Shopping for New Tractor and Stump Grinder

[LoudonNH]

Hey folks,

Just signed up today and looking for advice. I'm planning to purchase a large stump grinder and have tentatively narrowed it down to two brands but am open to learning about alternatives. The two I like are the Stumper 3500 and the Miller Pro 100 or Pro 75T.

I also intend to buy a new tractor to run the grinder. At this point I'm considering the Deere 5075E and the Massey 4608, each with a cab. The Massey has the advantage of a 1000 RPM PTO and an optional third valve at the rear to run the Miller grinders. The Deere offers only a second valve at the rear which would exclude the Miller products, without aftermarket modifications.

I also need to be able to use a round bale grabber on the loader. The Massey seems slightly better-suited to that function. I haven't considered the M-Series Deeres, only because I don't think the difference in price is worth it to me.

As I said, I'm looking for advice and am not dead-set on any particular machine(s), either tractors or stump grinders.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Have you consider a stand alone stump grinder such as Veemer

 

[bigbull338]

you can always have another set of rear remotes installed on the tractor.that will allow you to plug in 4 hydro hoses.

 

[LoudonNH]

Have you consider a stand alone stump grinder such as Veemer

No way, the big stump grinder justifies the purchase of a new tractor!

Also, I will be working on hills and want the stability of a tractor with the comfort of a cab, for a change...

 

[LoudonNH]

you can always have another set of rear remotes installed on the tractor.that will allow you to plug in 4 hydro hoses.

I don't think there's a need for four sets of remotes. It's difficult enough to get three!

It seems as if the third function on the Deere loader would be hooked-up to one of the two rear pairs of remotes and would have to be disconnected when those remotes are used for other functions. Deere does not offer a third pair of remotes at the rear.

I think Massey offers an optional third set of remotes at the rear and an optional set of mid-mounted valves for the loader's third function.

 

[Tompet]

No way, the big stump grinder justifies the purchase of a new tractor!

Also, I will be working on hills and want the stability of a tractor with the comfort of a cab, for a change...

Welcome...sounds like good enough logic!

I have the small Woods grinder which works well enough for me. Btw, thanks to KennyD on this site for his hydraulics help.

At the time I also looked at the Baumalight grinders. If I had to do over I probably would now go with the Baumalight. Anyway, both of these manufacturers also make larger models (and the required larger tractor). The large Baumalight is pretty impressive and the company's communication is very good.

Having said all of that, the Miller grinders are the most impressive looking designed grinders in both function and quality I have seen. I was not familiar with the 3500 you referenced. I looked at the site and unless I overlooked an additional function you would have to continually inch into stump in reverse with the 3500...that would seem a problem.

I have the factory BH, so I just hook that open flow hydraulic line to the grinder hydraulic control valve.
Don't quote me, but I believe most of these grinders have the option (or aftermarket as I did) control valves which are mounted on the grinder. I would recommend this option. In that case you only would need one set of rear remotes to provide the flow to the grinders control valve.
I am sure others much more knowledgable than myself on hydraulics will explain or correct my two cents! Also, with the Miller this may need some other setup for hydraulics and considerations setting up a grinder control valve from within a cab.

Btw, I always liked the Massey tractors you mentioned. I looked into the 1000 pto speed in regards to stump grinders and unless the particular grinder you are looking at is designed for that speed (most would be for the standard 540) you would not want to try it. What helps is pto hp.

 

[LoudonNH]

Hey Tom, Thanks for your advice.

The Baumalight looks like a pretty nice piece of equipment.

The Miller has the advantage of a telescopic function. That's what requires the third set of remotes.

