Here in Florida, Hurricane Irma caused a lot of headaches for a lot of home and business owners. Between power outages and just general destruction from the wind and rain, a lot of folks down south probably wouldn’t mind if we didn’t have to deal with another natural catastrophe for a great long while. But, for the landscaper and professional lawn care contractor, there has been a silver lining to the hurricane rolling through our neck of the woods: clean-up work abounds, especially in the world of stump removal.
That’s where the Vermeer SC30TX Stump Cutter would be a clutch investment. This new stump cutter, with its compact design and low ground pressure rating, could move across our littered and soggy lawns without tearing up the grass. With the intuitive controls and high performance of Vermeer’s new stump cutter, the prospect of having to deal with a field of stumps isn’t too overwhelming. In fact, while my mind would be telling me “no,” my SC30Tx would be telling me “yes.” And, I’ve got to confess that…
…I Don’t See Nothin’ Wrong With A Little Stump N’ Grind
Vermeer designed the SC30TX to be highly transportable and maneuverable. Two individually controlled tracks allow the user to work in tight spaces. The zero turn radius also helps with positioning at the stump. The Vermeer SC30TX features the longest track in its class, hence resulting in better stability and a lighter ground pressure. At 3.4 psi, this stump cutter will handle soft earth better than most comparable stump grinding units.
But, how’s the grinding action on this hot, little number? Vermeer implements its Yellow Jacket Cutter System, an exclusive system designed to provide faster and easier serviceability, as well as extended pocket and tooth life. The cutter wheel, as well as the ground drive system, is hydraulically driven. This system reduces service and maintenance, and it also eliminates the need for belts or chain drives. The SC30TX also features Vermeer’s SmartSweep Control System. This proprietary system monitors engine load and provides a smooth and consistent cutter wheel sweep rate.
Vermeer designed the SC30TX with operator safety in mind. This stump cutter has an improved operator presence system. The control handle for the boom swing and boom raise/lower controls come equipped with operator presence capacitance-sensing handles. This stump cutter also starts well in any weather conditions, and it doesn’t use choke cables. 
Final Thoughts
The Vermeer SC30TX looks like a highly functional and transportable stump grinder. It looks like it has a great track system, as well as with its low ground pressure, it can work in locations that might be pretty challenging for other, larger grinders. The controls look easy to use, and this stump grinder has some cool safety features. The sticking point with this unit might be the price, although it’s a little hard to say that with any degree of confidence; I haven’t seen a hard and fast retail price for it. It’s probably best to contact Vermeer to find your local dealer.
At any rate, the SC30TX is obviously professional grade heavy machinery. Hopefully, the sticker price won’t be too much of surprise to the pro contractor, who might find Vermeer’s Stump Cutter to be a great business investment. Other folks will likely find more traction with this product as a rental option.
The Vermeer SC30TX Stump Cutter Features
Transportable- Easy to Use Control System
- Equipped with a 25 Hp EFI Engine
- No Choke Cable
- Easy to Start in All Weather Conditions
- 2 Individually Controlled Tracks Grant Zero Turn Radius
- Yellow Jacket Cutter System Provides Fast and Easy Serviceability
- Extended Pocket and Tooth Life
- Longest Tracks In Class Provide Stability and Low, 3.4 psi Ground Pressure
The Vermeer SC30TX Stump Cutter Specs
- Length: 94″
- Width: 35″
- Height: 49″
- Engine Make and Model: Kohler ECH740
- Number of Cylinders: 2
- Gross Horsepower (Max): 25 HP
- Torque (Max): 42 ft-lb
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.8 Gallon
- Max Fuel Consumption: 2.4 GPH
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Air Cleaner: 6″ 2-Stage Dry
- Oil Filter: Spin-on
- Recommended Oil: Kohler oil or API CH4/SJ
- Oil Volume with Filter: 2 Qt.
- Max Angle of Continuous Operation: 25°
- Cooling Medium: Air/Oil
- Cutterwheel:
- Diameter without Teeth: 16″
- Thickness: 5″
- Speed: 1110 RPM
- Straight Line Dimension: 35.5″
- Above Ground: 25″
- Below Ground: 12″
- Tooth Description: Yellow Jacket Cutter System
- Number of Teeth: 16
- Indexes: 2
- Pockets: 16
- Reversible Pockets: Yes
- Cutterwheel Guard: Yes
- Chip Containment: 2.2 Cubic Ft
- Cutterwheel – Lower Gearbox: Hydraulic Motor
- Hydraulic Tank Capacity: 9 Gal
- Recommended Oil Type: ISO 68
- System Type: Open Loop
- Filtration Method: Inline Return Filter
- Pump Flow at Max RPM: 16 gpm
- System Relief Pressure: 2750 psi
- Flow Control: Autosweep (option)
- Directional Control: Standard
- Oil Cooler: Yes, Fan-Cooled
- System Voltage: 12
- Battery: 405
- Standard Gauges: Hour Meter/Tach
- Switches: Cutterwheel Drive
- Controller: Yes
- Chassis – Control Station Description: Fixed Rear
- Track Type: Rubber 7″ Width
- Retracted Track Width: 35″
- Extended Track Width: 35″
- Track Length on Ground: 31.4″
- Type of Idler: Cast
- NUmber of Idlers: 5
- Track Drive Pump Type: Hydrostatic
- System Relief Pressure: 2,900 psi
- Pump Flow at Max Rpm: 11.4 gpm
- Track Drive Motor Type: Geroter
- Track Brake Type: Hydrostatic:
- High-Speed Travel: 3.2 Mph
- Ground Bearing Pressure – Soft Ground: 3.4 psi
