For such powerful machines, maintenance is fairly accessible for owners and operators. Each machine’s manual will list signs of wear and tear, instructions on how to replace fluids and manage lubrication, and identify parts that will need regular replacing. Photo courtesy of Vermeer.
likely prioritize maneuverability over size because of the need to navigate ob- stacles such as gates and stairs. A sub- urban or rural-based company, on the other hand, may not have to manage these factors and can therefore choose a larger, less maneuverable machine. IS MAINTENANCE EXPENSIVE? Purchasing from a local dealer is ideal. Vermeer, for instance, offers an asset protection program with a service plan that can be built into the full cost of the machine’s financing. Each service in- terval comes with a full inspection. For such powerful machines, mainte- nance is fairly accessible for owners and operators. Each machine’s manu- al will list signs of wear and tear, in- structions on how to replace fluids and manage lubrication, and identify parts that will need regular replacing. Cutter wheels differ depending on the model. Some models have a one-piece
tooth that needs to be wholly replaced when dull. Others have tooth-in-pocket systems that can be replaced individual- ly. Your local dealer can provide reference materials beyond the manual if needed. “You can definitely do your own main- tenance on a stump grinder,” says Hicks. “If you grease your bearings regularly, they’re going to last a lot longer. But if you don’t change your teeth when needed, which is also considered maintenance, then you’re beating up your machine, and things will fail and break.” Machines can last decades when they’re cared for prop- erly, which can save money and time in the long run.
Ingli agrees, “Compared to other equipment some tree care companies may use, stump grinders are an easy machine to maintain. But checking of- ten and regularly can keep your ma- chine running for a long time.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anastasia Selby is a former hotshot and wildland firefighter. Their nonfiction nar- rative book “HOTSHOT” is forthcoming from Grove Atlantic in early 2024. They graduated with a master’s of fine arts de- gree in creative writing, fiction, from Syr- acuse University in 2018 and are a Ph.D. candidate in creative writing (nonfiction) at Florida State University.
“Compared to other equipment some tree care companies may use, stump grinders are an easy machine to maintain. But checking often and regularly can keep your machine running for a long time.”
12 | ArborTIMES Summer 2023
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