Recommendations for the 4500 stump grinder

MountainBuck · Apr 15, 2018

I've been considering the stump grinder for the 4500.

The YouTube videos of it seem like it runs well and works quickly.

However that mirror in the front looks odd. Is that hard to get used to?

Is it difficult to mount on the tractor?

Thanks in advance.

zmountaineer · Apr 15, 2018

MountainBuck said:
I've been considering the stump grinder for the 4500.

The YouTube videos of it seem like it runs well and works quickly.

However that mirror in the front looks odd. Is that hard to get used to?

Is it difficult to mount on the tractor?

Thanks in advance.

I have a Steiner stump grinder for my ventrac. I don't have a mirror and it is extremely easy to use. Though the Steiner one is more offset.

JackIL · Apr 17, 2018

I consider the mirror on the Ventrac when using a Ventrac Stump Grinder as essential. It requires mounting 2 brackets on the front (2 bolts each) and then the arms of the mirror just slip in and are tightened. Very easy. I remove the brackets when using the Slip Scoop since there can be interference. Watching the cutter wheel in the mirror is not difficult. The mirror makes it very easy to watch the progress of cutting the stump. You primarily use it when moving the tractor forward to start a new pass.

johara1 · Apr 18, 2018

I used the Ventrac stump grinder without a mirror, but I stand beside it rather than get beat up and you have no trouble seeing. The option for the Steiner one is a good choice you plan to sit in the seat. It would be nice if you could reverse it to get roots and rocks that jam it up...... a chain and a tree work to get them loose..... jim

Industrial Toys · Apr 18, 2018

I have the Steiner. A bit hard to accept once I got rid of my real Vermeer grinder. But it does the job, albeit slowly and a lot of repositioning.

I use it while standing beside the tractor. The biggest hassle is engaging and disengaging the parking brake from the other side of the tractor.

I'm curious if anyone thinks that adding a mirror to the Steiner would be an improvement. Mirrors aren't the kind of thing that I really want around.

johara1 · Apr 18, 2018

Industrial Toys said:
I have the Steiner. A bit hard to accept once I got rid of my real Vermeer grinder. But it does the job, albeit slowly and a lot of repositioning.

I use it while standing beside the tractor. The biggest hassle is engaging and disengaging the parking brake from the other side of the tractor.

I'm curious if anyone thinks that adding a mirror to the Steiner would be an improvement. Mirrors aren't the kind of thing that I really want around.

The brake on the Ventrac is on the right same as the controls, it works super........ jim

Industrial Toys · Apr 18, 2018

Oh, the PTO engagement lever is on the "other" side as well!

I bought my BIG vermeer unit, only because I was so impressed with the corded remote control. I never realized what an asset that feature would be. To me, it is critical to see what the cutter head is doing while you operate it.

johara1 · Apr 18, 2018

Industrial Toys said:
Oh, the PTO engagement lever is on the "other" side as well!

I bought my BIG vermeer unit, only because I was so impressed with the corded remote control. I never realized what an asset that feature would be. To me, it is critical to see what the cutter head is doing while you operate it.

Yes, they are a toy, but they work for little stumps. 2 foot stumps are a long time grinding....... too long..... jim

Industrial Toys · Apr 18, 2018

If you do the stumps as they come up, or a few at a time, these little grinders are nice to have around. It's still very satisfying to be rid of stumps without a huge mess from excavation.