Stumping at what grade?

[coolbrze]

What grade can your stumpers handle? We've got a Carlgon 2500-4 & just went to look at a "big" job w/ about 25 stumps but the hill is pretty darn steep. Might need those extra wheels, a winch, some ropes & chains for anchor points.

 

[ASD]

Anything the winch on our 8018 can drag it up

 

[Mikecutstrees]

I'm not sure about other machines but my SC252 will not have good oil pressure if used on too steep of a grade. I'm not sure what the % is but I usually stay pretty flat...... Mike

 

[BC WetCoast]

Neither the Vermeer or Bandits I've operated liked to have their engines on a greater than 30 degree slope. So if you are on a steep grade you are going to have to grind uphill allowing the engine to level out.

 

[arbor pro]

Neither the Vermeer or Bandits I've operated liked to have their engines on a greater than 30 degree slope. So if you are on a steep grade you are going to have to grind uphill allowing the engine to level out.

I don't think a guy would be able to grind downhill even if the engine did stay running. For one, the back of the stumper would be so light it would barely stay on the ground so steering would be about impossible. Second, the teeth would continually pull the stumper downhill with every bite the stumper took. You'd have to grind uphill but it sounds more like a job for an alpine magnum handheld stumper. I'd be worried about the self propelled unit sliding sideways and barrel rolling down the slope or simply not being able to get enough traction to make the climb - especially once the wheels get on top of a few wood chips.

 

[NCgrinder]

Grinding downhill is kinda tricky. The steering end gets VERY light when the cutter wheel is downhill..plus the cutter wants to climb up on the stump .When the wheel grabs ,it will jerk the machine up & over before you can react..(ask me how I know!!!)...After nearly being thrown down a riverbank and into the water, I rigged my 252 with a winch to be able to grind downhill. Kohler warns against any engine angle greater than 30 degrees,so I'm very careful of that. Sometimes downhill is the only approach available,so I winch off to keep the steering end anchored.The terrain around here is very hilly,so my winch setup has saved me many times.

 

[Oly's Stump]

There was a recent post about engines that failed on slopes. I believe deutz motors over 30 percent grade will fail. Be aware!

 

[Mowingman]

You are close. Actually, it is 25 degrees, not 25%. I talked to the factory people after reading about the engine failure issue. Carlton says 25 degrees. However, the factory tech people told me 30 degrees.
I know there are limits for the B&S asnd the Kohler engines also. I do not know what those limits are.
Jeff

There was a recent post about engines that failed on slopes. I believe deutz motors over 30 percent grade will fail. Be aware!

 

[Oly's Stump]

Thanks for the correction Mowingman...when I wrote that post I was on my 6th Miller Lite. Was not thinking straight!

 

[coolbrze]

Thanks guys, have never ground on a grade as steep as this. You are right about the oil in the crank if the engine is not level enough. On our Carltons, there's a level that shows when you're in the red zone. Looks like we'll probably rent a small 13 Hp Dosko or something to knock these guys out.

 

[BC WetCoast]

I don't think a guy would be able to grind downhill even if the engine did stay running. For one, the back of the stumper would be so light it would barely stay on the ground so steering would be about impossible. Second, the teeth would continually pull the stumper downhill with every bite the stumper took. You'd have to grind uphill but it sounds more like a job for an alpine magnum handheld stumper. I'd be worried about the self propelled unit sliding sideways and barrel rolling down the slope or simply not being able to get enough traction to make the climb - especially once the wheels get on top of a few wood chips.

I've tied a bull rope to the back of the grinder and used a 3:1 system around a tree or truck to make sure the machine doesn't take off down the hill. I also use this system when I've had to walk the machine down a set of stairs (which I really hate - why do salesmen keep thinking I can easily do it)

Barrel rolling a machine down the hill, now there's a tough phone call to make to the boss.