Vermeer Corporation, a manufacturer of tree care equipment, has introduced the SC1152 and SC652 stump cutters, designed to help enhance efficiency with sizeable cutting width and the ability to maneuver in uneven terrain.
A four-bar linkage is designed to allow the cutter wheel to move away from the machine as the boom drops down toward the stump, reducing the need to reposition the entire unit and helping to boost performance. Both units have the ability to remove stumps up to 31 in. (79 cm) above ground and 25 in. (64 cm) below grade, and the cutter wheel guard remains parallel with the ground, providing smooth movements over obstacles. A straight-line cutting width of 72 in. (183 cm) at ground level allows the unit to easily remove wide stumps.
The cutter wheel is powered by a heavy-duty variable displacement hydrostatic pump. This design eliminates the need for clutch- and belt-drive maintenance, and the inline drive system between the motor and gearbox are connected by a driveshaft with u-joints, so no side loads are placed on the motor, which helps reduce premature wear to seals and other motor components, according to the manufacturer.
Both units are powered by a Cummins diesel engine. The SC1152 features a Tier III engine and produces 110 hp (82 kW) of power and 306 ft.-lb. (415 Nm) of torque at 1,600 rpm. A Tier IVA engine in the SC652 delivers 65 hp (48 kW) and 158 ft.-lb. (214 Nm) of torque.
Several features enable both units to maneuver through difficult and uneven ground conditions. A variable displacement pump and series of flow dividers power the full-time four-wheel drive by transferring oil flow and power independently to each wheel motor.
The machine is equipped with a differential lock/unlock feature so the operator can choose between maximum pulling power when ground conditions limit traction or minimum turf disturbance while making tight turns.
Variable speed ground drive provides the operator greater control during operation, transport and loading/unloading. A single joystick is used to maneuver the machine forward and in reverse while a switch controls the steering. An additional switch is provided for creep control for maneuvering around the stump or while loading on a trailer. The operator can choose between high range for normal travel up to 150 fpm (45.7 mpm) on the SC652 and 130 fpm (39.6 mpm) with the SC1152, while both offer a low range at 100 fpm (30.5 mpm) for the creep function as the job site requires.
An optional remote control allows the operator to control the forward/reverse propel, boom swing/raise/lower, steering, and creep functions up to 100 ft. (31 m) away. The oscillating steering axle provides 8 in. (20 cm) of wheel travel over obstacles on the SC652 and 9 in. (23 cm) on the SC1152, allowing either machine to traverse uneven ground conditions while maintaining four-wheel contact.
A three-position, swing-out control station allows the unit to be operated in confined spaces with the control station in the intermediate position. All controls at the operator station are electronically controlled, eliminating potential damage to hydraulic hoses and valves caused by rotation of the operator station. In narrow job site conditions that restrict use of the main control station, the operator can control ground drive and steering functions from an auxiliary control station located over the optional chip blade or standard bumper at the front end of the machine.
The optional 34-in. (86-cm) wide front-mounted chip blade can be used to easily move chips around the job site, reducing the need to manually relocate the chips. The rounded lower edge of the blade helps reduce turf damage.
Many daily service points are accessible from the exterior of the machine, including an air restriction indicator, engine oil and hydraulic oil level. The SC652 is equipped with hinged or removable panels to access routine maintenance points. Machine width with the outer dual tires removed is only 35 in. (86 cm), providing a compact footprint for enhanced maneuverability on confined job sites.
For more information, visit www.vermeer.com.
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