163710006 Vermeer SC30TX Cutting Head Motor - Old Style SN 101–2408 - Hydraulic Drive Motor - 1-1/4" Tapered Shaft

163710006 Cutting Head Motor for Vermeer SC30TX (Old Style — SN 101–2408)

Your SC30TX cutting head motor has failed — the cutter wheel won't spin, it's lost torque, or the motor is leaking internally and dumping oil past the shaft seal. The machine is parked on a job and every day without it is revenue lost. The Vermeer dealer wants a premium for this motor and the lead time can stretch to weeks.

We sell the direct replacement cutting head motor for $599. This is the same specification hydraulic drive motor with the 1-1/4" tapered keyed shaft and castellated nut retention that the SC30TX cutter wheel assembly requires. It is a direct bolt-on replacement for Vermeer part number 163710006.

⚠️ Critical: Old Style vs New Style — Verify Your Serial Number

Vermeer made a design change to the SC30TX cutting head motor. There are two different motors depending on your machine's serial number:

• Old Style (SN 101 – 2408): Uses a 1-1/4" tapered keyed shaft with a castellated nut. This listing is the OLD STYLE motor.
• New Style (SN 2409+): Uses a different shaft configuration. If your serial number is 2409 or higher, do not order this motor — contact us for the correct new style version.

Where to find your serial number: Check the data plate on the machine frame, typically located near the engine compartment. The serial number determines which motor your machine uses. If you're unsure, contact us with your serial number and we'll confirm which motor you need.

How to Identify the Old Style Motor

If you're looking at the motor currently on your machine, the old style motor is identifiable by:

• 1-1/4" Tapered Keyed Shaft: The output shaft has a taper and a keyway. The cutter wheel hub slides onto the taper and is locked in place with a large castellated nut and cotter pin.
• Castellated Nut Retention: A slotted castle nut on the end of the shaft, secured with a cotter pin through a cross-drilled hole in the shaft. This is the defining visual feature of the old style.

Specifications

• Vermeer OEM Part Number: 163710006
• Type: Hydraulic Drive Motor (Cutting Head / Cutter Wheel)
• Shaft: 1-1/4" Tapered Keyed Shaft (SAE Code 08)
• Retention: Castellated Nut with Cotter Pin
• Application: Cutter Wheel Drive — Old Style
• Serial Number Range: SN 101 – 2408
• Condition: Brand New

Compatible Equipment

The 163710006 cutting head motor fits the following:

• Vermeer SC30TX — Serial Numbers 101 through 2408 ONLY

⚠️ This motor is ONLY for the old style SC30TX (SN 101–2408). Machines with serial number 2409 and higher use a different motor with a different shaft configuration. Verify your serial number before ordering. Contact us with your machine serial number if you need confirmation.

Installation Notes

• Drain the hydraulic system and relieve all pressure before starting
• Remove the cotter pin and castellated nut from the end of the old motor shaft
• Pull the cutter wheel hub off the tapered shaft — this may require a puller if the taper is seized
• Disconnect the hydraulic lines from the motor — label each line and port
• Unbolt the motor from its mounting flange
• Install the new motor in the same position — same bolt pattern
• Reconnect the hydraulic lines to the correct ports — match original routing
• Slide the cutter wheel hub onto the new motor's tapered shaft and key
• Install the castellated nut and torque to spec — align the slots with the cross-drilled hole in the shaft
• Install a new cotter pin through the castellated nut and shaft — do NOT reuse the old one
• Refill the hydraulic system and bleed air
• Test: engage the cutter wheel at low RPM, verify smooth rotation and correct direction
• Run the cutter wheel under load (cut a stump) and verify full torque and no vibration
• Check all connections for leaks

Symptoms of a Failing Cutting Head Motor

• Cutter wheel won't spin or spins very slowly
• Loss of cutting torque — wheel stalls when it hits the stump
• Hydraulic oil leaking from the motor shaft seal
• Motor is excessively hot after normal operation
• Grinding, chattering, or knocking noise from the motor
• Cutter wheel speed has gradually decreased over time
• Hydraulic oil is black or contains metal particles
• System pressure drops when the cutter wheel is engaged (internal bypass)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have the old style or new style motor?
Check your machine serial number on the data plate. If your serial number falls between 101 and 2408, you have the old style motor — this is the correct listing. If your serial number is 2409 or higher, you need the new style motor. You can also visually identify the old style by the castellated nut on the end of the motor shaft.

Can I use the new style motor on my old style machine?
No. The shaft configurations are different. The cutter wheel hub on the old style machine is machined for the 1-1/4" tapered keyed shaft. The new style motor has a different shaft that won't mate with the old style hub.

The cutter wheel hub is stuck on the taper — how do I remove it?
Tapered shaft fits can seize over time from corrosion and load cycling. Remove the castellated nut, then use a hydraulic or mechanical puller to press the hub off the taper. Apply penetrating oil and let it soak if it's severely seized. Do NOT use a torch on the hub — the heat can warp the hub bore and ruin it.

How long does installation take?
About 1.5–3 hours for a qualified hydraulic technician. The motor swap itself is straightforward, but removing the cutter wheel hub from the tapered shaft can add time if the taper is seized. Factor in time for bleeding the hydraulic system after installation.

Should I replace the shaft seal on the new motor before installing?
No — the motor comes with a new shaft seal already installed. However, make sure the cutter wheel hub bore is clean and free of burrs before sliding it onto the new motor's shaft. A damaged hub bore will cut the new shaft seal and cause an immediate leak.