Engine options for Vermeer SC-252 Stump grinder

Arborist83

Hi everyone!
I am in the process of replacing the engine on my Vermeer SC-252 stump grinder. The existing engine is a Kohler Command 27hp. It has been damaged, hence the replacement.

Does anyone know if any of the higher horsepower Kohler engines or any other brand will fit onto my stump grinder? The machine could do with a bit more power... If anyone has had any experience with this kind of thing it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

kiwi_tree_steve

im prity sure they come out factory option as a 35 hp diesel as well. i seem to remember the boss sayin sumthing like that ( we got that stumpy too)

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"You have to feel and touch a tree" Shigo

southsoundtree

check with vermeer directly. There could be upgrades on other portions of the machine to match the higher horsepower. I'd been wondering about increasing the horsepower on my Rayco. Rayco said that they upsized the engines, and changed other parts to handle the power. If I change my engine, I'll likely break the machine.

You may very well be able to upsize, just recommend getting it straight from the horse's mouth (don't know if you guys use that expression down under).

Willard Holmen

My 2003 Vermeer 252 has a 25hp Kohler, In 2004 they upgraded it to 27hp and that is still the size it is today.
The day when I change my engine[ got close to 1000hrs now] I may look into using a 35hp Kohler , almost same engine as the 25 or 27.
But having said that I would also have to upgrade to a large diameter jackshaft, cutter wheel shaft and bearings, which would also mean larger bore sheaves.

She would be a hot little stump grinder with that setup.

Q.Q.

I just replaced my moter on my Vermeer 222 stump 5months ago and put a vanguard 27 horse power on it. Just had to make the shaft fit but its great Japenese motor and a lot cheaper than others.

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Arborist83

Thankyou everyone for your feedback.
The local dealer has informed me that the Kohler 30hp and the 38hp will bolt straight on, the mounting bolts and driveshaft are in the same place. He is just finding out whether the bearings and belts etc will cope with the extra hp.

My insurance company is saying that the max life I could get out of a 27hp Kohler on a stump grinder is 1800 hours and they are making me pay the difference between the number of hours on the damaged engine and a new engine. I tried to argue that a Kohler will to far more hours than that to no avail.

Question:
Who out there has a 27hp Kohler (or similar) on a stump grinder and how many hours have you clocked up?

kiwi_tree_steve

What happend to stumpy? i miss her

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"You have to feel and touch a tree" Shigo

Arborist83

If you must know it came off the trailer going round a corner...