Since our full size Stump Grinder attachment launched in late 2019, we've received overwhelmingly positive feedback on performance, with some operators even claiming it's the only grinder in its class aggressive enough to handle live oak stumps. We realized the same type of power was lacking in the mini skid steer market. So here it is - the little brother with a chip on its shoulder - the Vortex Mini Skid Steer Stump Grinder.
Why go mini?
A popular machine for landscaping and tree work, the mini skid steer is known for its ability to get into back yards and other tight areas, as well as doing less damage to turf. For a lot of mini skid steer operators, a stump grinder is an obvious attachment to fit right into their landscaping, mowing, or tree work business. The only question is if the smaller machines have enough power to efficiently grind stumps.
Size matters, right?
Everybody knows that size matters (when it comes to skid steers and attachments). A mini skid steer mounted stump grinder is not going to grind the same way a full size grinder running on a 30-45 gpm high flow skid steer will. But with the same style of highly efficient radial piston motor and direct drive system as the full size (which converts 95% of the hydraulic flow's energy into horsepower), the productivity of this little unit will not disappoint.
Additionally, if you've seen the new mini skid steers on the market you know that some of these machines are not so mini anymore. As a forward thinking company we designed our mini stump grinder with this in mind, rating it to run on flow rates of up to 20 gpm, which is more than any other stump grinder on the market for mini skid steers.
Durability and maintenance
A question you should always ask before buying an attachment is, "How much work/money is this going to be AFTER I have it?" Our engineers ask this question before they even begin the design.
The drive system features an oil bath enclosed hub, meaning there is nothing to grease (and nothing to forget to grease), which reduces maintenance and the chances of issues due to poor care.
The teeth are also designed with longevity in mind. They feature rock guards that protect them from the rocks that you're inevitably going to dig up, and are three sided so they can be rotated to get more life out of each one. If that's not enough tooth detail for you, there are also three different kinds of teeth that are designed for distinct soil conditions (rocky, sand and clay, or standard).
Performance
A common idea in the industry is that skid steer attachments will never come close to the production level of a dedicated stump grinding machine. However, Defatte Equipment of Ukiah, CA, had a customer compare the production of the Mini Vortex to the Baretto SG30 dedicated stump grinder, which is a small but respected machine. Want to see the grinder in action? Check out Skid Steer Solutions' attachment demonstration and overview video.
Features and Specs
- 12-20 GPM hydraulic flow requirement
- Case Drain Required
- Wheel: 20" diameter, 1/2" thick, high strength alloy steel
- Clear view of the wheel and engagement point
- Minimal chip spray
- Three sided flippable teeth with rock guards
- Three types of teeth for different soil conditions
- Radial piston motor
- Anti-Cavitation aspect
- Direct Drive System (oil bath enclosed)
- Grade-50 steel housing, chip deflector, and motor guard
Availability
Find an Eterra dealer near you or visit our online dealer for availability!