2003 Vermeer HG525

Runs and operates. Needs anvil replaced as well as a few hammers and teeth. Both conveyor belts will probably need to be replaced in near future but are currently functional. Fuel gauge does not work, bad sender unit. Extra teeth included. Refurbished feed wheel and bearing. Refurbished mill cover. New hydraulic pump. Machine has remote. Have receipts through Vermeer for over $50k in repairs in the last 3 years. Bought the machine with 750 hours on it.

2003 Vermeer HG525

1,557 hours on a 2003 Vermeer HG525 — that’s roughly 70 hours per year, which is extremely low use for a horizontal grinder. That low usage, combined with recent repairs and refurbishments, adds strong value for continued operation.

Who This Machine Is For

• Tree service companies — handles brush, limbs, and smaller wood waste
• Pallet recyclers — processes wood into reusable material
• Small to mid-size contractors — compact grinder for lighter production work
• Operators looking for lower-hour equipment — minimal usage with recent work completed

What It Grinds

• Brush and limbs — reduces green waste for volume reduction
• Pallets and wood waste — processes material into reusable product
• Soft wood material — suitable for controlled grinding applications
• Yard waste — handles organic material for disposal or reuse

This is not a chipper. It uses a hammermill system, so the output is ground material, not uniform chips.

Specs in Plain Language

This unit is powered by a CAT C15 engine, a well-known platform for reliability and parts availability in grinding equipment. It is suited for light-to-mid production work.

With only 1,557 hours over 22 years, you’re looking at about 70 hours per year. That’s extremely low usage and suggests less wear on major components compared to similar machines.

This machine has had over $50,000 in repairs in the last 3 years, including a refurbished feed wheel and bearing, refurbished mill cover, and a new hydraulic pump. These updates add real value and help extend the life of the machine.

The unit runs and operates, but it does need an anvil replacement, along with some hammers and teeth. Both conveyor belts are functional but will likely need replacement in the near future. The fuel gauge is not working due to a bad sender unit.

It includes extra teeth and comes equipped with a remote, which improves operator control and safety.

If you’re comparing options, you can also view other horizontal grinders or check tub grinders if your operation prefers higher production capacity.

Why Buy From GrinderCrusherScreen

We've been in the horizontal grinder business since 1973. We know these machines because we work in this industry every day. We can answer your questions about the HG525 before you buy, and we help with financing, coordinating inspections, and arranging transportation.

Got a horizontal grinder you need to sell? We handle the marketing, the calls, the tire kickers, and the transaction. It's free. You set your price, you get your price.

Call 770-433-2670 or email sales@grindercrusherscreen.com for pricing or details.