VitalityTree]

I used to build the Rayco Stump cutters when I worked at the factory. I also worked in the repair dept. and saw lots of damage. I would recommend a used one that has had documented maintence. These things get the snot beat out of them, and most users don't seem to care that they shelled out 10-30K on them.

What kind of stump grinder do you want? A walk behind? A smaller pusher type (kinda like a rototiller) They will wear you out just getting to the stump, a tow behind, a self propelled, a track machine? There are a ton of machines out there. If it is a belt drive system, check all the belts good. These need constant adjustment, where a hyd drive is a little better for adjustment. The main cutter drive belt (normally a gates poly chain belt) will stretch some, but not like the engine to jackshaft V belt. Hydraulic motors that get slammed into gear at full throttle are worn very quickly and costly to replace. This is just a start of things to think about. I'm sure some of the everyday users have a little more insight on the problems assosiated with certain units. Good luck

Steve

 

[VitalityTree]

Today I hit something really hard while grinding a stump with my Rayco 1635... The machine lurched backwards and the front wheels actually lifted off the ground. Should I be concerned that I damaged it, or is this just normal wear and tear?

[/QUOTE]

 

[Steve-Maine]

I bought an old 2465A Vermeer used and had a blown Wisc. Engine. Replace with a 80 HP Deutz Diesel. Also put a Rockford clutch on it. Used for over many years and always had plenty of power. Also had a Mini-Chief with 35 HP Deutz Desiel. One of best machens I had. They had the first that would go throught a 36" gate. Only problem easy to tip over and all kinds of hydraulic hose. Always go diesel.

 

[iowagold]

I prefer the track machines for good lawns... and for wet locations..
grinder or skid loader a track machine rocks!
but you need a Hd good trailer to haul these units..
and Vermeer track machine is good in the stump grinder.
bobcat or case track machine on the skid loader with a trash grapple are good.
diesel has the best power on both...