Woods TSG50 stump grinder on a NH TC30

[DavesTractor]

My Takeuchi TL130 has 18 gpm, and that works fine but it certainly isn't excess. Occasionally I want for more flow.

It has been mentioned that you can stand next to the tractor and run the Woods stump grinder. That is what I do on smaller stumps. Great visibility, no sore neck, etc. However I'd feel better if someone was on the seat to kill the PTO quickly if needed or whatever. If you had a second operator and he positioned and sat on the tractor and you walked along and ran the grinder, the PTO grinder would be hard to beat on small stumps.

I did the remains of a huge Elm recently, The area I ground out while chasing the huge stump and main surface roots was about 12' x 12'. Even with the 52" swing on my grinder I had to do a 52" wide by 12' long pass, then do that two more times. Took me a couple of hours. That would have been a real chore with the PTO driver machine on the back of a tractor.

For your application, the Woods would work and it would be pretty easy to sell when you are done. There are a ton of compact tractors out there, not so many high-flow skids in want of a grinder.

 

[jack32008]

Tompet (and other...), Thanks for taking the time to share your insight and wisdom. I DO appreciate it!

Yes, for $5K the Vermeer SC252 would be used. My problem buying used is you never know how 'used' or ABUSED the equipment is only to get the grinder home and discover the engine needs replacing ($2K) or a $1500 hydraulic pump. At $5K for the Woods unit, it's new, and I have a new set of rear remotes installed to operate a log splitter or etc. down the road. And it's all warrantied by the dealer who installed it! I understand Woods has a 5-YR warranty on their grinder parts. That's impressive and enticing...

I'll have plenty of time on my hands when I start clearing the 6+ acres and stump grinding. Grind a few, take a break, and grind a few more. It'll eventually get done and I don't have to kill myself trying to hurry up and finish with a piece of rental equipment and then drive 45 mins into town to get it back on time. :thumbsup:

As I mentioned, I've done a lot research on these grinders... self-propelled stand alones, skid steer attachments, 3-PT PTO driven (all makes/models) and even the push/pull around small units built like a lawnmower. The later looks like more work than I want to take on at my age.

I'm gonna chew on it over the weekend and maybe pull the trigger on the Woods TSG50 (dealer installed) early next week.

Have a nice weekend and THANKS AGAIN for all the words of wisdom.

Jack in Key West

 

[jack32008]

Dave,

I agree with your assessment 100%! With the amount of smaller stumps (6-12") I am looking at, and the 3-PT PTO stump grinder -vs- low flow skid steer attachment, hands-down the PTO wins. My 30HP diesel tractor w/HST has plenty of ponies, why not harness that power with a PTO stump grinder rather than with a possibly worn-out, Vermeer SC252? A plus is the easy re-sale should I ever decide to part company with the Woods TSG50. Great advice.

I will be calling my local New Holland/Woods dealer on Monday to 'place my order' for the Woods TSG50.

Have a nice weekend and THANKS for taking the time to add to the discussion/decision.

Jack in Key West

 

[Piston]

With those size stumps, and realistic expectations, I think you'll be very happy with the PTO grinder. It would be faster with the dedicated stump grinder for sure, but with the PTO grinder when you are done with it, it can sit for a couple of years unused, then regrease it and adjust the slip clutch and it's ready for use again.

I have the bigger brother of the model you are referring to, and I really like it. I have used it quite a bit on much larger stumps, and although they take time, it works really well on them.

The best way, in my opinion, to plumb the hydraulics, is add two rear remotes to your tractor and operate the remotes from the tractor seat. It's really not that bad, and is a lot better than standing on the ground in my opinion. When you are going from stump to stump and they are relatively nearby, you can grind a stump, lift up the 3 pt hitch slightly (not all the way with the PTO spinning) and creep over to the next stump, lower the 3 pt, and grind away.

A 6" stump takes all of 1 minute to turn into mulch.



May I also suggest, that for the smaller trees with small stumps, try pushing the tree over whole, and uprooting the stump altogether. If you are on a hill, this isn't a great idea because of erosion, but on more level land that you are clearing anyways, it can save a lot of time. Sometimes the stumps are too deep and this isn't an option, but give it a shot and see how it goes. I avoid this now on larger stumps because it is more trouble, and I make more of a mess, than just grinding it. However with small trees it's the way to go.


Be sure to tighten down the teeth on the stump grinder after the first few hours of use, and check it every once in a while as well. I lost a tooth before and noticed a few lose ones as I was replacing it, now I check them at the beginning of the season and part way through.

I have made my money back on my stump grinder more than a few times.

By the way, do you have a grapple?

I have some pics posted here if you haven't seen it yet.... http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/248173-3-point-beast-stumpgrinder-checked.html

 

[jack32008]

Piston,

Thanks for your response.

Yes, I have a Wicked Root Grapple on my skid steer. LOVE IT! It's the cat's meow for clearing land. Plan to keep it forever.

I've already pushed over/up-rooted a lot of 6" and below trees. Problem is the 'crater' it leaves afterwards. I think the stump grinder will be much better to leave a crater-free plot once I am finished clearing.

Have a nice weekend my friend.

Jack in Key West
Getting hot down here!

 

[LouieJunior]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ91ruuvgnQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I have one just like the one you are considering -- a Shaver SC25. ( I believe they manufacture the Woods model). I have attached a video clip I made. You will notice a few instances where the tractor gets bogged down. If I attempt to grind too much in one pass, it will stall my tractor, which is 40 HP. I am very happy with it as I have a lifetime supply of stumps to remove. I paid over $5000 for mine. It is controlled from the tractor seat using my joystick. It is an efficient, trouble-free tool.

 

[liberty2701]

Go check out Cabelas. They have their own branded made by woods tsg50 stump grinder on sale for 3300$. I contacted Woods and it is the exact same unit my local dealer sells for $4800. Mine should be here in two weeks.

 

[jack32008]

LIBERTY: Good info! I haven't ordered my TSG50 from the local NH dealer yet. Still trying to sort out the hydraulic connections. Leaning towards a two axis joystick running off the FEL ports (I don't have an FEL installed on my TC30 since I have a skid loader and didn't need a FEL...). It will be custom installation since NH does not have a 'kit' for a rear mounted joystick on the TC30.

The Cabela's sale price is a big savings over what I was quoted by the local tractor dealership. $3300 is a very good price for a Woods TSG50.

Take care,
Jack

 

[liberty2701]

Just to let you know,I checked the price and it went up to $3519. Still great but spring is coming.

 

[jack32008]

I was going to ask if you had a promo code or special discount I was unable to find. I too see the price at Cabela's is $3519. Agreed.... better price than dealer. I plan to call them today to see what all is included (manual valve diverter, hoses, etc.?).