The Stumper 3500 has the cutting wheel mounted perpendicular to the tractor. The height adjustment is controlled with the three point hitch top link. The cutting wheel tilts in and out from a pivoting point at the top of the unit. It's a great design that eliminates the need to move the tractor between passes. The great shortcoming with this device as I see it however, is that the stump grinder hangs from the back of the tractor and has no stabilizers or any other kind of frame anchoring it to the ground during its operation. Consequently, I've learned from talking with a guy that owns one and from watching a you-tube video, that there is a lot of movement transferred to the tractor; so much that's it's visible in the video. Seems to me like a lot of wear and tear on the tractor and on the grinder.

If the 3500 had stabilizers, I think it would be the best one of all.

What do you guys think?

Welcome...sounds like good enough logic!

I have the small Woods grinder which works well enough for me. Btw, thanks to KennyD on this site for his hydraulics help.

At the time I also looked at the Baumalight grinders. If I had to do over I probably would now go with the Baumalight. Anyway, both of these manufacturers also make larger models (and the required larger tractor). The large Baumalight is pretty impressive and the company's communication is very good.

Having said all of that, the Miller grinders are the most impressive looking designed grinders in both function and quality I have seen. I was not familiar with the 3500 you referenced. I looked at the site and unless I overlooked an additional function you would have to continually inch into stump in reverse with the 3500...that would seem a problem.

I have the factory BH, so I just hook that open flow hydraulic line to the grinder hydraulic control valve.
Don't quote me, but I believe most of these grinders have the option (or aftermarket as I did) control valves which are mounted on the grinder. I would recommend this option. In that case you only would need one set of rear remotes to provide the flow to the grinders control valve.
I am sure others much more knowledgable than myself on hydraulics will explain or correct my two cents! Also, with the Miller this may need some other setup for hydraulics and considerations setting up a grinder control valve from within a cab.

Btw, I always liked the Massey tractors you mentioned. I looked into the 1000 pto speed in regards to stump grinders and unless the particular grinder you are looking at is designed for that speed (most would be for the standard 540) you would not want to try it. What helps is pto hp.

 

[Tompet]

I watched a couple of the 3500 videos. It looks like there are "feet" that might come to rest as the wheel drops to a certain depth. But, I am not sold on the design. They show it mounted on a trac hoe which looks like it is a better fit for that design rather than a 3 pt.

I still think the Miller is the most impressive, but a larger Baumalight or even the larger Woods would serve you well. btw, I see the one model of Baumalight is made for 1000 pto speed. I traded emails and a phone call with a member in Ontario about the 24" model and he was very happy with his after hundreds of stumps. I would also recommend the adjustable flow restrictors they show on their video for theirs or most other brands. I have the Woods inline restrictor fittings and should add adjustable restrictors at the control valve. Slow and steady does work better.

I have a one handle multidirectional valve to control swing and pitch and I think I would prefer two individual side by side single function valves to control swing and pitch (like on the Baumalight or aftermarket setup).

You mentioned a third set of remotes for the Miller telescopic function, it may be my lack of hydraulic remotes knowledge, but can't one set of remotes provide open flow, for example, to a series of three single action valves downstream to control each movement of the Miller? That is if remotes can provide open flow to a downstream valve and back. Or similarly, to control the two functions as shown on factory valves of Baumalight or Woods shown on their website.

How are you planning the control setup, particularly with a cab?
btw, that 4608 is really sharp and will have plenty of power for whatever grinder you choose.
Anyway, I am sure you will find what works for you.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Seems you have yourself sold on the massey. I would be interested to know the pricing you get up there on the tractors and the grinders.

I understand how important the hydraulics are if you need them.

 

[LoudonNH]

Actually, I had a very difficult time getting the closest Massey dealer to return my phone calls so now I'm working through a guy who started the Massey equine program. He's trying to set me up with the next closest Massey dealer but now he's also having trouble connecting with them! If that doesn't work I'm all set to buy the John Deere through their equine program. I'll probably end up staying with John Deere since that's what I've always had and in our town I think there's only one guy that runs Masseys. John Deere is very popular along with all the others. I'm actually very surprised Massey isn't more hungry for the tractor business around here!