Title/Name/Summary
Vermeer Stump Cutter - Purchase and Delivery
History
One of the largest obstacles faced by the Public Works Department’s Natural Resources and Facilities (NRF) Tree Crew is getting to tree stumps in difficult to access locations (i.e. pond shoreline, narrow easements, heavily forested areas). This type of work is currently completed by using equipment undersized for the task or by contracting the work out if the situation is deemed unsafe or impractical.
To address this issue, the Public Works Department investigated options and is requesting approval for the purchase of a Vermeer SC48TX Stump Cutter. Due to the narrow body and tracks that retract to thirty-five (35) inches wide (they also extend to forty-nine [49] inches for stability), this piece of equipment would allow staff to safely reach hard-to-access areas. To minimize jobsite cleanup, the stump cutter comes with a backfill blade to reduce the need to manually relocate wood chips once operations are complete.
In addition to operability, the SC48TX Stump Cutter offers safety options currently unavailable to NRF staff. The swing out control station helps protect the operator from thrown objects while providing optimal visibility, while the operator presence system allows the cutter wheel to automatically stop when the operator releases the hydraulic cutter wheel controls. Finally, Staff would be able to control the machine with a wireless remote control, allowing the operator to control the stump cutter from safe vantage point.
Staff is requesting approval to the utilize Sourcewell Contract #010925-VRM and award the purchase and delivery of one (1) SC48TX Stump Cutter to Vermeer Midwest of Aurora, IL for an amount not to exceed $78,092.00. Funding was allocated for this stump cutter in the FY2026 Public Works budget.
It should be noted that the new Vermeer Stump Cutter will replace an existing Carlton 2400-4 Stump Grinder purchased in 2001. Because of its limited maneuverability and cutting power, the Carlton gets very little use and will be auctioned upon purchase of the new Vermeer equipment.
Financial Impact
The purchase of a Vermeer SC48TX Stump Cutter was budgeted in FY2026 in the amount of $80,000.00 under account 3008040-570300.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve participation in joint purchasing cooperative Sourcewell pursuant to Contract #010925-VRM and authorize the approval and execution of a vendor contract with Vermeer Midwest of Aurora, IL for the purchase of one Vermeer SC48TX Stump Cutter per Quote Q-34974-5 dated November 24, 2025 for a total not to exceed contract price of $78,092.00;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts, subject to Village Attorney review.