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www.arborage.com Arbor Age / April 2014 29 a potential issue. On a daily basis, check the stump cutters fl uids, such as hydraulic oil, engine oil and fuel. Again, check the periodic maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer." Proactive maintenance is key to machine effi ciency Checking the fl uid levels before the stump cutter even leaves the shop may prevent headaches later in the day at a jobsite. Along with the daily inspection component, stump cutters come with recom- mended service items and intervals. Recommended intervals typi- cally occur at 10, 50, 100, 200, 250 and 500 hours. Doing a thorough inspection at each of these breaks is a key preventive maintenance step that will prolong the productive life of a stump cutter. For example, on the Vermeer SC30TX at the 10-hour mark the list includes items such as cleaning the air intake and cooling areas, greasing the cutter wheel bearing and boom pivot, and inspecting the track tension. At 50 hours the hydraulic fl uid fi lter should be replaced, and the track tension should be adjusted. Once the stump cutter reaches 100 hours, engine maintenance is a focal point: check spark plug conditions, as well as remove and clean cooling shrouds and oil cooler fi ns. Additionally, check the control levers, operator presence system and hydraulic system. At 200 hours, replace the spark plugs and the in-line fuel fi lter; 50 hours later, clean the fuel tank and strainer, and check the battery electrolyte levels and terminals. Once the stump cutter has reached 500 hours, lubricate the crankshaft spline, and check the battery and hydraulic fl uid levels. Maintenance checkpoints can vary by make and model, based largely on the technology and components available. Even with the variances, there is no substitution for maintaining a clean, smooth- running machine through preventive maintenance. According to Rector, the best preventive maintenance, though, is reading and adhering to the owner's manual. He recommends that all operators become familiar with the maintenance manual before turning the key on any stump cutter. Although many stump cutters are similar in design and features, each model has its own nuances and unique adaptations that make it suitable for specifi c jobs. "Always pay close attention to the hour meter and maintenance manual," he said. "The local dealer or service provider can be your best friend when it comes to helping to extend the life of the stump cutter. There's nothing more valuable than paying attention to what the cutter needs and getting the service done." For as valuable and versatile as a stump cutter is to a rental com- pany or tree care operator, its effi ciency is limited when maintenance is not fully considered. By monitoring wear parts and engine perfor- mance, and abiding by the recommendations of the manufacturer's operator and maintenance manual, expect to maximize the life and value of your stump cutter. Darrin Cline is a features writer with Two Rivers Marketing, Des Moines, Iowa. Article provided by Vermeer Corporation, Pella, Iowa. Photos provided by Vermeer